18 recipes that are low effort but so good

These 18 recipes that are low effort but so good are the ultimate kitchen shortcut. Quick steps create bold and satisfying results. Too good to skip when time is short!

10-Minute Creamy Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce

A plate of creamy spaghetti garnished with fresh basil and red pepper flakes, with a fork resting on the side. — 10-Minute Creamy Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Short on time but still want something good, 10-Minute Creamy Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce gets it done fast. It comes together quickly with almost no prep. A reliable choice for busy days when a quick meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Creamy Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce

Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Quick dinners feel easier with Air Fryer Skirt Steak on the table. The air fryer handles the cooking fast with very little cleanup. Perfect when a solid meal is needed without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Easy Shredded Tofu Tacos

Three tacos filled with shredded chicken, chopped onions, cilantro, and sauce are served on a wooden board with lime wedges and a bowl of red salsa in the background. — Easy Shredded Tofu Tacos. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Weeknight meals feel lighter with Easy Shredded Tofu Tacos in the mix. Simple prep and quick cooking make this a go-to for busy schedules. Easy to put together and still hits the mark for a filling bite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shredded Tofu Tacos

Ginataang Langka (Filipino Jackfruit in Coconut Milk)

A bowl of shredded jackfruit cooked with green olives and garnished with fresh cilantro, served with a wooden spoon. — Ginataang Langka (Filipino Jackfruit in Coconut Milk). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Comfort food does not need to be complicated, and Ginataang Langka (Filipino Jackfruit in Coconut Milk) keeps it simple. Everything comes together in one pot with minimal effort. A great choice for a rich dish that does not take much work.
Get the Recipe: Ginataang Langka (Filipino Jackfruit in Coconut Milk)

Air Fryer Scallops

Fast seafood meals feel doable with Air Fryer Scallops. The air fryer cooks them quickly without much attention needed. Good for days when something different is wanted without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops

Instant Pot Bolognese

Busy days call for meals that just work, and Instant Pot Bolognese gets it done fast. The pressure cooker cuts down long cooking time while still bringing deep flavor. Great for anyone who wants a rich pasta dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese

Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Ground beef cabbage soup made in the Instant Pot in a white serving bowl. — Instant Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Light meals come together fast with Instant Pot Cabbage Soup. The pressure cooker handles everything while keeping prep simple. A solid option when time is short but a full bowl still sounds good.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Sheet Pan Turmeric Salmon

Turmeric salmon with cherry sauce and roasted broccoli rabe on a plate. — Sheet Pan Turmeric Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

One-pan dinners keep things easy, and Sheet Pan Turmeric Salmon fits right in. Everything cooks together with minimal cleanup after. A quick way to get a balanced meal without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Turmeric Salmon

Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley

A bowl of creamy soup with roasted cauliflower, red peppers, carrots, and onions. — Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Easy sides make meals better, and Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley keeps it simple. Roasting brings out great flavor with very little effort. Works well when a no-stress addition is needed.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley

Sheet Pan Steak and Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp and steak fajitas with peppers and onions. — Sheet Pan Steak and Shrimp Fajitas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dinner feels complete without extra effort thanks to Sheet Pan Steak and Shrimp Fajitas. Everything cooks together on one tray for easy cleanup. Great for nights when time is tight but a full meal is still the goal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak and Shrimp Fajitas

Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Bowl of creamy soup with corn, beans, tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro garnish. — Vegan White Chickpea Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Simple comfort meals shine with Vegan White Chickpea Chili on the menu. It comes together quickly with very little prep involved. A good pick when something filling is needed without spending too much time.
Get the Recipe: Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

A plate of bowtie pasta with tomato sauce and pieces of chicken, garnished with grated cheese and fresh basil leaves on the side. — Bruschetta Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Quick pasta nights get an upgrade with Bruschetta Chicken Pasta. It comes together fast while keeping things easy to manage. A solid choice for a no-stress dinner that still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Instant Pot coconut pulled pork served with turmeric rice in a bowl. — Instant Pot Coconut Pork. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Busy schedules get easier with Instant Pot Coconut Pork ready to go. The pressure cooker keeps things simple while cutting down cook time. Works well for a hearty meal without spending too long in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Creamy Halloumi Pasta

A plate of pasta topped with grilled halloumi, roasted tomatoes, and basil leaves, served with a fork on the side. — Creamy Halloumi Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Fast comfort meals feel effortless with Creamy Halloumi Pasta. Simple steps bring everything together without much time involved. A good option when something filling is needed without extra planning.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Halloumi Pasta

Kimchi Fried Rice

Leftover rice gets a quick upgrade with Kimchi Fried Rice. Everything comes together in minutes with minimal prep. Perfect for a fast meal that does not feel basic.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Fried Rice

Homemade Air Fryer Pizza

A pizza with slices topped with fresh basil leaves on a wooden surface. — Homemade Air Fryer Pizza. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Quick pizza nights feel easier with Homemade Air Fryer Pizza. The air fryer speeds things up and keeps cleanup simple. Great for when something fun is needed without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Air Fryer Pizza

Instant Pot Chicken Tinga

Easy meal prep starts with Instant Pot Chicken Tinga in the rotation. The pressure cooker handles the work while keeping things quick. Works well for different meals without adding extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Tinga

Best Vegetarian Bolognese

Meatless meals feel simple with Best Vegetarian Bolognese on hand. It keeps the process easy while still giving a rich result. A good option for a plant-based dish that does not take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegetarian Bolognese