Easy Gluten Free Dinners: Simple Recipes for Busy Nights

Looking for easy gluten free dinners that won’t keep you chained to the kitchen after a long day? You’re in the right place! These simple weeknight recipes deliver satisfying meals without sacrificing flavor or adding unnecessary stress to your evening routine. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with celiac disease, cooking for someone with gluten sensitivity, or simply reducing gluten in your diet, these dishes will quickly become household favorites.

Listen to the Step-by-Step Guide for easy gluten free dinners :

April 15, 2025 ·

easy gluten free dinners audio podcast

7 Min, 30 Sec · By dinnersrecipes.com

Host Sofia shares three easy gluten-free dinner recipes perfect for busy nights—plus quick tips for smart cooking and meal planning.

Quick Easy Gluten Free Dinners Overview :

When time is tight but you still want something delicious on the table, these recipes have you covered:

Gone are the days when gluten free cooking meant bland, complicated meals or expensive specialty ingredients. With these straightforward recipes, you’ll have dinner ready in half an hour or less—without compromising on taste or nutrition.

Kitchen Tools Needed for Easy Gluten Free Dinners :

You don’t need fancy equipment to prepare these easy gluten free dinners. Most recipes require just basic kitchen tools:

• Non-stick skillet or frying pan
• Large pot for boiling pasta or steaming vegetables
• Sheet pan for roasting
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls of various sizes
• Blender or food processor (for select recipes only)
• Spiralizer (optional but fun for veggie noodles)
• Instant Pot or slow cooker (optional time-savers)

The beauty of these recipes lies in their simplicity both in cooking method and required equipment. Most meals can be prepared with tools you already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients :

Let’s dive into the star recipes of our easy gluten free dinners collection:

One Pan Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables :

• 1½ pounds boneless chicken thighs
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped
• 2 large carrots, cut into sticks
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons gluten-free Italian seasoning blend
• Salt and pepper to taste

15 Minute Shrimp Stir Fry :

• 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
• 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 2 cups snap peas, ends trimmed
• ¼ cup gluten-free tamari sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 cups cooked rice or rice noodles

Quick Gluten Free Pasta Primavera :

• 12 ounces gluten-free pasta (rotini or penne work well)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized
• 1 yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian herb blend
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions :

Easy Gluten Free Dinners Preparation Step-by-Step :

One Pan Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables :

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and half of the herbs.

Step 3: Spread vegetables evenly on the sheet pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with remaining herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.

Step 4: Make space among the vegetables for the chicken thighs. Drizzle chicken with remaining olive oil and arrange on the pan, ensuring pieces don’t touch.

Step 5: Roast for 20-25 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables are tender with slightly crisp edges.

15 Minute Shrimp Stir Fry :

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Add shrimp to the hot pan and cook for approximately 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Add remaining oil to the pan along with bell peppers and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are bright and slightly tender.

Step 4: Return shrimp to the pan. Add tamari sauce, garlic, and ginger. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 5: Serve immediately over rice or rice noodles, garnishing with sliced green onions if desired.

Quick Gluten Free Pasta Primavera :

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gluten-free pasta according to package directions, reducing cooking time by 1-2 minutes for al dente texture.

Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add broccoli and squash to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until bright and beginning to soften. Add cherry tomatoes and cook 1 minute more.

Step 4: Before draining pasta, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain pasta and immediately add to the vegetable mixture.

Step 5: Add reserved pasta water, herbs, salt and pepper. Toss everything together gently. Top with Parmesan if using and serve hot.

Easy Gluten Free Dinners Pro Tips :

Take your gluten free cooking to the next level with these expert suggestions:

• Always read labels carefully gluten hides in unexpected places like seasonings and sauces
• Cook gluten-free pasta 1-2 minutes less than package directions suggest for perfect texture
• Keep dedicated utensils for gluten-free cooking to prevent cross-contamination
• Prep vegetables ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for even quicker weeknight meal assembly
• Use parchment paper on baking sheets for easier cleanup and to prevent food from sticking

Chef’s Notes :

• For extra-crispy chicken skin, thoroughly pat dry with paper towels before seasoning
• Most gluten-free pastas have different cooking properties than wheat pasta check frequently for doneness to avoid mushiness
• Store leftover cooked proteins in the refrigerator to use as quick salad toppers later in the week
• Batch cook gluten-free grains like rice and quinoa on weekends to speed up weeknight meals

Nutrition Facts :

Nutrition Facts for One Pan Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables :

Nutrition Facts for 15 Minute Shrimp Stir-Fry :

Nutrition Facts for Quick Gluten Free Pasta Primavera :

What to Serve With Easy Gluten Free Dinners ?

Complete your meal with these perfect accompaniments:

• Fresh garden salad with homemade vinaigrette
• Gluten-free dinner rolls or corn bread
• Steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables
• Quinoa or brown rice pilaf
• Mashed cauliflower as a lighter alternative to potatoes
• Gluten-free gravy or sauce options
• Fresh fruit compote for a light dessert

These sides complement the main dishes without adding significant preparation time, maintaining the “easy” in easy gluten free dinners.

Personalize Your Dishes :

One of the best things about these easy gluten free dinners is their adaptability. Customize to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Dairy-Free Options: Substitute olive oil for butter, nutritional yeast for cheese
• Vegetarian/Vegan Variations: Replace animal proteins with tofu, tempeh, or hearty legumes
• Low-Carb Adjustments: Swap pasta with spiralized vegetables, rice with cauliflower rice
• Kid-Friendly Modifications: Cut vegetables into fun shapes, create build-your-own dinner stations
• Spice Level Customizations: Offer additional hot sauce or red pepper flakes on the side

What Not to Do When Making Easy Gluten Free Dinners :

Avoid these common pitfalls when preparing gluten free meals:

• Don’t assume all seasonings and condiments are automatically gluten-free—always check labels
• Avoid cross-contamination risks by keeping preparation areas separate
• Never overcook gluten-free pasta as it becomes mushy much faster than wheat pasta
• Don’t use wooden utensils previously used for gluten-containing foods (wood can harbor gluten)
• Avoid skipping the quinoa rinsing step (removes the bitter natural coating)
• Don’t substitute regular soy sauce (contains wheat) use certified gluten-free tamari instead
• Avoid storing gluten-free and regular flours in proximity to prevent airborne contamination

Frequently Asked Questions :

Easy Gluten-Free Dinners: Simple Recipes for Busy Nights

Recipe by dinnersrecipes.comCourse: Dinner recipesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4-6

servings

Prep time

14

minutes

Cooking time

29

minutes

Calories

300-410

kcal

Discover 3 easy gluten free dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights! Each dish is ready in 30 minutes or less, packed with flavor, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or just want quick, nutritious meals, these recipes deliver delicious results without the hassle.

Ingredients

• One Pan Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables :

• 1½ pounds boneless chicken thighs

• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced

• 1 medium zucchini, chopped

• 2 large carrots, cut into sticks

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

• 2 teaspoons gluten-free Italian seasoning blend

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 15 Minute Shrimp Stir Fry :

• 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp

• 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced

• 2 cups snap peas, ends trimmed

• ¼ cup gluten-free tamari sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 3 cups cooked rice or rice noodles

• Quick Gluten Free Pasta Primavera :

• 12 ounces gluten-free pasta

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized

• 1 yellow squash, sliced into half-moons

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon Italian herb blend

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Step-by-Step One Pan Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables recipe :
• Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
• Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and half of the herbs.
• Spread vegetables evenly on the sheet pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with remaining herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
• Make space among the vegetables for the chicken thighs. Drizzle chicken with remaining olive oil and arrange on the pan, ensuring pieces don’t touch.
• Roast for 20-25 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables are tender with slightly crisp edges.
• Step-by-Step 15-Minute Shrimp Stir Fry recipe :
• Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add shrimp to the hot pan and cook for approximately 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate.
• Add remaining oil to the pan along with bell peppers and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are bright and slightly tender.
• Return shrimp to the pan. Add tamari sauce, garlic, and ginger. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute more.
• Serve immediately over rice or rice noodles, garnishing with sliced green onions if desired.
• Step-by-Step Quick Gluten Free Pasta Primavera recipe :
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gluten-free pasta according to package directions, reducing cooking time by 1-2 minutes for al dente texture.
• While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add broccoli and squash to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until bright and beginning to soften. Add cherry tomatoes and cook 1 minute more.
• Before draining pasta, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain pasta and immediately add to the vegetable mixture.
• Add reserved pasta water, herbs, salt and pepper. Toss everything together gently. Top with Parmesan if using and serve hot.

Notes

• For extra-crispy chicken skin, thoroughly pat dry with paper towels before seasoning
• Most gluten-free pastas have different cooking properties than wheat pasta check frequently for doneness to avoid mushiness
• Store leftover cooked proteins in the refrigerator to use as quick salad toppers later in the week
• Batch cook gluten-free grains like rice and quinoa on weekends to speed up weeknight meals