Having dinner with your family is an everyday occasion where you can sit and talk with your family while having a nice dinner. However, there are times that you can run out of ideas on what to cook, especially during lazy and busy days (and that’s ok). If you’re that kind of person who doesn’t have enough time to cook dinner due to work or worse, is stuck in traffic. Here's 20 dinner recipes that can save your dinner night. 

1. Spaghetti alla Carbonara

The fact that this creamy sauced spaghetti noodle requires just four ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand, plus a generous amount of black pepper contributes to the dish's ease of preparation. Side benefit? It will just take you twenty minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• Kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 6 ounces sliced bacon , cut into 1/2-inch wide strips
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated pecorino romano

1. Chicken Alfredo

This kid-friendly and comfort food favorite is made even more easy with the use of a pressure cooker since it only requires one pot to prepare or on your stovetop.

• 2 tablespoons butter , divided
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts , cut into strips (2 breasts)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic , pressed
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 4 ounces fettuccine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• Minced parsley

1. Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage

In approximately half an hour, you can move from chopping board to soup bowl with this warm and reassuring sausage and creamy bean soup. This soup is rich and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
• 2 pounds sausage , cut into 1-inch slices
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• 2 cloves garlic , pressed or minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 6 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
• 1 15-ounce can Great Northern white beans , or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 15-ounce can dark kidney beans , rinsed and drained
• chopped parsley

1. Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps

This dish may serve either as a self-service, low-carb appetizer or as a nutritious main meal that is fast to create and even more fun to eat. It is amazingly simple to prepare and does double duty as either option.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts , cut into 2-inch cubes
• 5 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chile-garlic sauce
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Ramen Noodles with Marinated Steak and Broccoli

These days, ramen noodles may be used for more than simply soup. The following is the ingredients that will show you how to modify the recipe for the most popular noodle dish among college students so that it may be transformed into a quick, simple, and nutritious weeknight supper that can be prepared in less than half an hour.

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/2 pounds hanger flap, or flank steak
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 3 packages ramen noodles seasoning packets, saved for another use
• 4 cups broccoli, cut into florets
• 6 ounces brown mushrooms sliced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Chopped green onion or cilantro or both

1. Beef with Broccoli

This recipe for one of the most famous Chinese meals may simply be prepared gluten-free or in the conventional form. Despite its ease of preparation, the dish has an incredible depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1- 1/4 pound flank or sirloin steak , cut very thin against the grain
• 1/ 2 cup + 2 tablespoons reduced sodium gluten-free Tamari , divided
• 2- 1/2 tablespoons Sweet Rice Flour , divided
• 3/ 4 cup gluten-free chicken broth
• 1/ 4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 1/ 2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/ 2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, or more or less
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil , divided
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Green onion , chopped for garnish

1. Sweet and Sour Pork

This version of the traditional Chinese takeout meal is made much more nutritious by using sautéed lean pork tenderloin for deep-fried pork tenderloin and by using a master stir fry sauce that is sweetened with honey and balsamic vinegar.

Ingredients:

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1 cup Master Stir- Fry Sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup honey

For the master stir-fry sauce:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 teaspoons cornstarch

For the pork:

• 1 pound pork tenderloin trimmed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic pressed or grated
• 1 2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
• 1/2 red, yellow & orange bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
• 1 heaving cup fresh pineapple, cut into bite-size pieces
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Brown rice for serving optional

1. Veggie Banh Mi Bowls with Crispy Tofu

It is difficult to top the traditional Vietnamese bánh m sammie, which consists of roasted pork, spicy mayonnaise, and pickled vegetables. However, the vegetarian version included in Molly Krebs's newest cookbook, Eat More Plants, is on par with the most delicious sandwiches available, despite the fact that it is served in a bowl.

Ingredients: 

For Tofu

• Two 14-ounce packages extra-firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil

For the Sriracha Mayonnaise

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ lime juice
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Pinch of kosher salt, plus more as needed

1. One-Pot Bouillabaisse

The preparation of this traditional Provençal seafood stew usually requires at least two hours. However, Cheater shortened the cooking time to thirty minutes by preparing the dish in just one pot and with a more limited variety of seafood.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 leeks, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 fennel bulb, halved and thinly sliced, fronds reserved
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups seafood stock
• One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• Pinch saffron
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 pounds cod, chopped
• 2 pounds shrimp, cleaned and peeled
• 2 pounds mussels, cleaned and debearded
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Crusty bread, for serving

1. Chicken and Snap Pea Stir-Fry

So you're really, really not in the mood to cook right now. The chicken and snap pea stir-fry that you can cook at home requires just five components, a few pantry basics, and twenty minutes of your time.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2½ cups snap peas
• 1¼ cups boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1. Slow-cooker Chicken Teriyaki

It's a well-known fact that preparing supper in a slow cooker is awesome. Therefore, the next time you go to plug it in, throw in all of the ingredients for this chicken teriyaki dish that calls for a slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup honey
• ⅓ cup rice vinegar
• ¼ cup scallions, sliced
• 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 cups white rice, steamed (for serving)

1. Honey Garlic Shrimp

This honey garlic shrimp recipe might become your new go-to dish in only twenty minutes. It is quite easy to do, takes very little time, and produces a flavorful result. This nutritious recipe, whether it's served with brown rice and veggies or onto a salad, is guaranteed to become a staple in your weeknight dinner routine.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• optional: 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 lb medium uncooked shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• optional for garnish: chopped green onion

1. Sausage and Gnocchi Soup

This simple gnocchi soup is perfect for busy weeknights and calls for canned tomatoes, pre-packaged gnocchi, and sausage seasoned with Italian herbs. It's the kind of soup you'll want to make again and again for years to come.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 10 ounces ground pork sausage
• 3/4 tsp dried fennel seeds, crushed between your fingers
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups water
• 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes with their juice
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 16 ounce package gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Parmesan cheese, grated

1. Thai Chicken Coconut and Rice

This fast Thai Coconut Chicken and Rice dish has just the perfect amount of heat from jalapeno and ginger to spice this rich coconut sauce for a simple all-in-one meal. 

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch cilantro, stems removed
• 3 medium jalapénos, seeded and roughly chopped
• 1 fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 13.5 ounce cans unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts , cut into 1/2 inch slices
• 3 cups cooked rice
• chopped green onion and sliced red serrano or Thai chili peppers if desired

1. Teriyaki Tofu and Broccoli Stir Fry

Not only is this stir-fry made with vegetables very good for you, but it's also really simple to put together.

Ingredients:

• 1 14- ounce block Simple Truth firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 1 medium white onion , sliced thinly
• 2 broccoli crowns, chopped (about 4 cups)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 cup Private Selection Mukimame beans , thawed
• 1 cup Private Selection Sesame Teriyaki Stir Fry Sauce
• 4 cups cooked rice
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• Sesame seeds

1. Pasta Pomodoro

This simplest tomato sauce from Southern Italy is made with fresh tomatoes, requires just twenty minutes of hands-on time, and serves as an excellent foundation for a wide variety of Italian cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti or penne
• 1 pound medium size fresh tomatoes
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 6 large fresh garlic cloves, divided
• 12-15 basil leaves
• 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt

1. Chicken and Quinoa Bowls

Chicken quinoa bowls have established their healthy claim on fast and simple meal-prep meals that are versatile enough to combine and mix ingredients for take-to-work lunches that never get dull, either. These bowls have also become a popular option for those who are trying to lose weight.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 6- ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup Easy Roasted Broccoli and Feta
• 1/2 cup Easy Roasted Tomatoes

For the Quinoa:

• 1 cup dried quinoa
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Crumbled feta cheese

1. Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup

This takes use of convenient pantry items, such as frozen wontons and mixed vegetables, then mixes together in the most mouthwatering manner possible.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, such as peas and carrots
• 20 frozen chicken and vegetable wontons
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• dried thyme, optional

1. Veggie Fried Rice

Fried rice is the original quick and simple supper, and this variation, which focuses on vegetables rather than protein, eliminates the step that takes the most time: preparing the protein.

Ingredients: 

• 2 teaspoons oil
• ½ cup carrot, diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• ½ cup onion, diced
• ½ cup bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup broccoli floret
• ½ cup pea
• ⅓ cup corn
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 3 cups white rice, cooked
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• pepper, to taste

1. Ham and Bean Soup

If you want this soup to be more filling, feel free to toss in some more vegetables like kale, spinach, bok choy, or cabbage.

Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion diced
• 1 large carrot peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups shredded cooked ham
• 1 1/2 quarts chicken stock or broth (you can use beef)
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 4 cans white beans (cannellini beans) -- no salt added, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• pinch of salt, if needed

Sources:

1. https://www.foodiecrush.com/30-dinners-to-make-when-theres-no-time-to-cook/ 
2. https://www.purewow.com/food/lazy-dinner-recipes 
3. https://tasty.co/article/jesseszewczyk/easy-quick-weeknight-dinner-recipes