If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic dreaming about what’s for dinner, this post is for you. We’ve got 21 dinners that you can whip up faster than your evening commute. These recipes are perfect for those nights when you want a great meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a partner, or a family, these quick dishes will get you out of the kitchen and to the dinner table in no time.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
These Shake and Bake Pork Chops are your quick ticket to a great dinner, ready in just 25 minutes. With all the crunch but none of the frying, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight when you’re short on time but still want something good. The recipe is super simple, making it a crowd-pleaser and an excellent choice for those just getting started in the kitchen. Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a great option when you need to get a meal on the table fast, ensuring a delicious dinner made faster than your evening commute.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Whip up these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in just 20 minutes — faster than your evening commute! Grab some boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and season with salt and pepper. Heat up your skillet with butter and minced garlic, then toss in the chicken. Cook until golden brown and cooked through. Serve over rice, pasta, or veggies for a quick and filling dinner that the whole family will love. Got leftovers? No problem – they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
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Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
When the clock’s ticking and you’re looking for a winner, the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is your go-to. Simply spread your sausages and veggies on a pan, bake them, and you’re done, making it a no-mess, no-stress kind of deal. Cleaning up is a breeze, and this recipe helps you beat the clock while still enjoying a great meal. Throw a drizzle of balsamic vinegar over the top before serving to add a quick burst of flavor, and you’ll have a dinner made faster than your evening commute.
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Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This hearty skillet mix of ground beef, cauliflower rice, and cheddar is a filling meal that can be on the table in 30 minutes. Customize the dish to your taste by adding spices like cumin or paprika, and top it off with a dollop of sour cream and chives for extra flavor. For a lighter version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and enjoy a dinner made faster than your evening commute.
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Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours, but it only takes 30 minutes to prepare. By throwing everything into one pot, you’ll have a dish that’s so good you’ll think you’re at a fancy restaurant. This recipe is easily customizable; try tossing in some scallops or mussels right at the end for a delicious variation. With its quick preparation time and impressive flavor, this dish is an excellent choice for a dinner made faster than your evening commute.
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Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
With Creamy Italian Sausage Soup, you’re just 30 minutes away from a meal that’s like a hug in a bowl. Packed with sausage, Parmesan, and cream cheese, this hearty soup is quick and easy and beats out any takeout on a chilly night. Sprinkle some Parmesan on top for an extra special touch, and serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy soup for a complete meal. This comforting dish is an excellent choice for a dinner made faster than your evening commute.
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Cabbage and Sausage
This dish is a snap to whip up, faster than it takes for a delivery to arrive. Simply cook some cabbage, sausage, and onions together for a versatile meal that can be easily customized to your liking. Switch up the sausage type, throw in a splash of vinegar, or add garlic for a new taste. Leftovers still taste great the next day, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights. Serve it hot from the skillet with a side of crusty bread, for a dinner made faster than your evening commute.
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Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
When you need a quick fix, The Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole has got you covered. Mix up some broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, bake it, and you’ve got a filling and fast meal. Using frozen veggies can save even more time, and it’s a smart way to sneak in those vegetables without anyone being the wiser. A quick sprinkle of chives on top before serving adds a nice touch of color and a mild onion flavor, making this casserole a perfect choice for a dinner made faster than your evening commute.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce tastes fancy but is ready in 30 minutes – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, then sear them in a hot skillet until golden brown. Remove the chicken and sauté sliced mushrooms in the same pan. Add garlic, thyme, and a splash of white wine, then stir in heavy cream and let it simmer until thickened. Return the chicken to the pan and let it cook through in the sauce. The rich mushroom sauce pairs great with mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies. Leftovers reheat well, so you can enjoy this dish again and again.
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Spinach Chicken Bake
Spinach Chicken Bake is a comforting meal that comes together in a flash – perfect for nights when you need dinner on the table faster than your evening commute. Mix together cooked, shredded chicken, chopped spinach, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella in a baking dish. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then bake until bubbly and golden brown. Swap out the spinach for kale, or add artichokes to mix things up. Top with breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese for a crispy finish. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs
Change up your dinner game with these Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs — ready in 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights when you want something different. Brown them in a skillet, then simmer in a coconut milk-based curry sauce until cooked through. Serve over cauliflower rice, regular rice, or noodles for a filling and flavorful meal. Use ground chicken or beef if you prefer. Leftovers taste just as good the next day, so make extra for lunch or dinner later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a simple yet impressive dish that’s ready in 30 minutes — less time than your commute home. Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear them in a hot skillet until golden brown. It’s perfect with pasta, rice, or veggies. Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Leftovers reheat well, so you can enjoy this dish multiple times.
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Bell Pepper Sandwich
Try these Bell Pepper Sandwiches for a quick and healthy 10-minute dinner — faster than your evening commute! Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Fill them with your favorite sandwich fixings like turkey, ham, cheese, and cream cheese. Experiment with fillings like chicken salad, tuna salad, or hummus for variety. These sandwiches are best fresh but can last a day if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
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Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is a 30-minute wonder that feels like a treat, perfect for nights when you need dinner on the table faster than your evening commute. Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then sear them in a hot skillet until golden brown. The chicken cooks in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, making dinner feel special. It pairs well with various sides like pasta, rice, or roasted veggies and can be made even better by adding fresh spinach or basil. Leftovers hold up well for a delicious second meal, so make extra for lunch the next day.
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Lemon Garlic Scallops
Lemon Garlic Scallops are your go-to for a quick gourmet dinner, ready in just 30 minutes. This dish combines juicy scallops with a citrus sauce of lemon and garlic, perfect for drizzling over pasta or pairing with a crisp salad. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, chili flakes or capers add a nice kick. Considering a side? Angel hair pasta captures the sauce beautifully. Fancy it up with a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra flavor depth.
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Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
The Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a hearty, comforting dish that comes together in 30 minutes. The combination of ground beef, cheese, and cauliflower rice and spinach makes for a deliciously hearty meal. Play around with different cheeses for a new experience every time. This dish reheats well, making leftovers a breeze. Serve it with a simple garden salad for a complete meal.
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Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Ready in just 30 minutes, Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a luxurious yet easy dish to prepare. It swaps traditional rice for cauliflower, making it lighter but still creamy. Enhance the dish with roasted garlic or a dash of truffle oil for a rich, earthy flavor. It’s versatile, so feel free to add different mushrooms or a handful of greens like spinach for extra nutrition. Top with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of truffle oil for that perfect finish.
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Creamy Dijon Chicken
Creamy Dijon Chicken, ready in 30 minutes, is a perfect mix of succulent chicken thighs and a rich, mustardy sauce. With the added textures of spinach and the smokiness of bacon, it’s a full-flavored dish that pairs well with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. For an extra bit of crunch and flavor, top it with crispy fried onions. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also reheats well, ensuring your effort pays off with delicious leftovers.
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Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties is a quick, versatile dinner option, ready in just 20 minutes. They’re great for when you’re short on time but still want something filling. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these patties can be dressed up with your favorite dipping sauces or served in a burger. For a bit of variety, mix in diced jalapeños or cheese into the patty mix. They reheat well, making them perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
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Fried Cabbage with Bacon
In less than 30 minutes, Fried Cabbage with Bacon delivers a flavorful dish that’s quick to make. This recipe combines the savory taste of bacon with the tender texture of cabbage, creating a simple yet delicious meal. It’s flexible enough to add more protein, like grilled chicken or extra bacon, to keep everyone at the table happy. Serve with mashed potatoes or some pasta. It’s a practical, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any night.
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Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish ready in just 30 minutes. It combines the tender juiciness of chicken with the creaminess of cream cheese and the stretchiness of mozzarella, all flavored with the sweetness of bell peppers. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together. Serve it with tortillas for a fun, build-your-own meal experience. Adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cilantro on top brings an extra layer of flavor to each bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken