These recipes are masters of disguise—fast and simple but packed with flavor. Clever shortcuts and minimal prep make them perfect for weeknights. They taste impressive without the hassle. Your guests or family will think you spent hours in the kitchen. Only you’ll know how easy they really are.

Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Shrimp and fettuccine pasta in a large glass bowl.
Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a quick and easy meal that’s packed with tender shrimp in a rich, creamy, and cheesy garlic Parmesan sauce that clings perfectly to the fettuccine pasta
Get the Recipe: Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken

Chicken in a pan with sauce and herbs.
Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken is a delightful blend of savory and sweet. It’s a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances savory flavors with a touch of sweetness, creating a delightful harmony of tastes.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Loaded with cheese and flavor packed al pastor chicken, these easy quesadillas are ready in a jiffy. Just look at all that cheese! Everyone loves these tasty handhelds!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Sausage Egg Roll Skillet

A spoonful of meat and cabbage in a pan.
Sausage Egg Roll Skillet. Photo credit: Call Me Pmc.

Sausage Egg Roll Skillet is the perfect meal for busy nights. Ready in 30 minutes, this recipe has all the flavor of an egg roll but it’s low carb.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Egg Roll Skillet

Butter Chicken

A white plate with chicken and parsley on it.
Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This Butter Chicken recipe is a quick, flavorful dish, taking less than 45 minutes to prepare. It’s a low-carb version of the classic, using sugar-free honey. The recipe involves cooking chicken in a skillet and then adding a honey butter sauce. It’s perfect for meal prep and fits into a diet with only 1 net carb per serving.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach

A skillet filled with chicken and spinach.
Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Dive into the rich and comforting flavors of this Keto Creamy Chicken recipe, a dish that beautifully marries health-conscious eating with indulgent taste. Perfect for those on a ketogenic diet, this recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy a classic chicken meal without straying from your low-carb goals. The creamy sauce, infused with savory herbs and spices, coats tender chicken pieces, creating a meal that’s not only nourishing but also deeply satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach

Creamy Barbecue Shrimp

Barbecue Shrimp in a white bowl.
Creamy Barbecue Shrimp. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This Big Easy favorite recipe is shrimp smothered in a creamy, buttery, and rich sauce. I kicked up the traditional NOLA barbecue shrimp by adding heavy cream to the rich buttery sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Barbecue Shrimp

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne with meat sauce and parmesan cheese.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne in a rich beefy tomato sauce is full of ground beef, tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese. It’s an easy Crock Pot comfort food recipe the whole family loves.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne

Honey Habanero Tacos

Three hard-shell tacos filled with ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, and diced tomatoes are arranged on a wooden surface—a perfect choice for easy dinners or quick recipes.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

We all love Taco Tuesday, right? This fun recipe for a flavorful ground beef is a great way to change it up. It’s quick and easy to make – just like your usual ground beef tacos – but it tastes SO much better.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

Close-up of shredded chicken with vegetables in a pan, being stirred with a wooden spoon.
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Make this salsa chicken in a slow cooker for your next meal, and your family will thank you! Seriously, it’s one of the easiest, most flavorful dishes you can make in minutes. All you need is some chicken breast and your favorite salsa, and you’ll have a tender, tangy, and mildly spicy chicken dish you can use for multiple meals throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

Chicken enchilada casserole with corn and jalapenos.
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is a versatile, flavorful dish that brings together the essence of comfort food with a spicy kick.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

Southwest Tortilla Pie

Image shows a slice of a Southwest Tortilla Pie sitting on a white plate.
Southwest Tortilla Pie. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Treat yourself to the flavors of the Southwest with a tantalizing Southwest tortilla pie. This layered dish features rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn, and zesty spices, all nestled between crisp tortillas and topped with melted cheese. Whether served as a main course or a festive party dish, this Southwest-inspired pie will impress your taste buds with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. Dive into the Southwest experience and enjoy a slice of this delicious tortilla pie.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie

Quick Skillet Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp and peppers in a skillet with serving spoon.
Quick Skillet Shrimp Fajitas. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Quick Skillet Shrimp Fajitas are a quick, healthy, delicious one-pot meal that the whole family loves.
Get the Recipe: Quick Skillet Shrimp Fajitas

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A basket lined with printed paper holds fried chicken pieces and French fries, perfect for easy dinners, placed on a wooden table next to small dishes of spices and salt.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This Buttermilk Fried Chicken isn’t just crispy—it’s the reigning champ. A tangy buttermilk marinade keeps the meat juicy, while the spiced crust delivers unbeatable crunch. Accept no soggy imposters!
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Grilled chicken skewers with sauce and sesame seeds served over steamed rice, garnished with chopped green onions—one of our favorite quick recipes for easy dinners.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This recipe offers and gluten-free teriyaki chicken skewers. The homemade sauce, made with ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar substitute, and sugar-free honey, coats the chicken, marinated for up to 4 hours. The skewers are grilled and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, creating a delicious meal with only 4 net carbs per serving.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Air Fryer Chicken

Chicken wings on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders is a healthy, keto-friendly version of a classic. The chicken is coated in almond flour and pork rind crumbs, then air fried. It’s served with a homemade BBQ sauce made from sugar-free ingredients, combining convenience with delicious flavor. With only 5 net carbs per serving, it’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken

Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites

A plate of Salt Pepper Pork Chop Bites on a bamboo mat.
Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites are a quick, tasty, and satisfying dish. This Chinese-inspired recipe has a delightful combination of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites

Herb-Crusted Chicken

A picture of Herb-crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse copycat recipe.
Herb-Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Herb-crusted Texas Roadhouse chicken is a copycat recipe of succulent, juicy, tender chicken breasts packed with a ton of flavor from dried herbs and black pepper. It is a quick family dinner recipe for busy weeknights and meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken

Chicken Paprikash

A plate of chicken with sauce and parsley on a cutting board.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This recipe is a low-carb version of the Hungarian Chicken Paprikash. It involves seasoning chicken with paprika and cooking it with onions, peppers, and tomatoes, then adding a rich sauce made with heavy cream and sour cream. The dish is flavorful, with an earthy and slightly sweet taste, and is suitable for a diet with only 4 net carbs per serving. It’s easy to prepare and can be made in just over an hour.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Christmas Dinner Beef Tenderloin Roast

Slices of medium-rare roast beef are arranged on a wooden board with a rosemary garnish.
Christmas Dinner Beef Tenderloin Roast. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Make this Christmas Dinner Beef Tenderloin Roast the star of your holiday table. Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, it’s easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with festive sides, sauces, and cocktails. A true family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Christmas Dinner Beef Tenderloin Roast

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tortilla soup in a white bowl on a cutting board.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This hearty and fulfilling soup is a perfect match for those who enjoy rich, comforting flavors. With a preparation time of only 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, this dish is both convenient and quick to prepare. It’s a great option for meal prep, yielding six generous portions that can be enjoyed throughout the week. The soup features a low net carbohydrate count, making it an excellent choice for those following a diet, while still appealing to all soup lovers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Kefta Kebabs

Image shows kefta kebabs stacked on a white tray.
Kefta Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Forget the same old burgers, these kefta kebabs are a perfect choice. They’re easy to make and filled with flavor. This is a winner, so be ready to share the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs

Monterey Chicken Skillet

Chicken fajitas in a skillet with avocado.
Monterey Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This recipe features a adaptation of Monterey Chicken, traditionally found at restaurants like Chili’s. It’s made with sugar-free BBQ sauce to keep it low in carbs. The dish includes seasoned chicken cooked in a skillet, combined with onions, cherry tomatoes, and a BBQ sauce mixture, topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and avocado. The recipe is easy to prepare, taking about 40 minutes in total, and serves as a flavorful dinner option for those on a diet.
Get the Recipe: Monterey Chicken Skillet

Stuffed Chicken

A baking dish full of stuffed chicken breasts.
Stuffed Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Warm and comforting this stuffed chicken is sure to please everyone when it’s on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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