Quick, Flavorful, and No Drama: 19 Dinners You Can Handle

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Stuck in the “what’s for dinner?” loop? Let’s break free with a few dishes that’ll shake things up. If you’re looking for something that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, you’re in the right place. We’re talking about 5-Ingredient Cacio e Pepe (because who doesn’t love cheese and pasta?), Garlic Butter Chicken Bites (so buttery you might want to take a nap in them), and Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry (healthy-ish and bursting with flavor). Let’s not forget Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls, which will make you think you’re at a beachside bar—minus the sand in your shoes. And if you’re craving comfort, Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits is calling your name. Oh, and did we mention Fennel Pork Meatballs? They’re going to make your dinner table feel like an Italian feast. Check out these recipes, because guess what? Dinner just got a whole lot more exciting.

5-Ingredient Cacio e Pepe

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A skillet filled with cooked spaghetti coated in a creamy sauce, sprinkled with black pepper and garnished with chopped herbs. A pair of metal tongs rests on top, ready to serve.
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

Cacio E Pepe is the Italian answer to mac and cheese, but with only five ingredients! This quick, pantry-friendly dinner is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it the ultimate fuss-free dish for when you want comfort without the complicated steps. Perfect for those nights when you need a delicious dinner in a flash!
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Cacio e Pepe

Cajun Shrimp

Shrimp in a deep sauté pan with Cajun spices spilled out on the counter.
Image Credit: Downshiftology

Cajun Shrimp is the dinner solution when you want bold flavors and zero hassle. With a quick, homemade Cajun seasoning that coats each shrimp, you’ll be savoring these perfectly pan-fried beauties in just 5 minutes. It’s simple, spicy, and seriously delicious!

Get The Recipe: Cajun Shrimp

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Close-up of diced chicken pieces being cooked in a skillet. The chicken is golden-brown and mixed with chopped herbs, creating a vibrant and appetizing appearance. A wooden spatula is partially visible among the chicken pieces.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the speedy, flavor-packed dinner you never knew you needed. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, these tender bites are drenched in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, making them the perfect weeknight wonder. Easy? Yes. Delicious? You bet!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

A salad of spinach, red onion, bacon, mushrooms, and dressing in a small cup.
Image Credit: Baking A Moment

This Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing is everything you need in a quick and satisfying dish. With crispy bacon, sweet red onions, hard-boiled eggs, and tender mushrooms, it’s the kind of salad that feels more like a cozy meal than a side. Who said salads can’t be hearty?

Get The Recipe: Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

Chicken Parm Stuffed Shells

A white baking dish filled with a tomato and cheese casserole topped with golden breadcrumbs and fresh basil leaves. A wooden spoon is scooping out a portion. The dish is placed on a dark surface.
Photo credit: Chelsea Messy Apron

These Cheesy Chicken Parm Stuffed Shells are the ultimate mash-up, bringing together the comfort of stuffed shells and the savory goodness of chicken parmesan. Loaded with marinara, gooey cheese, and perfectly seasoned chicken, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. A whole lot of cheesy goodness in one bite!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parm Stuffed Shells

Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta

Noodles with basil leaves on top.
Image Credit: The Savory Cipolla

This Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta is like summer in a bowl, with a velvety sauce that’s as rich as it is refreshing. The zingy lemon and fragrant basil come together to create a flavor explosion, making this dish the perfect way to brighten up any meal. It’s the kind of pasta that turns a simple dinner into something special!

Get The Recipe: Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta

Grilled Greek Chicken Kebabs

Grilled chicken skewers with zucchini, red onion, and red bell peppers on a white plate. The dish is garnished with herbs and placed on a light marble surface. Cherry tomatoes and greens can be seen in the background.
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

These Greek Chicken Kebabs are like a vacation on a plate, packed with the bright, zesty flavors of lemon, garlic, and oregano. Marinated to perfection, they’re as easy to make as they are delicious, making them your new go-to for a healthy, flavorful weeknight dinner. Get ready to skewer some tasty, Mediterranean magic!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Chicken Kebabs

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef and tomatoes with feta cheese and green onions.
Image Credit: Downshiftology

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a flavor-packed weeknight hero! With a mix of savory veggies and bold coastal seasonings, it’s everything you crave in a healthy, no-fuss dinner — no sauce necessary, just pure Mediterranean goodness in every bite. You’ll wonder why you ever considered takeout!

Get The Recipe: Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls

Shrimp over a bed of rice with sliced vegetables and avocado.
Image Credit: Baking A Moment

These Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls bring all the flavor and none of the hassle! Perfectly seasoned shrimp, crisp veggies, and rice come together in a bowl of magic, all smothered in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that makes each bite feel like a party in your mouth. Ready to bowl over your taste buds?

Get The Recipe: Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls

Wine Braised Garlic Chicken

A bowl of creamy chicken stew topped with chopped onions, black pepper, and a sprig of rosemary. The stew includes pearl onions and is accompanied by grated cheese on the side. A spoon rests in the bowl on a marble surface.
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Wine Braised Garlic Chicken takes a classic comfort food and adds a touch of elegance. Tender chicken braised in a fragrant white wine butter sauce with fresh herbs makes this one-pot dinner a simple yet impressive choice for any night. Who knew something this easy could taste so fancy?
Get the Recipe: Wine Braised Garlic Chicken

Easy Vegetable Lasagna

A man's hand scooping a portion of vegetable lasagna with a spatula.
Image Credit: Inspired Taste

This Vegetable Lasagna is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both hearty and wholesome! Packed with a simple homemade tomato sauce, fresh veggies, and layers of gooey cheese, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Perfect for those who crave comfort without all the complicated steps!

Get The Recipe: Easy Vegetable Lasagna

Fennel Pork Meatballs

A large cream-colored pan with a wooden-handled spatula holds several browned meatballs. To the left, a white plate lined with parchment paper displays additional meatballs. The background is a white marble surface.
Image Credit: Downshiftology

These Juicy Pork Meatballs are a game-changer when it comes to easy weeknight meals! Made with a flavorful blend of ground pork, fennel, onion, and fresh herbs, they’re seared to perfection in just one pan. A quick, savory bite that’ll have you wondering why you haven’t made them sooner!

Get The Recipe: Fennel Pork Meatballs

Homemade Chicken Cheesesteak

Cheesesteak in a bun with cheese and potato chips.
Image Credit: Baking A Moment

Whip up this Homemade Chicken Cheesesteak in just 15 minutes for a quick, mouthwatering dinner everyone will devour! Chopped chicken and sweet onions get smothered in a cheesy, savory sauce—creating a tasty, no-fuss meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!

Get The Recipe: Homemade Chicken Cheesesteak

Honey Mustard Chicken

A white baking dish holds eight roasted chicken thighs, golden and crispy with a glaze. They are seasoned with herbs and sit in a small pool of juices. A sprig of rosemary garnishes one piece.
Photo credit: Downshiftology

These Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs are here to turn your weeknight dinners up a notch! With a perfect balance of tangy mustard, sweet honey, and a crispy finish, these juicy thighs are the upgrade your dinner routine deserves.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken

Grilled Spiced Chicken Potato Foil Packs

Chicken and tiny potatoes in a foil packet with red peppers and spices.
Image Credit: Noshing with The Nolands

Grilled Spiced Chicken Potato Foil Packs make BBQing a breeze with almost no cleanup required! Whether you’re camping, picnicking, or just in need of a simple dinner, prep these ahead of time, toss them on the grill, and enjoy a flavorful, stress-free meal.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Spiced Chicken Potato Foil Packs

Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits

A skillet filled with chicken stew and individual savory biscuits.
Image Credit: Handle the Heat

Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits is the cozy comfort food dreams are made of. Packed with tender chicken, veggies, and a rich, herby filling, it’s topped off with buttery, flaky biscuits that take it to the next level. Perfect for a chilly fall day or whenever you’re in the mood for a hearty, feel-good meal.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits

Crispy Gnocchi with Brown Butter, Sage and Prosciutto

Gnocchi in a bowl with sage and spices.
Image Credit: The Savory Cipolla

Crispy Gnocchi with Brown Butter, Sage, and Prosciutto is the ultimate cozy weeknight indulgence or a showstopper for guests. Crispy, golden gnocchi are tossed in a rich brown butter lemon sauce, with fresh sage and crispy prosciutto adding a perfect finishing touch.

Get The Recipe: Crispy Gnocchi with Brown Butter, Sage and Prosciutto

Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Slices of medium-rare steak are topped with a fresh chimichurri sauce made of herbs, garlic, and chili, with a bowl of the sauce on the side. The steak appears juicy and tender, complemented by the vibrant green and red of the chimichurri.
Photo credit: Downshiftology

Grilled Skirt Steak with Homemade Chimichurri Sauce is a foolproof dinner that’s both flavorful and easy to make. The juicy, perfectly grilled skirt steak pairs beautifully with the vibrant, tangy chimichurri sauce for a meal that’s sure to become a regular favorite.
Get the Recipe: Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Spinach and Artichoke Baked Ziti

Baked ziti with green leaves in a white oval casserole dish.
Image Credit: Inspired Taste

Easy Baked Ziti with Spinach and Artichokes is the pasta dish you’ll want to make again and again. With just 15 minutes of prep time, it’s loaded with creamy layers of sour cream, pesto, and cheese, making it an easy, decadent meal that everyone will love.

Get The Recipe: Spinach and Artichoke Baked Ziti

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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