Dinner in a flash: 19 easy peasy quick meal ideas

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Making dinner quickly doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or taste. With a range of recipes ready in under 30 minutes, you can enjoy delicious meals without spending all evening in the kitchen. These recipes cover everything from savory stir-fries to comforting pasta, each designed with time and ease in mind. They’re perfect for those days when your schedule is packed, but you still crave a homemade meal. It’s all about bringing practical, tasty, and speedy solutions to your dinner table, making every minute count.

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A plate of chicken thighs.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Make sticky honey garlic chicken thighs in your air fryer easily. This dish combines honey and garlic’s sweet and savory flavors, perfectly coating tender chicken. It’s a fuss-free recipe ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick yet flavorful dinner. Plus, the air fryer ensures a delightful crispness to the chicken without the heaviness of oil.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Leftover Roast Beef Stew

Leftover roast beef stroganoff on a plate with green beans in the background.
Leftover Roast Beef Stew. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turn your leftover roast beef into a warm and comforting stew. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers into a completely new dish filled with rich flavors and hearty vegetables. Ready in just 30 minutes, this stew is a warming meal for those busy evenings. It’s a practical, delicious solution that minimizes waste and maximizes taste.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Stew

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Chicken Tinga Tostada on a plate.
Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your dinner routine with chicken tinga tostadas, a delightful blend of shredded chicken in a flavorful, spicy sauce served on crispy tostadas. This meal is not only quick to prepare but also packed with bold Mexican flavors. It’s perfect for a fun, interactive dinner where everyone can build their own tostada. Plus, it’s a great way to bring some excitement to the dinner table in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak

A top-down shot of Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak on a cutting board with veggies.
Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Treat yourself to a luxurious dinner with grilled ribeye cap steak, known for its rich flavor and tenderness. Grilling it to perfection is quick and easy, making it an ideal choice for a fancy, yet hassle-free meal. It’s perfect for those nights when you crave a steakhouse experience at home. Pair it with a simple salad or side dish, and you have a gourmet meal in no time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak

Ham & Asparagus Pizza

A pizza with ham and asparagus on a pizza stone.
Ham & Asparagus Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Put a delightful twist on pizza night with this ham and asparagus pizza, a combination that’s both unique and delicious. It’s a quick and easy recipe, especially if you use a pre-made pizza base. The flavors of savory ham and fresh asparagus make for a refreshing change from traditional toppings. This pizza is perfect for a speedy, satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Shrimp Scampi on a bed of rice in a black oval dish.
Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You’re in for a treat with garlic shrimp scampi! It’s a quick and easy dish with a truly luxurious flavor. Loaded with garlic, butter, and lemon, it offers a burst of flavor with each bite. Serve it over pasta or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s an elegant yet easy dish, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Blackstone Sausage & Peppers

A bowl of sausage and peppers.
Blackstone Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy a classic combination of sausage and peppers, easily prepared on a Blackstone griddle. This dish is simple to cook and packed with flavors that remind you of an outdoor fair. It’s a great way to bring the family together for a casual, yet delicious meal. Plus, it’s ready quickly, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sausage & Peppers

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Pasta with Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Experience the freshness of summer with pasta topped with a vibrant cherry tomato sauce. This dish is light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. The sweetness of the tomatoes pairs wonderfully with the pasta, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and quick to make. It’s the perfect dinner for when you want something fresh, simple, and delightful.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This pesto orzo salad is a refreshing change from your usual dinner routine. It’s a quick, light dish that combines fresh pesto flavors with the orzo texture. It’s versatile and delicious, perfect for a speedy meal or a side dish. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a summery salad any time of the year.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combine the heartiness of steak with the lightness of pasta in this innovative salad. It’s a fulfilling meal that’s quick to prepare and flavorful. This dish is perfect for those looking for a satisfying yet easy-to-make dinner. Plus, it’s an excellent way to enjoy steak in a lighter, more balanced way.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tacos dorados, or “golden tacos,” are a delightful way to enjoy a crispy, filled taco. Filled with your choice of ingredients and then fried to perfection, they offer a satisfying crunch with every bite. They’re surprisingly simple to make and are perfect for a quick, fun dinner. These tacos bring the taste of street food right to your kitchen table.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

A pulled pork sandwich with fries on a slate board.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. Photo Credit: Grill What You Love.

Elevate your grilled cheese game with this mouth-watering combination of tender pulled pork and melted cheese. It’s a gourmet twist on a classic sandwich, easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a quick dinner, it’s a great way to use leftover pulled pork. This sandwich is comfort food at its best – cheesy, meaty, and utterly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Grilled pork chops with pineapple salsa on a white plate.
Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled pork chops are a quick and easy meal, made even better with a topping of fresh pineapple salsa. The sweetness of the salsa complements the savory pork perfectly. It’s a tropical twist on a traditional dish, bringing a burst of flavor to your dinner table. This meal is a wonderful way to enjoy a summery dish any time of the year.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black bowl with forks nearby.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a light yet satisfying meal, try this salmon pasta salad. It’s a delightful combination of flaky salmon, fresh vegetables, and pasta, all tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s easy to whip up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a healthy, quick dinner. This salad is a great way to enjoy seafood in a fresh, new way.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Chicken & Corn Chowder

Two bowls of soup on a table.
Chicken & Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cozy up with a bowl of chicken and corn chowder, a comforting and hearty soup that’s easy to make. It’s packed with tender chicken, sweet corn, and creamy broth, creating a satisfying meal. Perfect for a chilly evening, this chowder is a quick way to warm up and fill up. Plus, it’s a great way to bring comfort to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Corn Chowder

Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice on a white plate.
Ham Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ham fried rice is a quick, versatile dish perfect for using leftovers. It combines rice with savory ham, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce for a satisfying meal. Easy to customize with whatever you have on hand, it’s a great go-to recipe for a fast, delicious dinner. This dish is a clever and tasty way to repurpose leftover ham into something entirely new.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Blackstone Smash Burger

A burger held in two hands.
Blackstone Smash Burger. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Create the ultimate smash burger at home with this simple yet delicious recipe. Cooking them on a Blackstone griddle gives these burgers a wonderful crust and juicy interior. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic burger, and you can customize them with your favorite toppings. These burgers are perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Burger

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy the fusion of flavors in these chicken al pastor quesadillas. They combine marinated chicken with melted cheese inside a crispy tortilla. It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy the taste of al pastor in a simple, handheld meal. These quesadillas are perfect for a fuss-free dinner that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This pasta dish combines the bold flavors of sausage and the slight bitterness of broccoli rabe. It’s a quick, easy-to-make meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. The combination of ingredients provides a wonderful balance of flavors, making it a great weeknight dinner option. Plus, it’s a delicious way to incorporate greens into your meal in a way that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

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