I Tried 29 Dinners Just To Avoid Doing The Dishes Again

The sink was full, and the thought of washing more dishes felt too heavy. A smart fix came from trying 29 dinners made with fewer pans and less mess. Each dish brought peace to both the table and the sink. These dinners made mealtime feel lighter in every way.

A bowl containing pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted hasselback potatoes on a baking sheet with parmesan.
Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You’ll love the way these potatoes cook up all crispy and golden. Hasselback Potatoes make each bite tender inside with a perfect texture outside. Toss them in and let them roast as you relax. No extra sink time is waiting with this throw-it-in-the-oven dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A restaurant-worthy meal can happen right in your kitchen without much effort. Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara brings a comforting, cheesy plate of pasta home. It’s all about layering rich flavors without worrying about dish overload later. This one’s easy, hearty, and less cleanup every time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers come together to make this cozy favorite irresistible. The creamy filling of Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna pairs perfectly with tender pasta sheets. Toss it in the oven and let everything meld into a filling feast. It’s warm, simple, and saves time in the dish department.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

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.

Sweet and tasty glaze coats tender chicken pieces in this easy dish. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is perfect when you want to skip ordering out. Toss it together in less time and skip the piles of cookware. Your dinner routine just got a little easier.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A creamy sauce with a hint of richness sets this dish apart. Penne Alla Vodka is the perfect option for a meal that feels special without extra fuss afterward. It cooks up quick and leaves behind minimal cleanup. Just one pot and you’re done with everything but enjoying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Add a little kick to your dinner lineup with bold flavors in every bite. Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta mixes tender pasta with a smoky twist. You’ll love how everything comes together with just one main dish in focus. Say goodbye to juggling pans and extra washing up.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple, colorful, and packed with your favorite veggies to keep things fresh. Vegetable Stir Fry lets you cook everything up in one good pan. No piles of plates to worry about later, just tasty bites ready to eat. It’s the type of dinner you’ll be glad you tried.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

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.

A bold, smoky flavor makes this grilled favorite stand out on your table. Chipotle Grilled Chicken is perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty with ease. It cooks up quickly without stressing over piles of cookware afterward. Just one quick plate and you’re satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Pasta alla Norma

A pot filled with penne pasta in a tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese, basil leaves, and herbs.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A cozy mix of pasta and rich sauce makes this classic dish hard to beat. Pasta alla Norma combines the earthiness of eggplant with a deep, flavorful base that’s so simple to make. Everything cooks together with minimal mess waiting afterward. It’s all about enjoying dinner without overthinking cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Grilled ribs garnished with herbs and served with a side of sauce and onions.
Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Falling-off-the-bone goodness straight from your oven with little effort. Best Oven Baked Ribs turns a good meal into something great without much hassle. Just let the ribs cook low and slow while you relax without extra pots around. Don’t overthink it; this dish is friendly for kitchen breaks.
Get the Recipe: Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A refreshing twist meets comfort in this simple pasta dish. Best Lemon Pasta keeps flavor light but tasty without piling up cookware. Quick to cook, easy to serve, and leaves behind less mess to deal with. It’s a go-to when you’re craving something effortless yet good.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme.
Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Big flavors roasted and caramelized to perfection without the mess. Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables lets everything bake together without much fuss. Toss it into the oven, let the timer do the work, and enjoy a quick cleanup later. Simple, flavorful, and skips extra chores.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

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

Crispy and tender bites made right at home in no time. Chick-fil-A Nuggets recreate that go-to snack with an easy recipe. Perfect for eating on the couch or dining without stress over pots and pans cluttering the kitchen later. You’ll love how simple this feels after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Lentil Soup

A hearty bowl of savory lentil soup, beautifully garnished with fresh cilantro, a swirl of cream, and an aromatic blend of spices.
Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Warm and comforting soup that holds up as an easy dinner solution. Lentil Soup brings hearty flavors together in one pot with barely any dishes to deal with. It’s filling and fuss-free, making it a great choice for busy nights. Simplicity really shines in this straightforward meal.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rich flavors develop slowly while you sit back and take it easy. Slow Cooker Pot Roast takes the work out of dinner with just one pot doing all the heavy lifting. Perfect for hands-free cooking that makes cleanup nearly nonexistent. It’s all about enjoying your meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Cacio e Pepe

Close-up of cooked spaghetti with cracked black pepper and a fork partially visible.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

After a busy day, there’s nothing better than a simple and quick dinner that feels special. Cacio e Pepe brings together pasta and a creamy kick of pepper for a dish that’s both comforting and unique. It’s a fuss-free option that doesn’t demand extra time or dishes to clean up later.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Easy Chicken Tenders

Breaded chicken tenders served on a plate with dipping sauce.
Easy Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you’re craving something quick yet crunchy without extra cleanup, Easy Chicken Tenders are the answer. They’re great for dipping, munching, or pairing with whatever leftovers you have in the fridge. The crispy outer layer and juicy inside make them a go-to dinner option after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Some foods just bring a bit of fun to your plate without demanding too much of your time. Garlic Knots are fluffy, buttery bites that pair effortlessly with a cozy dinner. Being easy to make, these will keep your dishes down to just one bowl and a tray. Great for adding a twist to your dinner routine without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A hot, hearty dinner doesn’t need a mountain of dishes or complicated prep. Chicken Pot Pie is exactly what you want when comfort food calls after a long day. The flaky crust combined with creamy filling feels like a warm hug that you can share. Perfect for family meals or quiet nights in with just a fork and plate to handle afterward.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Mushroom Risotto

A bowl of risotto with mushrooms and parmesan cheese.
Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you don’t want to juggle a kitchen full of tools, a one-pan recipe is the way to go. Mushroom Risotto makes dinner rich, creamy, and delicious without extra dishes piling up. Its flavor develops beautifully with minimal hassle, making it ideal for weeknights. Just a spoon, some stirring, and you’re ready to enjoy a cozy bowl.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto

Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce and a fresh basil leaf, accompanied by a fork on the side.
Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Long days often call for meals that require little but deliver big. Spaghetti Bolognese brings the right amount of flavor without leaving a stack of pans in the sink. It’s rich enough to feel homemade yet simple enough for a midweek dinner. An easy solution when you need something filling without stressing about cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Dinner Rolls

Close-up of freshly baked golden-brown dinner rolls, with one roll partially torn to show its soft, fluffy interior.
Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Warm and soft, sometimes simplicity is all you need to round out your meal without creating chaos in the kitchen. Dinner Rolls go wonderfully alongside just about anything you’re already cooking. They’re quick, easy, and leave little to clean besides the tray. Whether it’s leftovers or something from scratch, they just fit right in.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

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.

After exhausting your energy on everything else, a no-fuss meal is what you’ll appreciate most. Pasta Carbonara is creamy, indulgent, and comes together without needing much equipment. It’s one of those meals where simplicity shines and cleanup is barely an effort. Perfect for staying efficient after a day that feels endless.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Chickpea Curry

Bowl of chickpea stew with spinach, potatoes, tomatoes, and topped with fresh cilantro.
Chickpea Curry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For those nights when you want a comforting meal without working overtime in the kitchen, there’s Chickpea Curry. It’s flavorful, hearty, and uses just a few tools to make dinner a breeze. Whether paired with rice or enjoyed solo, it makes dinner time simple and filling. Cleanup is a breeze with just one pot for whipping up this tasty dish.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Curry

Chicken Tamale Pie

A serving of chicken tamale pie topped with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with chopped herbs on a white plate.
Chicken Tamale Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes all you need is a single pan to make a meal worth remembering. That’s where Chicken Tamale Pie finds its sweet spot, combining flavors into one comforting dish. It’s perfect for minimizing cleanup while enjoying something homemade. After eating, you’ll be glad you only have one dish to wash!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie

Marry Me Butter Beans

A cast iron skillet with creamy pasta mixed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with cheese, with a wooden spoon resting inside.
Marry Me Butter Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You don’t need the entire kitchen arsenal to whip up something cozy and filling. Marry Me Butter Beans are perfect for a no-fuss dinner that feels like you’ve put in effort without all the hassle. Their creamy texture and quick prep make them ideal for nights when you’re short on time. Bonus? Cleanup is just as easy as eating them.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Butter Beans

Gnocchi

A bowl of gnocchi topped with grated cheese, fresh basil, and black pepper.
Gnocchi. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking for something fun but still quick for dinner, Gnocchi keeps it simple with light, pillowy bites that hit the spot. You can pull this together quickly without dragging out tons of equipment. Plus, cleanup is just as easy as the cooking.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Marry Me Tortellini

A bowl of creamy tortellini pasta with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a basil garnish.
Marry Me Tortellini. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dinner doesn’t have to mean juggling ingredients and endless cooking tools. Marry Me Tortellini is perfect for keeping things easy but feeling hearty and filling at the same time. It’s one of those meals that offers comfort with minimal cleanup afterward. All you really need is a fork and a plate after enjoying it.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tortellini

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A bowl containing pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

After running around all day, the idea of pulling out multiple pots and pans is exhausting. That’s where Slow Cooker Pulled Pork steps in, with all the work done for you as it cooks. When it’s ready, you’ll have a flavorful meal waiting, minus all the post-dinner dish drama. Perfect for an easy, low-maintenance meal that you can just dig right into.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *