94 Quick And Easy Main Dish Dinner Ideas

You'll be sitting down to eat before you know it.

<p>Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely </p>

Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Even if you're short on time, you can still sit down to a comforting home-cooked dinner any night of the week. The key is choosing the right recipe. To help you get started, we gathered our best main dish recipe ideas in one place.

These simple but satisfying dinner recipes don't require much advance prep or a long cooking time, so you'll be sitting down to eat before you know it. Choose from Southern favorites like Fried Pork Chops, Honey-Garlic Chicken, and Fresh Salmon Cakes. Or try something new like Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Cream Sauce, Molasses-Soy Glazed Salmon, or Quesadillas al Pastor. On the hunt for a meatless main? Try our Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake. We also have several creative ground beef recipes, like our Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls and our Ravioli Lasagna.

Whatever you choose, you're sure to find a new favorite easy main dish (or two!) on this list.

Fettuccine Alfredo

<p>Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox</p>

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This fettuccini is served with a homemade sauce that doesn't take much more time than opening a jar. Once you see how easy and delicious it is to make it from scratch, you'll never reach for store-bought again.

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Meatball Casserole

<p>Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox</p>

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

With this recipe, it's as easy as dump and bake. There's no need to pre-cook your noodles or any other ingredients.

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Honey-Garlic Chicken

<p>Victor Protashio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely</p>

Victor Protashio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Honey and garlic are always a dynamic duo, especially when used to create a flavor-packed sauce for chicken thighs. We like serving this main dish over mashed potatoes with Bacon-Balsamic Brussels Sprouts on the side.

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Chicken Nachos

<p>Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox</p>

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Take this sheet pan of nachos straight from the oven to the table so the whole family can dig in. Since the pan is lined with aluminum foil, cleanup will be a breeze.

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Pan-Seared Salmon

<p>Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox</p>

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

A fresh Lemon-Herb Butter gives pan-seared salmon restaurant-quality flavor. Leaving the skin on during cooking makes it easier to flip.

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Lemon Chicken Pasta

<p>Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley</p>

Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Lemon, chicken, and pasta make a flavorful dinner that comes together in just 35 minutes. We made this recipe with linguine but you can use other pasta you may have on hand.

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Pan-Seared Strip Steaks

<p>Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely</p>

Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

We're sharing the secret to cooking up a restaurant-quality steak at home: mayonnaise. Just trust us, once you prepare your steaks this way, you'll never return to any other method.

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BBQ Chicken Salad

<p>Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins</p>

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins

This hearty salad, including the homemade White BBQ Ranch Dressing comes together in just 20 minutes. You can even make the dressing the day before to cut down on prep time.

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Ham Carbonara With Peas

<p>Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley </p>

Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Anytime you have leftover ham, we recommend putting this carbonara on the dinner menu. It's so good, you'll likely put it on the menu even if you don't have leftovers on hand.

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Skillet BBQ Chicken

<p>Alison Miksch</p>

Alison Miksch

Homemade BBQ sauce transforms budget-friendly chicken thighs into a flavorful dinner. You can add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat.

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Mini Meatloaves

<p>Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely </p>

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Mini meatloaves deliver all of the delicious flavor of traditional meatloaf in much less time. They're baked in a muffin pan for just about 20 minutes.

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Blackened Chicken

<p>Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox</p>

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

A mix of seasonings, most of which you likely already have in your kitchen, transform boneless chicken breasts into a bold supper. You can control the spice level based on the amount of cayenne added.

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Steak Diane

<p>Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke</p>

Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke

This retro dinner starts with beef tenderloin filets. Though this cut of meat is a little more expensive, we recommend it for this elegant dinner.

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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

<p>Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis</p>

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Heavy whipping cream adds just a little bit more comfort to homemade chicken noodle soup. This creamy take comes together in just 25 minutes.

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Mississippi Pork Chops

<p>Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely </p>

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Just like in classic Mississippi pot roast, this recipe gets its flavor from a cup of pepperoncini peppers. However, unlike the pot roast which cooks all day, this main dish comes together in just 35 minutes.

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White Bean Chicken Chili

<p>Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox</p>

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

While some chili recipes need to cook all day to develop flavor, this one comes together in under an hour. We like serving with toppings like crushed chips, Cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.

White Bean Chicken Chili

Chicken-Fried Steak With Cream Gravy

<p>Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely </p>

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Despite the name, this dish is actually made with an inexpensive cut of beef as the base. For the best results, make sure to pat the meat completely dry before dredging so the coating will stick.

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Bourbon Chicken

<p>Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster</p>

Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

This chicken dinner comes together in just 25 minutes, which is most likely even faster than takeout. Serve over steamed rice and garnish with fresh scallions.

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Pork Tenderloin With Apples

<p>Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely </p>

Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Fennel and herbs balance out the sweetness of the apples in this main dish recipe. A cast-iron skillet allows you to move the tenderloin from the oven to the stovetop with ease.

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Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin "Filets"

<p>Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely </p>

Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Using pork tenderloin offers a budget-friendly way to serve up the flavor of bacon-wrapped filets. Starting this recipe on the stovetop and moving to the oven ensures that the bacon is crisp and the pork is cooked through.

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Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks

<p>Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster</p>

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Transform chicken drumsticks into a delicious supper with just a few pantry staples. It'll become your go-to main dish when you're not sure what to serve for supper.

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Smothered Pork Chops

<p>Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman</p>

Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

A rich mushroom gravy transforms bone-in pork chops into a flavor-packed main dish. We recommended using a meat thermometer when cooking pork chops so you don't overcook them which will result in tough meat.

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Spiced-Rubbed Turkey Tenderloin With Gravy

<p>Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle</p>

Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This recipe is here to prove that turkey isn't just for Thanksgiving. It makes a great, protein-packed main dish year-round.

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Lemon Chicken Thighs

<p>Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman</p>

Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

Fresh lemon, thyme, and garlic deliver maximum flavor to this chicken dish with little effort. From start to finish, this main comes together in just 35 minutes.

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Pulled Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes

<p>Greg DuPree; Prop Stylist: Mindi Shapiro; Food Stylist: Torie Cox</p>

Greg DuPree; Prop Stylist: Mindi Shapiro; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Transform basic baked potatoes into a meal with the addition of pulled pork and veggies. You can also swap in shredded chicken if preferred.

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Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs

Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Margret Monroe Dickey
Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Margret Monroe Dickey

With this recipe, you can serve up baby back ribs with just 20 minutes of hands-on time. Plus, you don't even have to leave your kitchen when using the oven instead of the grill.

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Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Photographer: Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Photographer: Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

This dish is a no-brainer since you're likely to already have the ingredients in your pantry and fridge. But this version of the family favorite feels more special than the standard breaded chicken, thanks to well-seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with lemon wedges and pasta or crusty bread.

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Crunchy Potato Chip-Crusted Fish Sticks

<p>Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox</p>

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Potato chips allow you to skip the mess of a fryer and still sink your teeth into a crispy fish stick. This recipe works well with catfish, cod, tilapia, or other white fish. Try the homemade tartar sauce or another of our favorite seafood dippers.

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Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Cutlets With Haricots Verts

<p>Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely</p>

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

This impressive meal is surprisingly quick to make because of the fast-cooking cut of meat. After the chicken bakes, the green beans cook in the juices of the prosciutto-wrapped, mustard-slathered cutlets. Fresh tarragon adds a lovely anise flavor.

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Sheet Pan Greek Chicken with Roasted Potatoes

Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Tina Stamos
Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Tina Stamos

If you're on dish duty tonight, cook your main and sides all in one sheet pan. Two spice rack staples—cinnamon and nutmeg—give this simple chicken recipe a wonderful depth of flavor. This recipe preps quickly and cooks in 35 minutes.

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One-Pan Ranch Chicken And Vegetables

<p>Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox</p>

Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

The ranch dressing fans out there will love this sheet-pan dinner. Toss your chicken tenders, frozen vegetables, and bite-size potatoes in ranch seasoning, stick the pan in the oven, and bake. That's all there is to this no-fuss meal.

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Fresh Salmon Cakes With Buttermilk Dressing

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Remember the canned salmon cakes from your childhood? They're all grown up and served alongside tender lettuce and crisp peas and radishes. Drizzle with our homemade Buttermilk Dressing, which you can make ahead of time and will want to add to everything.

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Supreme Pizza

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

Fresh prepared pizza dough from the grocery store and jarred marinara make this Supreme Pizza recipe almost as easy as ordering delivery, but a whole lot more fun. Use Rao's sauce for the best homemade flavor, and a hot pizza stone or baking sheet for a nicely browned crust.

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Fish Tacos And Topping Bar

Greg DuPree
Greg DuPree

A new twist for taco Tuesday, this recipe amps up the fun for family meals with a unique topping bar for your table. Most of the work involves assembling the Asian Slaw, Quick Chipotle Cream, and other toppings, which can always be prepped in advance.

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Shrimp With Honey-Garlic Sauce

Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

It's hard to believe that this elegant supper comes together in just 15 minutes. Our secret? It's all in the sauce, a simple combination of butter, honey, garlic, soy, and lemon.

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Pan-Seared Flank Steak With Herb Sauce

Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Requiring just 30 minutes of hands-on time, this recipe proves that even a steak dinner can be weeknight-friendly. Sear the flank steak in a cast-iron skillet, then whip together a chimichurri sauce while the steak rests. You can pair this main dish with roasted potatoes or a green salad.

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Ravioli Lasagna

Photographer: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Kelly; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee
Photographer: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Kelly; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

With a little help from store-bought ravioli, this 30-minute supper combines two of our Italian favorites for one cozy weeknight meal. It's a versatile recipe that allows you to add greens or try different types of ravioli fillings. Even better, this is a one-skillet meal that requires almost no washing up.

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Creamy Kale And Pasta Bake

Hector Manuel Sanchez
Hector Manuel Sanchez

This meat-free casserole is one delicious way to enjoy your veggies this week. Even kids love kale mixed with pasta, cheese, and a creamy sauce. The dish primarily comes together on the stovetop, with just a quick broil in the oven.

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Oven-Fried Pork Chops With Sweet Potatoes And Green Beans

Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

When it comes to easy weeknight recipes, it's hard to beat a sheet pan supper. Preheat the oven and cook delicious pork chops and nutritious sides all in one dish. This recipe may be easy, but fresh herbs and a mustard vinaigrette really dress it up.

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Baked Ziti With Sausage

Southern Living
Southern Living

Equal parts easy and cheesy, our Baked Ziti with Sausage is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's ready in under an hour. The homemade meat sauce is well worth 15 minutes of your time: Smoky pancetta, fresh torn basil, and crushed tomatoes really pack in the flavor.

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Turkey Cheeseburgers With Grilled Vidalia Onion Rings

Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Dry turkey burgers are officially a thing of the past. This recipe's secret to making a moist burger? Grated butter, of course. Combined with a touch of poultry seasoning, these chargrilled burgers will remind you of oven-roasted turkey.

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Molasses-Soy Glazed Salmon And Vegetables

Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food styling: Karen Rankin
Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food styling: Karen Rankin

Salmon, sugar snap peas, and yellow bell peppers combine to create a healthy supper in just 35 minutes. Even your little ones will rave about the sweet and tangy sauce on this new weeknight standard. Serve with rice, couscous, or fast-cooking farro.

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Fried Pork Chops With Peas And Potatoes

Greg DuPree
Greg DuPree

This speedy fried dinner has all the flavors of the classic dish without so much fat. The potatoes and onion bake in the oven while you lightly fry the chops in olive oil. The delicious white wine gravy adds a touch of class to this comforting meal.

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Quesadillas Al Pastor

Southern Living
Southern Living

Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe has a tropical take on quesadillas. It's also a great way to use leftover pulled pork. For an easy side, melt a few tablespoons of butter with minced garlic and a dash of chili powder in a microwave-safe bowl; pour over boiled or grilled corn on the cob.

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Sloppy Joe Casserole With Dinner Rolls

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck

A ground beef casserole topped with sweet, buttery rolls is a weeknight wonder that even the pickiest eaters will request again and again. A gooey layer of Cheddar cheese waits for you underneath. Use pre-baked rolls for quick preparation.

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Pasta With Shrimp And Tomato Cream Sauce

Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Anna Hampton
Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Anna Hampton

Bring a taste of the coast to your kitchen table in just 25 minutes. We recommend using fresh shrimp, not frozen, for the best flavor. The cherry tomatoes only need a few minutes in the pan, along with shallots, garlic, cream, and tarragon.

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Muffin Tin Meatloaf

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Prissy Lee
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Prissy Lee

With a little help from our trusty muffin tins, we gave this nostalgic dish a weeknight update. Our rendition includes all the ingredients of Mama's favorite recipe, including Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, thyme, allspice, and—of course—ketchup. All that delicious flavor cooks up quickly in individual portions.

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Roasted Beef Tenderloin

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling; Tina Bell Stamos
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling; Tina Bell Stamos

This tender cut of beef is quick enough for every day meals, but pretty enough for a party platter, too. Tenderloin only requires about 20 minutes of roasting time. Serve as-is or add Nathalie Dupree's Vidalia-Onion-and-Vinegar Sauce on the side.

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Chicken Caprese Pasta

Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

With a little help from a store-bought rotisserie chicken, you can turn this beloved summer salad into a hearty pasta with a refreshingly light sauce. Make your own pesto or buy your favorite brand of jarred pesto sauce from the store.

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Chicken Chili

Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Who says beef has to be the starring attraction in homemade chili? Use leftover chicken or pick up a rotisserie from the store and make this hearty supper with just 15 minutes of hands-on time. This chili packs plenty of spice, topped with the cool flavor of sour cream and cilantro.

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Grilled Cajun Shrimp Kabobs With Sausage

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

If you're looking to get dinner on the table in a hurry, quick-cooking shrimp is your best friend. We love the cajun flavors in these kabobs with smoked sausage and bell peppers. The skewers cook up in five minutes tops.

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Cast-Iron Chicken Piccata

Greg Dupree
Greg Dupree

Serve this Italian restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own home. Be sure to add the fresh ingredients like lemon juice and parsley just before serving. This will help maintain the bold flavors of this quick and easy dish.

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Crawfish Fried Rice

<p>Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn Prop Stylist: Christine Keely</p>

Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Your classic fried rice recipe gets a Southern twist with loads of fresh or frozen crawfish. The sesame oil, fresh ginger, and scallions release their savory aromas while you whip this dish together. Leftover rice works especially well as the slightly drier texture lends itself to a crispy finish.

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Green Chile Mac And Cheese With Chicken

<p>Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn</p>

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

This easy, speedy supper combines velvety macaroni and cheese with convenient rotisserie chicken and spicy poblano pepper. Poblanos are a milder pepper that will appeal to the whole family (though the red ones have a bit more kick). Skip the rotisserie chicken for a vegetarian version.

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Deep-Dish Ham Pot Pie

Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Store-bought pie crusts and deli ham make preparing this delicious pot pie a breeze. This French-inspired recipe uses the flavors of Dijon mustard, tarragon, and Swiss cheese to satisfy your sophisticated tastebuds. Par-baking the crust keeps the bottom nice and firm.

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Chicken Cutlets With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Photographer: Alison Miksch / Food Stylist: Melissa Gray / Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
Photographer: Alison Miksch / Food Stylist: Melissa Gray / Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

Sun-dried tomatoes lend their sweet and smoky flavor to a rich and creamy sauce. It's all drizzled over thin chicken cutlets that take just a few minutes to brown in a skillet. This divine dish is ready in less than half an hour and belongs on your weeknight rotation.

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Simple Pan-Seared Fish

Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

The easy pan-searing method we share here works with any white fish—though fresh is always preferable. Basic salt and pepper is all the seasoning your fish needs. It's the perfect complement to a tossed salad of sugar snap peas, radishes, onion, and lemon zest.

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Chicken Tortilla Casserole

<p>Stacy K. Allen; Props: Josh Hoggle; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray</p>

Stacy K. Allen; Props: Josh Hoggle; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Now you can savor the flavor of chicken enchiladas with a lot less work. In this recipe, all the ingredients are tossed together (even the tortillas), spread in a casserole dish, and topped with cheese. Using rotisserie chicken or leftover chopped chicken allows you to prep this dish in 15 minutes.

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Beefy Skillet Lasagna

<p>Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn</p>

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Satisfy your lasagna craving without dirtying up a pile of dishes. After you make the tomato and beef mixture, the noodles cook right in the skillet with it. Top with cheese and finish under the broiler.

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Easy Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero

If you have cooked rice in the fridge, try this stir fry that comes together in only 20 minutes. Spread the ground beef in an even layer in the pan to create a nice sear. The rice and vegetables soak up the sweet soy sauce mixture and are accented with a sprinkling of green onions.

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Shrimp Perloo

Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Anna Hampton
Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Anna Hampton

In this low-country staple, the rice soaks up the savory flavors of bacon and the Holy Trinity of onion, celery, and bell pepper. The perloo is prepared in a Dutch oven, with the seafood tossed in at the end. If shrimp doesn't appeal tonight, substitute chicken or sausage instead.

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Chicken Bog

<p>Greg DuPree</p>

Greg DuPree

Our version of another low-country favorite, Chicken Bog, simplifies the dish for an easy and family-friendly weeknight meal. This recipe uses common kitchen staples plus a rotisserie chicken. Parsley and lemon juice should be added right at the end to preserve their zest.

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Buttermilk Alfredo Chicken Spinach Pasta

<p>Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox</p>

Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

We replaced the heavy cream with whole buttermilk in this recipe to create an appealing, velvety, and satisfying cheese sauce with less fat than other cheese sauces. Baby spinach leaves are delicious in this dish, but you can use blanched broccoli, green peas, or another favorite vegetable.

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Simple Oyster Stew

<p>Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer</p>

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This stew lets fresh-shucked oysters shine in a simple, no-frills broth. A few scallions and oyster crackers are the only embellishment required. Pick up a dozen oysters for two or double or triple the recipe for your family.

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Vegetarian Skillet Chili

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

Portabello mushrooms and white beans add heartiness to this veggie-packed chili, while its fire-roasted tomatoes, jalapenos, and spices will warm you from the inside out. Better yet, it takes just 30 minutes to prepare.

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Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad

Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

This recipe turns the typical Caesar salad on its head. Tender romaine hearts get a quick roast under the broiler for caramelized flavor, while the chicken tenders soak up dressing as they cook. The result is a main dish salad that's familiar but refreshing.

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Baked Tortellini Alfredo With Mushrooms

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Who can say no to a rich and creamy Alredo sauce, especially after it turns brown and bubbly in the oven? This skillet supper is so easy to make, too, thanks to store-bought cheese tortellini. Cremini mushrooms and a pinch of nutmeg add a special touch.

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One-Pot Pasta Primavera With Bacon And Feta

Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

This recipe takes advantage of bacon drippings to build a full-flavored sun-dried tomato sauce. The farfalle soaks up all the wonderful juices as it cooks. After you try this dish, you may never boil pasta in water again.

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7-Can Soup

<p>Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox</p>

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Just as the name promises, this soup doesn't involve much more than pouring seven cans of veggies and chili in a stock pot. Use a packet of taco seasoning or make your own. Add rice or meat if you want to beef it up. After 10 minutes of simmering, your full-flavored dinner is served.

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Oven-Baked Risotto With Ham, Leeks, And Peas

Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Most risottos are labor-intensive, but we've taken endless stirring out of the equation. Spend a few minutes combining the ingredients on the stovetop and let the oven do the rest. Stir the sweet peas into the rich and creamy Arborio rice just before serving.

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Pesto Primavera Ravioli With Ham

Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Springtime vegetables pair beautifully with smoky, salty diced ham and an herby pasta sauce. With prepackaged ravioli and basil pesto, you'll have this meal on the table pronto. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

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Smoky White Bean Soup

Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Mary-Claire Britton;
Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Mary-Claire Britton;

With a can of cannellini beans, you can skip hours of soaking and prepare this comforting soup in no time flat. But that doesn't mean we skimp on the flavor: Plum tomatoes, bacon, fresh thyme, and bay add smoky depth to each spoonful.

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Summer Brunswick Stew

Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck
Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck

Put a pound of pulled pork to good use in this fast-cooking Brunswick stew. Though you can use frozen vegetables, this recipe really lets summer produce shine. Use farmer-market field peas and sweet corn for the freshest flavor.

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Cabbage, Mushroom, And Bacon Pasta

Greg DuPree
Greg DuPree

This fall-flavored pasta dish deserves a spot on your table. Caramelizing cabbage in a skillet mellows it and brings out a subtle sweetness. Cream cheese and pasta water blend to create the silky sauce in this very simple recipe.

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Sheet Pan Fajitas

Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin
Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin

A sheet pan covered in aluminum foil makes for easy cooking and cleanup. Toss all your fajita ingredients together with your preferred blend of spices and roast under the broiler for about 10 minutes. The squeeze of lime juice at the end really makes this meal shine.

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Beef Tamale Pie

Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This Tex-Mex favorite is sure to become a regular request, and it's ready in no time thanks to a package of corn muffin mix. We blend the muffin mix with a healthy dose of Cheddar cheese and top it with jalapeño slices for an extra kick.

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Honey-Mustard Baked Salmon With Vegetables

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Lightly breaded salmon fillets, baby red potatoes, and sugar snap peas all roast together in this healthy and full-flavored meal. While your sheet pan spends 10 minutes in the oven, whip up the tangy vinaigrette for drizzling over top.

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Pasta Primavera With Shrimp

Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Who doesn't love a one-pot meal on a busy night? Loaded with healthy vegetables, fresh shrimp, and a light sauce, this 30-minute pasta is as colorful as it is good for you. The entire dish is prepared in a Dutch oven, including the pasta.

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Chicken Gnocchi Soup

<p>Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox</p>

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Unique suppertime soup comes together in under an hour thanks to a rotisserie chicken and gnocchi from the grocery store. Lots of hardy veg ensure that this meal will be satisfying and healthful.

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Burrito Bowls

Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Quick and easy dinner with a Southwestern flair can be on the table in just 10 minutes. This vegetarian supper is bursting with bright flavor and easily customizable to each family member's tastes.

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One-Pan Garlic-Butter Shrimp With Orzo

Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

You'll be happy to hear that this elegant meal comes together in just 30 minutes. Garlicky seafood orzo will taste like a labor of love, but really, it couldn't be easier.

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One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Loren Wood; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Loren Wood; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Bring the sizzling excitement of a fresh plate of fajitas to your dinner table with this delectable recipe. Add chopped jalapeños if you like it hot or follow our recipe as-is for savory, smoky, Tex-Mex goodness.

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Flank Steak And Cucumber Salad

Jacob Snavely
Jacob Snavely

Equal parts hardy and bright, Flank Steak And Cucumber Salad is just the thing to both refresh and satisfy. Make the quick-pickled cucumbers first so they have more time to sop up flavor.

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Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetables with Rice

Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

When it comes to quick and easy meals, sheet pan recipes reign supreme. Just coat your ingredients in some olive oil and seasoning, then let the oven do the rest.

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Skillet Orzo With Fish And Herbs

Becky Luigart Stayner
Becky Luigart Stayner

Whip up Skillet Orzo With Fish And Herbs on a busy weeknight or when you're expecting company for a special occasion. Nobody else needs to know how quick and easy this impressive meal was to throw together.

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Skillet Pork Chops With Apples And Onions

<p>Becky Luigart Stayner</p>

Becky Luigart Stayner

This recipe looks like a delicious piece of work, but you'll just have to trust us on this one. This hardy dinner, sauce and all, comes together in one pan in under an hour.

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Skillet-Toasted Gnocchi With Peas

Victor Protasio
Victor Protasio

Pillowy gnocchi turn into golden nuggets of goodness when sautéed in butter. This springtime recipe calls for sweet peas, parsley, lemon, and Parmesan cheese, but of course, you can substitute your favorite vegetables.

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Sheet Pan Hanger Steak And Vegetables

Victor Protasio; Prop Styling; Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling; Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Tonight's main dish and sides come together on just one pan in under an hour. Serve up this oven-baked steak when it's too chilly out to fire up the grill.

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Skillet Enchiladas Suizas

Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Our easiest enchilada recipe ever comes together in just 25 minutes. No filling or rolling necessary for this delicious and zesty supper.

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Hamburger Steak With Sweet Onion-Mushroom Gravy

Beth Dreiling Hontzas
Beth Dreiling Hontzas

This ground beef recipe helps you make the most of your busy weeknights. You can make the patties ahead, then simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before using. You'll love the moist and tender gravy and rich and earthy mushroom flavor.

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Lemon Chicken

Easy Catfish Tacos Recipe with Slaw
Easy Catfish Tacos Recipe with Slaw

A reader-favorite main with a short ingredient list, this easy dish pairs well with crisp veggies and a side of rice for a delicious dinner. Lemon slices cook alongside the chicken and add bright, zesty flavor. Add a sprinkling of capers if you want even more tang.

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Simple Salmon Croquettes

William Dickey / Styling Buffy Hargett / Food Styling Angela Sellersc
William Dickey / Styling Buffy Hargett / Food Styling Angela Sellersc

This dish comes together in a flash when it's time to cook. Make the croquettes ahead of time and refrigerate so they'll hold their shape while frying. The mouthwatering Lemon-Caper Cream can be made up to two weeks in advance.

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Italian Sausage Spaghetti

William Dickey
William Dickey

Mix together spaghetti with sausage and peppers for a quick Italian meal that's sure to please the entire family. This recipe is light on the sauce and heavy on the fresh veggies and meat. It only takes 20 minutes to cook, and can even be frozen for the next time you need a quick meal.

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Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Beth Dreiling Hontzas
Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Everything's better with bacon, and this pork tenderloin recipe is no exception. Go ahead and season the other tenderloin in the package with your favorite spice blend. Wrap and freeze to jump-start another meal.

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