Running low on dinner inspiration doesn’t mean you have to settle for boring meals. These dinner recipes pack bold flavors into easy-to-make dishes that keep things fresh without overcomplicating your night. From skillet meals to slow-cooked favorites, there’s plenty to mix up your routine with straightforward, flavorful and minimal effort recipes.

Beef and broccoli stir fry with rice and chopsticks.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
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Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

A skillet filled with chicken and cashews.
Cashew Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Thai basil cashew chicken skillet makes a great weeknight dinner. It’s a one-pan meal with fresh basil and a savory-sweet sauce, ready in no time and perfect over rice.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

A skillet full of steak, potatoes and peppers.
Steak and Potatoes Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pan smoky steak, potato, and pepper skillet is perfect for a no-fuss dinner, ready in just 40 minutes. It’s everything you need for a filling meal in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Salmon in a skillet with sauce and vegetables on a wooden table.
Bacon Wrapped Salmon. Photo Credit: Running To The Kitchen.

For a touch of elegance, try bacon-wrapped salmon. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that feels like a treat, perfect for a special but easy dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Chicken and chickpea curry with rice.
Creamy Turmeric Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy turmeric chicken with chickpeas is an easy, flavorful skillet meal that you can have on the table in less than 30 minutes. Serve it over rice with a sprinkle of cilantro for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Stir fried noodles with pork and vegetables in a skillet.
Ramen Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Whip up this sweet and spicy pork ramen stir fry in just 20 minutes. Packed with vegetables and easy to make, it’s a healthy alternative to takeout that’s still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Pasta with prosciutto and peas in a bowl.
Creamy Tomato Farfalle. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy tomato farfalle is ready in just 20 minutes, featuring a light cream sauce, peas, and crispy prosciutto. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Brussels sprouts and bacon pasta in a pot.
Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Try Brussels sprouts pasta for a meal that’s easy yet feels upscale. With bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes, it’s a quick pasta dish that’s packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, on a table with a pepper grinder and a cloth napkin alongside.
Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is quick to make and comforting, with just the right amount of richness from the tomato sauce and baby spinach. It’s a satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Gochujang Chicken

Chinese chicken in a skillet on a table.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spice up your dinner routine with gochujang chicken, featuring a sticky, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. It’s a fast 30-minute meal that pairs perfectly with white rice.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

A bowl of asian chicken and rice with chopsticks.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Set up your slow cooker in the morning and come home to honey garlic chicken that’s better than takeout. With a sweet and sticky sauce and tender pineapple pieces, it’s a great meal that takes care of itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Cod Piccata

A plate of cod piccata with asparagus and lemon on it.
Cod Piccata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cod piccata brings a bright, tangy flavor to your dinner table with lemon juice, capers, and shallots. This pan-fried dish is light, tasty, and comes together quickly for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata

Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls

Slow cooker Mexican shredded beef bowls.
Slow cooker Mexican shredded beef.

For a dinner that practically makes itself, try these slow cooker shredded Mexican beef bowls. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Serve with rice, beans, plantains, and peppers for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls

Beef Kafta

Beef kafta kabobs on a plate with rice and salad.
Beef Kafta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

If you’re looking for an easy dinner with big flavor, try beef kafta. These Lebanese-style kabobs are simple to make and go great with a side of rice, a fresh tomato cucumber salad, and some feta or a dollop of hummus. It’s a tasty change from the usual that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry with rice and chopsticks.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quick and flavorful, this shaved beef and broccoli stir fry comes together fast with a sauce that’s got all the right flavors. It’s better than takeout and just as easy.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Three grilled chicken breasts on a plate stuffed with cheese, ham and pineapple.
Stuffed Hawaiian Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled Hawaiian chicken is stuffed with ham and pineapple and topped with melted smoked cheese and a teriyaki glaze. It’s a simple meal that brings a taste of the islands to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Sticky Thai Chicken

A plate with sticky chicken and rice and a bottle of sauce.
Sticky Thai Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Give your weeknight meals a makeover with sticky Thai chicken thighs. They’re ready in 30 minutes and bring a burst of Thai flavor that will liven up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Thai Chicken

Flank Steak Pinwheels

Flank steak pinwheels seasoned with herbs and spices in a skillet.
Flank Steak Pinwheels. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Flank steak pinwheels are stuffed with pesto, Parmesan cheese, prosciutto, and spinach, making them perfect for your next dinner party or a family meal. They’re easy to prepare and look great on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Flank Steak Pinwheels

Reuben Strip Steak

Two reuben steaks on a cutting board.
Reuben Strip Steak. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Change up your steak night with reuben strip steak, topped with Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and sauerkraut. It’s like the classic sandwich but turned into a hearty dinner that’s easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Strip Steak

Instant Pot Coconut Pork

A bowl of coconut pulled pork and turmeric rice on a wooden table.
Instant Pot Coconut Pork. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Explore the rich flavors of instant pot coconut pork, infused with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. It’s a hassle-free dinner that cooks quickly in the instant pot, perfect over rice with some dried fruits and sliced almonds.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Chicken marsala in a skillet with sauce and herbs.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Stuffed chicken marsala puts a new spin on an Italian classic, filled with mozzarella, tomato butter, and basil. It’s an easy way to make a plain chicken dinner into something special.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Sweet & Spicy Indian Chicken

Indian chicken with yogurt sauce and lemon wedges on a wooden table.
Indian Spiced Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Add some excitement to your dinner with sweet and spicy Indian chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices, then glazed with maple syrup. It’s a quick and easy dish that beats takeout any day.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Indian Chicken

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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