21 quick dinners that don’t taste like they came from a can

Photo of author

| Published:

Who says speedy dinners have to be uninspired? Break free from the routine with our 21 quick dinner recipes, designed for maximum flavor without the long cooking times. These meals prove that you can whip up dinner in a flash while still enjoying the rich, full flavors you love. From comforting classics to modern twists, there’s a dish to excite everyone at the table, even on your busiest evenings.

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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

Getting dinner on the table quickly doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. With Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, you get the juiciness and pleasing taste of a slow-cooked dish, speedily whipped up in the air fryer. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious but are short on time. Plus, it frees up your oven for other uses, making it a practical choice for multitasking in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Nothing says quick and classy like throwing a steak on the grill. Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter bring that sizzle to your plate, combining the rich flavors of butter with a hint of spices. It’s a great way to elevate a simple piece of meat without any fuss. What’s more, it cooks up fast, making your dinner both luxurious and speedy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs in a bowl.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for a lighter dinner option that doesn’t lag behind in taste, Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are your go-to. These little gems come together quickly in the air fryer, offering a healthier take on a dinner favorite. Offering a nifty solution for a nutritious meal on busy nights, these meatballs ensure you’re not reaching for that can opener. They’re as satisfying as they are simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

In just a few quick steps, you can have a taste of the Mediterranean with this simple cod recipe. Cooked to perfection with flavors that transport you to sunny shores, Mediterranean Cod is a dish that turns dinner into a mini vacation. It’s all about bringing a bit of the exotic into your everyday meal lineup without any complex preparations. Plus, it’s a healthy choice that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Got some leftover rice and not much time? Chicken Fried Rice uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a filling and flavor-packed meal. It’s a fantastic way to use up those leftovers while ensuring your dinner isn’t just another bland affair. Quick to prepare, it keeps dinner interesting and easy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Cheeseburger Casserole

A top-down shot of Cheeseburger Casserole with pickles and cheese nearby.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

When you crave comfort food but time is of the essence, Cheeseburger Casserole is there to save your dinner plans. This dish combines all the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger in a convenient and hearty casserole form. It’s seriously satisfying and gets dinner on the table without a hitch. Perfect for feeding a crowd or just a hungry family quickly.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins adds a spark to your dinner routine. It mixes the bold flavors of curry with the sweet touch of raisins for a salad that’s anything but ordinary. This recipe is quick to whip up and sits well, so it’s ready when you are. Serving this dish means enjoying a burst of flavors in a surprisingly short time.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Pasta nights just got easier and more exciting with this Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. It’s a dish that brings the restaurant experience home without the fuss. You’ll enjoy the creamy sauce and hearty pasta that make it a family favorite, all made in the comfort of your kitchen. This is one to turn to when you need a quick yet impressive meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Shrimp Scampi Pizza

A pizza with shrimp and cheese on top.
Shrimp Scampi Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Why settle for a regular pizza when you can have Shrimp Scampi Pizza? It merges the garlicky, buttery goodness of shrimp scampi with the beloved crispy crust of pizza. This dish is a game changer for pizza night, offering a touch of elegance without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s quick to assemble and cooks up fast.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza

Steak & Pasta Salad

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

Combine the richness of steak with the freshness of a pasta salad for a dinner that’s both fulfilling and swift. Steak & Pasta Salad is ideal for those times you need something substantial but are pressed for time. It’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in a snap. This dish ensures you’re well-fed and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Bringing the taste of Olive Garden home, Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy, comforting dish that’s ready quicker than you’d think. With its rich sauce and tender shrimp, it offers a luxurious eating experience. It’s perfect for when you want a fancy dinner without the long wait. Quick to prepare, it’s a reliable pleasure.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding a cut steak quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Make the most out of your leftovers with the Leftover Steak Quesadilla. It’s a nifty way to turn last night’s dinner into today’s meal. Perfect for a quick snack or a casual dinner, it’s packed with flavor and ready in minutes. You’ll love how it transforms your leftovers into something exciting.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

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

For a meal that’s as quick as it is flavorful, Chicken Tinga Tostadas are a perfect pick. They bring a bit of Mexican flair to your table with minimal effort, layering spicy chicken on crispy tostadas. This dish is all about big flavor without the time commitment. Serve it up for a lively and speedy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

A Pastrami Reuben sandwich on a plate with chips and pickles.
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Inject some deli delight into your dinner lineup with a classic Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. It’s quick to assemble and packs a flavorful punch, turning your mealtime into a savored moment without lingering too long in the kitchen. Perfect for a fast lunch or easy dinner, this sandwich won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

Salmon Pasta Salad

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

Salmon Pasta Salad is a refreshing take on dinner that’s as nutritious as it is quick to prepare. It combines flaky salmon with pasta and a blend of other ingredients for a fresh, satisfying bowl. This salad is your answer to a fuss-free dinner that feels light and invigorating. It’s great for when you want something quick yet fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Ham & Asparagus Pizza

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

Switch up pizza night with a Ham & Asparagus Pizza, a delicious blend of flavors baked to perfection. It’s a unique twist on your typical pizza, adding a touch of sophistication to a family favorite. Quick to make and delicious, this pizza is sure to impress and satisfy. Great for those evenings when you’re short on time but crave something a bit different.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza

Reuben Sliders

Reuben sliders on a slate board.
Reuben Sliders. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Reuben Sliders offer all the taste of the classic sandwich in a fun, easy-to-handle size. They’re perfect for a quick meal or serving at gatherings where time and ease are of the essence. These sliders are packed with flavor and can be whipped up in no time. They’re a great solution for a quick, fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders

Blackstone Sausage & Peppers

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

Enjoy the classic combination of sausage and peppers with Blackstone Sausage & Peppers, a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This meal is straightforward, requiring minimal preparation for maximum flavor. It’s ideal for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste. Serve it up when you need a hearty meal in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sausage & Peppers

Ham Fried Rice

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

Ham Fried Rice turns simple ingredients into a dinner that’s quick and easy without being dull. It uses bits of ham blended with rice and veggies to create a dish that’s both tasty and practical. Ideal for using up leftovers and getting dinner on the table fast. It’s a smart choice for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a little excitement to your dinner routine with Baja Fish Tacos, a meal that’s as quick as it is flavorful. These tacos bring a touch of the seaside to your table, featuring crispy fish and fresh toppings. They’re easy to assemble and provide a meal that’s both satisfying and swift. Perfect for a casual yet tasteful dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

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.

For a quick dinner that feels gourmet, Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta mixes hearty sausage with vibrant broccoli rabe. This dish combines simplicity with depth of flavor in a meal that’s ready in no time. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something a step above the ordinary, quickly. You’ll appreciate the ease and the taste.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.