With these easy throw together dinners for back to school, the evening meal will be on the table in no time.
When school let out in June, it felt like summer was endlessly stretched before us — all warmth and sunshine, fun and freedom. Back then, it felt like our August trip was eons away and returning to school even farther.
But here we are, the first few days of school already behind us.
We’ve swam, hiked and sunned. We’ve seen Shakespeare in the park, met friends for fun and waited for our lunch from food trucks. It was a good summer filled with so much fun.
On the other side of that August vacation, it’s time to refocus our days. Mornings are a whole lot earlier. Lunches need more planning. And dinners! Well, those need planning and preparation too.
And let’s be real here: We’re going to need a lot of easy dinners. Ones that can be thrown together effortlessly, preferably.
This list of dinners fits the bill. They are flavorful and varied, creative and craveworthy. And best of all, they are easy. When you need throw together dinners, remember this list. It’s here waiting for you.
Easy Throw Together Dinners
Roasted Vegetable Pappardelle with Creamy Pesto Sauce
The creamy, basil-y, garlicky sauce unifies this satisfying pasta dish with flavorful roasted vegetables.
Penne with Bratwurst and Broccoli
With just a few ingredients, this easy pasta dish is ready to go quickly. Kielbasa lovers will love the flavor too!
Toss Together Chorizo, Feta and Tomato Pasta
Spicy sausage, salty cheese and sweet tomatoes combine in this easy pasta dinner.
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
If you like ranch dressing, you will love this bold pasta filled with chicken, bacon and peas.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp One-Pot Pasta with Arugula
Easy peasy and perfectly cooked, this pasta features meaty shrimp and egg noodles cooked with the bright flavors of lemon, garlic, and peppery arugula.
Mediterranean Sheet Pan Gnocchi
Mediterranean Sheet Pan Gnocchi is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Plus, this easy vegetarian meal comes together so quickly.
Shrimp Salad Soft Tacos with Chile and Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette
Crisp, meaty, fresh and flavorful, these tacos are a satisfying dream.
Lemon Caper Fish Tacos with Blistered Tomatoes and Avocado
When you plate these tacos, they feel special — layered with flavors and textures. But really, these are easy to make and cook quickly.
The 5 Minute Turkey Club Ranch Wrap
This Turkey Bacon Ranch Wrap will take you 5 minutes to throw together. Make it with leftover turkey or turkey deli meat.
Sheet Pan Sausage And Peppers With Pierogies
This Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers with Pierogies dinner is an easy and delicious meal that anyone can make! With lots of flavor and very little effort, this is an excellent go-to main meal in a pinch.
Shredded Chicken and Black Bean Nachos
Pile together the ingredients for this easy recipe and heat to melty perfection. That's how easy this is.
Easy 5-Ingredient Chicken Snow Pea Skillet
With just five ingredients (oil, salt and pepper don’t count!), Chicken Snow Pea Skillet is a perfect stress-free dinner for tonight. Serve this easy, garlicky stir-fry with rice or mashed potatoes.
Pico De Gallo Chicken Skillet
With just a few ingredients, this easy chicken recipe comes together in minutes.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup with Lime and Avocado
This delightful soup is tangy, filling and filled with flavors I love. Most of all though, I love how easy it is to dump ingredients in the slow cooker and come home to a piping hot soup almost ready to serve.
Lemon Chickpea and Rice Casserole
A super easy dump-and-bake meatless meal for the family! This Lemon Chickpea and Rice Casserole is a healthy, hearty, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-free dinner idea.
Buttery Lemon Shrimp Pappardelle
Luxurious pappardelle noodles are bathed in a rich buttery lemon sauce with garlic and tossed with shrimp and fresh parsley. It's delightful!
Garlicky Shrimp, Spinach and Asiago Pizza
Who doesn't love pizza? And this one is extra easy and extra special.
Teriyaki Salmon and Avocado Bowl with Pickled Radishes
Creamy avocado, tangy pickled radishes and a sweet teriyaki glazed salmon come together in this rice bowl for a satisfying and delicious dinner.
Roasted Cabbage with Smoked Salmon
Have you ever roasted cabbage? This recipe takes that satisfying vegetable and combines it with salty smoked salmon for a delightful and easy meal.
Sheet Pan Garlic Salmon with Roasted Snap Peas
In this sheet pan dish, salmon gets a hearty boost of flavor from the
garlic it’s topped with. Plus, roasting the snap peas renders them tender while celebrating their natural sweetness. Delightful!
Cooking Hamburgers in the Oven
Quick and easy to make, you won't believe how delicious these burgers are.
Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken with Brussels Sprouts
Get dinner on the table in a flash with this sheet pan lemon chicken with Brussels sprouts! Not only is this recipe easy and delicious but clean up is a breeze too.