Easy Dinners 35 Delicious And Nutritious Recipes

These dishes combine wholesome ingredients with quick cooking methods so you can enjoy a balanced meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From satiating salads and hearty soups to protein–packed mains and vegetarian options, this collection offers a variety to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

17. Chickpea quinoa salad

For more quick dinner ideas make sure to check out our 30-minute Meal Page! Pasta aglio e olio is an easy pasta recipe with spaghetti tossed in garlic-infused olive oil, red pepper flakes and parsley.

2. Mushroom fettuccine pasta

A colorful plate of mushroom pasta that is wholesome and indulgent at the same time. Sautèed mushrooms, garlic, and cherry tomatoes add extra zest to this weekday–friendly dinner.

3. Easy hummus pasta

This delicious, easy meal is ready in less than 30 minutes, and you can make it with homemade hummus or your favorite store-bought brand. It’s a wonderful vegetarian dinner idea where you can add your favorite protein to make it a meal. Add vegetarian protein, such as mozzarella balls, and leafy greens, such as spinach or arugula.

5. Penne Arrabbiata

Try this rich and slightly spicy penne Arrabbiata (angry pasta), which is seasoned with garlic, tomato sauce, and dried chili. It’s simple to make and, with just a few ingredients, a traditional and authentic pasta dish.

6. Mushroom Bolognese

Here is an easy, meatless meal with simple and affordable ingredients. Mushroom bolognese is a quick pasta sauce that works with any type of pasta, lasagna, and meal-prep recipe. The recipe is healthy and easy to make, with simple pantry staples in one pot. Mediterranean-inspired, fresh, and zesty, and thanks to the honey-mustard dressing, this summer salad is a stunning recipe combining flavors and outstanding nutrition. For added plant-based protein, we add cannellini beans and yogurt to the dressing.

10. Pasta Puttanesca

A rich tomato sauce with capers and olives makes the base of this pasta Puttanesca. Invented in Naples, Italy, this spaghetti dish is a creamy, elegant, and quick plant-based meal idea. Silky ricotta coats tender pasta, punctuated by wilted spinach for a comforting Italian–inspired dish.

12. Broccoli pasta

This broccoli pasta is easy, delicious, and a vibrantly green pasta recipe. Inspired by the Italian way of cooking broccoli, you cook and mash broccoli and mix it with your favorite pasta, such as orecchiette or gnocchi.

13. Pasta e fagioli

Pasta and beans provide plenty of wholesome plant protein and other nutrients to help you stay satiated and fulfilled for several hours. You can serve pasta e fagioli as a soup, with enough liquid to grant the use of a spoon, or thicker, more like a pasta dish. Serve with toasted bread or a side of couscous or pasta for a satiating and wholesome dinner.

15. Black bean salad

Black bean salad is an easy recipe that combines simple vegetables with a refreshing and zesty cilantro lime dressing to bring out the flavors. Expect an irresistible combination of textures. Crispy bell pepper, creamy sweet potatoes, velvety avocado, tender black beans, corn, and a juicy dressing. The flavors are inspired by our Mediterranean salad, couscous salad, and orzo salad, which are made with similar ingredients. Enjoy it as a quick lunch or a healthy dinner, for a lunchbox meal, potlucks, or picnics.

18. Lentil quinoa salad

Our readers loved lentil salad and our refreshing lentil tabbouleh and have asked us for more easy recipes with lentils. So here is an easy, flavor-packed, nourishing lentil recipe with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Family-friendly easy dinners

19. Italian bean stew

This hearty, thick, and tomato-rich bean stew is a great pairing with couscous, polenta, and quinoa. Perfect as a quick and light dinner as it’s low in calories and ready in about 30 minutes. Serve the stew with a thick slice of toasted artisanal bread. For a lighter dinner, you can even put it on cauliflower rice.

21. Tomato risotto

This risotto recipe is adapted from my Nonna’s recipe. I’ve only changed the topping of charred cherry tomatoes and burrata, but that’s optional. Risotto leftovers are excellent for making rice balls, risotto cakes, and supplì, which are worth the small effort of making risotto.

22. Lentil curry

Our lentil curry is an Indian–inspired dahl. Split red lentils are cooked in a rich, savory sauce with fragrant spices, coconut milk, and canned tomatoes. You can serve it on basmati rice or cauliflower rice, but it’s also great with naan, roti, or any other type of flatbread.

23. Stuffed eggplant boats

If you love eggplant, you need to try these stuffed eggplant boats with lentils and tomato sauce. Serve them with toasted bread as a starter or as a Mediterranean–inspired dinner with tzatziki on the side. It’s a comforting and steamy bowl of soffrito, Italian tomato sauce, and legumes that pleases the entire family.

25. Easy chickpea curry

This chickpea curry is a flavorful Indian-inspired dish that combines the wholesome nuttiness of chickpeas with the creaminess of coconut milk. We developed this coconut chickpea curry so that you can make it with easy-to-find ingredients in less than 30 minutes without compromising flavor.

Healthy soup recipes

26. Zucchini soup

Vibrantly green, light, and easy to make, this zucchini soup is great for the spring and summer when zucchini is plentiful and seasonal. Serve with toppings such as croutons, roasted chickpeas, or grated parmesan for a complete and colorful meal.

27. Tofu soup

This tofu soup is quick, tasty, and easy. With simple ingredients and seasonal veggies, it can be made in 20 minutes at any time of the year. Drizzle with sesame seeds and chili oil for an Asian–inspired dinner. Pair with slices of toasted bread and roasted Brussels sprouts for a colorful appetizer idea.

29. Chickpea soup

Chickpeas, tomato sauce, and potatoes make a wholesome and rich soup combination in this Italian chickpea soup. Add leafy greens for extra veggies and serve with slices of homemade focaccia.

30. Lentil vegetable soup

Inspired by Mediterranean and Italian flavors, this lentil soup recipe will feel comforting and familiar while excitingly new and original. The flavor base of onion, garlic, carrot, and celery combined with oregano and canned tomatoes makes this lentil soup so flavorful that you won’t believe there’s no meat in it.

31. Red lentil soup

Rich, thick, and tomato-packed, this red lentil soup cooks in about 30 minutes and provides healthy plant–based protein. Add spinach for extra greens and serve with sourdough bread for a rustic and wholesome dinner.

32. Broccoli soup

Broccoli soup is light and vibrant, and it’s perfectly paired with burrata cheese, crostini, and croutons. It’s easy to make in about 30 minutes and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

33. Tuscan bean soup

Next on our easy dinners list is a one–pot Tuscan bean soup with leafy greens. You can expect a wholesome, earthy, and satisfying meal packed with the flavors and aromas of the Italian countryside.

34. Black bean soup

The black beans shine in this dish as they add a bold, earthy, and almost meaty flavor. The beans pack the recipe with protein, fiber, and antioxidants that will make you feel nourished and healthy.

35. Moroccan lentil soup

You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to make, in one pot, and with pantry staples. Its comforting texture and heartwarming flavors will fill you with the wanderlust to try more Moroccan dishes.

25 vegetable side dishes 45 easy salads Easy zucchini recipes 40 easy appetizers

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45 Easy Pasta Recipes

35 Easy Desserts

45 Best Salad Recipes

Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients. Easy right? Comment * Name Email Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Notify me when Louise or Nico reply to my comment.

Δ I’m delighted that your family complimented your cooking 🎉 Thanks for coming back to leave a comment here! Kindest, Louise Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients.