18 Great Answers to the Question What's for Dinner

Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Whether you’re craving crispy falafel sandwiches, a creamy bowl of sweet potato and chickpea curry, or a cheesy sheet pan shrimp dinner, these easy dinner ideas are perfect for busy nights. With everything from pasta to stir-fries, there’s something here to satisfy every appetite.

Easy Boursin Pasta

Saucy pasta on a plate. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Creamy, cheesy, and on the table fast, this Boursin pasta is a lifesaver when you need a no-fuss dinner that still feels cozy.

Get the recipe: Easy Boursin Pasta

Easy Tofu Udon Stir Fry

A bowl of tofu, vegetables, and noodles with chopsticks in it. — Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Thick, chewy noodles meet crispy tofu and a quick sauce in this easy stir-fry that's perfect for busy nights.

Get the recipe: Easy Tofu Udon Stir Fry

Falafel Sandwich

Pitas filled with lettuce, cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, chopped herbs, falafel balls, and a sauce drizzle. — Image Credit: J Cooking Odyssey

Falafel in a pita is always a win, and this version makes it easier than ever. With crispy falafel, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce, it's a quick meal that’s packed with flavor.

Get the recipe: Falafel Sandwich

Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry

A bowl with couscous, saucy curry, a lime wedge, and chopped cilantro. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This sweet potato and chickpea curry is the perfect combination of hearty and wholesome. The soft, roasted sweet potatoes soak up the spices while the chickpeas make it a filling, comforting dish.

Get the recipe: Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry

Beef Nachos Supreme

A sheet pan of nachos topped with beef, tomatoes, corn, and avocado. — Image Credit: Haute & Healthy Living

Pile everything you love about tacos onto a tray of nachos for a messy, cheesy meal that’s ready in minutes.

Get the recipe: Beef Nachos Supreme

Chickpea Taco Quesadillas

A quesadilla cut into 6 slices and topped with shredded lettuce on a wooden board. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Stuffed with seasoned chickpeas and gooey cheese, these easy quesadillas are a fast fix for taco cravings.

Get the recipe: Chickpea Taco Quesadillas

Pita Pizza

A pita made into pizza with melty cheese and basil leaves. — Image Credit: A Couple Cooks

Pita bread is the perfect base for a quick and customizable pizza. Top with sauce, cheese, and any other ingredients you like, then bake for a fast meal that satisfies your pizza cravings.

Get the recipe: Pita Pizza

Marry Me Chickpeas

Chickpeas in a sauce on top of couscous and peas. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This dish is proof that simple ingredients can create a memorable meal. Chickpeas in a rich, creamy sauce are the perfect way to enjoy a cozy dinner that feels a little special.

Get the recipe: Marry Me Chickpeas

Teriyaki Udon Noodles

A bowl of saucy noodles topped with green onion beside a pair of chopsticks. — Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Soft udon noodles coated in a sticky, savory teriyaki sauce make this an easy dinner you'll want to put on repeat.

Get the recipe: Teriyaki Udon Noodles

Savory French Toast

Take your French toast in a savory direction with melted cheese, herbs, and pickled red onions. It’s a unique twist on the classic breakfast dish that works just as well for dinner. Try topping with a fried egg.

Get the recipe: Savory French Toast

Slow Cooker Carnitas

Shredded meat on plate with orange and lime slices. — Image Credit: A Latin Flair

Tender, juicy pork that basically cooks itself in the slow cooker is the kind of meal you’ll want to make extra of for leftovers.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas

Vegan Buttered Noodles

Pasta in a bowl topped with butter and parsley beside a plate of toasted bread. — Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Simple, buttery noodles with a touch of seasoning—this vegan recipe proves that sometimes the best meals are the easiest. It’s an ideal quick dinner when you want something light yet satisfying.

Get the recipe: Vegan Buttered Noodles

Creamy Tortellini Soup

Soup in a bowl with tortellini topped with cheese and chopped herbs. — Image Credit: An Edible Mosaic

Loaded with tender tortellini and fresh veggies, this creamy soup is a cozy one-pot dinner that’s ready in no time.

Get the recipe: Creamy Tortellini Soup

Korean Chicken Bowls

A bowl with rice, meat, edamame, and cucumber. — Image Credit: The Sassy Foodie

These Korean chicken bowls are packed with flavor and texture. Sweet and spicy chicken, served over rice, makes for a satisfying meal that’s simple enough for any night of the week.

Get the recipe: Korean Chicken Bowls

Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with kale and croutons. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

Toss pasta and crunchy kale in a punchy Caesar dressing for a filling salad that’s hearty enough for dinner.

Get the recipe: Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

Creamy Lemon Pesto Pasta

Pasta topped with cheese. — Image Credit: Home Cooking Collective

A creamy lemon pesto sauce makes this pasta bright, rich, and full of flavor. It's the kind of easy dinner that feels fancy but comes together in just a few steps.

Get the recipe: Creamy Lemon Pesto Pasta

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Three bowls of pasta topped with black olives and basil. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

This tuna pesto pasta is a quick, budget-friendly meal that’s full of flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can make a filling dinner in minutes.

Get the recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Sheet Pan Shrimp Dinner

A sheet pan with shrimp, green beans, tomatoes, and cheese. — Image Credit: A Couple Cooks

This sheet pan shrimp dinner is as easy as it gets. Toss everything on a sheet pan, bake, and you’ve got a meal that’s both quick and satisfying with minimal cleanup.

Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Dinner