The 29 Fast Recipes I Rely On When I’m Totally Out Of Energy

Sometimes the only thing lower than the motivation is the battery percentage on every device. That’s exactly when 29 fast meals show up and do their thing without making anyone work too hard. No complicated cleanup, no weird prep, just food that appears when giving up was almost the plan. It’s like hitting the dinner jackpot with zero effort luck.

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cacio e Pepe

Close-up of cooked spaghetti with cracked black pepper and a fork partially visible.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You’re looking for something quick and it doesn’t get faster than this classic pasta dish. Cacio e Pepe focuses on simplicity with bold flavors. It’s all about the combo of cheese and pepper. Great when you want something comforting without doing much work.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Margherita Pizza

Someone helping themselves to a slice of Margherita pizza.
Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you don’t have the energy to deal with heavy toppings, Margherita Pizza is perfect. It’s simple yet delivers on flavor with a focus on texture. No fuss, just balance. Great option when you want pizza but have zero energy to dive into a complex recipe.
Get the Recipe: Margherita Pizza

Chickpea Nuggets

A plate of chickpea nuggets with a bowl of sauce.
Chickpea Nuggets. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These are for when you need a snack that isn’t loaded with too much prep. Chickpea Nuggets are perfect for quick bites or dipping into whatever sauce you have. No complicated steps, just something easy to munch on. Plus, they’re easy to make in batches.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Nuggets

Easy Burrito

Someone stacking veggie burritos.
Easy Burrito. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Burritos are handy because they mix everything in one wrap and you’re good to go. Easy Burrito keeps it simple and skips any fancy prep work. It’s about throwing a few things together for something filling. Works great for a fast lunch or dinner plan.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

Cheese Quesadilla

A person lifts a cheesy quesadilla slice from a wooden board. Nearby are bowls of guacamole and salsa on a light-colored table.
Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you have zero energy for cooking, this option is a lifesaver. Cheese Quesadilla is all about simplicity, but it hits the spot every time. Just a few simple components and you’ve got something warm and quick. Perfect for a snack or quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Quesadilla

Waffles

Freshly made waffles on a plate with strawberries.
Waffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, simple carbs are the best way to recharge when you’re too tired to fuss over a meal. Waffles are great for lazy mornings or evenings when you don’t want a complicated dish. They’re filling enough without being heavy. Plus, kids love them!
Get the Recipe: Waffles

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you want something light but still full of flavor, Best Lemon Pasta makes its case. Combining the tang of lemon with pasta gives you a fresh twist on dinner. It’s one of those quick meals that feels upgraded without requiring any extra work.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you want something refreshing but don’t feel like spending too much time chopping, 7 Layer Salad is for you. It’s simple to put together yet looks impressive. There’s a good mix of textures without overly complicating things. Great for when you’re craving veggies in a jiffy.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Chocolate Chip Cookies

A hand holding a chocolate chip cookie on a cooling rack.
Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

In the mood for something sweet without having to work for it? Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect solution. Quick to make and they hit the craving spot every time. These make for great snacks whenever you feel like pulling something out of the oven fast.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Got some vegetables lying around? Toss them into Pasta Primavera for something quick and filling. It’s about keeping things simple with colors and flavors. No lengthy prep; just a basic idea done well. Perfect for when you’re feeling lazy but still want pasta.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you don’t want to go super heavy but need something with bite, Black Bean Burger steps in. It’s simple yet delivers on texture and flavor. Great for quick food without dealing with tons of preparation. Ideal for a quick lunch or dinner idea.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Burger

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

A stack of four fluffy pancakes topped with fresh raspberries, pear slices, and a drizzle of syrup.
Cottage Cheese Pancakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These pancakes are slightly different but totally worth it for a lazy morning. Cottage Cheese Pancakes add a bit of extra texture compared to standard ones. It’s fun to switch things up, especially when you don’t have the energy for more elaborate dishes. They’re quick and easy to whip up, too.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Easy Flatbread Pizza

Two slices of pizza with tomatoes and herbs.
Easy Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This one skips long dough prep steps to get straight to eating. Easy Flatbread Pizza makes pizza more convenient when you want it fast. It works well with whatever toppings you’ve got lying around. Great for those nights when you want something warm without waiting too long.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza

Grilled Eggplant

Close-up of grilled eggplant slices garnished with chopped herbs and a glossy glaze.
Grilled Eggplant. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you want something a little smoky but still simple, Grilled Eggplant makes a good option. No heavy prep, just easy cooking with good results. It pairs up well with sides or works fine on its own. Perfect when you’re looking for simple veggie options.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant

Mushroom Pizza

Close-up of a pizza topped with arugula, mushrooms, cheese, and herbs on a parchment paper.
Mushroom Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you want a pizza with a twist but don’t want anything complicated, Mushroom Pizza is a solid pick. It combines the earthiness of mushrooms with classic pizza flavors. It works as a standalone dish or pairs well with sides. Quick to build and bake for lazy nights.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

A close-up of a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup garnished with croutons, a sprig of mint, and grated cheese.
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soup that feels rich but doesn’t involve tons of work is always a win. Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup is fast and doesn’t leave a mess in the kitchen. It’s perfect for those colder nights when you’re just too tired to whip up anything complex. The balance between flavors is easy yet comforting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mixing pizza vibes with fresh greens makes Pizza Salad a fun twist. It’s straightforward and doesn’t feel heavy to throw together. Great option for midweek dinners when you want something different. Best of all, no lengthy prep, just combine and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Egg Bites

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fast, protein-packed, and needing little effort, Egg Bites are a go-to option for quick energy. They don’t take long to make and are easy to grab on busy mornings. Great for minimal cleanup while still feeling like you put together a real meal. Perfect for a snack!
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

French Bread Pizza

Four slices of French bread pizza with tomatoes and cheese on a cutting board.
French Bread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Skip complicated dough recipes and just start with something easy like French Bread Pizza. It gets done fast and doesn’t require layering tons of things. The result is warm, cheesy, and exactly what you need for low-energy days. Great choice for a no-hassle pizza fix.
Get the Recipe: French Bread Pizza

Marry Me Butter Beans

A cast iron skillet with creamy pasta mixed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with cheese, with a wooden spoon resting inside.
Marry Me Butter Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Butter beans cooked just right offer up a good mix of texture with flavor. Marry Me Butter Beans makes for a fast dish that’s simple in prep. No crazy steps, just basic and good food you can throw together quickly. It’s perfect for those “too tired to cook” moments.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Butter Beans

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti marinara in a bowl with fresh basil on top..
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta with marinara is as simple as it gets but always solid. Spaghetti Marinara skips anything fancy and keeps it basic. It’s fast, comforting, and works great when you’re done dealing with complex recipes. Perfect for a quick meal anytime.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Neapolitan Pizza

A quick and easy pizza recipe on a white plate.
Neapolitan Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Traditional minimalism makes Neapolitan Pizza shine, especially when energy is running low. The focus is straightforward and simple components that come together fast. You avoid unnecessary effort but still get pizza done right. Perfect for those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you want pasta with a creamy surprise but no complicated prep, Penne Alla Vodka steps in. It’s fast to make but feels like you put in effort. Great for saving the day when you don’t have the energy for something more elaborate. Comfort food without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)

A Thai omelet with jasmine rice in a bowl.
Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow). Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This omelet has a different twist from what you might normally expect. Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow) is fast to make and works well for a casual meal. It’s simple but changes things up enough to make it interesting. Great for those tired nights when you want something familiar but a little different.
Get the Recipe: Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)

Refried Beans

A bowl of homemade refried beans and lime wedges.
Refried Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you need a quick side or base for other dishes, Refried Beans work every time. They’re straightforward and don’t require much effort or time. You can throw them into wraps, serve as a side, or just eat them as is. No overthinking on this one.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want something refreshing with a bit of kick? Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is straightforward without over-complicating things. It’s quick to make and works well as a side without much prep. Perfect for when you want something fast but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Tortilla Pizza

Four tortilla pizzas on a wooden cutting board.
Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you need pizza in minutes, Tortilla Pizza is your shortcut. It’s really fast and doesn’t require you to deal with dough. Everything gets done quickly with minimal cleanup. Great for those moments when you just want something easy and cheesy.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable stir fry with sesame seeds.
Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Stir fry is your answer when you want to toss some veggies together without thinking about it too much. Vegetable Stir Fry gets cooked in no time and works with simple ingredients. It’s quick, warm, and a great way to get in some greens without doing extra work.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Hash Browns

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy, easy, and done fast, Hash Browns are perfect for low-effort mornings or snack times. They don’t need much but always deliver on texture. Good for pairing with other breakfast staples or eating solo. Great when you just want simple food done well.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

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