Weeknight dinners can be a real challenge, especially when you’re short on time and still craving something hearty. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 23 quick and flavorful recipes that are perfect for busy evenings. Each dish can be on the table in 30 minutes or less, which means you can enjoy a satisfying meal without the long prep times.
Salsa Chicken
This dish layers juicy chicken breasts with vibrant salsa, sweet corn, and melty cheddar cheese for a meal that bursts with flavor and is ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s a perfect choice for a quick, hassle-free dinner that will please the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Combine the hearty texture of Brussels sprouts with the smoky flavor of bacon, the tang of sun-dried tomatoes, and the richness of artichokes for a robust pasta dish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this meal is perfect for those evenings when you want something quick yet flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Toss al dente rigatoni with a rich, creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, and shredded parmesan. This dish is comforting and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Kung Pao Shrimp
Whip up this quick Kung Pao shrimp in just a few minutes, and enjoy a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Better than takeout, it combines spicy shrimp with crunchy peanuts and crisp vegetables, served over steamed white rice. It’s fast to make and perfect for a last-minute dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Shrimp
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Revel in the simplicity of Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, a dish that brings together the sharp flavors of Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper with thick bucatini noodles. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavors that meld together in the creamy sauce created with just the pasta water and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Pecan Crusted Chicken
Enjoy the unique crunch of pecan-crusted chicken, perfectly paired with a creamy honey Dijon yogurt sauce. This dish is not only quick to assemble but offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it a repeat favorite for a stress-free weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken
Cod Piccata
Cod fillets are lightly dredged in almond flour and pan-fried until flaky, then draped in a tangy lemon-butter caper sauce. This quick and elegant meal brings a zest of flavor to your dinner table in just 25 minutes, ideal for a flavorful weeknight feast.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata
Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp
Dive into the tropical flavors of this sweet and spicy mango shrimp, ready in just 20 minutes. The succulent shrimp are tossed with a fiery glaze and sweet mango pieces, creating a perfect balance of flavors for a quick, exotic dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp
Honey Orange Sesame Chicken
Sticky, sweet, and tangy, this honey orange sesame chicken ticks all the boxes for a fantastic weeknight meal. Quick to cook, it pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice and steamed broccoli, making a balanced meal that’s ready in a snap.
Get the Recipe: Honey Orange Sesame Chicken
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
This Mexican ground beef skillet uses bold taco seasoning, creating a deeply flavored one-pan meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for when you need something filling and flavorful without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
General Tso Shrimp
In just 10 minutes, create a mouthwatering dish of General Tso shrimp, featuring a sweet and slightly spicy sauce. This quick, one-skillet recipe means you can have a delicious meal on the table faster than it would take to order takeout.
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp
Greek Shrimp Skillet
This Greek shrimp skillet is a wonderful mix of tomatoes, spinach, Kalamata olives, feta, and a dash of lemon, bringing the Mediterranean to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet
Bacon Wrapped Salmon
This bacon-wrapped salmon is a decadent yet easy dish, combining the rich flavors of salmon with the crispy texture of bacon. It’s a restaurant-quality meal ready in about 20 minutes, great for a nutritious and hearty dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Thinly sliced beef and fresh broccoli in a savory sauce make this stir-fry a go-to meal for busy weeknights. Ready in minutes, this dish is faster than takeout and packs a punch of flavor, perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Shrimp Lo Mein
Put together a vibrant dish of shrimp lo mein with vegetables and Chinese egg noodles, all tossed in a savory sauce. This 20-minute meal is easy, quick, and provides a delicious way to enjoy a homemade version of your favorite takeout.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein
Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry
This pork ramen stir fry combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with hearty vegetables for a complete meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s a flavorful and easy option for a weeknight dinner that outshines any takeout.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry
Spicy Shrimp Tostadas
Top crispy tostadas with spicy shrimp and a cool, creamy jalapeño avocado sauce for a delightful meal. This dish is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for a fun weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Shrimp Tostadas
Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu
Enjoy a hearty skillet lamb ragu, where tender lamb simmers quickly with tomatoes and spicy harissa paste. This rich and flavorful dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect, quick dinner option when you’re craving something different.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Creamy turmeric chicken with chickpeas makes a flavorful, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights. It’s a one-skillet dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes, offering a quick, flavorful dinner to end a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon
Baked to perfection, this wild sockeye salmon features a crust of herbs, garlic, and capers, making each bite explode with flavor. Quick to prepare and packed with omega-3s, it’s a healthy, flavorful option that’s ready in about 10-12 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon
Gochujang Chicken
This quick 30-minute dinner features gochujang chicken with a sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce, served over steamed white rice. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that beats takeout any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken