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17 lightning-fast dinners that’ll save your sanity

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By Anne Jolly

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These 17 lightning-fast dinner recipes that will save your sanity on those crazy evenings when you’re short on time. From quick and easy one-pot meals to air fryer favorites and 15-minute wonders, these recipes are designed to help you conquer the weeknight dinner rush.

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp tacos with cabbage and lettuce on a white plate.
Blackened Shrimp Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Conquer weeknights with these Blackened Shrimp Tacos, ready in under 15 minutes. Tender, juicy shrimp seasoned to perfection and a creamy garlic aioli make this a flavor explosion that’s easy, weeknight-friendly, and bursting with taste.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Two stuffed yellow bell peppers with melted cheese and herbs served on a white plate.
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers use simple ingredients and cook in a fraction of the time, resulting in perfectly crispy exteriors and juicy fillings. Delicious, healthy, and easy, they make for the perfect weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Three bacon wrapped hot dogs in buns topped with cheese and onions.
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a classic favorite with a twist – hot dogs wrapped in crispy bacon for a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Fajita Burgers

A burger topped with peppers and onions with guacamole.
Fajita Burgers. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the flavors of fajitas in burger form with these delicious fajita burgers, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Fajita seasoning is mixed into ground beef for an easy and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Burgers

Sausage & Red Pepper Pasta

A close-up image of a fork holding a piece of seasoned cauliflower garnished with fresh parsley, with more cauliflower visible in the background.
Sausage & Red Pepper Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Craving a creamy, flavorful pasta that’s not marinara? This one-pot sausage and red pepper pasta is ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Red Pepper Pasta

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Two slices of cast iron skillet pizza on a white plate.
Cast Iron Skillet Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a foolproof, homemade pizza with a crispy crust and chewy interior using this cast iron skillet pizza recipe. This quick and easy dinner requires no pizza stone and is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving a delicious pizza.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Prepare this kid-friendly Mongolian beef in your air fryer for a quick and delicious weeknight meal, ready in just 20 minutes. Enjoy crispy beef coated in a sweet and salty sauce, reminiscent of your favorite P.F. Chang’s dish, without leaving your home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in a white bowl topped with basil.
Olive Garden Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This easy Instant Pot Minestrone soup is a quick, nutritious one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Full of flavor and packed with veggies, this healthy 30-minute meal is sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With this easy one-dish taco rice skillet, dinner will be on the table in about 20 minutes. Using only 8 simple ingredients, you can create a tasty and satisfying family dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Air Fryer Naan Pizza

Naan pizza with chicken and bacon in the basket of an air fryer.
Air Fryer Naan Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Create personal pizzas using naan bread in your air fryer for a simple and delicious weeknight meal. These air fryer naan pizzas are ready in about 10 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a homemade pizza in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Naan Pizza

Moroccan Chicken Thighs

A plate of chicken thighs served over a bed of seasoned couscous with chickpeas and garnished with fresh parsley, surrounded by similar dishes and a cloth napkin.
Moroccan Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken Thighs recipe is a flavorful and family-friendly dinner ready in 30 minutes. Packed with warm spices, juicy chicken, protein-rich quinoa, and chickpeas, this easy one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Chicken Thighs

Tortellini Pasta Salad

A bowl of tortellini pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, red onions, and a pesto dressing. A spoon is placed on the side of the dish.
Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Tortellini Pasta Salad with Mozzarella, Cherry Tomatoes, and Pesto is a hearty, flavorful picnic or cookout dish that’s perfect for summer. Easy to make ahead of time and serve as a main course, this satisfying salad is sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad

Leftover Turkey Pizza

A pizza with spinach and turkey on a wooden board.
Leftover Turkey Pizza . Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Skip takeout and enjoy this mouthwatering leftover turkey pizza for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Turkey is combined with bacon, spinach, peppers, and cheese on pre-made dough for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Pizza

Kung Pao Shrimp

A plate of stir-fried shrimp and vegetables with cashew nuts served over rice.
Kung Pao Shrimp. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Air Fryer Kung Pao Shrimp recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and packed with sweet, savory, and spicy flavor, making it perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Shrimp

Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

Two breaded pork chops on a gray plate with parsley.
Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Say hello to juicy, tender pork chops with a crispy breading, thanks to this easy air fryer recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, these flavorful pork chops will become a family favorite in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Chicken salad sandwich on a white plate.
Rotisserie Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Rotisserie Chicken Salad is packed with crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and tender chicken, making it a healthy and delicious choice for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Fried chicken with lemon wedges on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These easy air fryer chicken thighs, seasoned with simple spices and quickly cooked to crispy perfection, make for a delightful weeknight dinner in just 30 minutes. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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