10+ Easy Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

Easy recipes really save the day when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re just starting out or you just need dinner on the table fast, these simple meals slide right into a busy week.

These recipes keep things straightforward so you can actually enjoy cooking—no stress, no weird ingredients. Most of the time, you’ll already have what you need in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Cooking Instructions

1) Spaghetti with Crispy Zucchini

Spaghetti with crispy zucchini is a breeze to make and always hits the spot. Coat zucchini slices in egg and breadcrumbs, then bake or fry them until they’re golden and crunchy.

Toss the cooked spaghetti with a splash of olive oil and some lemon zest. Top it all with the crispy zucchini and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

It’s light, bright, and comes together fast. That crispy zucchini really makes plain spaghetti feel a little fancy.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan, grated
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Beat the egg in a bowl.
3. Slice zucchini and dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Place zucchini on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
5. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.
6. Toss spaghetti with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
7. Serve spaghetti topped with crispy zucchini.

2) Sheet Pan Salmon with Asparagus

Sheet pan salmon with asparagus is almost too easy. Just season the salmon, toss the asparagus in olive oil, and throw it all on a single baking sheet.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast for about 8 to 12 minutes, until the salmon reaches 120°F (49°C) and the asparagus is tender.

Lemon, garlic, or a handful of fresh herbs really wake up the flavors. Butter or olive oil adds a nice finish as everything cooks.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 bunch asparagus
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Trim asparagus and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Arrange salmon and asparagus on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 8-12 minutes until salmon reaches 120°F (49°C) and asparagus is tender.
6. Serve with lemon wedges.

3) Broccoli Pasta

Broccoli pasta is one of those dinners you can whip up in 20 minutes, tops. Just cook your pasta and toss in some fresh broccoli for a quick, healthy meal.

Garlic, a bit of cheese, and some red pepper flakes add a little kick. One-pot versions make cleanup a breeze.

You probably have most of this stuff in your kitchen already. Perfect for nights when you want something good but don’t want to think too hard.

Ingredients:

• Pasta
• Broccoli
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Red pepper flakes
• Grated cheese (like Parmesan)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to the package directions.
2. Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
3. While pasta cooks, sauté garlic in olive oil.
4. Add broccoli and cook until tender.
5. Mix cooked pasta with broccoli and garlic.
6. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and grated cheese before serving.

For a detailed recipe, try this really quick broccoli pasta.

4) Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie feels like a hug in food form. Use cooked or rotisserie chicken, toss in some veggies, and stir up a creamy sauce—then tuck it all under a flaky pie crust.

Frozen or fresh veggies like carrots, peas, and corn work great. The sauce usually comes together with cream or canned soup, so it’s super smooth.

Bake until the crust turns golden brown and crisp. This one’s filling and perfect for a cozy weeknight.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup or 1 cup cream sauce
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix chicken, vegetables, soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Place one pie crust in a 9-inch baking dish.
4. Pour the chicken mixture over the crust.
5. Cover with the second pie crust and pinch the edges to seal.
6. Cut a few slits on top crust for steam to escape.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden brown.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

For a detailed recipe, check this easy chicken pot pie.

5) Fresh Tomato Pasta

Fresh tomato pasta is a summer staple, but honestly, it’s good any time. Grab ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and cook them down with garlic and olive oil for a simple sauce.

Any pasta works—use what you have. Cherry tomatoes or big ones, both are fine.

A handful of fresh basil or parsley makes it pop. You don’t need much else.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds fresh tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
• 8 ounces pasta (your choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil water and cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Chop tomatoes and add to the pan. Cook until soft, about 10 minutes.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
6. Drain pasta and toss it with the tomato sauce.
7. Serve warm and enjoy.

6) Chili Garlic Pappardelle

Chili garlic pappardelle brings big flavor with hardly any work. Toss those wide noodles with a spicy chili garlic oil and add roasted smashed broccoli for a little crunch.

A soft egg on top makes the whole thing creamy and rich. Adjust the heat level to whatever you like.

It’s easy, quick, and honestly, kind of addictive. You don’t need much to make it awesome.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pappardelle pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Calabrian chili peppers or chili flakes
• 1 head broccoli, smashed
• 2 soft eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pappardelle pasta according to package instructions.
2. Roast smashed broccoli at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes until tender.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic and chili until fragrant.
4. Toss pasta with chili garlic oil and roasted broccoli.
5. Top with soft eggs before serving.

7) Spinach White Bean Soup

Spinach white bean soup comes together fast and doesn’t need many ingredients. White beans and fresh spinach make it hearty and healthy.

Garlic and herbs add aroma and flavor. You can use canned or soaked beans to save time.

The spinach wilts right into the hot broth, bringing color and nutrients. It’s a gentle, comforting soup for any night.

Ingredients

• 2 cans white beans (or 3 cups soaked white beans)
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: rosemary or parsley

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add white beans; cook 10 minutes.
5. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
7. Serve warm.

For a full recipe with tips, visit Simply Recipes’ Spinach White Bean Soup.

8) Classic Meatloaf

Classic meatloaf is pure comfort and couldn’t be easier. Mix ground beef with some veggies and seasonings, then shape it into a loaf.

That ketchup glaze on top gives a sweet, tangy bite. Bake it all together and slice it up for dinner.

It’s great with mashed potatoes and a pile of steamed veggies. No fancy ingredients here—just good, simple food.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• ½ cup oats or breadcrumbs
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix ground beef, onion, bell pepper, egg, oats, tomatoes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
4. Spread ketchup over the top.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes until cooked through.
6. Let rest a few minutes before slicing.

9) Huevos Rancheros

Huevos rancheros is a simple, tasty breakfast you can whip up fast. Just fry a tortilla and pile on beans, a fried egg, and some spicy salsa.

Corn tortillas really bring out that authentic flavor. If you want, sprinkle on cheese or toss in some fresh cilantro.

Make sure to warm up your salsa and beans before serving. Trust me, it just makes everything cozier.

This dish fills you up and you can tweak it however you want. Avocado slices or a generous splash of hot sauce? Go for it.

It works for any day when you crave something quick but actually good.

Ingredients

• Corn tortillas
• Refried beans or black beans
• Eggs
• Salsa (red or green)
• Cooking oil or butter
• Optional: cheese, fresh cilantro, avocado

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan and fry tortillas until they’re a bit crispy. Set aside.
2. Warm up refried or black beans in a small pot.
3. Fry eggs sunny side up or however you like them.
4. Spread beans on the tortilla, then top with the egg.
5. Spoon warm salsa over the egg.
6. Add cheese, cilantro, or avocado if you want. Serve warm.

10) Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is one of those easy, comforting dishes you can whip up with just a handful of ingredients. It brings together cooked pasta, a creamy cheese blend, and tomato sauce.

You bake it until the cheese melts and the top turns a little golden. Honestly, it’s perfect for family dinners or when you want something hearty for meal prep.

I like using ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a rich, cheesy flavor. The sauce? Go with your favorite jarred spaghetti sauce, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.

You can toss in ground beef or veggies to mix things up. Plus, leftovers reheat well in the oven—always a bonus.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dry ziti pasta
• 32 ounces ricotta cheese
• 6 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 jars (about 26 ounces each) spaghetti sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to the package, then drain it.
3. Mix the cooked pasta with ricotta and one jar of spaghetti sauce.
4. Spread half that mixture in a baking dish.
5. Layer half the mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Add the rest of the pasta mixture, then cover with the remaining mozzarella.
7. Pour the second jar of sauce evenly over everything.
8. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.
10. Let it cool off for a few minutes before serving.

For more details and tips, check this easy baked ziti recipe.