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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Really Quick Dinners That Can Save Your Evening

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 3, 2025, updated April 23, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When time is tight and hunger strikes, quick dinners can be a lifesaver. Here are 18 easy meal ideas that come together in no time, perfect for busy evenings. From simple pastas to easy one-pan dishes, these recipes will help you whip up something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

    Fish tacos.
    Photo credit: Sweet Tea and Thyme.

    Grilled fish tacos with homemade mango salsa offer a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for busy nights. The combination of juicy white fish and fresh mango salsa is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Carbonara is a quick and tasty dish that combines perfectly cooked shrimp with pasta. This version of carbonara is simple and creamy without using any cream, making it a delightful seafood meal.

    Shrimp Carbonara

    One Pot Mac and Cheese

    One Pot Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Show Me the Yummy.

    A creamy and cheesy Mac and Cheese can be made in just one pot. This quick and delicious comfort food is loved by everyone, from kids to adults.

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    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    In just 15 minutes, you can prepare a delicious Cherry Tomato Pasta with spinach and walnuts. Toss in some mozzarella or burrata for an extra touch of flavor!

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    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dinner is quick and tasty, featuring spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Air Fryer Flank Steak

    Sliced flank steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Flank Steak is quick and easy, taking less than 10 minutes to cook. The marinade adds great flavor, keeping the meat juicy and tender.

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    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish with smoked salmon and a bright lemon flavor is both quick and tasty. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Pesto Salmon

    Pesto salmon on a serving platter.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pesto Salmon comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. With a blend of Greek yogurt and pesto, this dish delivers great flavor with minimal effort.

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    Sardine Pasta

    Sardine Pasta.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    Sardine pasta is a quick and easy dish that's perfect for a fast dinner. It’s a great way to include more fish in your meals and can be ready in under 15 minutes with just a few ingredients.

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    Air Fryer Salmon Bites

    Salmon bites.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a quick and tasty dinner option that can be ready in just a few minutes. These delicious salmon bites are sure to please everyone at the table any night of the week!

    Get the recipe

    Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Tenders

    Air fryer fried chicken tenders.

    These air fried chicken tenders are super easy to make and all done in under 20 minutes. With simple ingredients and lots of great flavor they're sure to become a new favorite in your family. Serve as a main course with your favorite sides or as a snack with your favorite dips!

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    Steak Bites

    Air fryer steak bites.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook

    Tender steak bites are quick to prepare and full of flavor. They’re ideal for busy nights and can be ready in under 10 minutes!

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that you can prepare in under 15 minutes. It combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with creamy blue cheese, pasta, and chicken for a satisfying dinner.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Alfredo sauce gets a kick with some added spice. It's made with common seasonings you likely have in your pantry, making it a budget-friendly choice for quick meals.

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    Chickpea Gyros

    Chickpea Gyros.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Vegetarian chickpea gyros come together in just 15 minutes, offering a delicious meal that's full of Mediterranean flavors. They're a great option for a satisfying dinner when you're short on time.

    Get the recipe

    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This carbonara variation is quick and easy to prepare with just a few basic ingredients you can find at your local store. It's a satisfying meal that you can have on the table in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    15 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with dip.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Quick and tasty chicken tenders cooked in the air fryer turn out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This is a great option for a fast and delicious meal!

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick meal that comes together in just 15 minutes, featuring tender shrimp and pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

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    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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