7 Smart Go-To Dinners to Make After Working Late

You work hard, which isn't always the best motivation to toss together a fresh, home-cooked dinner when you get home after a long day. But you can get something on the table that features nutritious ingredients thanks to stocking your pantry with items that effortlessly mix together. From pasta to deli meats to canned sauces, you can be rewarded with a savory dish after being a rock star at work.

01
Easy Spinach, Ham, and Mushroom Fettuccine
POPSUGAR Photography | Jeff Harris

Easy Spinach, Ham, and Mushroom Fettuccine

Creamy pasta is what you deserve after a long day. This 20-minute recipe features sweet and smoky deli ham and store-purchased alfredo sauce. It's so good, and surprisingly easy to make last-minute.

Get the recipe: mushroom and spinach fettuccine

02
Simple Nicoise Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Allison Hudson Stockamore

Simple Nicoise Salad

A fresh salad is nice and light and comes together in minutes. Using canned tuna makes for a seriously quick dinner that's still satisfying.

Get the recipe: simple nicoise salad

03
Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
POPSUGAR Photography | Allison Hudson Stockamore

Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce

The crunch of peanuts alongside the other fresh ingredients in this dish make it a weeknight winner.

Get the recipe: soba noodles with peanut sauce

04
Baked Chicken Breasts
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Baked Chicken Breasts

You really can make baked chicken breasts that are crispy and filled with so much flavor in 20 minutes. While they're baking, toss a simple salad together and then dinner is ready.

Get the recipe: baked chicken breasts

05
Chicken Lo Mein
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Chicken Lo Mein

Takeout is the easy option, but this quick recipe will save you time and money and is sure to be better when it's homemade. Filled with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, it's a delicious dish at the end of a long day.

Get the recipe: chicken lo mein

06
Avocado Pizza
POPSUGAR Photography | Erin Cullum

Avocado Pizza

Load up on store-purchased pizza dough, because once you make this recipe, you'll want it every night. Personalizing with your favorite ingredients makes it fun and different each time.

Get the recipe: avocado pizza

07
Veggie Stir-Fry
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Veggie Stir-Fry

Stock your fridge with shredded veggies to make this stir-fry ready to eat in no time. It's also such a nutritious alternative to ordering in.

Get the recipe: veggie stir-fry

More from the makers of HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® Deli Meats:

More from the makers of HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® Deli Meats:

We believe in making delicious meat and cheese you can trust to always be 100% natural-made without artificial preservatives or ingredients. Make the natural choice here.