Busy weeknights call for dinners that are simple and fast, yet satisfying. These 15 speedy recipes are perfect when you want to make a great meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Each recipe is designed to be flavorful and filling, but they don’t require hours of prep or hard-to-find ingredients. With just one pan, a handful of ingredients, or a few shortcuts, these dinners practically cook themselves.
One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner
This pork dinner comes together in one pan and takes about 30 minutes to make. The pork, seasoned with garlic and pepper, is combined with potatoes and green beans, creating a hearty and balanced meal. Each bite brings the savory richness of garlic and the mild heat of black pepper. It’s a simple dish that fills you up without the need for extra sides.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy garlic chicken delivers tender, juicy chicken in a garlicky, creamy sauce in under 25 minutes. The sauce, infused with fresh garlic and cream, creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile that complements the chicken. With only a few ingredients, this dish keeps things light but flavorful. It’s perfect for busy nights when you crave something indulgent but quick.
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Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
This creamy balsamic chicken skillet is a 20-minute dish full of tangy, savory flavors. Balsamic vinegar pairs beautifully with cream to create a silky sauce that coats tender chicken breast pieces. It’s a one-pan recipe that’s easy to whip up and perfect for weeknights. Serve it with rice or veggies for a complete, comforting meal.
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Croissant Breakfast Casserole
The croissant breakfast casserole blends flaky croissants with eggs, cheese, and sausage in about 40 minutes. Each bite has a satisfying mix of buttery croissant layers, savory sausage, and gooey cheese. This casserole is ideal for mornings when you need a filling, no-fuss breakfast. It’s also great for meal prep or brunch gatherings.
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Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf
This surf and turf combo pairs grilled pork chops with shrimp for a balanced, protein-packed meal ready in 25 minutes. The pork has a smoky, savory flavor, while the shrimp adds a slightly sweet and tender bite. Grilled together, they offer a great mix of land and sea flavors. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that feels special.
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Chicken Gluten Free Enchiladas
These gluten-free enchiladas come together in under 30 minutes, featuring chicken, cheese, and a homemade enchilada sauce. The dish has a mildly spicy and savory taste, with tender chicken and creamy, melted cheese inside each enchilada. They’re wrapped in gluten-free tortillas, making this meal accessible for everyone. It’s an easy choice for any weeknight with classic Tex-Mex flavor.
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Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy
Pork chops with mustard shallot gravy are ready in 30 minutes, combining juicy pork with a savory, slightly tangy gravy. The gravy is made from mustard and shallots, creating a layered flavor that pairs well with the pork. It’s a comforting dish with rich, balanced flavors and a hint of tang from the mustard. Serve it with mashed potatoes or veggies for a full meal.
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Breakfast Burritos
These breakfast burritos are stuffed with eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage and are ready in under 20 minutes. The eggs are fluffy, the cheese melty, and the bacon or sausage adds a savory kick. They’re easy to make and customize with your favorite fillings. This breakfast option is filling, portable, and perfect for meal prepping.
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Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries
This dish combines pork chops with a fruity applesauce and blackberry mix, ready in about 25 minutes. The applesauce is sweet, with a hint of tartness from the blackberries that pairs well with the savory pork chops. It’s a balanced dish that feels a little elevated but is still simple to prepare. The flavors make it an autumnal favorite for weeknights.
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Citrus Glazed Pork Chops
Citrus glazed pork chops feature a tangy, slightly sweet glaze and are ready in 25 minutes. The pork is coated with a mix of orange and lemon juice, adding a bright and zesty flavor to each bite. It’s a light, refreshing way to enjoy pork without heavy sauces. This quick recipe brings a burst of flavor perfect for any night of the week.
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Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Grilled maple mustard chicken is ready in 20 minutes, featuring a sweet and tangy marinade that balances perfectly with juicy grilled chicken. Maple syrup and mustard coat each piece, giving a slight caramelization on the grill. It’s flavorful yet simple, perfect for those who enjoy sweet-savory combinations. Serve it with vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
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Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice
Cilantro lime chicken with rice is a 30-minute meal that combines marinated chicken, cilantro, and lime over fluffy rice. The zesty lime flavor complements the freshness of the cilantro, making it light but flavorful. It’s an easy way to get dinner on the table with minimal effort. The rice soaks up the flavors, bringing everything together in each bite.
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Chicken Shawarma Plate
This chicken shawarma plate is ready in 25 minutes, featuring seasoned chicken, rice, and veggies with a hint of Middle Eastern spices. The flavors are warm and aromatic, with each bite offering a burst of earthy spices. It’s a well-rounded, balanced dish that’s easy to customize. Great for when you want something flavorful but quick to make.
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Chicken Tinga
Chicken tinga brings shredded chicken in a mildly spicy tomato-based sauce and is ready in under 20 minutes with an Instant Pot. The sauce has smoky undertones from chipotle, giving the dish a deep, layered flavor. It’s perfect for making tacos, bowls, or salads. This dish keeps things simple yet full of classic Mexican flavor.
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Chicken Marsala Meatballs
Chicken Marsala meatballs are a quick 30-minute dish featuring chicken meatballs in a rich Marsala wine sauce. The wine adds a deep, savory taste, while the tender meatballs absorb the flavors beautifully. It’s a hearty dish with classic Italian-inspired flavors, perfect for pasta or mashed potatoes. This recipe is easy yet feels special, ideal for weeknight meals.
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