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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Last-Minute Dinners to Make When You Forgot to Plan Ahead

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 15, 2025 · Published January 16, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Sometimes life gets busy, and dinner sneaks up on you without a plan. Luckily, there are plenty of easy dishes you can whip up in no time, using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. From quick mains to hearty sides and appetizers, these recipes will help you put a satisfying meal on the table without the stress.

    Smoked Salmon Fish Cakes

    Fish cakes.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Crispy salmon fish cakes are simple to whip up with just a few basic ingredients and can be ready in only 20 minutes. They come out nice and crispy on the outside while staying soft and tender on the inside after a quick fry.

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    Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta

    Cherry tomato pasta.
    Photo credit: It's Not Complicated Recipes.

    Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta is a simple and satisfying meal that comes together in no time. Just mix some cooked pasta with roasted cherry tomatoes for a dish that's both easy and full of flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Carbonara is a simple and flavorful take on the traditional Italian pasta dish. It mixes creamy Carbonara with tender shrimp, creating a delicious meal that's easy to whip up without any cream.

    Get the recipe

    Steak Fajita Pasta

    Steak Fajita Pasta.
    Photo credit: Out Grilling.

    Steak Fajita Pasta is a tasty dish that brings together grilled steak, creamy pasta with fajita spices, and colorful grilled veggies. It's a great option for feeding a group without needing a lot of ingredients.

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    Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

    Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes are a quick and easy side dish that you can whip up in under 30 minutes with very little prep work. They make a great addition to any dinner gathering.

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    Blackened Chicken Thighs

    Blackened chicken thighs.
    Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

    Blackened chicken thighs are delicious and easy to prepare. They're juicy and packed with flavor, making them perfect for salads, sandwiches, wraps, and bowls.

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    Blue Cheese Coleslaw

    Blue cheese coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Blue Cheese Coleslaw comes together in just 15 minutes and makes a great side for steak, barbecue, or buffalo meals. With its strong blue cheese flavor and great seasoning, this coleslaw is sure to become a favorite.

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    Chicken Tikka Kebabs

    Chicken Tikka Kebab
    Photo Credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    Chicken Tikka Kebabs are a delicious option for any gathering. The chicken is soaked in yogurt, lime juice, and spices, then grilled on skewers for a flavorful meal.

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    Turkey Burgers

    An air fryer turkey burger on a blue plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Homemade Turkey Burgers can be ready in just 10 minutes using an air fryer or grill. These burgers are juicy and packed with flavor, thanks to some simple seasonings and a splash of fresh lemon juice.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki.
    Photo credit: Frugal Family Times.

    This dish is perfect for those nights when dinner sneaks up on you. You can use frozen chicken breasts and have a tasty meal on the table in just 30 minutes with minimal effort.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Salmon Patties

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

    These salmon patties are quick and easy to make, taking only 6-8 minutes to cook. With fresh salmon and powdered seasonings, there's no chopping required, making them a flavorful option for a last-minute meal.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Cheese Tortellini

    Instant pot tortellini.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This creamy and cheesy tortellini dish is sure to please everyone at the table. It's a simple meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for those nights when you haven't planned ahead.

    Get the recipe

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken
    Photo credit: Always use butter

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken is a quick and satisfying meal that you can make in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce is packed with flavor from crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and a mix of dried herbs.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad

    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This pasta salad combines orzo pasta, grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil for a tasty and easy meal. It's perfect for a quick lunch or a casual get-together.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Tartare

    A salmon tartare on green arugula.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Smoked Salmon Tartare makes for a simple and tasty appetizer for any dinner. With the zing of French Dijon mustard, a hint of rum, and crunchy fried capers, it's sure to impress your guests.

    Get the recipe

    Sticky Tofu

    A plate of sticky tofu.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This is a simple and tasty dish that's perfect for a last-minute dinner. It's easy to prepare and sure to please your guests.

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    One Pan Fish & Broccoli in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce

    A skillet full of fish and broccoli in lemon caper sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A simple lemon butter caper sauce pairs wonderfully with fish and broccoli, and it all comes together in just one pan. This dish is quick to prepare and makes for a delicious meal without much fuss.

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    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are easy to whip up and don't require any breadcrumbs or eggs. In under an hour, you can have juicy and tasty meatballs cooked on the stove, in an air fryer, or in the oven, perfect for impressing your guests.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Tacos

    Ground beef tacos with salsa.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    These beef tacos are a simple and quick meal that everyone loves. With freshly fried taco shells and your choice of toppings, you can whip up a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes.

    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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