25 Super Easy Recipes Chefs Make at Home

Looking for quick and tasty meals? Even top chefs like easy recipes when cooking at home.

These 25 super simple dishes are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. You’ll find delicious options that don’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps.

From quick pastas to one-pan wonders, these chef-approved recipes will make your life easier and your dinners more enjoyable.

1) Quick Garlic Shrimp

You’ll love this quick garlic shrimp recipe for busy weeknights. It’s ready in under 15 minutes and tastes like restaurant-quality food. The shrimp cooks fast in a pan with lots of garlic, butter, and lemon for a simple but fancy meal. Serve it over pasta or rice to soak up the yummy sauce. You can add some red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. It’s an easy way to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

2) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

You’ll love this simple yet tasty pasta dish. It’s quick to make and uses just a few ingredients you likely have on hand. Garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes create a flavorful sauce that coats the spaghetti perfectly. It’s a great option when you want something comforting but don’t have much time or energy to cook. You can easily add extras like parsley or cheese to make it your own.

3) Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a great choice when you want something quick and tasty. You can whip it up in no time, and it’s perfect for hot summer days. The mix of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil is hard to beat. It’s light but satisfying, and the flavors really pop. You can add a twist by using cherry tomatoes or throwing in some avocado for extra creaminess. A drizzle of balsamic glaze takes it to the next level. It’s an easy way to impress guests or treat yourself to a fancy-looking dish without much fuss.

4) Oven-Baked Salmon

Oven-baked salmon is a go-to for many chefs at home. It’s quick, easy, and tasty. You can have a delicious meal ready in about 8 minutes. The oven locks in moisture, giving you flaky, tender fish. Try adding lemon, butter, and herbs for extra flavor. It’s healthy too, packed with omega-3s. Salmon pairs well with lots of sides, making it super versatile for weeknight dinners.

5) Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables

You’ll love this quick and tasty meal. Crispy tofu and fresh veggies like broccoli and spinach make it healthy. The garlic sesame sauce adds great flavor. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something light but filling. You can switch up the veggies based on what’s in your fridge. This dish comes together fast, so it’s ideal when you’re short on time but still want a homemade dinner.

6) Grilled Cheese Sandwich

You can’t go wrong with a classic grilled cheese sandwich. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying. Pick your favorite bread and cheese combo for a personalized touch. Try adding some extras like sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon for extra flavor. A cast iron skillet can give you that perfect golden crust. Pair it with tomato soup for a comforting meal that takes you back to childhood.

7) Thai Green Curry

You’ll love whipping up this Thai green curry at home. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The creamy coconut milk base balances out the spicy green chili paste perfectly. Toss in some veggies and your choice of protein for a complete meal. You can adjust the heat level to your liking by adding more or less curry paste. It’s a great way to bring some exotic flair to your weeknight dinners without spending hours in the kitchen.

8) Hummus and Pita

Hummus and pita are a chef’s secret weapon for quick, tasty meals at home. You can whip up this Middle Eastern duo in no time. Hummus is a breeze to make with just a few ingredients like chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic. Pair it with warm, fluffy pita bread for a satisfying snack or light meal. It’s healthy, protein-packed, and endlessly customizable. Try adding roasted red peppers or extra spices to change things up. Serve it as a dip, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a base for grain bowls. It’s a versatile dish that’s both comforting and impressive.

9) Tuna Salad with Avocado

You’ll love this quick and easy tuna salad with avocado. It’s a tasty twist on the classic recipe that adds creaminess and healthy fats. Mix canned tuna with ripe avocado, a squeeze of lemon, and your favorite seasonings. It’s perfect for a light lunch or snack. You can serve it on bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. This simple dish is packed with protein and good-for-you ingredients, making it a smart choice when you’re short on time but want something nutritious.

10) Vegetable Frittata

You can’t go wrong with a tasty vegetable frittata. It’s quick, easy, and lets you use up any veggies in your fridge. Mix eggs with milk, cheese, and your favorite vegetables like broccoli, peppers, and mushrooms. Cook it on the stovetop, then finish in the oven for a fluffy texture. It’s great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, you can customize it based on what you have on hand.

11) Teriyaki Chicken

You’ll love making teriyaki chicken at home. It’s quick, easy, and tastes better than takeout. The sweet and savory sauce coats tender chicken pieces perfectly. You can use thighs or breasts – both work great. Serve it over rice with some steamed veggies on the side for a complete meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters enjoy. Plus, you control the ingredients, so it’s healthier than restaurant versions.

12) Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is a go-to dish for chefs at home when they want something quick and tasty. You can whip it up in just 10-15 minutes using leftover rice and a few basic ingredients. It’s super versatile – toss in whatever veggies or protein you have on hand. For the best texture, use day-old rice that’s been cooled. This dish is perfect for using up odds and ends in your fridge. Plus, it’s way better than takeout!

13) Pan-Seared Scallops

You’ll love this elegant yet simple dish. Pan-seared scallops are a chef’s favorite for good reason. They cook quickly and give you that perfect golden crust with a tender center. The key is using dry scallops and a hot pan. A touch of lemon butter sauce adds brightness. Serve them over pasta or with a side salad for an easy but impressive meal at home.

14) Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing

You’ll love this quick and easy quinoa salad. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something healthy and tasty. The lemon dressing adds a bright, fresh flavor that really makes the dish pop. You can toss in your favorite veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives for extra crunch and color. It’s great for lunch or as a light dinner, and you can make a big batch to enjoy all week.

15) Simplest Tomato Soup

You can’t beat a classic tomato soup for comfort and ease. With just a few ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and butter, you can whip up a tasty meal in no time. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you want something warm and soothing. You can dress it up with fresh basil or a swirl of cream if you’re feeling fancy. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate cozy dinner.

16) Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

You can’t go wrong with this classic dish. Lemon herb roasted chicken is tasty, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The zesty lemon and aromatic herbs give the meat great flavor. You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or a whole bird. Throw some veggies in the pan to make it a complete meal. The leftovers are great for sandwiches or salads too.

17) Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe is a great choice when you want a quick, tasty meal. This simple Roman pasta dish uses just a few ingredients you probably have on hand. It’s perfect for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking but still want something yummy. The cheese and pepper combo gives it a rich, bold flavor that’s hard to beat. You can whip it up in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to enjoy.

18) Avocado Toast

You can’t go wrong with avocado toast for a quick and tasty meal. It’s super easy to make and lets you get creative with toppings. Try adding a poached egg, some crispy bacon, or sliced tomatoes for extra flavor. You could even sprinkle on some chili flakes or everything bagel seasoning to spice things up. Avocado toast works great for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner when you’re short on time but still want something nutritious and filling.

19) Classic Omelette

You can’t go wrong with a classic omelette. It’s quick, easy, and lets you use up leftovers in your fridge. Whisk a few eggs, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook in a hot pan with butter. Fill it with cheese, veggies, or meat – whatever you like. Fold it over and slide onto a plate. It’s a perfect meal any time of day.

20) Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a comforting dish that’s easier to make than you might think. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a fancy meal at home. You can use different types of mushrooms to create unique flavors. The creamy texture and earthy taste make it a satisfying dinner option. Adding a splash of white wine can enhance the taste. For extra richness, try stirring in some Parmesan cheese at the end.

21) Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a tasty and healthier twist on regular fries. You can easily make them at home in your oven. They’re a great side dish for burgers or sandwiches. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber. For extra flavor, try sprinkling them with cinnamon or paprika before baking. They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside when done right.

22) Chickpea Curry

Chickpea curry is a great choice when you want a tasty meal without much fuss. It’s quick to make and uses items you likely have on hand. Canned chickpeas, coconut milk, and curry powder are the main stars. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste. This dish is filling, budget-friendly, and packed with protein. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you need a comforting meal. Plus, it often tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers.

23) Tomato Basil Bruschetta

You can’t go wrong with this classic Italian appetizer. Tomato basil bruschetta is quick to make and perfect for using up ripe summer tomatoes. The mix of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crunchy bread creates a tasty bite. You can easily customize it by adding extras like garlic, balsamic vinegar, or capers. It’s great for parties or as a light snack.

24) Beef Stir Fry

Beef stir fry is a quick and tasty meal you can whip up on busy weeknights. It’s perfect when you want something filling but don’t have much time to cook. You can use different cuts of beef like sirloin or round steak. Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for extra nutrition and crunch. A simple sauce with soy sauce and Chinese cooking wine gives it great flavor. It’s also an easy way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge.

25) Roasted Vegetables

You can’t go wrong with roasted veggies. They’re easy to make and taste amazing. Just toss your favorite vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pop them in a hot oven and let the heat work its magic. The high temperature brings out rich flavors and creates crispy edges. Mix it up with different combos like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. Add some garlic or herbs for extra flavor. Roasted vegetables are great as a side dish or mixed into salads and grain bowls.