16 Quick and Easy Recipes for Effortless Dinners

By Alexandra Caspero on June 1, 2023

Busy weeknights are hectic enough– let dinner be easy with these quick and effortless dinners ready in 30 minutes or less. Hand-picked by a Registered Dietitian and New York Times bestselling chef, these recipes are not only delicious and easy but healthy as well.

Make them tonight.

16. 20-Minute Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

Need a quick, vegan pantry meal? Try this simple pasta with penne and a creamy, cheesy roasted red pepper sauce.

Make the recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

15. Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos

Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

Inspired by crispy fish tacos, these cauliflower tacos are a vegan version. Paired with softened tortillas and cilantro lime slaw for the perfect summer taco.

Make the recipe: Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos

14. Avocado Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

avocado chickpea salad sandwich
Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

Avocado Chickpea Salad Bagel Sandwich. A healthy vegan sandwich! Smashed chickpea and avocado salad on poppyseed bagels. Ready in minutes for a delicious, plant-based lunch. 

Make the recipe: Avocado Chickpea Salad Bagel Sandwich

13. Easy Crispy Tacos with Quick Queso Dipping Sauce

crispy tacos
Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

Crispy Tacos with a 4-Ingredient Queso Dipping Sauce. A healthy, satisfying plant-based meal with both stove-top and air-fryer directions.

Make the recipe: Crispy Tacos with Queso Dipping Sauce

12. Easy Drunken Noodles

vegan drunken noodles
Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

Inspired by the Thai favorite, Pad Kee Mao, this easy vegan drunken noodle recipe is made with rice noodles, veggies, tofu and a spicy sauce. Ready in 30 minutes!

Make the recipe: Easy Drunken Noodles

11. One Skillet Sausage and Peppers

Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

This one-skillet dinner makes mealtime a breeze! Crispy seasoned purple potatoes, and peppers. A family-friendly dinner that doesn’t require much effort or clean-up. 

Make the recipe: One Skillet Sausage and Peppers

10. Air Fryer Black Bean Taquitos

black bean taquitos
Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

Black Bean Taquitos made in the air fryer! Crispy vegan taquitos made in the air fryer with just a handful of ingredients. 

Make the recipe: Air Fryer Black Bean Taquitos

9. Buffalo Chickpea Lettuce Wraps

Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

You are going to love these vegan and gluten-free wraps, ready in less than 20 minutes! 

Make the recipe: Buffalo Chickpea Lettuce Wraps

8. 15-Minute Pad Thai

spicy pad thai
Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

These Pad Thai noodles are ready in less time than it takes to call up take-out or rummage around in the pantry trying to decide what to make!

Make the recipe: 15-Minute Pad Thai

7. Sheet Pan Stir-Fry Vegetables and Tofu

Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

For this quick and easy dinner, dump everything onto a sheet pan, toss with homemade stir-fry sauce and bake. That’s it! Add in cooked grains as desired and eat.

Make the recipe: Sheet Pan Stir-Fry Tofu and Vegetables

6. Easy Caprese Brie Pasta

Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

Toss leftover brie cheese into hot pasta for simple, creamy weeknight dinner. With pan-roasted tomatoes and basil for an easy take on Caprese pasta!

Make the recipe: Easy Caprese Brie Pasta

5. 10 Minute Vegan Black Bean Tacos

Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

In just 10 minutes, you can have a healthy, yet satisfying meal ready to serve with a punch of flavor and protein. This black bean taco recipe will knock your socks off!

Make the recipe: 10 Minute Black Bean Tacos

4. 7 Ingredient Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

This 7 ingredient dinner is ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights! 

Make the recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

3. Sheet Pan Spicy Tofu and Green Beans

sheet pan tofu
Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

You are going to love this one pan meal. Spicy tofu with crispy green beans. Vegan and Gluten-Free, a must-make!

Make the recipe: Sheet Pan Tofu and Green Beans

2. Easy, 20 Minute Vegan Pasta

Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge

You are going to love this healthy, easy vegan pasta! With a trick to creating glossy, restaurant-style pasta, this is a must-have for quick dinners. 

Make the recipe: Easy Vegan Pasta Recipe

1. Lentil and Mushroom Quesadillas

Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

The perfect weeknight vegetarian dinner. Spicy spinach, lentil, and mushroom filling with pepper jack cheese. Ready in less than 30 minutes. 

Make the Recipe: Spinach, Lentil and Mushroom Quesadillas

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chocolate sprinkle cookies
Photo Credit: Karen Kelly

If you love cookies, then you’ll want to save these 28 mouthwatering cookie recipes. From classic chocolate chip to sugar cookies to sprinkles, these are the must-make cookie recipes to make now. 

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Meet Alex Caspero

Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Plant-Based Chef and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.

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