Take It Easy With 29 Soft Dinner Recipes That Practically Eat Themselves

Sometimes, there’s just not enough time to spend hours in the kitchen. So here’s a cool idea: try out 29 soft dinner recipes that are super easy to make. All need is a little prep, and then can sit back while everything cooks itself. This way, gets to relax more and stress less about mealtime.

Close-up of a serving of cheesy baked spaghetti with meat sauce, topped with fresh parsley, being lifted from a dish.
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Kimchi Stew

Close-up of a wooden spoon in a vibrant kimchi stew with tofu and pork, garnished with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes.
Kimchi Stew. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you need a meal that’s soothing and requires minimal attention, Kimchi Stew is a go-to. Let it simmer slowly while its bold flavors develop more with each passing minute. It’s a self-sufficient dish that fills the evening with delectable aromas. Perfect for winding down after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Marry Me Chicken

Creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and black pepper, served with spaghetti on a plate, with a fork on the side.
Marry Me Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re looking for an uncomplicated yet appealing meal, Marry Me Chicken may just be your match. It’s easy to prepare; just combine and let the oven do the work. While it bakes, you can focus on other things, making it a perfect choice for a relaxing evening. It’s as straightforward as it is irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Leek and Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy soup garnished with sautéed green onions and herbs.
Leek and Potato Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For those cooler evenings when you crave something warming, Leek and Potato Soup offers a comforting solution. Let it cook gently on the stove as you unwind; it’s ready when you are. Each spoonful is a reminder of how simple ingredients can create a fulfilling meal. It’s effortlessly comforting and perfectly uncomplicated.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Maryland Crab Cake

Close-up of golden-brown Maryland crab cakes garnished with herbs on a white plate, complemented by a fresh parsley garnish.
Maryland Crab Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Embrace coastal charm with a dish that’s a true classic from the East Coast. Maryland Crab Cake brings a touch of elegance to your dinner without any pretense. Effortlessly mix, shape, and cook while you get on with your evening; it’s a no-hassle route to a special night in. End your day with the flavors of the sea that simply come together.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake

Birria Ramen

A bowl of ramen with meat, cilantro, and a lime wedge, topped with noodles wrapped around chopsticks.
Birria Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Combine the heartiness of traditional stew with the comforting warmth of noodles in a fusion dish that’s set to impress. Birria Ramen marries rich flavors in a bowl that practically prepares itself, simmering slowly to perfection. Settle into a meal that’s a vibrant escape from the everyday, effortlessly bridging two beloved cuisines.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

Best Lemon Pasta

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

Light and effortlessly tasty, Best Lemon Pasta offers a bright spot in any dinner lineup. It’s a dish where simplicity shines, requiring only a quick boil and toss with its lemony dressing to come alive. As you twirl the pasta on your fork, take in the ease of a meal that’s uncomplicated yet brimming with flavor brimming.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

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.

Indulge in an appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is to relish. Million Dollar Dip comes together quickly, offering a rich and creamy escape from your daily routine. Mix, chill, and serve; it’s a hands-off approach to creating a little indulgence. It’s truly a low-effort, high-reward situation for laid-back evenings.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip

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.

Sometimes all you want is to pop something in the oven, kick back, and relax until dinner’s ready. Homemade Lasagna is perfect for just such an evening, delivering a hearty meal with minimal fuss. Layers come together like magic, baking into a cheesy delight that fills your home with a comforting aroma. It’s an easy win on any busy night.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Air Fryer Shrimp

A close-up shot of seasoned, air fryer shrimp garnished with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Shrimp. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Let technology take the lead with a dish that’s as effortless as it is impressive. Air Fryer Shrimp are a breeze to prepare, cooking to perfection while you relax. Throw them into the air fryer, set the timer, and go about your evening until it’s time to enjoy a simple yet delectable meal. It’s minimal input for maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s nothing like a dish that you can just slide into the oven and forget until it’s time to eat. Mac and Cheese fits the bill perfectly, bubbling away to creamy perfection without needing your attention. It’s ideal for nights when you want comfort without effort. Simple, relaxing, and oh-so-rewarding, it’s a universal favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you require a meal that soothes as it cooks, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Soup. It simmers without any need for tending, developing a depth of flavor that’s both rich and comforting. Ideal for a gentle end to your day, it’s ready to enjoy whenever you are. It’s simplicity done right, in soup form.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

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.

You can never go wrong with a classic pasta dish that’s as unfussy as it is appetizing. Pasta alla Norma is the perfect blend of simplicity and homestyle goodness, requiring just a stir and simmer. As it cooks, ease into your evening, knowing a fulfilling meal awaits you with minimal effort. It’s pasta relaxation at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Beef Chili

Two bowls of chili with kidney beans, meat, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and cilantro. A black spoon in one bowl. Additional chili flakes in a small dish nearby.
Beef Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Let a pot of Beef Chili simmer away as the evening unwinds, blending spices and ingredients into a hearty and wholesome bowl. Gathering around a dish that’s been given the time to develop deep, complex flavors is effortlessly gratifying. All it asks of you is a stir here and there, allowing you to step back and relax as it comes together.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

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 dinner needs to be both nourishing and unassuming, Marry Me Salmon is an excellent choice. Prepare it quickly, then let the oven take over as you decompress from your day. It’s a dish that won’t demand much from you but delivers tremendously on flavor. Perfect for a quiet, hassle-free evening.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Salmon

Baked Rice

A close-up of a bowl of oven-baked fried rice mixed with colorful vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, and scallions, with a spoon resting inside.
Baked Rice. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Discover the joy of a dish that cooks to perfection with hardly any intervention. Baked Rice transforms a staple grain into a fluffy and tender side, all while you’re free to focus on other things. Slide it into the oven and let it do its thing; before you know it, you’ll have a comforting complement to any main course.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Best Zucchini Bread

Sliced zucchini bread on a white surface, showing a moist interior with visible green flecks of zucchini.
Best Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Embrace the simple pleasure of baking with a batch of Best Zucchini Bread that’s as easy as it is delicious. Grate, mix, and bake your way to a wonderfully moist loaf that pairs perfectly with your favorite coffee or tea. It’s a process that’s soothing, from the rhythmic grating of zucchini to the scent of baked goods filling the air.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

After a long day, cooking should be simple and enjoyable. With Italian Pasta with Salami, you just combine, cook, and let the flavors meld on their own. It’s straightforward and fuss-free, perfect for an uncomplicated dinner. Relax while it cooks and then enjoy a meal that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

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.

Effortlessly nutritious and brimming with flavor, Lentil Soup manages itself on your stovetop. As it simmers, it transforms into a hearty meal that’s ready whenever you are. It’s the kind of dish that demands nothing more than a ladle and a bowl to serve. Enjoy a peaceful evening with a dish that takes care of itself.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and garnished with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones that bring the most comfort. Whip up some Mashed Potatoes for a side that’s straightforward and undemanding. Let the pot do the work as they become soft and fluffy, perfect for a fuss-free addition to any meal. It’s dinner made easy and relaxing guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

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.

Dinner can be a relaxing end to your day, especially with Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This dish combines the ease of pasta with the robust flavors of Marry Me Chicken, all in one pot. As it cooks, it fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma, signaling that a comforting meal is almost ready. Just serve it up for a stress-free evening.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Banana Bread

Close-up of a sliced banana bread loaf, showcasing its moist, textured interior with visible banana chunks.
Banana Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turn those overripe bananas into a sweet end-of-day treat that fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma. Banana Bread bakes up moist and full of flavor, requiring just a mix and bake approach. It’s an uncomplicated pleasure that brings a cozy conclusion to any meal or serves as a delicious snack on its own.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread

Pea and Mint Soup

A bowl of creamy green pea soup garnished with mint leaves, black pepper, and pieces of crusty bread.
Pea and Mint Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Step into the kitchen and leave the day’s hustle and bustle behind while you prepare a soothing Pea and Mint Soup. With a quick blend, this dish turns into a smooth and aromatic soup that’s ready in a snap. Revel in the calm of cooking, knowing that a light and effortless meal is just moments away. Unwind with every sip of this peaceful dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Pea and Mint Soup

Mashed Potato Fritters

A stack of mashed potato fritters.
Mashed Potato Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Reimagine comfort food with a twist that’s both familiar and novel. Mashed Potato Fritters are a clever way to enjoy a favorite side in a new form. Fry them until golden and take the night off as they practically make themselves, ready to be enjoyed whenever you’re ready. A gentle twist on a classic, they’re as enjoyable to make as they are to eat.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Fritters

Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

Close-up of two yellow bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of sloppy joe, black beans, and rice, topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with chopped parsley.
Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Revamp dinner time with a fun twist that’s both hearty and hands-off. Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers come together with ease; just stuff, set, and forget until it’s time to eat. Watch your evening simplify as the air fryer works its magic, melding flavors and textures into something uniquely delicious. It’s a playful pivot on dinner that requires minimal effort but promises maximum enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

Mushroom Risotto

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

Bask in the simple joy of cooking a dish that’s both rustic and refined. Mushroom Risotto requires a bit of stirring, but the result is creamy and effortless elegance on a plate. Let the rice absorb each ladle of broth at its own pace as you wind down, anticipating a gentle but gratifying meal. It’s classic comfort with effortless upkeep.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto

Best Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole in a white baking dish.
Best Tuna Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Indulge in a timeless comfort classic that asks so little yet gives so much back. Best Tuna Casserole combines pantry staples in a way that feels like a warm embrace. Mix it up, slide it into the oven, and then let the bubbly, golden magic happen while you catch up on your day. It’s a no-fuss, no-muss solution to dinner that’s as reassuring as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole

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.

It’s always the right time for a comforting pasta dish that’s as straightforward to make as it is enjoyable. Pasta Carbonara promises a culinary hug, crafted with ease and finished swiftly. Toss together and let the residual heat do its magic as you set the table. A meal that’s relaxing from start to finish, it makes every dinner feel special.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Mushroom Soup

Mushroom soup that's delightfully creamy, adorned with sautéed mushrooms, a dollop of cream, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of parsley.
Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Get lost in the soothing rhythm of simmering a pot of pure coziness with Mushroom Soup. Gently sautée and blend the ingredients as they meld into a smooth and homely soup. Enjoy how this dish practically cooks itself, asking nothing more than to be served. It’s a stress-free path to a rich and enveloping dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Soup

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Close-up of a serving of cheesy baked spaghetti with meat sauce, topped with fresh parsley, being lifted from a dish.
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Transform your pasta night with a dish that’s as opulent in taste as it is simple in preparation. Million Dollar Spaghetti is layered with cheese and sauce, baked to achieve a gooey, golden perfection. It’s a laid-back approach to a dinner that feels indulgent, allowing you to luxuriate in the ease of its creation.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

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 *