Lazy Dinners When You Don’t Want to Cook

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Sometimes, cooking is the last thing on your mind, but dinner still needs to happen. These 16 lazy dinner recipes are perfect for when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but crave something satisfying. From easy-to-make dishes like Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta and Ham and Pea Pasta to quick-fix favorites like Shrimp Scampi and 30 Minute Cheesy Chicken Potato Soup, these recipes will help you get dinner on the table without the fuss.

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Make this easy shrimp scampi recipe in just 15 minutes! Garlicky, lemony, buttery, and so good. A real treat for dinner!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Make this easy chicken marsala recipe for dinner tonight! It comes together in a snap & everyone will love the rich, savory mushroom sauce!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala

Ham and Pea Pasta

A close-up of a skillet filled with creamy macaroni and cheese mixed with cubes of ham, green peas, and garnished with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper. The sauce looks rich and creamy, coating the pasta and other ingredients evenly.
Ham and Pea Pasta. Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie.

When you want a simple dinner that still feels satisfying, Ham and Pea Pasta is a great choice for a lazy dinner. The combination of tender ham and sweet peas with a light, creamy sauce makes this dish both comforting and quick to prepare. It’s perfect for those lazy evenings when you want something filling without spending too much time in the kitchen. The easy prep and minimal ingredients make this pasta dish a winner for any weeknight.
Get This Recipe: Ham and Pea Pasta

Pork Milanese

Pork Milanese
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

These crispy breaded & fried pork chops are sure to become a family favorite! Aka: in Italian as “Pork Milanese,” or German as “Schnitzel.”
Get the Recipe: Pork Milanese

Rigatoni with Sausage

A bowl of rigatoni pasta with meat sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves, and placed on a wooden cutting board. A fork rests in the bowl, and a small dish of seasoning and a green checkered cloth are nearby. A glass of red wine is in the upper right corner.
Rigatoni with Sausage. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

For a hearty meal that doesn’t require much work, this Rigatoni with Sausage is a go-to option for a lazy dinner. The sausage adds plenty of flavor, while the rigatoni soaks up the delicious sauce, creating a dish that’s filling and satisfying. With just a few steps, you can have dinner on the table quickly, making this recipe perfect for nights when you want a cozy meal with minimal effort. It’s a simple way to enjoy a comforting pasta dish without a lot of hassle.
Get This Recipe: Rigatoni with Sausage

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

A close-up shot of a white bowl filled with spaghetti topped with grated cheese. In the background, there are wooden salt and pepper mills and another plate of spaghetti, slightly out of focus. The scene is set on a light-colored surface.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. Image Credit: xoxoBella.

If you’re in the mood for something creamy and comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a great option. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for a lazy dinner. The cream cheese adds a rich texture, while the baking process creates a warm, bubbly finish. It’s a perfect choice when you need a quick meal that feels satisfying.
Get This Recipe: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Killer Poutine Recipe

Killer Poutine Recipe
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

You’ve gotta try this poutine recipe! Rich beef gravy with hidden veggies, ladled over oven fries and cheese. So killer!
Get the Recipe: Killer Poutine Recipe

Salmon en Papillote

A piece of cooked salmon garnished with lemon slices, capers, and herbs is shown on parchment paper. A fork is placed next to the salmon, flaking it apart. The background includes a few sprigs of fresh herbs.
Salmon en Papillote. Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolands.

Salmon en Papillote is a simple yet elegant way to prepare a healthy meal with minimal cleanup, making it a smart choice for a lazy dinner. The salmon is steamed in parchment paper, locking in all the flavors and nutrients, which makes this recipe perfect for nights when you want something healthy but don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen. The best part? The parchment packet means almost no dishes to wash afterward. It’s a smart way to enjoy an effortless yet impressive dinner.
Get This Recipe: Salmon en Papillote

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

A black pot is filled with creamy pasta mixed with pieces of chicken and garnished with chopped herbs. The dish, consisting of penne pasta, appears flavorful with visible bits of bacon and seasoning. A fork and a knife are next to a checkered napkin on the side.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta combines classic flavors in a dish that’s easy to throw together, making it perfect for a lazy dinner. The creamy ranch sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken create a comforting meal that feels indulgent but requires minimal prep. This one-pan recipe makes cleanup a breeze, so you can enjoy your dinner without worrying about a pile of dishes. It’s an ideal choice for those nights when you need something quick and delicious.
Get This Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Enjoy comfort food at its best with this easy, make-ahead chicken pot pie recipe! Juicy chicken, tender veggies, & creamy gravy, under a flaky, buttery crust. 
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

30 Minute Cheesy Chicken Potato Soup

Three bowls of creamy potato soup garnished with herbs sit next to a loaf of bread and two spoons. Fresh red potatoes and sprigs of parsley are scattered around, and a bag of Little Potato Company Blushing Belle potatoes is prominently displayed.
30 Minute Cheesy Chicken Potato Soup. Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolands.

When you need something warm and comforting but don’t have a lot of time, this 30 Minute Cheesy Chicken Potato Soup is ideal for a lazy dinner. With simple ingredients and just half an hour of cooking, you’ll have a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness ready to enjoy. The chicken and potatoes make this soup hearty enough for a complete meal, while the quick cook time makes it perfect for lazy evenings. You’ll appreciate how easy and satisfying this recipe is.
Get This Recipe: 30 Minute Cheesy Chicken Potato Soup

Air Fryer Brats with Peppers and Onions

A white plate of grilled sausages is garnished with roasted red and green bell peppers and onions. Next to the plate, a hot dog bun and small dishes of ketchup and mustard are visible. A black and white napkin is partially draped over the plate's rim.
Air Fryer Brats with Peppers and Onions. Image Credit: xoxoBella.

Air Fryer Brats with Peppers and Onions is a great way to enjoy a flavorful meal without much effort, making it ideal for a lazy dinner. The air fryer makes this recipe incredibly convenient, so you can have a hearty dinner on the table in no time. Juicy brats paired with caramelized peppers and onions create a delicious combo, and the air fryer keeps things quick and easy. This is perfect for those nights when you just want to relax and let the air fryer do all the work.
Get This Recipe: Air Fryer Brats with Peppers and Onions

Mushroom Ravioli

Three plates of ravioli topped with grated cheese and herbs, accompanied by forks, are arranged on a rustic white surface. A bowl of extra grated cheese and a glass of white wine sit nearby, completing the inviting meal setup.
Mushroom Ravioli. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

This Mushroom Ravioli is a great dinner option for those nights when you want something flavorful but easy to prepare, making it perfect for a lazy dinner. The rich mushroom filling paired with the walnut sauce creates a delicious combination that feels like a treat but requires very little effort. With store-bought ravioli and a quick sauce, this dish comes together in no time. It’s perfect for evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get This Recipe: Mushroom Ravioli

Baked Salmon with Greek Salsa

Plate of seasoned and cooked salmon fillets topped with a colorful blend of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, red onions, and feta cheese. Lemon wedges garnish the plate, which sits on a white countertop with a wooden spoon and sprigs of fresh parsley nearby.
Baked Salmon with Greek Salsa. Image Credit: xoxoBella.

For a light and flavorful dinner that’s easy to make, Baked Salmon with Greek Salsa is an excellent choice for a lazy dinner. The salmon bakes to perfection while the fresh Greek salsa adds a burst of flavor that requires little prep. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want a healthy, balanced meal but don’t want to spend too much time cooking. It’s a simple way to enjoy a fresh and vibrant dinner without much effort.
Get This Recipe: Baked Salmon with Greek Salsa

Easy Saffron Risotto

Easy Saffron Risotto
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Craving creamy risotto without the wait? This Easy Saffron Risotto whips up in under 30 minutes, offering a luxurious, restaurant-inspired meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Easy Saffron Risotto

Chicken Scallopini

Two plates of chicken piccata served with egg noodles and garnished with capers and parsley. A fork and a napkin are on one plate, and a glass of white wine and a bowl of lemon wedges are nearby. The background is a light, textured surface.
Chicken Scallopini. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

Chicken Scallopini is a quick and easy way to enjoy tender chicken in a rich lemony sauce without too much fuss, making it ideal for a lazy dinner. The recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for evenings when you want something flavorful but don’t have the energy for a complicated meal. Pair it with pasta or a salad, and you’ve got a complete dinner in no time. It’s a great option for those lazy nights when you still want to eat well.
Get This Recipe: Chicken Scallopini

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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