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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    17 Impressive Dinners You Can Make in 25 Minutes or Less

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 12, 2025 · Published December 31, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 17 dinners are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. With just 25 minutes or less, you can whip up satisfying meals that the whole family will enjoy. From stir-fries to pasta dishes, these recipes will help you get dinner on the table in no time.

    Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

    Air fried chicken cutlets.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer chicken cutlets are a simple and fast dinner option that you can prepare on any evening. They have a crispy outside and a tender inside, making them a hit with everyone at the table. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Arayes

    Arayes.
    Photo credit: Dana's Table.

    Middle Eastern arayes are crispy pita pockets stuffed with tasty, seasoned meat. They're perfect for grilling during the warmer months, but you can easily make them indoors any time of the year. This dish is quick to prepare and offers a delicious way to enjoy a satisfying meal.

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    Air Fryer Salmon Bites

    Air Fryer Salmon Bites.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon bites are full of bright flavors, making them a fantastic option for a quick dinner any night of the week. The seasoning adds a delicious kick, and the fresh taste of the salmon really shines through. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Lobster & Scallop Pasta

    Lobster & Scallop Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Craft Cookbook.

    Lobster and scallop pasta is an elegant meal you can easily prepare at home. The dish features a tasty lemon garlic wine sauce that adds a special touch. It's a great option when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Instant Pot Shrimp Boil

    A plate of shrimp boil.
    Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

    This dish is perfect for a dinner party and can be ready in just 25 minutes. It combines seafood, meat, and vegetables for a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. Using an instant pot makes it quick and easy to prepare, so you can spend more time with your guests.

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    Shrimp and Orzo

    15-Minute Shrimp and Orzo
    Photo credit: Tried and True

    This shrimp and orzo dish is easy to whip up and packed with flavor, perfect for impressing your guests. You can have it on the table in just 15 minutes, making it a great option for a quick yet impressive dinner.

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    Baked Brie

    A baked brie with bread.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked brie is a quick and easy dish that you can whip up in just 25 minutes using basic ingredients that you can customize to your taste. It pairs wonderfully with bread or crackers, making it an ideal starter for family get-togethers or special occasions.

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    Cacio e Pepe

    A fork with cacio e pepe.
    Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    This Italian pasta dish comes together in just 25 minutes and requires only a handful of ingredients. It's perfect for impressing your guests at dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. With its simple preparation, you can enjoy a delicious meal that feels special and satisfying.

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    Shrimp Mei Fun

    Shrimp mei fun.

    A classic noodle favorite that's very easy to make at home.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is quick and delicious, ready in just 15 minutes. It features tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce. It's a great option for impressing your guests or enjoying a nice meal at home.

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    Roasted Potato Salad

    25 Minute Roasted Potato Salad
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    This potato salad combines crispy baby red and gold potatoes with bacon bits and fresh herbs, all tossed in a creamy Dijon dill dressing. It's a simple yet classy side dish that you can whip up in no time, making it a great addition to any casual gathering.

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    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Vodka Pasta is a tasty dish that brings together a nice kick with a creamy sauce, making it a great choice for impressing your guests at dinner. You can also leave out the vodka if you want, and still have a delicious meal.

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    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken
    Photo credit: Always use butter

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken is a simple dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce is packed with flavor from ingredients like crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of dried herbs. This is a great option for a quick dinner that still feels special.

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    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Scampi is a quick and delicious dish that you can whip up in just 10 minutes. With the flavors of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley, it fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma. This meal is perfect for busy evenings when you want something impressive without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Spinach Lemon Orzo

    Spinach Lemon Orzo.
    Photo credit: Barley and Sage.

    Creamy spinach lemon orzo is a quick dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. It features fresh spinach, zesty lemon, and fragrant basil, making it a flavorful choice. This is a great option for a light dinner or a speedy side that will wow your guests.

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    Chickpea Gyros

    Chickpea Gyros.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Chickpea gyros are a fast and easy vegetarian meal that you can prepare in just 10 minutes on the stovetop. This dish allows you to enjoy a tasty dinner without spending much time in the kitchen. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying and quick.

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    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines spicy sausage and pasta, all topped with Parmesan cheese for a delicious meal that will impress your guests. It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a great option for a quick and impressive dinner.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Spinach chicken artichoke casserole.
      15 Casseroles That Are Perfect for Leftovers and Meal Prep
    • Lemon kale soup.
      22 Quick Fix Meals That Taste Like You Cooked All Day
    • Chicken pot pie.
      35 Chicken Casseroles You Can Make in Under 1 Hour
    • Pasta with pancetta and peas.
      45 Quick 20-Minute Meals to Save You on Busy Nights

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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