10 Easy-to-Prepare Meals That Make Dinner Stress-Free

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what to make that’s quick, tasty, and doesn’t require a stack of dishes? We’ve all been there. The good news? Easy-to-prepare meals exist—ones that cut down on time without compromising on flavour or nutrition. Whether you’re after a speedy weeknight dinner or a no-fuss meal prep solution, we’ve got your back.

Let’s explore delicious, stress-free meals that make dinnertime a breeze—because cooking should fit around your life, not the other way around. Check out our meal plans for even more effortless options!

10 Easy-to-Prepare Meals for Busy Days

1. One-Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta

When dinner prep needs to be quick, a one-pot pasta is a lifesaver. This creamy chicken pesto pasta is packed with flavour, thanks to the addition of parmesan and fresh basil. The best part? It’s ready in 30 minutes and requires minimal cleanup. Use pre-cooked chicken breast or quick-cooking pasta to make this dish even faster.

👉 Try it with Nourish’d’s Chicken Pesto Pasta for an even easier weeknight meal.

2. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken with Veggies

The air fryer is a game-changer for quick and easy dinners. Simply toss BBQ chicken breast and veggies into the basket, set the timer, and let it do its magic. The result? Juicy, smoky chicken with crispy roasted vegetables—all in under 25 minutes. Use pre-marinated BBQ chicken to cut prep time even further.

👉 Looking for a shortcut? Nourish’d’s Popcorn Chicken is a ready-made option that saves even more time.

3. Quick & Easy Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a classic comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Pre-made butter chicken sauces take the hard work out, allowing you to whip up this aromatic dish in no time. Serve it with cooked rice or cauliflower rice for a balanced meal.

👉 Nourish’d’s Butter Chicken is perfect for nights when you want a no-fuss, hearty meal.

4. Sheet Pan Garlic Prawns & Veggies

For a no-fuss meal, let your sheet pan do the work! Garlic prawns, zucchini, and capsicums roast beautifully together, bringing out a depth of flavour with minimal effort. Just season, spread everything out on a tray, and bake—dinner is ready in 20 minutes.

5. Slow Cooker Smoky Black Bean Stew

This wholesome, slow cooker meal requires just a few pantry staples: black beans, tomatoes, garlic, and smoky paprika. Let it simmer for a few hours, and you’ll have a rich, hearty stew perfect for meal prep. Serve with tacos or over steamed rice for a complete dish.

6. Creamy Tuscan Chicken Breast

This creamy Tuscan chicken feels indulgent but is incredibly easy and healthy. With a creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, it’s a weeknight dinner that comes together in 30 minutes or less. Serve it with zucchini noodles for a low-carb, keto-friendly twist.

7. Stir-Fry Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

A quick stir-fry is always a great go-to when you’re short on time. Use chicken breast, cauliflower rice, and a mix of crunchy veggies like bell peppers and carrots. Add a simple garlic and ginger sauce, and you have a delicious meal in under 20 minutes.

👉 For an even quicker fix, check out Nourish’d’s Satay Chicken.

8. Easy Chickpea & Leek Salad

Salads don’t have to be boring! This chickpea and leek salad is fresh, protein-packed, and customisable. Toss together chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, feta, and a lemon-olive oil dressing for a nutritious, no-cook meal. Add grilled chicken for extra protein.

9. One-Pot Parmesan Penne with Veggies

A one-pot meal that delivers great flavour and minimal cleanup? Yes, please! This creamy parmesan penne with green peas and mushrooms is ready in 20 minutes. Thanks to the addition of parmesan and fresh herbs, it’s an easy, satisfying dish.

10. Oven-Baked Nachos with Black Beans & Cheese

These crunchy nachos are a crowd-pleaser and special enough for a relaxed family dinner. Load up oven-baked tortilla chips with black beans, melted cheddar, and diced tomatoes. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to keep it light yet creamy.

Meal Prep Tips for Easy Cooking

We all love a delicious meal, but spending hours in the kitchen? Not so much. That’s where smart meal prep comes in—helping you save time, reduce food waste, and make cooking feel effortless. Whether you're planning easy weeknight dinners or balanced meals for busy days, these simple strategies will streamline your routine and keep you well-fed without the stress.

1. Batch Cook Proteins for Quick Assembly

Cooking proteins in bulk means faster, more flexible meals throughout the week. Grilled chicken breast, slow-cooked pulled pork, or air fryer salmon can be repurposed into salads, wraps, stir-fries, or tacos. Store them in portion-sized containers so you can quickly make a meal without the extra prep.

2. Pre-Chop Veggies for Hassle-Free Cooking

Chopping veggies every night? No thanks! Instead, slice capsicums, carrots, onions, and leafy greens in advance and store them in airtight containers. This makes it easier to whip up stir-fries, sheet pan dinners, or veggie-packed omelettes without reaching for the chopping board every time.

3. Use Pre-Made Sauces for Extra Flavour

A good sauce on hand can elevate any dish without effort. Pesto, teriyaki, or a smoky BBQ sauce instantly add depth of flavour to stir-fries, pasta dishes, and oven-baked meals. Look for low-sugar, high-quality options to keep things nutritious and tasty.

4. Plan Ahead with a Meal Plan

Taking a few minutes to map out your weekly meals means fewer last-minute dinner dilemmas and less food waste. Not sure where to start? Nourish’d’s Meal Plan Services take care of the prep for you, delivering wholesome, ready-to-eat meals straight to your door.

With these simple meal prep tricks, you’ll have easy, stress-free dinners ready to go—because great food shouldn’t come with extra effort.

Less Stress, More Flavour—Let’s Make Mealtimes Easy

Cooking from scratch every night? That’s a recipe for exhaustion. With these quick, easy-to-prepare meals, you’ve got everything you need to keep weeknight dinners simple, flavour-packed, and stress-free.

At Nourish’d, we believe great food shouldn’t come with extra effort. That’s why our chef-crafted, nutritionist-approved meals are designed to fit your lifestyle—whether you’re juggling work, family or just want a break from cooking.

So, why not let us handle the hard part? Explore our menu and enjoy fresh, delicious meals delivered straight to your door. Because you deserve less time in the kitchen and more time doing what you love.

Here’s to easy, wholesome eating—without the hassle.