100+ quick easy meals & recipes

Here’s a nice big list of quick easy meals with super simple recipes and instructions. No annoying recipe “origin stories” or tedious step-by-step instructions.

Most of the recipes require basic ingredients that are commonly found in a pantry, and can be easily customized to individual taste preferences. Overall, the list offers a variety of simple yet tasty meal ideas for anyone looking for quick and easy cooking inspiration.

Also see the WTFYI article > top ten silly kitchen gadgets popular on Amazon)

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add red pepper flakes and parsley. Toss spaghetti with the garlic mixture and serve with Parmesan cheese.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Butter two slices of bread and place a slice of cheese in between. Grill on a pan until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.
Pancakes: Mix 1 cup of flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add 1 egg, 1 cup of milk, and 2 tbsp melted butter. Mix until smooth, then cook on a griddle.
Fried Rice: Cook rice according to package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté diced vegetables (carrots, peas, onions) in oil. Add rice and soy sauce, then scramble an egg in the mixture.
Chicken Tacos: Season chicken with taco seasoning and grill or bake until cooked. Serve on tortillas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and salsa.
Quesadilla: Heat a tortilla on a pan, then add shredded cheese and any desired toppings (chicken, beef, vegetables). Fold the tortilla in half and cook until cheese is melted.
Avocado Toast: Toast bread and top with mashed avocado. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, then add toppings such as tomatoes, cheese, or bacon.
Smoothie: Blend 1 cup of frozen fruit, 1 cup of yogurt, and 1 cup of milk until smooth. Add honey or sweetener if desired.
Baked Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and any desired spices. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until cooked.
Omelette: Beat 2 eggs in a bowl, then add any desired fillings (cheese, vegetables, meat). Cook in a pan until eggs are set, then fold in half and serve.
Baked Salmon: Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Greek Salad: Combine chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese in a bowl. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Hummus: Blend chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Serve with pita bread or vegetables.
Caprese Salad: Layer sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves on a plate. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Chili: Brown ground beef in a pot, then add diced onions, peppers, and garlic. Stir in canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili powder. Simmer for 30 minutes or until flavors are combined.
Bruschetta: Toast slices of bread, then top with chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss chopped vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes) with olive oil and salt. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
Fried Eggs: Crack eggs into a hot, greased pan. Cook until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
Tuna Salad: Mix canned tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, and salt in a bowl. Serve on bread or lettuce.
Guacamole: Mash avocados in a bowl, then add diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Pesto Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté cherry tomatoes in olive oil until softened. Add pesto and cooked pasta to the pan, then toss until combined.
Veggie Stir-Fry: Stir-fry your favorite vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers) in a pan with oil. Add soy sauce and garlic for extra flavor.
Tacos: Brown ground beef or turkey in a pan, then add taco seasoning. Serve on tortillas with lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
Tomato Soup: Sauté onions and garlic in a pot until softened. Add canned tomatoes and chicken broth, then simmer for 10-15 minutes. Blend the soup until smooth, then add cream if desired.
Quinoa Salad: Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Mix with chopped vegetables, such as cucumber, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Add lemon juice, olive oil, and salt for dressing.
Baked Potato: Pierce a potato with a fork, then microwave for 5-7 minutes or until soft. Top with butter, cheese, and any desired toppings (such as bacon bits or sour cream).
Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and fruit in a glass. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
Fried Rice Noodles: Boil rice noodles according to package instructions. In a separate pan, stir-fry diced vegetables (such as broccoli and mushrooms) and protein (such as shrimp or chicken). Add the cooked noodles and soy sauce to the pan, then toss until combined.
Bruschetta Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill or bake until cooked through. Top with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a fresh twist.
Fruit Smoothie Bowl: Blend frozen fruit, yogurt, and milk until smooth. Pour into a bowl, then top with granola, fresh fruit, and honey.
Quesadilla: Spread refried beans on a tortilla, then top with shredded cheese and any desired toppings (such as diced tomatoes, onions, or jalapenos). Fold the tortilla in half and cook in a pan until cheese is melted and tortilla is crispy.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast: Slice a pocket into a chicken breast, then stuff with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and garlic. Bake or grill until cooked through.
Lentil Soup: Sauté onions and garlic in a pot until softened. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, then simmer until lentils are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Black Bean Tacos: Sauté black beans in a pan with cumin and garlic. Serve on tortillas with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and avocado.
French Toast: Dip bread in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and cinnamon. Cook in a greased pan until golden brown. Serve with syrup and butter.
Shrimp Scampi: Sauté shrimp in a pan with garlic, lemon juice, and butter. Serve over cooked pasta.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad: Mix cooked, shredded chicken with Greek yogurt, diced celery, and grapes. Serve on bread or lettuce.
Broiled Salmon with Lemon Butter: Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Broil for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through. Top with melted butter and lemon juice.
Loaded Baked Sweet Potato: Pierce a sweet potato with a fork, then microwave for 5-7 minutes or until soft. Top with black beans, salsa, and shredded cheese.
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup: Make a classic grilled cheese sandwich by melting cheese between two slices of bread in a pan. Serve with canned tomato soup for a comforting meal.
Hummus Wrap: Spread hummus on a tortilla, then add sliced vegetables (such as cucumber, bell pepper, and carrot) and feta cheese. Roll up and serve.
BBQ Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper, then grill or bake until cooked through. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Caprese Salad: Slice tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Arrange on a plate with fresh basil leaves, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad: Chop cucumbers and tomatoes, then mix with feta cheese and red onion. Dress with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
Breakfast Burrito: Scramble eggs in a pan with diced vegetables (such as bell pepper and onion) and shredded cheese. Serve on a tortilla with salsa and avocado.
Tuna Salad: Mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt, diced celery, and lemon juice. Serve on bread or crackers.
Easy Baked Salmon: Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables.
Egg Fried Rice: Cook rice according to package instructions. In a separate pan, scramble eggs and sauté diced vegetables (such as peas and carrots) in oil. Add the cooked rice to the pan and toss until combined.
Spinach and Mushroom Omelette: Whisk eggs with salt and pepper, then pour into a pan. Add sautéed spinach and mushrooms, then fold the omelette in half and cook until set.
Baked Apples: Core apples and stuff with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and oats. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes, or until apples are tender.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Season chicken with salt and pepper, then grill or bake until cooked through. Serve on a bed of romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing and croutons.
Sautéed Shrimp and Broccoli: Sauté shrimp and chopped broccoli in garlic and olive oil. Season with salt and red pepper flakes, then serve over rice or pasta.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Season cubed steak with salt and pepper, then sear in a pan with garlic and butter. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes.
Greek Quinoa Salad: Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Mix with diced cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives. Dress with lemon juice and olive oil.
Baked Chicken Parmesan: Coat chicken breasts in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Serve with spaghetti and marinara sauce.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Cut Brussels sprouts in half and toss with olive oil and salt. Roast in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto: Spiralize zucchini into noodles, then sauté in a pan with pesto sauce. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
Easy Fish Tacos: Season fish (such as tilapia) with salt and cumin, then grill or bake until cooked through. Serve in tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and lime juice.
Chickpea Salad: Mix canned chickpeas with diced vegetables (such as bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion), feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing.
One-Pan Sausage and Vegetables: Cut sausage into rounds and toss with chopped vegetables (such as bell pepper, onion, and zucchini) in a pan. Roast in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Chicken Fajitas: Slice chicken and sauté with sliced bell peppers and onions in a pan. Serve with tortillas, salsa, and guacamole.
Veggie Stir-Fry: Sauté diced vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper) in a pan with soy sauce and ginger. Serve over rice or noodles.
Tomato and Basil Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Toss with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Cut sweet potatoes into sticks and toss with olive oil and salt. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy.
Tuna Pasta Salad: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Mix with canned tuna, diced celery, and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper.
Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese: Heat up canned tomato soup and serve with a grilled cheese sandwich.
Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries and granola for a healthy breakfast or snack.
Spicy Black Bean Burgers: Mash canned black beans with diced onion, garlic, and chili powder. Form into patties and grill or bake until cooked through.
Creamy Mushroom Soup: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic and thyme in a pot. Add chicken or vegetable broth and cream, then simmer until flavors are combined.
Chili and Cornbread: Heat up canned chili and serve with cornbread muffins for a cozy meal on a chilly day.
Pesto Chicken Salad: Mix cooked diced chicken with pesto, diced tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich.
Sausage and Peppers: Sauté sliced sausage, sliced bell peppers, and sliced onions in a pan with olive oil and Italian seasoning. Serve over rice or with crusty bread.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp: Sauté shrimp with garlic, lime juice, and cilantro. Serve with rice and a side of avocado or mango salsa.
Caprese Salad: Slice tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese. Layer with fresh basil leaves, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
One-Pan Chicken and Vegetables: Cut chicken breasts into strips and toss with chopped vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onion) in a pan. Roast in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
Tuna Melt: Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise and diced celery. Spread on a slice of bread, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Baked Salmon: Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables.
Mango Salsa: Dice mango, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro. Mix with lime juice and salt. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Breakfast Burrito: Scramble eggs with diced ham, shredded cheese, and diced bell pepper. Serve in a tortilla with salsa and sour cream.
BBQ Pulled Pork: Cook pork shoulder in a slow cooker with BBQ sauce and spices. Shred the meat and serve on a bun with coleslaw.
Shrimp Scampi: Sauté shrimp with garlic and butter in a pan. Serve over pasta with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Roasted Vegetable Medley: Toss diced vegetables (such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers) with olive oil and Italian seasoning. Roast in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
Turkey and Cheese Quesadillas: Place sliced turkey and shredded cheddar cheese between two tortillas. Cook in a pan until cheese is melted and tortillas are crispy.
Pesto Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Toss with pesto and grated Parmesan cheese.
Creamy Tomato Soup: Heat up canned tomato soup and stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half. Serve with a grilled cheese sandwich.
Greek Salad: Toss diced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and feta cheese with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.
Honey Mustard Chicken: Brush chicken breasts with a mixture of honey and mustard. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Spicy Peanut Noodles: Cook noodles according to package instructions. Toss with a sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, and a splash of rice vinegar.
Baked Ziti: Cook ziti according to package instructions. Mix with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Sauté sliced beef with broccoli florets and sliced onion in a pan with soy sauce and ginger. Serve over rice.
Chicken Caesar Salad: Toss cooked chicken with chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Teriyaki Salmon: Marinate salmon fillets in teriyaki sauce for 15-30 minutes. Grill or bake until cooked through. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: Mix canned chickpeas with chopped cucumber, tomato, red onion, and feta cheese. Dress with olive oil and lemon juice.
Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup: Cook Italian sausage in a pot with diced onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Add canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and cheese tortellini. Simmer until tortellini are cooked through.
Grilled Veggie Sandwich: Grill sliced eggplant, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Layer on a sandwich with hummus, spinach leaves, and feta cheese.
Broiled Shrimp Skewers: Thread shrimp onto skewers and brush with olive oil and garlic. Broil in the oven for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Tomato Basil Bruschetta: Toast sliced baguette in the oven. Top with chopped tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Avocado and Egg Toast: Toast bread and top with mashed avocado and a fried egg. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Beef Tacos: Cook ground beef in a pan with taco seasoning. Serve in taco shells with shredded cheese, lettuce, and salsa.
Chicken Fajitas: Sauté sliced chicken with sliced bell peppers and onion in a pan with fajita seasoning. Serve in tortillas with sour cream and guacamole.