14 Dinner Recipes to Cook When You Don’t Want To Cook

You know those nights when cooking feels like a big nope? These 14 dinner recipes are perfect for that kind of mood, with minimal effort and maximum reward. They taste like you actually tried, even if you definitely didn’t.

Chicken Broccoli Bake

A dish of chicken broccoli bake.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This creamy, cheesy chicken broccoli bake is an easy way to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal. Using shredded rotisserie chicken makes this comforting casserole a breeze to prepare. Get the recipeCheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake

Baked Maple Dijon Chicken Breasts

Maple dijon chicken on a plate.
Image Credit: The Honour System

These baked maple Dijon chicken breasts have a deliciously sweet and tangy flavour. The maple syrup adds balance, while the Dijon mustard gives it a kick that makes the chicken really tasty. Get the recipe: Maple Dijon Chicken

Penne Pasta Bake

A wooden spoon scooping penne pasta bake from a casserole dish.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This penne pasta bake offers comfort and flavor with its blend of cooked penne, rich beefy marinara sauce, and a cheesy topping. Baked to a bubbly, golden perfection, it’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for both gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners. Get the recipePenne Pasta Bake

Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod

A plate of Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod.
Image Credit: Pumpkin ‘n Spice

Baked Parmesan crusted cod is your weeknight dinner win in 25 minutes. The cod gets coated in panko, Parmesan, and spices, then baked until golden, flaky, and totally delicious. Get the recipe: Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod

Chicken Ranch Taco Salad

A plate of chicken taco salad.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This spicy ranch chicken taco salad can be on the table in thirty minutes, making it an excellent option for a busy weekday dinner. Add all your favorite toppings! Get the RecipeChicken Taco Salad

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

A pot of chicken alfredo broccoli pasta.
Image Credit: Get Inspired Every Day

Easy to make, this one-pot chicken broccoli alfredo is perfect for a family dinner. Chicken and broccoli make it a complete meal, though you’ll find some extra veggie side dish options below, and you can use any pasta brand you prefer. Get the recipeChicken Broccoli Alfredo

Smash Burger Tacos

Overhead image of smash burger tacos.
Image Credit: Haute and Healthy Living

Big Mac tacos might have started on TikTok, but they’re now a family favourite, and the kids love them. Quick to make in a hot pan, these bite-sized tacos are topped with cheese, classic fixings, and a drizzle of homemade burger sauce. Get the RecipeBig Mac Tacos

Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli

A bowl of beef and broccoli.
Image Credit: Wholesome Made Easy

This easy ground beef and broccoli is a simple, savory meal. Seasoned beef and crisp broccoli come together in a quick, delicious sauce, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. Get the recipeEasy Ground Beef and Broccoli

Smoky BBQ Chicken Pasta

A casserole dish of BBQ Chicken Pasta.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This creamy and smoky BBQ chicken pasta combines smoky, tangy, and savory notes in every bite. Tender chicken, a rich BBQ-infused sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together for an indulgent yet effortless dish. Get the recipeCreamy BBQ Chicken Pasta

Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi

A dish of Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi.
Image Credit:  Pumpkin ‘n Spice

Sheet pan dinners are the real MVP. This one has smoky sausage, pillowy gnocchi, broccoli, and mushrooms all roasted to perfection in just 30 minutes. Get the recipeSheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi

Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

A plate of spinach lasagna roll-ups.
Image Credit: Flavorful Eats

Loaded with tender spinach and three cheeses, this baked pasta is pure comfort food. Perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or anytime you need a cozy, cheesy meal. Get the recipeCheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

Almond Flour Chicken Tenders

A tray of almond flour chicken tenders.
Image Credit: Haute and Healthy Living

These baked almond flour chicken tenders are delicious, healthy, and fun for the whole family. Serve them with baked sweet potato fries, on a salad, or in a wrap for a quick and easy weeknight meal, and they’re a great way to sneak in extra protein for picky eaters. Get the recipeAlmond Flour Chicken Tenders

Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta

A bowl of lemon basil chicken pasta.
Image Credit: In The Kitch

Angel hair pasta pairs perfectly with a creamy white wine sauce, fresh basil, and golden chicken breast. This lemon basil pasta is ready in under 30 minutes.  Get the recipeLemon Basil Chicken Pasta

Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls

A plate of instant pot chicken and rice bowls.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This easy Instant Pot salsa chicken and brown rice bowl is basically meal prep magic. It’s gluten-free, high in fiber and protein, and your whole crew will actually eat it. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.