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My Go-To Easy Dinners 17 Recipes That Never Fail

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When life gets busy, having a collection of easy, go-to dinner recipes can make all the difference. These 17 favorites bring a mix of bold flavors, comforting classics, and quick preparations to the table. From creamy Shrimp Alfredo and Japanese Curry to healthy options like Spinach Mushroom Pasta and Red Lentil Dahl Curry, there’s something here for every craving. Perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you need a fast, flavorful meal, these recipes are my top picks for effortless cooking and guaranteed deliciousness.

Shrimp Alfredo

A close-up of a plate of Shrimp Alfredo Pasta. The pasta appears to be coated in a creamy white sauce, and the shrimp are large and pink, garnished with a sprinkle of herbs. A fork rests on the plate's rim.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

You’ll love this quick and easy Italian pasta dish featuring garlicky shrimp and fettuccine pasta drenched in a luxurious cream sauce.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo

Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup

Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup - Erren's Kitchen - This recipe proves that Asian food doesn't have be complicated - this simple soup is ready in just ten minutes.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Skip the delivery wait! This quick and easy soup recipe captures the delicious flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout in a fraction of the time. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste without the hassle.

Get The Recipe: Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup

Spaghetti with Spinach Sauce

A bowl of spaghetti coated in a creamy green spinach sauce, topped with a sprinkle of grated cheese, makes this tried-and-true recipe a hit. The pasta is served elegantly in a white dish.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving a healthy and tasty pasta dish but short on time? You’re in luck! This vibrant spinach sauce comes together in a snap and is loaded with nutrients. A sprinkle of grated cheese adds a creamy touch, making this a satisfying and guilt-free vegetarian meal you’ll love!

Get The Recipe: Spaghetti with Spinach Sauce

Easy Shrimp Scampi

A plate full of shrimp scampi and spaghetti sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This simple Shrimp Scampi is made with garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine; it’s a timeless Italian favorite made wonderfully simple.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Spinach Mushroom Pasta

A close up image of pasta in a creamy sauce with mushrooms and spinach.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta recipe is delicious and can be ready in less than 30 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Spinach Mushroom Pasta

Broiled Scallops

broiled scallops in a garlic butter sauce being served with a spoon.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe offers gourmet flavors without denting your wallet! These broiled scallops with garlic butter are quick to whip up and offer the taste of a restaurant right in your home.

Get The Recipe: Broiled Scallops

Quick and Easy Thai Red Curry

This recipe for Quick and Easy Thai Red Curry from Erren's Kitchen makes a simple, fragrant, and zingy curry that the whole family will enjoy.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe uses fresh ingredients to create a delicious and healthy curry that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Get The Recipe: Quick and Easy Thai Red Curry

Quick & Hearty Tortellini Vegetable Soup

A bowl of hearty tortellini vegetable soup
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is a blank canvas for your veggie creativity! Packed with flavor and protein-rich tortellini, it’s a healthy and versatile soup base. Use your favorite seasonal vegetables to create a delicious and satisfying meal that fits your taste preferences.

Get The Recipe: Quick & Hearty Tortellini Vegetable Soup

Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

A plate of crispy, golden-brown fried chicken drumsticks piled high, seasoned with herbs and spices, on a white plate.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe makes succulent chicken legs coated with a zesty garlic mustard marinade and a tantalizing spice blend. This crispy, flavor-packed dinner will delight everyone gathered around the table.

Get The Recipe: Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

a close up image of a spoon scooping up a serving of tomato sauce from a pan.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe for Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce makes it super simple to whip up delicious spaghetti sauce from scratch right in your own kitchen!

Get The Recipe: Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

Quick and Easy Thai Panang Curry

Thai Panang Chicken Curry on a bed of steamed rice and garnished with red chilies
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Calling all curry lovers! This recipe might just be the best Panang Chicken Curry you’ll ever make. Packed with flavor, healthier than takeout, and surprisingly easy to whip up at home.

Get The Recipe: Panang Curry

Smothered Chicken

A close-up of a plate of smothered chicken covered in a creamy brown sauce with sliced onions, garnished with chopped herbs, and served over a bed of white rice. A fork is partially visible on the right side of the plate.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This smothered chicken recipe is super easy to make, whether you use the stove or a slow cooker. It’s all about those tender chicken thighs swimming in a tasty gravy that’s just right for comfort food lovers!

Get The Recipe: Smothered Chicken

Red Lentil Dahl Curry

A close up image of a spoon serving up vibrant red lentil dal from a bowl, with fluffy white rice and lemon wedges in the background.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Brimming with flavor, cost-effective, and nutritious, this Indian Red Lentil Dahl Curry is incredibly tasty and easy to prepare!

Get The Recipe: Red Lentil Dahl Curry

Baked Garlic Chicken Thighs

Baked Garlic Chicken Thighs with crispy skin in a pan
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is a testament to the power of simplicity! Juicy chicken thighs are bathed in the warm flavors of garlic and white wine, creating a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

Get The Recipe: Baked Garlic Chicken Thighs

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli cooked in a pan ready to serve.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Chicken and broccoli get perfectly cooked in a savory sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up!

Get The Recipe: Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Japanese Curry

A close-up of a spoon in a hearty curry, featuring chunks of carrots, potatoes, and meat in a thick, brown gravy.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Experience the magic of Japanese cuisine with this family-friendly curry recipe. Tender chicken, fluffy potatoes, and crisp carrots mingle in a delightful curry sauce, capturing the essence of Japanese comfort food. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table!

Get The Recipe: Japanese Curry

Pasta With Cauliflower

a spoonful of cauliflower sauce being added to a dish of pasta.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This rustic pasta dish comes together in just 30 minutes, bringing hearty flavors to your table in a flash. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds the perfect finishing touch for a satisfying and speedy meal.

Get The Recipe: Pasta With Cauliflower

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