15 Dinners That Will Make You Love Cooking Again

Cooking dinner every night can get old fast, especially when it feels like you’re just going through the motions to avoid another sad takeout meal. But it doesn’t have to be that way. These recipes might just convince you that the kitchen isn’t a prison but a playground. They’ll make you look forward to dinnertime, without the usual hassle or blandness. Whether you’re a master chef or just trying to avoid setting off the smoke alarm, these picks will bring some much-needed spark back to your mealtime routine.

Chicken thighs in a cream cheese sauce with potatoes and parsley on a wooden table. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Salsa Chicken

Chicken breasts covered in a cheese salsa sauce in a casserole dish. — Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Salsa chicken is a quick and easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are baked with salsa, corn, and cheddar cheese, ready in less than 30 minutes. This dish is great for those who want a simple yet flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Jalapeño Chicken

A skillet filled with pieces of cooked chicken and sliced peppers in a savory sauce, placed on a woven mat with a jalapeño pepper beside it. — Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This jalapeño chicken recipe brings the taste of takeout to your home. Crispy chicken pieces are cooked with spicy jalapeños and a sweet, salty sauce. Serve it over rice for a flavorful and easy dinner that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Chicken

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, on a table with a pepper grinder and a cloth napkin alongside. — Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This sun-dried tomato pasta is bright and meatless. Rigatoni noodles, a creamy tomato sauce, parmesan cheese, and baby spinach come together in less than 30 minutes. A great choice for a comforting midweek dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Chicken Saag

A bowl of rice and green curry with a spoon. — Chicken Saag. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken saag is a quick and easy spinach and chicken curry. Nearly identical to restaurant quality, this dish is a perfect choice for a flavorful dinner without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Saag

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pasta in a white bowl on a striped towel. — Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini cacio e pepe is a classic Italian dish made with just five ingredients. Using Pecorino Romano cheese and starchy pasta water, this creamy pasta is both easy to make and economical.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan crusted chicken is served with a honey dijon yogurt sauce, making it a crunchy and flavorful weeknight meal. This dish is so tasty that everyone will ask for it again and again.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Maple Miso Chicken

Chicken legs in a cast iron skillet. — Maple Miso Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Maple miso chicken is simple yet packed with flavor. Coated in a buttery glaze of miso paste, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, shallots, oil, and vinegar, the chicken bakes until golden and sticky.
Get the Recipe: Maple Miso Chicken

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef in a skillet with tortilla chips. — Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Mexican ground beef skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal. Taco seasoning adds a kick to this dish, which can be ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Ground Beef Stir Fry

A skillet full of vegetables and beef on a wooden table. — Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef stir fry is the perfect weeknight meal. Made in one pan with fresh vegetables and a homemade garlic ginger sauce, it’s healthier and quicker than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Greek Shrimp Skillet

Shrimp in a skillet with tomatoes and feta cheese. — Greek Shrimp Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Greek shrimp skillet is an easy 30-minute meal. Tomatoes, spinach, Kalamata olives, feta, and fresh oregano come together for a flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom and pea risotto in a pan with a wooden spoon. — Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mushroom risotto with peas is creamy and rich without using dairy. Packed with umami flavors, this dish is comforting and perfect for a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken makes weeknight meals exciting. Seasoned with five spices, it’s creamy and full of savory goodness. A great way to add flavor to your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Salmon in a skillet with sauce and vegetables on a wooden table. — Bacon Wrapped Salmon. Photo Credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Bacon-wrapped salmon is a decadent yet wholesome meal. This recipe provides a restaurant-quality dish that’s both impressive and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Spicy Shrimp Tostadas

Four shrimp tostadas topped with red cabbage, cilantro, and green onions on a white surface, with lime wedges on the side. — Shrimp Tostadas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These spicy shrimp tostadas feature a refreshing jalapeño avocado sauce. They offer a fun twist on traditional tacos and make for an exciting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Shrimp Tostadas

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

A plate of pasta salad with tomatoes and basil. — Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lemon ricotta pasta is a light, quick meal. Creamy ricotta adds decadence, while basil and tomatoes keep it fresh. Great for a fast and flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.