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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    35 Easy Dinners That Set You Up to Succeed Every Single Time

    Published: May 29, 2026 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Finding simple dinner ideas can be a challenge, especially after a long day. These 32 easy recipes are perfect for anyone looking to whip up a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From quick pastas  to comforting casseroles, there's something here for everyone to enjoy.

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is really easy to make and only needs three ingredients. It's perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Red Wine Chicken Pasta with Mushrooms

    Red wine chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This recipe combines red wine, chicken, mushrooms, and thyme to create a tasty pasta dish. It's straightforward enough for anyone to whip up.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Frozen shrimp can be ready in just 3-5 minutes in the air fryer. They're seasoned with garlic, paprika, and fresh parsley for a flavorful dish.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This casserole puts a fun spin on tacos by mixing ground beef, salsa, and lots of cheese into one simple dish. It's great for a potluck or a quick dinner during the week.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Gnocchi

    Grogonzola gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is easy to prepare and really delicious. It combines creamy, tangy, and crunchy flavors in a great way.

    Get the recipe

    Paella with Chicken & Shrimp

    Paella.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This paella is easy to prepare and loved by everyone. Filled with saffron, white wine, shrimp, chicken, peas, and bell peppers, it's perfect for gatherings and tastes great as leftovers.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    You won't find a simpler pasta dish than this.

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta

    Cherry tomato pasta.
    Photo credit: It's Not Complicated Recipes.

    This pasta is loaded full of fresh flavors. It's a simple and tasty meal with perfectly cooked pasta and roasted tomatoes that anyone can whip up.

    Get the recipe

    Firecracker Salmon

    Firecracker salmon on a teal plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cook this quick Firecracker Salmon in just 15 minutes for a delicious dinner with spicy, tangy sauce and perfectly cooked salmon. This deliciously spicy salmon recipe makes for a quick and easy dinner that will be the star of your table.

    Get the recipe18 Dump-And-Go Gourmet Dinners You'll Want to Make All the Time

    Salmon Tacos

    A salmon taco.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Fresh salmon is cooked quickly and seasoned just right, then served in these delicious salmon tacos. Pair with a simple ginger avocado salsa for a healthy and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese for a tasty meal that's simple to prepare. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken & Feta Cheese Pasta

    Chicken feta cheese pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is rich and full of flavor with feta cheese, fresh basil, and cherry tomatoes. It's easy to prepare, making it a great choice for a weeknight meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Mushroom Truffle Risotto

    Mushroom Truffle Risotto
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Mushroom Truffle Risotto is a delicious dish that you can make in under 40 minutes. It's filled with mushrooms, white truffle oil, and white wine, making it a great choice for impressing your friends while keeping things easy.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Salmon

    Pesto salmon on a serving platter.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Pesto Salmon is a quick meal that you can have on the table in just 15 minutes. With a blend of Greek yogurt and pesto, it's an easy and tasty choice for busy evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

    Fried spaghetti.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish mixes Thai curry with spaghetti for a delicious meal you'll want to have again and again. It's a simple dinner option that's sure to please everyone.

    Get the recipe

    French Fry Casserole

    Leftover french fries casserole topped with sour cream.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Leftover french fries can be transformed into a delicious casserole. This dish is cheesy with a hint of spice and goes great with chicken, beef, or any protein you prefer.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Coconut Lentil Soup

    A bowl of lentil soup topped with chili flakes and cilantro.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple soup is creamy, warming, and ready in under 30 minutes - whether made on the stove top or in your instant pot. Despite being so simple to make, it has amazing flavor from coconut milk, ginger and garlic, and is perfect for quick and cozy weeknight dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    In just 15 minutes, you can prepare a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta featuring tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce. This simple dish brings together seafood and pasta for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Miso Ramen

    Easy miso ramen.
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This easy Miso Ramen is a quick and satisfying dish that you can whip up in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients. It's a flexible recipe that works well for a cozy meal any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    A spoonful of cheesy tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is easy to make, cheesy, and really delicious. It's great for a cozy night in.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Garlic Butter

    Bacon wrapped salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Stuff salmon with garlic butter and wrap it in bacon for a delicious meal. This is an easy dish that anyone can prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This halloumi pasta is quick to prepare in just 20 minutes and is packed with vegetables. It's a lighter option since it doesn't use any cream.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick and easy Lemon Chicken Marinade can be made with simple, fresh ingredients. This marinade, featuring olive oil, lemon, and basil, helps your chicken stay juicy and flavorful whether you grill, pan fry, or bake it.

    Get the recipe

    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta with bacon.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish features a tangy tomato sauce paired with crispy bacon, creating a delicious meal. It's perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew with Lemon & Rosemary

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This stew is easy to make with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and is full of great flavors. It's a perfect option for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is easy to prepare and has a nice spicy flavor. It's really tasty!

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is full of flavor and works great over pasta or as a starter with some bread. It's a simple option that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pan-frying gnocchi brings out a richer flavor compared to boiling, especially when you add bacon and mushrooms. This dish is packed with deliciousness and is perfect for a quick meal.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Chicken

    Caprese chicken.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Caprese Chicken is a quick and delicious dinner option that everyone will love. With only five ingredients, it comes together easily and is sure to please the whole family.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are a favorite for everyone, whether you're cooking for kids or food lovers. Filled with halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts, they are full of flavor and can be made in just 20 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

    Sun-dried tomato chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is rich and tasty, featuring sun-dried tomatoes and dried herbs for a nice touch. It's perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Sweetheart Cabbage Salad with Gyoza Chickpeas

    sweetheart cabbage salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    With just 15 minutes of prep, you can put together a fresh salad with spinach, sweetheart cabbage, chickpeas, and a good amount of Parmesan cheese. This is a healthy and easy meal that anyone can make.

    Get the recipe

    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Cast iron skillet pork chops.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pork chops are a great choice for any night, whether it's just another weekday or something a bit special. The red wine simmer helps keep the chops juicy, so you can cook them without worrying about overdoing it.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    This pasta dish is full of buffalo flavor and is easy to prepare. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Ham Fried Rice

    Ham Fried Rice.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This easy Ham Fried Rice is a meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's quick to prepare and a perfect way to use up leftover ham, plus it goes well with many other dishes.

    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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