The Recipe Rebel / Dinner
written by Ashley Fehr
Last updated on March 21, 2024
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Wondering “What’s For Dinner Tonight?”Here are some of our favorite easy dinner ideas! Get inspired by these one-pot meals, simple and delicious chicken dinners, quick and tasty casseroles, and more.
Quick to prepare and quick to cook, this list has all kinds of dinner ideas for tonight — flavorful meals to make in a hurry. Make many of these dinners in a single pan for easy clean up!
Making dinner shouldn’t feel like a chore. There are a few things you can do to help make planning and cooking meals a breeze:
- Stock Up: A pantry and fridge stocked with staples is the first stepping stone to easy dinners! Versatile ingredients to use in multiple recipes is key (for example, pantry items like chickpeas, beans, tomato sauce, dry pasta, and rice). Frozen vegetables and sauces also keep for months and are great for last minute meals! Find recipes that share common ingredients and make a grocery list.
- Prep Ahead: Preparing certain ingredients in advance also goes a long way in making meal planning easier. Chopping vegetables, mixing sauces, and cooking proteins like chicken ahead of time means less work when the time comes to pull it all together.
- Make a Game Plan: Sometimes it’s helpful to plan 2-3 larger, storage-friendly meals earlier in the week. These easily translate to leftovers for quick, easy lunches or even repeat dinners! Also choose a night or two for hands-free meals made in the slow cooker, so dinner is sorted even before you get home!
One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pasta
This smoky BBQ chicken pasta is full of savory flavor thanks to juicy chicken and bacon! Make it in one pan for a family-friendly dinner that won’t need loads of clean up.
Get the recipe here
Healthier One Pot Skillet Lasagna
Lasagna made in a single skillet is a 30 minute recipe the whole family will love! Plus, this easy dinner is made healthier with veggies and lean meat.
Get the recipe here
Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta
A cheesy and creamy orzo recipe that’s garlicky and delicious! Ready in 20 minutes, you can’t go wrong with this easy one-pot pasta dinner.
Get the recipe here
Healthy One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Enjoy this healthier version of spaghetti with homemade meat sauce, prepared with whole grain pasta and loads of hidden vegetables. A one-pot recipe for easy weeknight dinners!
Get the recipe here
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
One pot, six ingredients and half an hour is all it takes to make this super easy and creamy chicken fettuccine Alfredo! A simple and delicious pasta dinner that’s also kid-friendly.
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Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper
Skip the box and make your own Hamburger Helper in less than 30 minutes! You’ll love this homemade version with tender pasta, ground beef, veggies and cheese, plus a tangy tomato sauce.
Get the recipe here
One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
A flavorful all-in-one pasta dinner made from tender chicken and veggies, with a Mexican-inspired twist!
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Chicken Pesto Pasta
Savory basil pesto and chicken round out this easy pasta recipe that’s ready to serve in 30 minutes. Simple and delicious!
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Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
A single skillet that’s packed with tons of bold flavor! Hearty Italian sausage and tender, pillowy gnocchi are a match made in easy dinner heaven!
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Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese
A classic comfort food that’s also easy to make, this homemade mac and cheese only calls for six ingredients! Creamy, cheesy, and perfect for weeknights.
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White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
A skillet lasagna made with chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy, cheesy white sauce. A fast and tasty dinner that’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
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Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts
Creamy and flavorful Tuscan chicken is the ultimate family meal! Serve this chicken recipe on it’s own or over top of pasta for a savory, easy dinner.
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One Pot Caprese Chicken and Rice
An easy chicken and rice dish that’s full of fresh Caprese flavor! Tomato and basil, mozzarella, and a hint of balsamic bring all the zest to this one-pot meal idea.
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One Pot Chicken Chow Mein
Your favorite Chinese takeout is easy to make at home, and all in one pan. Made with veggies and tender, juicy chicken, this homemade chow mein recipe is a fast, healthy dinner.
Get the recipe here
Honey Garlic Chicken
The perfect 25-minute meal made with chicken smothered in a sticky and savory-sweet honey garlic sauce. Serve with easy sides like rice and veggies!
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Teriyaki Chicken
This easy chicken teriyaki recipe is made with a simple sauce that’s perfect for serving over rice. A quick and delicious Asian-style meal!
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Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
A cozy comfort food prepared in the slow cooker! Made with chicken, veggies, and homemade dumplings swimming in a warm and savory gravy.
Get the recipe here
Mango Salsa Chicken and Rice
The whole family will love this juicy chicken and rice simmered in the flavors of a sweet and zesty mango salsa.
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Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet pan dinners are perfect for busy weeknights – and this one is ready in 30 minutes! This chicken fajita recipe is healthy and full of flavor.
Get the recipe here
Taco Casserole — 6 ingredients & 30 minutes!
An easy make ahead casserole recipe with a taco twist! Made with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes and cheese layered between flour tortillas.
Get the recipe here
Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup
Make this flavorful soup recipe in the crockpot or on the stovetop! With minimal prep work, this is the perfect easy dinner filled with all sorts of tantalizing taco flavors.
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Taco Mac
This taco-inspired mac and cheese recipe is made in one pot in next to no time. Ground beef, taco seasoning and tons of cheese meld together in this easy pasta dinner.
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Mini Frittata Muffins
Enjoy an easy, breezy breakfast with these mini frittata muffins! Made with seasoned cream cheese and perfect for meal prep, you can freeze these for easy storage!
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Breakfast Skillet
Breakfast (or breakfast for dinner!) is sorted in one skillet with this easy recipe. Another 30-minute meal made with six ingredients that is sure to simplify your weeknights!
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Vegetable Lo Mein
A savory and easy vegetable lo mein recipe that will be on the table in 20 minutes! Customize this recipe with your favorite add-in ingredients for a delicious, homemade alternative to takeout!
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Ham and Cheese Sliders
Bring the classic combination of ham and cheese to your dinner table with light and easy ham and cheese sliders! Topped with honey mustard and herb butter for extra flavor.
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Stuffed Pepper Casserole
You’ll love making this hearty and healthy skillet casserole! Inspired by classic stuffed peppers recipes, this is a no-fuss version that’s just as delicious.
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Ham and Pineapple Rice
Hawaiian pizza lovers, this one’s for you! The classic kid-friendly flavors of ham and pineapple are translated to a delicious one pot rice dish.
Get the recipe here
Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes
Hearty sausage and tender potatoes all baked on one sheet pan! The epitome of easy dinners that only needs a few quick minutes of prep.
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Potato Soup
Smooth and creamy potato soup has the most incredible texture and flavor! An easy and cozy dinner that’s super filling to boot.
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Meet Ashley
My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Darlene says
Great recipes! It’s like which one do I make first!! Thank you!!
Reply
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Darlene! Hope you enjoy them!
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Janet Ortega says
They all look yummy but how about some healthier recipes?
Reply
The Recipe Rebel says
You can definitely take a look around my site and hope you find something that fits your needs.
Reply
Kathy E. says
Oh, I love posts like this! There are so many great, healthy choices here and I’ve pinned most of them for future reference. The hardest part is choosing which recipe to make first! Also, thank you for adding “jump to recipe” in a prominent place on each post…so helpful!
Reply
The Recipe Rebel says
You’re welcome Kathy!
Reply
