Although fancy meals can be a lot of fun to whip up when you have guests coming over, the polar opposite – simple meals – are also deserving of a place in your heart. The following stress free recipes offer something for everyone. Fiesta chicken pasta, Instant Pot chicken noodle soup, a chicken chipotle bowl and beef tortilla wrap are just are a few of these fuss-free meals which are quick and easy to make and sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl
This Chili’s copycat chipotle chicken fresh Mex bowl is bursting with amazing Tex-Mex flavors like Mexican rice, chicken, spices, beans, avocado, and more. It’s the perfect dinner option for fans of burritos or rice bowls looking for something easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe:Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl
Meatball Marinara Subs
Savor the juicy homemade meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and fluffy brioche buns in Italian meatball marinara subs – a satisfying comfort food that’s perfect for lunch or busy weeknights. These sandwiches are far tastier than the fast-food version and are sure to please anyone, regardless of their Italian heritage.
Get the Recipe:Meatball Marinara Subs
Unsloppy Joes Biscuit Pockets
Unsloppy joes biscuit pockets are a delicious take on classic sloppy joes. Basically, these are not so sloppy sloppy joes for when you want all the flavour without the mess! These manwich sandwiches are easy to make with Pillsbury biscuit dough and ground beef in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Unsloppy Joes Biscuit Pockets
Salt & Pepper Pork Chop Bites
Rather than ordering salt and pepper pork chop bites from the local Chinese takeout, why not make your own gluten free pork chop recipe instead? The Asian salt and pepper seasoning adds so much flavour and you can make this dish as spicy as you dare!
Get the Recipe:
Hot Italian Sliders
Looking for a game day appetizer, simple funeral sandwiches or backyard picnic party ideas? If so, these easy baked Italian sliders might be ideal. The mini Italian sandwiches boast meats and cheeses, a zesty mayo and sweet Hawaiian rolls.
Get the Recipe: Hot Italian Sliders
Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry
Grab some steaks and Asian seasonings, along with some fresh vegetables, and you can rustle up authentic beef yaki udon in less than 30 minutes. It’s an easy udon recipe which is sweet, aromatic and utterly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza
Instant Pot BBQ chicken French bread pizza is a super-easy 20 minute meal which I just know you’re going to love. Barbeque French bread pizza offers a change of pace from traditional pizza recipes and combines the deliciousness of baguette bread with some wonderful toppings.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza
Swedish Meatballs
Try making these delicious copycat Ikea Swedish meatballs at home and enjoy the same great taste as the ones you find in the store.
Get the Recipe:Swedish Meatballs
Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry
Gochujang chicken is sweet, spicy and very savoury. It’s a typical Korean inspired stir fry which looks so appetizing served in butter lettuce leaves with rice and Korean garnishes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry
Yummy Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl – 15 Minute Meal
A quick egg roll recipe is great for making a side dish but pork egg roll in a bowl is a complete meal by itself. You won’t believe how quick and easy this is.
Get the Recipe: Yummy Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl – 15 Minute Meal
Italian Frittata Recipe
Straightforward to make and a treat to eat, this Italian vegetable frittata recipe is definitely a winning recipe. It’s simple to prepare, and you can mix and match the fillings depending on what you have in the refrigerator. It’s the perfect way to use up any vegetables or cooked meats you need to use up.
Get the Recipe: Italian Frittata Recipe
One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese
Try this taco macaroni and cheese, which combines the best of both worlds with Mexican and Italian flavors in every bite. With a cooking time of just 30 minutes in a single Dutch oven, this dish is perfect for those cooler months when you’re in the mood for something hearty and warming.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese
General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry
General Tso shrimp is an easy Chinese shrimp dish which you can rustle up in less than 30 minutes. It offers sweet, tangy and savoury flavours, along with a hint of spice.
Get the Recipe: Easy General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry
Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi
Many easy garlic tomato shrimp scampi recipes call for wine, but do you really need to add it? Is there a wine substitute you can add to this seafood pasta dinner recipe instead? The following recipe proves you don’t need to add wine for a delicious shrimp and tomato dish served with pappardelle pasta.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet
Turkey is paired with sweet potatoes, garlic, shallot, lime, cheese, and more, for this super-simple turkey skillet dinner. You only need one pan to make it, which makes it perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Looking for a hassle-free dinner recipe that requires minimal prep? Try this delicious BBQ chicken flatbread that bakes in the oven for a crispy crust and melty toppings! With a pre-made flatbread base and simple BBQ chicken toppings, this recipe is both easy and satisfying, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe:BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Wings
Everyone loves this tasty air fryer chicken recipe with a buttermilk firecracker ranch recipe dipping sauce. Put this one the menu and learn how to make air fryer chicken wings tonight!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Wings
Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta
This flavourful Instant Pot buttery lemon chicken pasta is well worth making. It’s a dish including pasta with zucchini and squash as well as chicken. The taste is both light and hearty and there are many ways to tweak the recipe, adding your own personal touches.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta
Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Savory and comforting chicken stuffing casserole is a delightful blend of tender chicken and flavorful stuffing in one delicious dish
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Chicken Shawarma
A simple blend of dry spices makes a tasty marinade that coats the chicken with Middle Eastern flavors so that you can enjoy this street food favorite whenever you like!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma
Meat Stuffed Pitas (Arayes)
Sink your teeth into crispy, meat-filled Arayes! These deliciously spiced meat stuffed pitas are the ultimate Middle Eastern comfort food and they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or BBQs with friends!
Get the Recipe: Meat Stuffed Pitas (Arayes)
Crispy Turkey Tacos
A delicious alternative to beef tacos would be these crispy turkey tacos which are bursting with flavor. This turkey taco recipe is a quick and easy dinner idea that you will love. This will become one of your favorite quick dinner recipes!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Turkey Tacos
Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce
Indulge in a delicious homemade Italian pasta dinner with pesto fettuccini and Bolognese sauce, bursting with fresh veggies in every bite. This hearty dish, featuring a homemade beef Bolognese meat sauce and fettuccine pasta, will satisfy your cravings for a flavorful Italian meal.
Get the Recipe:Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce
Honey Walnut Shrimp
This Panda Express honey walnut shrimp copycat recipe coats crispy deep-fried tempura shrimp in a tantalizing sweet and savory sauce that’s served with candied walnuts. This will become one of your favorite quick dinner recipes!
Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
This bucatini cacio e pepe is a classic Italian pasta dish that’s made with thick pasta, two types of cheeses, and two other easy ingredients! Ready to enjoy in just 25 minutes from start to finish!
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Tortellini Alla Panna
Tortellini alla panna is a simple, mouthwatering Italian pasta dish that covers store-bought tortellini in a homemade creamy parmesan sauce! Take your first bite of this incredible dinner recipe in just over 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Alla Panna
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Bang bang shrimp tacos have tender shrimp that get deep-fried to crunchy perfection before being tossed in a homemade 4 ingredient sauce! Fill tortillas with these Bang Bang Shrimp to create tacos or just simply enjoy them as is!
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon chicken is better than takeout! It smothers tender chunks of chicken in a homemade bourbon sauce for a quick and easy weeknight meal! A favorite take-out style dish made with bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and more for a delicious recipe that packs a serious flavor punch!
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Chicken
Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken
Cheesy bacon hasselback chicken recipe is so good! Combining chicken with cheese, bacon, spinach, herbs, and spices, this creamy bacon chicken is low in carbs but high in flavour.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken
Crunchy Beef Tortilla Folded Wrap – Tik Tok Recipe
Discover how to fold a tortilla for this special Tik Tok wrap hack. It’s one of the most delicious recipes you can make with ground beef and a tortilla wrap. Use a large flour tortilla if you’re ravenously hungry or smaller tortillas if you prefer. This is a genius way to enclose ground meat, shredded cheese, fresh tomatoes and more in wraps.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Beef Tortilla Folded Wrap – Tik Tok Recipe
One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
This easy taco pasta is wonderful for dinner and it’s one of the best skill pasta dinner ideas I’ve found. Beef, onion and garlic are dominating flavours in this creamy taco pasta with macaroni noodles.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Butter Herb Shrimp Pan Seared Pork Chops
Pan seared pork chops make a wonderful dinner. But if you want a ‘surf and turf’ twist on easy pork chops, considering adding shrimp! There are many meat dishes which also include seafood.
Get the Recipe: Butter Herb Shrimp Pan Seared Pork Chops
Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta
Indulge in the deliciousness of garlic chicken piccata with angel hair pasta – a flavorful and easy chicken and pasta meal. With juicy chicken, garlic, lemon, and pasta, this dish is a true delight that will satisfy your cravings for a scrumptious Italian-inspired dinner.
Get the Recipe:Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta
Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin
I also love this Hawaiian pork tenderloin recipe. This Instant Pot pork tenderloin is quick, easy, meaty, sweet – just amazing! This tenderloin and pineapple recipe makes a great dinner. It’s a really easy Instant Pot dinner recipe.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin
Smoker Grilled Fish Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
You simply can’t go wrong with these tacos. If you’re in the mood for south of the border food you’re going to love them. This is also the best ever coleslaw for fish tacos and you must try it!
Get the Recipe: Smoker Grilled Fish Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
Smoked Blackened Salmon Sliders
Add this smoked blackened salmon sliders recipe to your must-make list for a flavourful summer BBQ dish. Featuring pickled red onions and wasabi mayo, these salmon burgers can be made in a pellet grill or Traeger.
Recipe here:Smoked Blackened Salmon Sliders
Balsamic Meatballs with Rice Noodles
Slow cooker balsamic meatballs with rice noodles is a recipe that requires very little prep and results in a delicious meal that’s super easy to make. The broth is a bit tangy and savory from the balsamic vinegar and the meatballs are seasoned to perfection.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Meatballs with Rice Noodles
Mexican Spaghetti
This easy Mexican spaghetti is a delicious one-pot meal of noodles cooked in a tomato sauce with beef, poblano peppers, and shredded cheese. It’s a fun way to put a spin on traditional spaghetti by adding Mexican flavors.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Spaghetti
Crock Pot Hot Dog Chili
Perfect for a lazy weekend cookout or a quick weeknight meal, this savory and slightly sweet Crock Pot hot dog chili is made with ground beef, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and a blend of simple spices. Set it and forget it in the slow cooker, leaving you with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the delicious aroma as it simmers to perfection!
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Hot Dog Chili
Easy Skillet Lasagna
Do you have a hankering for comforting classic lasagna but don’t want all the fuss? Then this easy skillet lasagna recipe is for you. In a mere 30 minutes, you can have comforting cheese lasagna for you and your family. A great weeknight meal!
Get the Recipe: Easy Skillet Lasagna
Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers
Thai spicy basil chicken skewers make a tasty change from plain chicken ones. These Thai chicken skewers, or kebabs, are delicious. They go beautifully with a dairy-free skewer marinade and cashew dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers
Beef Taco Salad Bowls
Making homemade taco salad bowls is so easy and they’re perfect for holding this family-favorite taco salad including seasoned ground beef, black beans, cheese and more! Everything is topped with a creamy lime-cilantro dressing that’ll have everyone finishing their salad!
Get the Recipe: Beef Taco Salad Bowls
Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets
Fish comes out perfect when you’re using the air fryer and parmesan pesto crusted salmon fillets are no exception. This is a simple air fryer salmon recipe which includes parmesan, garlic and homemade pesto.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets
Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
If you’re looking for a flavorful Mexican inspired dish, try making Air Fryer Fiesta Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Seasoned with cumin, salt, pepper, and margarita mix, the chicken is stuffed inside poblanos and topped with pico de gallo, sour cream, and cotija cheese, creating a delicious blend of flavors.
Get the Recipe:Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Air Fryer Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
This air fryer bruschetta stuffed chicken breasts recipe infuses chicken with the best Italian flavours. Chicken, tomatoes and provolone cheese pair up beautifully in this easy chicken recipe.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Italian Minestrone Soup
An authentic Italian minestrone soup recipe is always worth knowing. The nutrient-packed combination of beans, pasta and seasonal vegetables means every spoonful is a great flavour experience.
Get the Recipe: Italian Minestrone Soup
Seared Steak Nachos with Tomatillo Serrano Salsa
Nachos always make a satisfying snack, especially when paired with homemade salsa or pico de gallo. These seared steak nachos are especially good if you’re a fan of this Tex-Mex classic. There are plenty of nacho toppings including juicy steak and different kinds of chillies are used to give a wonderful spicy taste to the dish.
Get the Recipe: Seared Steak Nachos with Tomatillo Serrano Salsa
BBQ Peach Bourbon Wings
These delicious air fryer BBQ peach bourbon wings can be served as an appetizer or as part of a tasty dinner for any occasion. The combination of peach and bourbon flavors with the chicken wings, cooked to perfection in the air fryer, will leave your guests wanting more!
Get the Recipe:BBQ Peach Bourbon Wings
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops
I love the versatility of pork chops because they can be cooked in so many different ways. One of my favorite recipes is the air fryer honey mustard pork chops, which is quick and easy to make, and always turns out deliciously juicy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
This is an easy Instant Pot pasta recipe that the whole family will LOVE and this mac and cheese recipe is always a hit. Don’t worry about making too much, because this macaroni Instant Pot recipe is terrific as leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Herb Grilled New York Steak
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a treat, grilled New York steak is hard to beat! Just imagine steak with bacon and scallions. The aroma, the juicy meat, the side dishes… this is one meal you will never get tired of.
Get the Recipe: Herb Grilled New York Steak
Puerto Rican Picadillo
This dish is made with ground beef, tomato sauce, olives and plenty of spices to make a hearty and healthy dinner that has Puerto Rican flavors. This is a fuss free recipe for easy meals.
Get the Recipe: Puerto Rican Picadillo
Easy Hamburger Soup
Easy hamburger soup is loaded with sweet potatoes, carrots, peppers, onions, celery, and fire-roasted tomatoes. It can be ready in under 30 minutes and lasts well in the fridge for lunches during the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Hamburger Soup
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Skip the box mix and get the iconic dinner time flavor on the table at no time. Homemade hamburger helper is fast, filling and loaded with beefy, cheesy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Hamburger Helper
Red Curry Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
Experience a deliciously satisfying soup with this Thai coconut chicken soup recipe that features red curry, sweet potatoes, chicken, garlic, and more. This recipe is always a big hit and perfect for those searching for hearty Thai chicken recipes or soups with red curry.
Get the Recipe:Red Curry Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole
This fiesta chicken pasta casserole bake features a delicious blend of chicken, corn, black beans, and Mexican-inspired seasonings. Whether you’re using a rotisserie or leftover chicken, this southwest-style casserole will surely become a family favorite!
Get the Recipe:Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole
Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich
Loaded with succulent chicken, fresh mozzarella cheese, and zesty pesto sauce, these chicken pesto sandwiches are a true winner for lunch or dinner. It’s quick and easy to make, and with every bite, you’ll be transported to the heart of Italy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich
One Pot Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs
This Mediterranean spaghetti and meatballs is a quick dinner that is always well-loved by all. You will also enjoy this one pot Mediterranean pasta as leftovers the next day….if by chance there is any left!
Get the Recipe: One Pot Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs
Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches
This Italian picnic sandwich recipe is ideal for parties, picnics, game day, BBQs, road trips, tailgating and gatherings. Boasting ham, cheese, salad veggies, and olive spread, all wrapped in ciabatta bread, this is perhaps the best picnic sandwich ever.
Get the Recipe: Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches
Chicken Pasta
Chicken Pasta is creamy and ultra cheesy. It is a family friend, quick meal making it the perfect option for a busy weeknight dinner. This will become one of your favorite stress-free recipes!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Vegetable Soup – 30 Minute Meal
Wondering what to make for dinner? This simple 30 minute meal could be on your table tonight. Consider this easy Instant Pot vegetable soup. It’s bursting with healthy fresh and frozen vegetables and flavoured with tasty ingredients such as paprika, garlic and Worcestershire sauce.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegetable Soup – 30 Minute Meal
Chopped Italian Sandwich
A chopped Italian sub is sure to satisfy even the strongest hunger pangs. This Italian bread sub with deli meats, cheese, pepperoncini peppers, red onion, and more make a great lunch. Add this to your list of stress-free recipes.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Italian Sandwich
Instant Pot Spaghetti
Classic spaghetti, made in the Instant Pot! My Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe is as easy as 1,2,3! Requiring simple, kitchen staple ingredients and minimal prep, you can sit back and let the instant pot do all the work for you! Perfect for busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti
Sesame Hoisin Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These lettuce wraps have so much delectable Asian flavor, and they are healthy. Make them for a fast dinner with nutritious ingredients that will really hit the spot after a long day. This is one of the best quick dinner recipes!
Get the Recipe: Sesame Hoisin Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Make this hearty and soul-warming Chicken Noodle Soup in just a few minutes using your Instant Pot! There is nothing like a steaming bowl of tender chicken strips, egg noodles, and hearty veggies in a flavorful broth to keep your whole family warm and toasty on a cold winter night!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Roasted Tomato and White Bean Stew
Roasted tomatoes and white beans are perfect partners for this hearty and healthy stew. This sticks to your ribs with wholesome ingredients. This is one of those quick dinner recipes you will make on repeat!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato and White Bean Stew
Pepper Steak
Pepper steak over rice or noodles makes for a great take out fake out that you can cook in just a couple of minutes. This is a fresh and flavorful dish you are going to love from the first bite. This is one of the best quick dinner recipes!
Get the Recipe: Pepper Steak
Tex Mex Chicken Skillet
Bring bold Tex Mex flavor to the table tonight with this simple yet satisfying chicken skillet. It has rice, beans and plenty of spices to please. Serve this with chips and salsa for a complete meal. It’s one of the easiest stress free recipes.
Get the Recipe: Tex Mex Chicken Skillet
Buffalo Chicken Burritos
These easy burritos are packed with tasty veggies with buffalo chicken! These come together in just about 15 minutes for a great meal on a busy night. This is one of those quick dinner recipes you will make on repeat!
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Burritos
Beef Enchilada Pasta
This pasta dish is so easy! Mix this up for a meal that is comfort food worthy and has the delicious spicy vibes of enchiladas. Serve this with a side salad for an easy weeknight meal. Add this to your list of favorite stress-free recipes.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Pasta
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause.
Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts. As well, Bella celebrates her Italian heritage with tasty dishes inspired by her favorite Italian foods. She has been featured in publications such as MSN, Self, Well + Good, New York Post, Salon, and more.
As a social media influencer, Bella can be found on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Since 2015, she has partnered with international brands and Fortune 500 companies. Living with celiac disease and Type 1 diabetes, Bella takes every opportunity to share her experiences with T1D and educate others about these autoimmune diseases.