17 Dinners for When You’re Too Tired to Cook but Still Want Real Food

Some nights, cooking feels like an impossible task, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a sad bowl of cereal. These 17 easy dinners come together in thirty minutes with minimal effort so that you can have a real meal without the extra work. Because even on your laziest nights, you still deserve something delicious.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A plate of marry me chicken. — Image Credit: Healthy Fitness Meals

Marry me chicken pasta is the kind of creamy, protein-packed dish that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with takeout. It’s easy, ready in 30 minutes, and exactly what you need to survive a busy weeknight. Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

A dish of chicken enchiladas. — Image Credit: Modern Honey

How to make quick and easy chicken enchiladas with only a few ingredients. This delicious chicken enchiladas recipe is super simple and a crowd-pleaser. Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy Tomato Pasta

A plate of creamy tomato spinach pasta. — Image Credit: The Honour System

This creamy tomato and spinach pasta recipe is restaurant-quality right at home but with lighter and healthier ingredients. It is a delicious vegetarian dinner option and perfect for both busy weeknights and lazy weekends. Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Pasta

Easy Chicken Chili

Need a cozy, no-fuss chili recipe? This easy chicken chili is packed with flavour, loaded with protein, and exactly what you want on a cold winter night. Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Chili

Coconut Salmon Skewers with Peanut Sauce

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These gingery, coconut grilled salmon skewers are a total hit as a quick main course. The peanut satay sauce uses an awesome shortcut and is so delicious you’ll want to put it on everything. Get the Recipe: Coconut Salmon Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Three Bean Chicken Soup

This 30-minute chicken soup is packed with protein and flavour, making it ideal for weeknight meals. It’s a delicious and cozy choice with tender chicken, hearty beans, and a secret surprise ingredient. Get the Recipe: Three Bean Chicken Soup

Easy Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes

A plate of chicken sloppy Joe's. — Image Credit: The Dinner Bell

Saucy, tangy ground chicken sloppy Joes are a one-pan meal that doesn’t require a ton of ingredients. Added bonus: this American classic takes less than 30 minutes to make. Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A spoon serving healthy tuna casserole from a baking dish. — Image Credit: The Honour System

This creamy tuna noodle casserole comes together super fast, making it an excellent weeknight comfort food meal. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a classic, nostalgic dish without the fuss. Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken

Sticky, sweet, and ready in under 40 minutes, this sheet pan Hawaiian chicken is a weeknight win. Serve it however you like. It’s just as good fresh as it is for meal prep. Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken

Spicy Shrimp Bowl Recipe

Overhead image of spicy shrimp bowl. — Image Credit: A Latin Flair

This spicy shrimp bowl with rice and peach avocado salad is fresh, flavourful, and ready in under 30 minutes. Simple ingredients, bold taste, and an easy win for a quick and delicious dinner. Get the Recipe: Spicy Shrimp Bowl Recipe

30-Minute Pork Tenderloin

Casserole dish of pork tenderloin. — Image Credit: Organically Addison

This 30-minute pork tenderloin is so tender, flavorful, and savoury. An easy teriyaki sauce makes this pork incredibly moist and full of taste. This one skillet 30-minute meal is great for the whole family. Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Pork Tenderloin

Cajun Chicken Wraps

Cajun chicken wraps are with made with chicken thighs in a spicy mayo marinade, topped with romaine, fresh tomatoes, and avocado in a whole wheat wrap. This dish comes together in just over 30 minutes with one pan and minimal prep. Get the Recipe: Cajun Chicken Wraps

30-Minute Taco Salad

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This healthy 30-minute ground beef taco salad is quick to make and easy to customize to suit everyone in the family. Perfect for those picky eaters – they can pick all their favourite toppings. Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Taco Salad

Vegetarian Ramen Bowl

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This recipe features ramen noodles topped with a simple homemade mushroom broth and then served with tasty toppings such as bok choy, edamame, and chopped green onions. Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ramen Bowl

Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies

A sheet pan of chicken sausage and veggies. — Image Credit: Modern Honey

This easy sheet pan chicken sausage and veggies recipe is made with savoury chicken sausage and crispy-edged vegetables, all roasted to perfection on a single sheet pan. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy, family-style dinners. Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies

Honey Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

A plate of honey teriyaki salmon. — Image Credit: Foodess

This teriyaki glazed salmon recipe is sticky and delicious with the tastiest easy 3-ingredient honey teriyaki glaze and simple, tasty, creamy sesame sauce. Get the Recipe: Honey Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

Crispy Bean and Cheese Tacos with Chipotle Sauce

A platter of bean and cheese tacos. — Image Credit: Home Cooking Collective

Bean and cheese tacos are the easy, flavor-packed weeknight fix you need. Crispy, cheesy, and topped with a creamy chipotle sauce—ready in 30 minutes and guaranteed to disappear fast. Get the Recipe: Crispy Bean and Cheese Tacos with Chipotle Sauce