33 Fast Recipes For Nights When You Just Want To Relax And Eat

After a long day, easy and quick meals make everything better. Cooking should not feel like a chore, especially when rest is the main goal. Simple recipes can bring great taste without taking too much time. With 33 fast recipes, eating well can be easy and stress-free. Good food should bring comfort and joy, even on the busiest nights.

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce. — Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Kimchi Stew

For those nights when you crave something cozy and quick, Kimchi Stew is a winner. It’s a comforting dish that brings a burst of flavor. Perfect for dinner after a long day. Grab a bowl and enjoy the warmth it brings. You deserve something special tonight.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

A plate with honey chicken tenders, broccoli florets, and mashed potatoes. — Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Feeling like a simple and tasty dinner, Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are your go-to. These tenders are crispy and have a delicious mustard touch. They’re amazing for a no-fuss night in. Pair them with your favorite dip and you’re set.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Grilled Peppers

Grilled red and yellow bell peppers with char marks, topped with crumbled feta cheese and garnished with herbs. — Grilled Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Need a quick side or a light meal, Grilled Peppers are super speedy to make and pack with flavor. Perfect for those lazy evenings. Just toss them on the grill and relax. It’s delicious and effortlessly easy. Either way, it’s a winner for a quiet evening.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Chicken Alfredo

A plate of bowtie pasta with creamy sauce topped with cooked chicken pieces and garnished with parsley, with a black fork on the side. — Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Craving something creamy and delicious, Chicken Alfredo is here to save dinner time. Smooth, rich and ready in no time at all. It’s like magic on your plate. Sit back and enjoy the creamy goodness. Just like that, dinner is served with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo

Egg Drop Soup

Looking for something warm and fulfilling, Egg Drop Soup can be whipped up in a jiffy. It’s light, yet nicely filling, perfect for unwinding. A great way to end your busy day. Enjoy the simplicity in every spoonful. Saying “yum” never got easier.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

A colorful salad with shredded carrots, zucchini, chicken, orange slices, and sesame seeds on a brown plate, garnished with fresh herbs. — Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A speedy dish that doesn’t lack flavor is Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken. The zingy lemon twist makes it an exciting choice. Quick to prepare and even quicker to enjoy. It’s perfect for enjoying a relaxed night in. You’ll feel refreshed!
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon. — Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Looking for a comfort food option, Easy Tater Tot Casserole is the ideal solution. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for when you just want to relax and enjoy a hearty dish. Your evening just got better. Perfect for enjoying with your favorite tunes in the background.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Close-up of a stir-fry dish with chicken, broccoli, mushrooms, and sesame seeds, coated in a soy-based sauce. — Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When time is tight, Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is the perfect choice. It’s speedy and filled with wholesome ingredients. Tasty, nutritious, and quick to make. You’ll have dinner ready before you know it. Sit down and enjoy! Enjoy while kicking back with your favorite show.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Dense Bean Salad

A spoonful of chickpea salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and feta cheese being served from a bowl. — Dense Bean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For a quick and nutritious meal, Dense Bean Salad is fantastic. It’s filling and easy to put together. Perfect for a night when you want something healthy but tasty. You’ll feel great after having it. Don’t forget to enjoy each bite!
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side. — Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spice up your dinner with Chipotle Grilled Chicken. It’s quick, easy, and brings some heat to your meal. Great for relaxing evenings where you don’t want to fuss too much. Just grill and chill. Enjoy the bold flavors. Dinner will be ready before you know it!
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Easy Bibimbap

A bowl of bibimbap with sliced beef, egg yolk, carrots, cucumber, greens, and bean sprouts, topped with sesame seeds and red sauce. — Easy Bibimbap. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

On nights when you want something different yet fast, Easy Bibimbap is perfect. This dish is packed with variety and ready in no time. It’s colorful and full of flavor. Great for mixing things up without much effort. Enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap

Egg Prosciutto Bagel

Close-up of a savory pastry topped with a sunny-side-up egg, sliced ham, yellow bell pepper, and garnished with chopped parsley, served on a sesame seed bun. — Egg Prosciutto Bagel. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

After a long day, sometimes you just want something quick yet comforting. Egg Prosciutto Bagel fits the bill with its simple, delicious charm. It’s like a warm hug wrapped in a crispy bagel. Perfect for those nights when you’re not in the mood to cook but want something more than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Egg Prosciutto Bagel

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs. — Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Some nights call for meals that let you relax while they do the cooking. Easy Chicken Casserole is an all-in-one dish that’s both hearty and fuss-free. Toss everything in, and let it work its magic in the oven. While it bakes, you can put your feet up and enjoy some much-needed downtime.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Need a break from the usual after a long day, Mexican Street Corn Salad brings vibrant flavors to your table with minimal effort. No heavy lifting here—just mix and go! It’s a quick dish that keeps dinner light and refreshing. Ideal for nights when you need an easy win in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Million Dollar Dip

Close-up of a creamy dish topped with shredded cheese, chopped nuts, bacon bits, and sliced green onions. — Million Dollar Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Craving something cheesy and indulgent, Million Dollar Dip might be the ultimate quick-fix snack you’re looking for. It’s creamy, easy to throw together, and vanishes fast at any gathering. All it takes is a few minutes to whip up, making it great for lazy nights in. Scoop it up with chips, or just grab a spoon—your call!
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves. — Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Looking for that sweet and tasty blend without the kitchen marathon, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is just your style. It’s mixed up in a snap, giving you more time to kick back and relax. Great on its own or tucked into a sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

A close-up of a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup garnished with croutons, a sprig of mint, and grated cheese. — Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you’re too tired to fuss over dinner, a bowl of Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup is the answer. It’s comforting, cozy, and quick to prepare, making your evening truly relaxed. Let the soup’s richness work its wonders while you unwind. Pair with some crusty bread if you fancy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Long day and in need of some comfort, Chicken Noodle Casserole has got your back with its homey vibe and simple prep. It’s all about tossing things together and letting it bake to perfection. You’ll have time to relax before dinner without any stress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole

Easy Chow Mein

A close-up view of a plate of chow mein stir-fried noodles with vegetables and black sesame seeds, with chopsticks visibly picking up a portion. — Easy Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

After a busy day, quick and tasty are the magic words, right. Easy Chow Mein delivers just that with its speedy prep and delicious flavors. Stir it up in a pan, and you’re ready to go in no time. It’s like takeout, but better because you made it yourself. Definitely a weeknight champion for your table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

Miso Soup

Seeking something light yet delicious for those laid-back evenings, Miso Soup can be your go-to with its simple, soothing broth. It’s quick to prepare, letting you relax while keeping you warm. Perfect companion for a cozy night in. Sip and taste the moment.
Get the Recipe: Miso Soup

Funeral Potatoes

When you want something comforting without the hassle, think Funeral Potatoes. Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both creamy and crispy. It’s no-fuss cooking for a relaxing night. Pop it in the oven and let it bake while you take a well-deserved breather. Truly, a comforting classic.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Penne Alla Vodka

Some weeknights call for a bit of indulgence, and Penne Alla Vodka fits right in. It’s rich, cozy, and comes together faster than you think. Perfect for those evenings you crave something special without a ton of effort. Let the sauce and pasta do the talking while you kick back. A perfect treat to round off your day!
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Ham and Cheese Sliders

For those evenings when you want something quick and comforting, Ham and Cheese Sliders are your go-to. Melted cheese and ham between soft buns – it’s like a warm hug in every bite. Perfect for relaxing while watching your favorite show. Simple to make, and even simpler to enjoy. Great for sharing or indulging solo.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds. — Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you need a speedy dinner that’s bursting with flavor, Kung Pao Chicken fits the bill. A mix of chicken and veggies with a hint of spice, perfect for cozy nights in. Just the right balance of simplicity and deliciousness. Whip it up in no time and taste each mouthful. You’ll be done before you know it and still have time to unwind.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil. — Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Those lazy evenings call for Homemade Lasagna, a dish that’s both quick and hearty. Layers of goodness all baked to perfection bring a taste of comfort straight to your plate. Great for a chill night in with minimal effort yet a lot of satisfaction. It’s like getting a warm hug from the inside. Dig in and relax.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Mac and Cheese

On nights when time is short but you’re craving comfort, Mac and Cheese is the perfect companion. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-easy to prepare, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Just a few moments in the kitchen and you’re set. Perfect to enjoy while catching up on your favorite series.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A plate of creamy penne pasta garnished with chopped parsley and grated cheese, featuring pieces of sun-dried tomatoes. A black fork is resting on the plate. — Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A perfect match for those busy nights, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious meal. Creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a perfect treat. Takes just a bit of time to prepare but tastes like a special occasion. Enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Salmon

Grilled salmon fillet topped with a creamy herb sauce, served next to a portion of white rice. — Marry Me Salmon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you want something easy yet impressive, Marry Me Salmon is your answer. Quick to prepare with a blend of flavors, it’s perfect for a calm evening at home. Pairs well with your favorite side dishes and a cozy atmosphere. Takes no time at all and the results are always wonderful.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Salmon

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. — Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a taste of takeout without leaving home, Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a winner. Sweet and tasty, it’s a breeze to cook and perfect for those relaxed nights. You’ll have dinner ready in a flash, leaving plenty of time to unwind. Feel like a chef without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Meatball Sliders

Close-up of a cheesy meatball slider with a seasoned bun, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. Other sliders are visible in the background. — Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Need something quick and tasty, Meatball Sliders are just the thing. Juicy meatballs tucked into soft rolls make for a delicious bite. Perfect for a night when you want something fun and easy. Prepare them quickly and enjoy a casual, delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders

Pasta Carbonara

A close-up image of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper. — Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When time is short but you’re in the mood for something rich, Pasta Carbonara is a fantastic choice. Creamy and full of flavor, it doesn’t take long to whip up. Perfect for a relaxed dinner at home. Enjoy a tasty meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Close-up of a blue corn chip dipped in a creamy cheese and vegetable mixture, garnished with cilantro and sliced jalapeños. — Mexican Street Corn Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a quick and tasty snack, Mexican Street Corn Dip is a terrific option. Creamy, cheesy, with a hint of spice, it’s perfect for dipping and munching. Easy to prepare and a hit with everyone. Great for a cozy night in with some chips and your favorite movie. Dig into this flavorful delight and relax.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Dip

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

When you’re craving something delicious and fast, Chick-fil-A Nuggets are the answer. Crispy, tender, and incredibly tasty, they’re ready in no time. Perfect for a relaxing evening without much fuss. Just whip them up and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce. A delicious treat for your night in.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

About the Author

A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.