What’s For Dinner Tonight?

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.

Title image for "What's For Dinner Tonight?" Quick Prep/Quick Cook Dinner Recipes

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!
close up shot of cooked bbq chicken pasta garnished with parsley and shredded cheese.
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
overhead image of healthier skillet lasagna in stainless steel pan
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
overhead image of skillet of garlic parmesan orzo pasta with wooden spoon stuck in
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
overhead image of one pot spaghetti with tongs stuck in
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
overhead image of pan of chicken fettuccine alfredo
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.
Get the recipe here
a full pan filled with homemade hamburger helper and topped with chopped parsley.
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
overhead image of chicken fajita pasta in stainless steel skillet
One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
A flavorful all-in-one pasta dinner made from tender chicken and veggies, with a Mexican-inspired twist!
Get the recipe here
overhead image of chicken pesto pasta in skillet with wooden spoon
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!
Get the recipe here
overhead image of gnocchi skillet in stainless steel pan
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!
Get the recipe here
blue bowl with macaroni and cheese topped with fresh parsley and a fork
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.
Get the recipe here
white chicken skillet in steel pan with spoon scooping some noodles
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!
Get the recipe here
square image of baked tuscan chicken in baking dish.
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.
Get the recipe here
caprese chicken and rice overhead with scoop
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.
Get the recipe here
overhead image of chicken chow mein in large white skillet
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
square image of honey garlic chicken breasts in steel pan
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!
Get the recipe here
square image of teriyaki chicken in white pan.
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!
Get the recipe here
square image of crockpot chicken and dumplings in slow cooker
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 overhead
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.
Get the recipe here
overhead image of a sheet pan with cooked chicken strips bell peppers and onions
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
a piece of taco casserole being scooped out of pan.
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
close up of a bowl of chicken taco soup with tortilla strips and avocado on top.
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.
Get the recipe here
overhead image of taco mac in skillet with wooden spoon
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.
Get the recipe here
mini frittata muffins overhead close up
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!
Get the recipe here
breakfast skillet overhead
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!
Get the recipe here
vegetable lo mein in pan
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!
Get the recipe here
ham sliders stacked up tall on a white plate
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.
Get the recipe here
close up of stuffed pepper casserole in white dish.
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.
Get the recipe here
ham and pineapple rice overhead
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 with red pepper green beans and red onion
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.
Get the recipe here
square image of potato soup in bowl with spoon stuck in
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.
Get the recipe here

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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  1. 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!

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