17 fast and easy meals you can make in 30 minutes or less

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Weeknights can be crazy. Dinner gets pushed aside between soccer practice and homework help. But nobody wants to eat frozen food again. Enjoy these recipes that are fast, easy, and tasty for you to cook that will make everyone happy and get them fed without a meltdown in sight.

Image shows Hand dipping a corn flake crusted chicken tender into a bowl of sauce on a wooden table.
Homemade Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving a cheesy pasta fix? This recipe is your dinner hero in just 15 minutes. Cook some noodles, whip up a creamy cheese sauce, and dinner is on the table.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Kefta Kebabs

Image shows kefta kebabs stacked on a white tray.
Kefta Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Sick of the same old burger routine? Try these flavorful ground meat kebabs. They’re easy to make, cook fast, and taste delicious. Serve them on pita bread with your favorite toppings for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs

Honey Habanero Tacos

Image shows three honey habanero tacos with corn shells sitting on a wooden board.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Taco Tuesday just got a spicy kick! This recipe adds a surprising twist to your usual taco night with a touch of habanero pepper. Plus, it’s still a snap to make.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

One-pot wonder alert! This skillet dish is packed with protein-rich quinoa and black beans. Salsa and corn add a Mexican flavor explosion, and cleaning up is a breeze afterwards.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Caprese Panini

Image shows a sliced caprese panini on a wooden board with the melted cheese oozing out.
Caprese Panini. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This melty cheese sandwich may seem fancy, but it comes together in minutes. Fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil on toasted bread make a quick and delicious bite.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini

Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers

Image shows Asian inspired turkey burger on a blue plate.
Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bored with plain turkey burgers? This recipe brings exciting Asian flavors like ginger and soy sauce to the party. It’s an easy and tasty change-up for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers

Tomato Basil Bisque

Image shows a close up of a bowl of Tomato Basil Bisque with grated parmesan on top of it.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This creamy tomato soup is perfect for a cozy night in, but you don’t need to wait for chilly weather to enjoy it. Fresh tomatoes and basil come together for a warm and satisfying meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This creamy pasta is a perfect pick for a quick weeknight dinner. Peas and cheese add protein, and it’s ready in no time. Sneak in some extra veggies for a more balanced meal!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Pesto Salmon

Image shows Salmon with pesto and rice on a blue plate.
Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Salmon is a healthy and delicious fish, and this recipe makes it even better. Pesto adds a burst of flavor, and the whole dish can be ready in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Chicken Tenders

Image shows Hand dipping a corn flake crusted chicken tender into a bowl of sauce on a wooden table.
Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These crispy chicken tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The cornflake coating is way tastier than frozen tenders, and the chicken stays juicy and flavorful on the inside.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This recipe takes all the yummy flavors of an egg roll and puts them in a bowl for a fuss-free Asian food fix on a busy night. Plus, only one pan means easy cleanup!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This easy chicken is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. The chicken is coated in a sweet and sticky glaze that everyone will love. Serve it with rice or veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Short on time but craving enchiladas? This recipe uses rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, but it still tastes amazing. It’s a cheesy and comforting meal that your whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Poached Orange Salmon

Image shows a spoon drizzing orange sauce over a salmon filet in a blue dish.
Poached Orange Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Poached salmon is a healthy and easy way to cook this delicious fish. This recipe adds a touch of orange for a bright and flavorful dish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

Asian Glazed Salmon

Image shows a fork holding a bite of an Asian glazed salmon with the remaining serving in the background.
Asian Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This recipe gives salmon a delicious and irresistible flavor with a sweet and savory glaze. It’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon

Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza

Image shows a close up of an Asparagus and Goat Cheese Pizza on a pizza peel sitting on a black counter.
Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

When you want a pizza that’s different, this asparagus and goat cheese pizza is surprisingly easy to make. It uses no sauce and minimal cheese, but it still tastes amazing. This is not your typical frozen pizza!
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza

Spicy Tuna Rolls

Image shows Chopsticks holding spicy tuna roll over a plate with more of the roll.
Spicy Tuna Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spice up your at-home sushi night with this delicious twist on the classic spicy tuna roll. This recipe uses canned tuna as a convenient and budget-friendly alternative. Discover how to create a mouthwatering blend of flavors with just the right amount of heat to satisfy your sushi cravings.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls

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