When you’re burnt out on cooking but still need to feed yourself or your family, the last thing you want is a recipe that requires a ton of effort. That’s where these stress-free dinners come in. They’re quick, easy, and won’t have you scrambling around the kitchen like you’re on a cooking show. Whether you’re a fan of sheet pan meals or skillet dinners, these recipes are perfect for nights when you’d rather be on the couch than stuck in the kitchen.
Jalapeño Chicken
If you’re craving the flavors of takeout but don’t want the hassle, jalapeño chicken is your go-to. Bite-sized chicken pieces are pan-fried and tossed with spicy jalapeños in a sweet, sticky sauce that’s perfect for those nights when you’re burnt out on cooking. Serve it over rice for an easy, stress-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Chicken
Pesto Salmon
Pesto salmon is a simple, oven-baked dinner that requires only five ingredients and less than 25 minutes of your time. When you need something healthy and flavorful but can’t deal with complicated recipes, this one’s a great pick for weeknight cooking.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Salsa Chicken
Salsa chicken is the kind of easy weeknight meal you’ll be glad to have in your back pocket. With tender chicken breasts baked with salsa, corn, and cheese, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for when you want something quick and family-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Ground beef and cabbage skillet is a quick, one-pan dinner that’s packed with texture and flavor. Inspired by an Asian stir fry, this 30-minute meal is perfect for busy nights when you just want something easy and delicious without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Bucatini cacio e pepe is a simple Italian pasta dish that’s great when you need something quick and comforting. With just five ingredients, this creamy pasta comes together in no time and is perfect for those nights when you’re too tired to cook but still want something special.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Pecan Crusted Chicken
Pecan crusted chicken is a crunchy, flavor-packed dinner that’s easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. Paired with a honey Dijon yogurt sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make but feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
Pork and cabbage stir fry is a quick and easy option when you need dinner on the table fast. Ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms are cooked in a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce, making this dish a great choice for stress-free weeknight cooking.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops
Pretzel crusted pork chops bring a satisfying crunch to your dinner plate. Baked with a maple Dijon sauce, these pork chops are easy to prepare and perfect for nights when you need something simple but still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
Garlic chicken bite skillet is a one-pan dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Featuring garlic chicken bites, mushrooms, onions, and red peppers, this dish is perfect for a quick meal that’s easy to pull together after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Air fryer salmon bites are marinated in a garlic-ginger soy sauce and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. This simple salmon dish is great for weeknights when you want something easy but packed with flavor, and the marinade doubles as a dip for extra taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Gochujang Chicken
Gochujang chicken is a quick 30-minute dinner featuring a sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce that brings takeout flavors to your table without the hassle. Serve it over white rice for a stress-free, flavor-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Smashed white bean quesadillas are a perfect choice for a meatless meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With melted cheddar and a creamy BBQ sauce, these quesadillas are easy to whip up and great for when you’re too tired to cook but still want something tasty.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables
Sheet pan BBQ tofu & vegetables is the ultimate vegetarian dinner when you need everything to come together in one pan. With tofu, veggies, and BBQ sauce, this simple meal is perfect for nights when you just can’t deal with cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Sheet pan chicken & sweet potatoes is a one-pan dinner that’s as simple as it gets. Chicken, sweet potatoes, and caramelized pecans cook together for an easy meal that’s perfect for those hectic weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
Sheet pan pork chop dinner is your answer to a busy night. With pork chops, red cabbage, potatoes, and apples all cooked together on one pan, this meal is quick, easy, and leaves you with just one dish to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Lemon feta spinach pasta is a quick, Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for when you need dinner fast. With lemon, spinach, and feta, this pasta is easy to make and great for nights when you’re burnt out on cooking but still want something fresh and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Bomb Meatloaf
Bomb meatloaf is a classic that’s easy to put together and always hits the spot. Juicy and tender, with a sweet and tangy glaze, this meatloaf is great for when you need something simple but packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Blackened Cod
Blackened cod is a quick and easy way to get a great meal on the table. With simple pantry seasonings and a quick pan-sear, this dish is perfect for nights when you need something fast but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Lemon ricotta pasta is a light, quick meal that’s perfect for when you’re in a hurry. Creamy ricotta adds richness, while basil and tomatoes keep it fresh, making this an easy option for stress-free weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens
Lentil pasta with garlicky greens is a simple red lentil pasta dish that comes together quickly with sautéed kale and a cheesy topping. It’s perfect for when you want a quick, easy meal that’s still packed with nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Brussels sprouts pasta is a 25-minute weeknight meal that’s both quick and satisfying. With just six ingredients, including bacon and sun-dried tomatoes, this pasta dish is easy to make but feels like something special for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
