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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Simple Dinners That Cook While You Relax

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

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    After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. These 23 simple dinners are perfect for those evenings when you want a delicious meal without the fuss. Just set them up and let them cook while you unwind and relax.

    Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

    Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup.
    Photo Credit: Simple Everyday Recipes.

    Creamy chicken and rice soup is super easy to whip up. It's packed with carrots, celery, onions, mushrooms, chicken, and rice, all seasoned just right and finished with a touch of cream. This soup is perfect for a cozy dinner, especially when served with a grilled cheese sandwich or some crusty bread on a chilly night.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Sausage Dinner

    Sheet Pan Sausage Dinner
    Photo Credit: Well Fed Baker.

    This simple one-pan dinner is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. It's a great option for a hearty meal during the week, making it easy to enjoy a delicious dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Creamy Pesto Chicken and Rice

    Slow Cooker Creamy Pesto Chicken and Rice.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Creamy pesto chicken and rice is a simple one-pot meal that everyone loves. It combines tender chicken, parmesan cheese, and flavorful pesto in an easy toss-and-go style. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    Ravioli casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With only four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in just five minutes and on the table in under 40. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want a satisfying meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is simple, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It's the kind of meal that brings warmth and comfort, perfect for any day of the week. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a hearty dinner that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Crockpot Tortellini

    A bowl filled with Creamy Crockpot Tortellini.
    Photo Credit: Slow Cooker Meals.

    Creamy Crock Pot Tortellini is a simple and delicious dish that anyone can enjoy. With frozen tortellini simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, it's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. This pasta dish is sure to please everyone at the table, and you might find yourself making it again and again.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken and Leek Soup

    Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken and Leek Soup.
    Photo Credit: Living Sweet Moments.

    This creamy soup is a great comfort food option that's simple to prepare. With just six ingredients, it comes together quickly and easily. It's an ideal dinner choice for busy families looking for something satisfying.

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    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

    Baked lamb chops with veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet pan meal is a simple way to enjoy lamb without the stress of overcooking it. The lamb chops cook in the flavorful juices from the vegetables, resulting in tender meat that's full of flavor. It's a great option for a delicious dinner with minimal effort.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

    Slow Cooker Greek Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    This dinner is simple and perfect for a weeknight. You'll have tender chicken and baby potatoes cooked in a light lemon sauce, all thanks to your slow cooker. The addition of briny kalamata olives and creamy feta cheese really boosts the flavor without requiring much work.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a quick and easy dish that you can whip up in no time. With just 10 minutes of prep, it's ready in under an hour. This meal is packed with spicy buffalo sauce, hidden spinach, and plenty of cheese, making it a satisfying choice for a weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, creating a hearty meal that's perfect for any night. It's satisfying and filling, ensuring you'll have some leftovers to enjoy later. With minimal effort, you can have a delicious dinner ready to go.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

    Chicken thighs and pineapple sauce in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is a delicious mix of sweet and spicy flavors that's really easy to prepare. With just four ingredients, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It's a budget-friendly option that you'll find yourself making again and again.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Air Fryer Roast Beef is a quick and easy dinner option that everyone will love. In just 50 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious meal featuring a tasty herb crust on the outside and juicy, tender meat on the inside. With only a few simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.

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    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These baked cod packs are simple to prepare and full of flavor, taking just 5 minutes to get ready. They combine cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon for a complete meal all in one package. Using frozen cod helps ensure the fish stays perfectly cooked.

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    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Supergolden Bakes.

    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken features tender chicken thighs simmered with garlic, sun-dried tomato paste, and orzo, all brought together with creamy sour cream and fresh spinach. This dish is a flavorful family meal that requires minimal effort. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry..
    Photo Credit: 4 Sons R Us.

    This dish combines tender chicken with a mix of vegetables and a great selection of spices, making it a go-to meal for any night. It's simple to prepare and cooks in the crockpot, allowing you to set it and forget it. This easy chicken recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

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    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a little chopping at the beginning, you can let it cook on its own while you take care of other things. It combines chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

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

    Simple chicken breasts turn into a delicious balsamic chicken with just a few ingredients. The combination of balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and garlic brings out a rich flavor that everyone will enjoy. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Garden in the Kitchen.

    Chicken breasts cook slowly in a flavorful onion broth, soaking up all the deliciousness. Topped with melted Gruyere cheese, this dish is all about cozy, satisfying meals. It's perfect for those busy nights when you want something easy and comforting.

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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, perfect for a tasty dinner any night. Featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it offers a mix of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. It's an easy option that you'll find yourself making again and again.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    These stuffed peppers are made with beef and rice in a savory marinara sauce. They are easily made in the slow cooker for a comforting dinner the whole family will enjoy.

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    Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole

    Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This tortellini casserole is perfect for anyone who loves cheese and pasta. It combines two delicious cheeses, with a nice kick from Gorgonzola, and adds a satisfying crunch from walnuts. Ready in under 40 minutes, it's a simple and tasty option for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

    sun-dried tomato pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features cheesy chicken and pasta, packed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It's a hearty meal that brings comfort and satisfaction. Plus, it's really simple to prepare, making it perfect for any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

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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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