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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    28 Quick and Easy Recipes That Make Meal Prep a Breeze

    Published: Jun 29, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Meal prepping can save you time and stress during the week, making it easier to skip the takeout. With these 28 quick and easy recipes, you can whip up delicious meals in no time, ensuring you have tasty options ready to go. From simple Thai favorites to hearty casseroles, these ideas will help you streamline your cooking and enjoy your meals.

    Thai Cashew Chicken

    Thai cashew chicken.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This easy take on a favorite takeout meal is packed with chicken and fresh vegetables, bringing authentic Thai flavors to your table. The simple cooking steps make it quick to prepare, so you can enjoy a tasty dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. In just 35 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal ready to serve. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work. Enjoy a little taste of Thailand right at home.

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    Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

    Parmesan crusted chicken,
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Parmesan crusted chicken is a simple and delicious dinner option that everyone will enjoy. It has a cheesy, crispy coating that pairs well with your favorite dipping sauces. This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can have it ready in less than 30 minutes, so it fits easily into your schedule. It's a great way to please the whole family with minimal effort.

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    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce are a quick and satisfying meal that you can whip up in just 10 minutes. This dish combines tender chicken with garlic, all wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in melted cheese and zesty green chile sauce. It's a great option for any night when you want something comforting and delicious. You can prepare everything from scratch or take a shortcut if you prefer. Either way, it's sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

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    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a quick and tasty meal that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce combines crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika, and oregano for a delicious flavor. Using common dried herbs and simple ingredients, it requires very little prep work. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Everyone will likely want seconds, and you might even get some compliments!

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    Garlic Butter Pork Chops

    Two pork chops on a skillet.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    This recipe features garlic, butter, and fresh thyme for a simple yet tasty meal. It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner. Pair it with your favorite sides to create a satisfying meal. Everyone will appreciate the delicious flavors and juicy texture. It's a great option for busy evenings when you want something good without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Creamy Greek Yogurt Chicken Pasta Bake

    Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake.
    Photo Credit: The Honour System.

    This Creamy Chicken Pasta is packed with fresh veggies like spinach and tomatoes, all mixed together in a delicious sauce and baked just right. It's a lighter take on a classic dish, using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a healthier twist. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of flavors makes it a satisfying option for dinner. Enjoy a comforting meal that's both easy to prepare and full of good ingredients.

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    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This slow cooker recipe is full of flavor and perfect for family dinners. It's simple to prepare, allowing you to just throw everything in and let it cook. This dish is great for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Everyone will enjoy it, making it a hit at the dinner table. It's a fantastic addition to your weekly meal plan.

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    Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup

    Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Littlest Crumb,

    This creamy cashew carrot ginger soup is simple to prepare in an instant pot. It combines cashews, carrots, ginger, coconut milk, and a touch of Thai red curry paste for some heat. This soup is perfect for a quick meal that everyone can enjoy. It's also vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets. Enjoy a warm bowl of this comforting soup any day of the week.

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    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal comes together with just 8 ingredients, making it perfect for dinner any night. Featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it offers a great mix of flavors and textures. It's an easy option that doesn't require much work, so you can enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is sure to be a hit and might just become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy a comforting and tasty dinner with minimal effort.

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    Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Lemon Chicken Marinade is quick and easy to whip up using simple, healthy ingredients. It's perfect for grilling, pan frying, or baking in the oven. With a mix of olive oil, lemon, and basil, the chicken turns out juicy and tender. This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to please everyone at the table. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Italian Wedding Soup with Escarole

    Italian Wedding Soup with Escarole.
    Photo Credit: All in the Family Recipes.

    Italian Wedding Soup with Escarole is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction. This soup features a rich broth filled with delicious homemade meatballs and fresh vegetables. It's a classic recipe that everyone loves, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoying a bowl of this soup is a great way to feel cozy and content. It's a simple yet flavorful meal that can brighten up any day.

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    4-Ingredient Chili

    A bowl of chili.
    Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This is a budget-friendly meal that will fill you up without breaking the bank. With just four simple ingredients, you can whip it up in no time. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying. This dish is easy to prepare and doesn't require a lot of work. Enjoy a comforting dinner that everyone will love.

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    Penne Pomodoro

    A serving of penne pomodoro pasta.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish features whole canned tomatoes, fresh herbs, and penne pasta, creating a satisfying vegetarian meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something easy to prepare. The combination of flavors is sure to please everyone at the table. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a comforting dinner in no time. This is a great option for those looking for a quick and delicious meal.

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    Ritz Cracker Baked Pork Chops

    Ritz Cracker Baked Pork Chops.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    Pork chops are a great choice for dinner, especially when they're thick and juicy. Coated in a crispy and buttery Ritz cracker breading, they come out of the oven perfectly cooked. This dish is simple to prepare and will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. It's a satisfying option that doesn't require much effort. Enjoy these delicious pork chops any night of the week!

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    Sausage Lentil Soup with Kale

    Sausage Lentil Soup with Kale.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This lentil soup is packed with healthy ingredients like turkey sausage, lentils, and kale. It's a filling meal that will keep you satisfied all evening. The combination of flavors makes it a comforting choice for dinner. You can enjoy it without spending too much time in the kitchen. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something nutritious.

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    Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken

    Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish features tender chicken seasoned with a zesty Italian dressing mix and a good amount of lemon. It's a simple and flavorful option that can brighten up any meal. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe requires minimal effort while still delivering great taste. The combination of the dressing and lemon gives the chicken a refreshing twist. This is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    One Pot Ham and Potato Soup

    One pot ham and potato soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish is packed with soft potatoes, chunks of ham, and a variety of vegetables all simmered in a creamy broth with herbs. It's a comforting meal that fits well into a hectic weeknight schedule. With its hearty ingredients, it provides a satisfying option for dinner. You can enjoy a warm bowl without spending too much time in the kitchen. This is a great choice when you want something easy and delicious.

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    Monterey Chicken Casserole

    Monterey Chicken Casserole.
    Photo credit: Zona's Lazy Recipes.

    This casserole is so quick and easy to make. The combination of tangy BBQ sauce, tender pieces of chicken, smokey bacon, and rich Monterey Jack cheese makes this a meal the whole family will love!

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    Chicken Burgers

    Air fryer chicken patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken burger is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal. It's simple to prepare and perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work. The flavors come together nicely, making it a favorite for everyone at the table. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and sides. This dish is sure to please and keep everyone coming back for more.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while cooking. It offers a rich and hearty pasta sauce that captures the essence of the classic dish. With just a few simple ingredients you probably already have at home, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. This recipe allows you to enjoy all the flavors of a slow-cooked sauce without spending hours in the kitchen. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying and easy.

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    Chicken Soup with Butternut Squash

    Chicken Soup with Butternut Squash.
    Photo Credit: Like Hot Keto.

    This chicken soup is simple to prepare and everything cooks in just one pot. The winter squash brings a nice sweetness that makes it feel cozy and comforting. It's perfect for chilly days when you want something warm and filling. This dish is great for busy nights when you need a satisfying meal without a lot of work. Enjoy a bowl that captures the essence of fall.

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    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. With only 15 minutes of actual cooking and prepping time, it's a simple dish that's full of vegetables and flavor. You can use either homemade or store-bought pesto, making it even easier to whip up. It's versatile too, as it tastes great whether served hot or cold. This is a perfect option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Air Fryer Flank Steak

    sliced flank steak.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Air Fryer Flank Steak is quick and easy, taking only 8-10 minutes to cook. The marinade not only adds delicious flavor but also helps to make the meat tender. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. Enjoy a tasty dinner that everyone will love.

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    One Pot Chicken Corn Chowder

    A bowl of chicken corn chowder.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This one-pot chicken corn chowder is a comforting dish that combines rotisserie chicken, sweet corn, diced potatoes, and crispy bacon. It's rich and creamy, making it a satisfying meal for any night. The flavors blend together nicely in a single pot, which means less cleanup afterward. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a warm bowl of chowder that everyone will love.

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    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish features a creamy steak and mushroom pasta mixed with a cheesy casserole. It's a comforting and classy dinner that you can whip up in just 45 minutes. Using an oven-safe skillet means you can prepare everything in one pan, which cuts down on cleanup. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty dinner that feels special but is easy to make.

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    Creamy Chicken and Barley Soup

    Creamy Chicken and Barley Soup.
    Photo Credit: It's Not Complicated Recipes.

    This soup is sure to be a hit with the whole family. It features tender, shredded chicken and chewy pearl barley, creating a hearty base. Packed with a variety of vegetables, it offers a nice balance of flavors. The creamy broth ties everything together, making it comforting and satisfying. This is a great option for a cozy dinner.

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    Broccoli Cheese Soup

    Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This soup is packed with flavor and is really comforting. It can be ready in just 30 minutes and is gluten-free. Everyone will want to gather around the pot when it's cooking. It's perfect for a quick meal that warms you up. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Harissa Pork Chops Baked in the Oven

    Harissa Pork Chops Baked in the Oven.
    Photo Credit: Krumpli.

    Harissa pork chops with honey, dried mint, and sumac are a simple and tasty main dish that cooks quickly in the oven. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of spices and sweetness adds a nice touch to the pork, making it a satisfying choice for dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that feels special yet is easy to prepare. Enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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