94 Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas for Tonight You Must Try

Dinnertime is the perfect time to sit down with your family to catch up on what’s happening in each other’s lives. But keeping up with a meal plan can be difficult, especially during busy times of the year. And waiting to decide what to eat for dinner until the day of can cause last-minute phone calls to order takeout, wreaking havoc on your monthly budget.  

Having a list of simple dinner ideas is crucial to avoid the temptation to swing by the local pizza joint. Below you’ll find many delicious healthy, kid-friendly, and family dinner ideas to start your list. So read on for easy dinner ideas for tonight and future dinnertime meals.

Chicken, Beef, Fish, and Pasta Dinner Ideas for Tonight

1. Five Ingredient Caprese Chicken | Seasonal Cravings

This easy Caprese Chicken recipe uses pantry staples and is quick to prepare. It’s delicious, healthy, and kid-friendly!

Photo Credit: Seasonal Cravings – Five Ingredient Caprese Chicken

2. Easy Italian Sloppy Joes | This Mom is On Fire

These are the best Italian Sloppy Joes. They are convenient when you are short on time or energy. The toasted garlic bread topped with meat sauce and melted cheese is the ultimate comfort food. 

3. Pasta with Tuna Carbonara | The Pasta Project

This Italian recipe for tuna carbonara is delicious. It’s an easy go-to canned tuna recipe for quick family meals. You may already have the ingredients for this fantastic dish in your pantry.

4. Instant Pot Chicken Pasta | Simple Living Recipes

This Instant Pot chicken pasta is a dump-and-go recipe with only a few ingredients. It’s easy, delicious, and ready in just 25 minutes.

5. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta | Braised and Deglazed

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a go-to recipe when you are craving shrimp AND don’t have much time. It’s quick and easy to prepare and a proven family favorite.

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6. Steak Stir Fry | Love From the Oven

Steak Stir Fry that’s better than takeout! Thinly sliced beef is marinated and cooked with classic stir-fried vegetables in this easy recipe. Serve it over noodles or rice for a delicious dinner the whole family will love.

7. Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad | Barley and Sage

This easy chicken pesto pasta salad is light and fresh and comes together in less than 20 minutes! With creamy pesto and mascarpone cheese, grilled chicken, spinach, and tomatoes, it’s the perfect easy meal!

8. Easy Crispy Chicken Parm | Flavor Feed

This streamlined chicken parmesan delivers crispy cutlets smothered in a delicious, slightly sweet sauce and dripping with melty mozzarella in three easy steps. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s perfect for either a weeknight dinner or weekend guests.

9. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole | Cincy Shopper

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole makes a great addition to your weeknight dinner menu. Pot Pies make for a hearty meal during the cooler months. Since this recipe uses store-bought crescent rolls for the crust, it comes together quickly. Either grill a few chicken breasts or use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.

10. Pasta with Broccoli | The Bella Vita

This dish is healthy and delicious; you can prepare it in less than 30 minutes. It’s a great way to get your daily veggies, and you can customize it to your family’s liking.

Photo Credit: The Perfect Tide – Roasted Red Pepper Gnocchi

11. Roasted Red Pepper Gnocchi | The Perfect Tide

Roasted Red Pepper Gnocchi is a super easy 2-ingredient meal that comes together so fast! It’s a creamy and delicious weeknight go-to gnocchi recipe. Add your protein of choice for a filling meal to enjoy tonight.

12. Easy Beef and Noodles | Salt and Lavender

You will take your pantry staples to a new level with this 30-minute beef and noodles recipe! It’s comforting, filling, and just what you need when you’re craving a cozy meal in a hurry.

13. Sausage and Cream Cheese Biscuits | Comfort Cooks

Sausage and Cream Cheese Biscuits are a savory and decadent bite that is the perfect breakfast, appetizer, or breakfast-for-dinner option. You only need four ingredients and 30 minutes to make a delicious dish the whole family will love.

14. Easy Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken | Health Beet

With only three ingredients and 20 minutes, this dinner recipe for Prosciutto-wrapped chicken will look like you spent hours on the meal.

15. Authentic Pasta Fagioli Recipe | Saporito Kitchen

This authentic pasta Fagioli recipe includes cannellini beans, which you prepare in a dutch oven. Serve this Italian comfort food with crusty bread for one of the best soup recipes that the whole family will love!

16. Yaki Udon (Stir Fried Udon Noodles) | Drive Me Hungry

Yaki udon is a quick and easy stir-fried udon noodle dish! Add vegetables and protein to this easy stir fry that’s ready in under 20 minutes!

17. Parmesan Orzo with Spinach | Two Kooks in the Kitchen

You’ll want to try Parmesan orzo with spinach if you’re looking for a quick, family-friendly, easy dinner idea with good nutrition. Just 15 minutes in one pot.

18. Tortellini Alla Panna | Mindy’s Cooking Obsession

Toss your tortellini in a rich and creamy parmesan sauce. You will be amazed at how quick and easy this dish is to prepare!

19. Fettuccine Alfredo | Seanna’s Kitchen

Make your next fettuccine alfredo dish with this creamy and delicious homemade sauce. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and can be ready in under 30 minutes.

Photo Credit: Homan at Home – Pepperoni Pita Pizzas

20. Pepperoni Pita Pizzas | Homan at Home

Pita pizzas take just a few ingredients and a few minutes. Kid-friendly and endlessly customizable, these are a fantastic weeknight option!

21. Pasta e Fagioli (aka Pasta and Beans) | Christina’s Cucina

Ready in the time it takes to cook pasta, this classic and authentic Italian pasta e Fagioli recipe will have you making it all the time! Kids love it as much as adults, and only three ingredients are needed.

22. Paleo Swimming Rama | Peel with Zeal

This paleo copycat version of Swimming Rama is one pot and ready in 15 minutes. It’s a perfect one-pot weeknight dinner when you’re craving something hearty and authentic.

23. Pan-Seared Maple Pork Chops | The Feast Local

This fall-forward pork chop dinner can be prepared in under 30 minutes and is guaranteed to please all. In addition, this dish only uses one pan and one bowl, making it a breeze to clean up!

24. Pesto Butter Salmon | Love From the Table

Pesto butter salmon is a perfectly healthy dinner. Ready in about 20 minutes and cooked with seasonal veggies all on one sheet pan, this delicious meal could not be easier.

25. Ground Chicken Chili | Recipes From a Pantry

This Chicken Chili recipe is tasty, satisfying, fast, and easy to make using your pantry staples. This dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners and your weekly meal prep.

26. Easy Four Ingredient Potato Soup Recipe | The Fast Recipe

Flavorful four-ingredient potato soup with potatoes, leeks, stock, and butter is one of the simplest and best recipes. There is no need to add anything; this easy and delicious soup is full of flavor, just as it is!

27. Carne Picada | Gypsy Plate

This recipe for Carne Picada meat is a perfect filling for tacos, burritos, bowls, and so much more! It’s a great easy weeknight dinner when you crave Tex-Mex flavors.

28. Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice | Savory Sweet Spoon

Red Beans and Rice cooked in your Instant Pot is a simple way to get a nutritious meal on the table. No need to presoak the beans. You’ll love this recipe – perfectly cooked beans, savory sausages, vegetables, and rice in a flavorful gravy.

29. Marry Me Chicken | Budget Delicious

Creamy Marry Me Chicken is a crowd-pleasing quick, and easy recipe – chicken thighs in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and bacon! Even better is cooking up in one pot for easy cleanup and busy weeknights.

More Healthy Dinner Ideas for Tonight

30. Gluten-Free Burgers | Caramel & Cashews

Skip takeout this time! This crave-worthy gluten-free burger recipe is easy, juicy, and a million times better than takeout. Use good-quality ground beef and pantry staples to prepare this delicious burger.

Photo Credit: I Heart Eating – Honey Garlic Chicken

31. Honey Garlic Chicken | I Heart Eating

This easy honey garlic chicken makes a delicious weeknight dinnertime meal. This dish is loaded with flavor and is ready in just 20 minutes!

32. Pan-Seared Salmon with Spinach and Fennel | Worldly Treat

This healthy pan-seared salmon dish with sautéed fennel and spinach is a tasty and wholesome meal. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this is the perfect dinner for a busy work week.

33. Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs | Living Lou

This tasty meal is ready to eat in under 30 minutes, so you’ll want to add these bacon-wrapped chicken thighs to your weekly meal plan. Kids will love this sweet and savory dish.

34. Oven Roasted Sausage and Potatoes | The Forked Spoon

Simple and delicious, make this one-pan Sausage and Potatoes Recipe with onion, sweet Italian sausage, bell peppers, and baby potatoes. Enjoy this hearty, family-friendly dinner as a quick weeknight meal.

35. Five Ingredient Instant Pot Chili | The Typical Mom

Instant Pot chili with only five ingredients is easy and hearty. Kids love it, and you can use pantry ingredients without meat or enjoy it with ground beef.

36. Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken | Two Pink Peonies

This honey lemon pepper chicken is so easy to make. It is delicious, and you need a few simple ingredients!

37. Aglio e Olio (Pasta Without Sauce) | The Gourmet Bon Vivant

The garlic, olive oil, cheese, and pasta water do the most in this Aglio e olio. It’s quick, simple, and makes the perfect busy weeknight dinner.

38. Baked Tacos | The Cozy Cook

You can make these baked tacos with ground beef or shredded chicken. They are delicious when topped with cheese and your favorite toppings.

39. Air Fryer Maple Salmon | Little Nomads Recipes

Try this sweet salmon recipe to help your kids discover this healthy fish. You glaze the salmon with maple syrup, add some salt, and cook them in the air fryer. So simple!

Photo Credit: Meaningful Eats – Chicken Fajitas

40. Chicken Fajitas | Meaningful Eats

This chicken fajita marinade is so yummy! Everyone will be asking you for this recipe. You’ll enjoy the most tender and flavorful chicken fajitas with this recipe.

41. Sheet Pan Brown Butter Salmon with Herb Potatoes and Asparagus | Sweet Tea & Thyme

This easy sheet pan dinner bursts with tangy and herbaceous flavor. Toss your crispy roasted potatoes and tender asparagus spears in a lemon zest-infused brown butter with chopped fresh rosemary. Then, season the salmon and dress it in lemon juice and brown butter before baking.

42. Easy Pizza Casserole | Bitz & Giggles

An incredibly delicious and simple pizza casserole baked with rotini, ground beef, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese.

43. Pan-Fried Sea Bass with Pesto | Somebody Feed Seb

This recipe is a restaurant-worthy Mediterranean sea bass dish that will come together in under 30 minutes. It consists of a simple pan-fried fillet of bass served on nutritious veggies covered in basil pesto.

44. Shrimp Scampi Pasta | Amanda’s Cookin’

This shrimp pasta recipe combines two favorite ingredients for one delicious dish in around 25 minutes. It starts with extra large raw shrimp and ends with a divine garlic butter sauce.

45. Crockpot Lasagne | Recipe Rebel

You can make this crockpot lasagne with SIX ingredients, and you don’t need to precook the noodles. Try this easy crockpot meal you can set and forget.

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46. Savory Zucchini Pancakes | Sustain My Cooking Habit

Delicious, fresh and savory zucchini pancakes are a delight to make as a tasty dish.

47. Ravioli and Shrimp Scampi | Ask Chef Dennis

Easy to make and so delicious, Shrimp Scampi served over cheese ravioli is a delightful alternative to take out. You will have this restaurant-quality dinner made in less than 30 minutes.

48. Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas | Frozen Bananas

You only need 20 minutes to make these Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. This recipe is highly flavorful, easy to make, and customizable.

49. Bisquick Chicken Tenders | The Feathered Nester

These tasty Bisquick chicken tenders are a classic, kid-friendly dinner sure to please everyone. Plus, this recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish.

Photo Credit: Low Carb Simplified – Keto Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

50. Keto Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers | Low Carb Simplified

Here’s a quick weeknight dinner that’s a keeper, especially if you love buffalo chicken! This easy, 10-minute microwave meal does not comprise flavor — it’s creamy, spicy, and cheesy with tender bell peppers and rotisserie chicken.

51. Air Fryer French Bread Pizza | All You Need is Brunch

Try this Air Fryer French Bread Pizza to witness an Instagram-worthy cheese pull, crispy pepperoni, and a garlic butter bread base.

52. Hibachi Shrimp Rice Bowls | A Grateful Meal

These Hibachi Shrimp Rice Bowls are the perfect crowd-pleasing dinner and are super easy to meal prep for the week. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes or less to make!

53. Instant Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta | The Default Cook

When you don’t feel like cooking, try this 5-minute instant pot pasta. Just dump everything but the cheese in and cook, then stir in your parmesan and serve for a super easy and fast dinner.

54. Chicken Lettuce Wraps | Suburban Simplicity

These wraps are an easy dinner idea on the table in less than 30 minutes. Some say this recipe is even better than PF Chang’s. This dish is also gluten-free and dairy-free.

55. Chicken Bacon Ranch Zucchini Boats | Zucchini Zone

These tasty zucchini boats are an easy and flavorful 30-minute meal. All you need are five ingredients to get started.

56. Schinkennudeln (German Ham & Egg Pasta) | Maple and Mango

Schinkennudeln is a simple German pasta dish featuring pan-fried noodles with ham and scrambled eggs. Make this quick and easy dinner meal for the whole family to enjoy.

57. Flank Steak with Olive and Artichoke Tapenade | White Kitchen Red Wine

Delicious and easy Flank Steak with an easy olive tapenade is the perfect dinner that only looks fancy! Less than 30 minutes to make this show-stopping dinner.

58. Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni | Fantabulosity

This cheeseburger macaroni is a family favorite. It’s ready in 15 minutes, thanks to the Instant Pot.

Photo Credit: The Soccer Mom Blog – Easy Vegetable Lo Mein

59. Easy Vegetable Lo Mein | The Soccer Mom Blog

Skip the takeout! This Easy Vegetable Lo Mein recipe is faster and healthier!

60. Kung Pao Chicken | Caramel and Spice

Healthier than our favorite takeaway, this Kung Pao Chicken has deeply satisfying umami flavors, all thanks to a perfectly balanced All-Purpose Chinese Stir Fry Brown Sauce. And it’s ready in under 30 minutes!

61. Sesame Chicken Stir Fry | Go Healthy Ever After

This better-than-takeout sesame chicken is a marinated chicken stir fry recipe. The chicken is stir-fried using less oil than this dish’s battered and fried version. The chicken is made juicy and saucy with a secret ingredient, a low-sugar sauce with tons of flavor.

62. Coca-Cola Chicken Thighs | Fluxing Well

This simple cola chicken thighs recipe calls for only four ingredients. Make it in a skillet for a quick weeknight meal.

63. Chicken Aglio Olio | Motions and Emotions

This Chicken Aglio Olio is the easiest and most delicious pasta recipe you can make for weeknight meals.

64. Cajun Style Blackened Cod | Delicious Spoon

Made with fish fillets, a handful of seasonings, and butter, this Cajun Style Blackened Cod is ultra flaky, with an earthy, spicy flavor that’s always a hit. Enjoy with a side of coleslaw and sweet potatoes.

65. 10-Minute Easy Spaghetti Recipe | iFoodReal

Try this quick 10-minute spaghetti dish with tomato sauce, garlic, and parmesan. This million-dollar spaghetti on a budget will become your new favorite pasta dish on rotation.

66. Grilled Fish on Coconut Rice & Tropical Salsa | The Foodaholic

Try this grilled fish on sweet Coconut Rice, topped with fresh tropical salsa with a touch of heat to bring you under the tropics sun!

67. Chili | Spaceships and Laser Beams

This easy homemade chili recipe combines beef and beans with a robust tomato sauce and plenty of spices. It simmers away to create the perfect comfort food. It’s an easy, delicious, homemade meal ready in just half an hour.

68. Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl | Healthy Foodie Girl

This burrito bowl is packed with flavor and lightened up using ground chicken, beans, and spices. This recipe is also perfect for your meal prep routine. Take it for work lunches or reheat it for a busy weeknight.

69. Crispy Pan-Fried Gnocchi | The Littlest Crumb

This crispy pan-fried gnocchi only takes 20 minutes, so it’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Crispy gnocchi coated in a tasty sauce made with garlic, herbs, butter, and parmesan makes for a satisfying and delicious dinner.

Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen – Chicken a la King

70. Chicken a la King | Little Sunny Kitchen

This dish is a creamy, savory, and easily prepared comfort food that your whole family will devour! Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes.

71. Easy Taco Soup | Moore or Less Cooking

Simple and inexpensive ingredients make up this delicious taco soup. You can prepare it in under an hour for a hearty dinner your family will love.

72. 3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes | The Short Order Cook

Grab your favorite buns & make this family favorite in less than 15 minutes. This easy 3-ingredient Sloppy Joe meat is saucy, savory, & simple. 

73. Gluten-Free Chicken Broccoli Alfredo | Bradish

Short on time in the evenings? Then this delicious Gluten Free Chicken Broccoli Alfredo recipe is for you! Done in less than 20 minutes, it is perfect for busy families.

Vegetarian Dinner Ideas for Tonight

74. Quick and Simple Spanish Rice |This Mom is On Fire

Spanish rice is a quick weeknight meal when you are short on time because you can make it in under 30 minutes. Also, because this Spanish rice has added protein from black beans, you can eat it as a main course or side dish.

75. Copycat Panera Bread 10 Vegetable Soup | Seasonal Cravings

This copycat Panera vegetable soup recipe can be on the table in about 30 minutes. It’s spicy comfort food that’s perfect for using up your leftovers.

76. Four Ingredient Potato Soup | Broke Bank Vegan

This 4-ingredient potato soup is prepared in under 30 minutes. This dish takes minimal effort and requires little cooking experience. Each bite is rich, creamy, and smooth. It’s the perfect comfort food!

77. Vegetarian Greek Pitas | Hurry the Food Up

Ready in only 10 minutes, these healthy Greek pitas are high in vitamins A, C, and iron. This dish bursts with delicious ingredients, perfect as a snack or healthy dinner.

78. Veggie Fried Rice | Clan Kitchen

Veggie Fried Rice is a quick recipe to throw together using leftover rice and whatever vegetables you have in the fridge. This dish is a nutritious meal and a great way to sneak some vegetables in.

Photo Credit: Dish By Dish – Gluten-Free Broccoli Casserole

79. Gluten-Free Broccoli Casserole | Dish By Dish

Enjoy this warm and filling casserole of broccoli, cheddar, and rice. It’s easy and delicious. And best of all, it’s economical and easily feeds a crowd!

80. Easy Vegan Bean Burrito | Nutritiously

This vegan bean burrito is easy to make in only 15 minutes. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and filling lunch idea or dinnertime meal full of delicious Mexican flavors.

81. Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff | A Mummy Too (Emily Leary)

This deliciously rich vegan mushroom stroganoff recipe uses coconut cream and nutritional yeast for perfect creaminess. The paprika adds smokiness, garlic, chives, and white wine for a delicious aromatic tang.

82. Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta | The Savory Cipolla

This quick creamy vegetarian pasta recipe uses sun-dried tomato pesto and bursts with rich garlic, basil, and cheese! It is conveniently customizable with any veggies to create your favorite version.

83. Mushroom Stew | Nourish Plate

This one-pot meal is delicious and ready in under 30 minutes. You can eat this Mushroom Stew with pasta, quinoa, rice, or mashed potatoes. This recipe is vegan, low-fat, and can be made gluten-free.

84. Sweet Potato Chickpeas Spinach Curry | My Plantiful Cooking

This sweet potato chickpea curry is creamy, hearty, and incredibly flavorful. You only need a few pantry staples and 30 minutes to make this recipe!

85. Vegan Creamy Cannellini Bean and Tomato Pasta | The Vegan Larder

This simple pasta dish is made in under 25 minutes and uses cupboard staples for a nutritious but comforting dish. Creamy cannellini beans and rich tomatoes make the sauce, then choose the pasta you like best to serve. 

86. Spiced Vegan Cous Cous Salad | My Good Food World

This quick and easy vegan couscous salad comes together in 20 minutes. It has a good balance of carbs, protein, and veggies. Full of flavors, you can enjoy this dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

87. Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili with Quinoa | Piping Pot Curry

This Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili is an easy, comforting weeknight dinner for those cold rainy, or snowy days. Made with black beans, quinoa, and veggies, it is healthy with lots of protein and fiber. The best part is you can make this dump-and-go recipe in minutes in the pressure cooker!

88. Zucchini and Leek Soup | Greedy Gourmet

This Zucchini and Leek soup is vegan, healthy, and delicious. A humble dish that is quick and easy to make but is still bursting with flavor.

Photo Credit: Healthy Midwestern Girl – Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

89. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie | Healthy Midwestern Girl

A quick and easy vegan / vegetarian twist on classic shepherd’s pie! This simple recipe using frozen mixed veggies and frozen hash browns is healthy comfort food– that’s ready in about 20 minutes.

90. Vegetarian Dumplings Soup | Profusion Curry

Vegetarian dumplings soup is a simple recipe that uses store-bought vegan dumplings. It is a warm, savory, and hearty dish perfect for cooler months.

91. Tofu Chili | Birdz of a Feather

Tofu is brilliant at taking on whatever flavor you add! Jazz up your meatless Monday with this simple and delicious chili.

92. Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pasta | Chili to Choc

Make this vegetarian pasta dish with linguine, crimini mushrooms, roasted garlic, and baby spinach tossed in a parmesan sauce and then topped with toasted pine nuts. It’s quick, easy, and delicious.

93. Quick Vegan Flatbread Pizza | Epic Vegan Eats

In a hurry? This 20-minute flatbread pizza recipe comes to your rescue! Load it with your favorite fixing and satisfy any pizza cravings.

94. 20-Minute Easy Vegan Chili | The Carrot Underground

A budget-friendly, delicious & nutritious one-pot vegan recipe that will be ready to enjoy in under 20 minutes! This zesty & hearty chili is the perfect meal when you’re hungry and need something quick to fill your tummy and warm your soul. 

Start Your List of Easy Dinner Ideas Today

You no longer need to look up dinner ideas for tonight anymore. Instead, try some of these dinner recipes to find your family’s new favorite meals. Then keep these recipes handy alongside your meal planner for the next time you wonder what to make for dinner.