Looking for quick and easy dinner ideas for a relaxed Sunday night the whole family will love? Here are some simple, throw-together recipes that are perfect for those cozy evenings when you want to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. These meals are family-friendly and can be made in no time—just what you need for a laid-back dinner.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta
A creamy, comforting classic that comes together in minutes.
Ingredients:
- Pasta of your choice
- Chicken breasts
- Alfredo sauce
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown.
- In a separate pan, heat Alfredo sauce and minced garlic.
- Combine cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese. Serve with broccoli or a salad.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Let your slow cooker do the work with this hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients:
- Beef stew meat
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Onion
- Beef broth
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic
- Herbs and spices
Instructions:
- Add beef, potatoes, carrots, and onion to the slow cooker.
- Whisk together broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and spices.
- Pour over beef and veggies. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken
Simple yet full of flavor, this roast chicken is a Sunday favorite.
Ingredients:
- Whole chicken
- Lemon
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff with lemon, garlic, and herbs.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season, and roast for 1-1.5 hours. Serve with sweet potatoes and sautéed zucchini.
Quick and Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Better than takeout and ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Whisk soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Marinate chicken thighs for 10-15 minutes.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Serve with rice, drizzle with extra sauce, and top with sesame seeds and green onions.
One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
A delicious, easy one-pot meal that’s a hit every time.
Ingredients:
- Pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté garlic in olive oil.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst.
- Add pasta and enough water to cover. Cook until al dente.
- Stir in basil and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
Honey Garlic Salmon
Healthy, flavorful, and ready in 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Brush salmon with the sauce and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Serve with air-fried potatoes and a salad.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
A cozy dish perfect for unwinding on a Sunday evening.
Ingredients:
- Arborio rice
- Mushrooms (cremini or shiitake)
- Onion
- Garlic
- White wine
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
- Add mushrooms and cook until golden.
- Stir in rice and cook until translucent.
- Deglaze with wine, then add broth gradually until creamy.
- Stir in Parmesan, butter, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
Veggie-Packed Quinoa Salad
Light, fresh, and full of vibrant veggies—perfect for a healthy Sunday dinner.
Ingredients:
- Quinoa
- Mixed veggies (bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado)
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs (parsley, mint)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook quinoa and let cool.
- Chop veggies and toss with quinoa.
- Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper. For added protein, top with rotisserie chicken or shrimp.
Easy Baked Ziti
A comfort food classic the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- Ziti pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook ziti pasta and drain.
- Mix pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese. Serve with sautéed spinach and crusty bread.
I’d love to hear your go-to lazy Sunday dinner ideas! What’s your favorite meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Drop your favorite recipes below—I'm always looking for new ones to try!