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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Quick Dinners That Will Save Your Evening

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on January 5, 2025, updated December 18, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    When you're short on time but still want a satisfying meal, these quick dinners are true lifesavers. They are perfect for busy evenings, offering a variety of flavors and ingredients that come together in no time. Whether you're in the mood for something comforting or a bit lighter, there's something here to help you wrap up your day with a delicious meal.

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese come together for a quick and tasty dinner. This is a satisfying meal for busy nights.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is perfect for when you're short on time. Just combine everything in one dish, bake it, and enjoy the rich flavors of mozzarella and gorgonzola.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This speedy pasta dish is perfect for when you're pressed for time. It uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

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    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner when time is tight. It's easy to whip up and you'll find yourself wanting to make it again and again.

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    Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops

    A pork chop on a small chopping board.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fried Bone-in Pork Chops are a great option for a quick and filling dinner. They come out juicy and tender in under 25 minutes using just a few easy ingredients.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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

    In just 15 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready with shrimp, pasta, and a tasty garlic butter sauce. This simple dish brings together seafood and pasta for a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

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    Smash Burgers

    Easy Smash Burger Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    These quick smash burgers are cooked in a hot skillet with butter, giving you a crispy and tasty meal. With just ground beef and salt, they come together in about 15 minutes, making them a great option for busy nights.

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    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers without Rice

    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers without Rice
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Stuffed Peppers come together in just 45 minutes and are filled with delicious tex-mex flavors. Topped with cheese, they’re great on their own or served with tortilla chips.

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    Homemade Chicken Burgers

    A stack of chicken patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Enjoy tasty chicken patties that come together quickly with just a few seasonings and a bit of fresh lemon juice for added flavor. This is a great option for busy evenings when you need something easy to prepare.

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    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pan-fried gnocchi is a quick and tasty option that’s better than boiling. It pairs perfectly with crispy bacon and savory mushrooms for a satisfying meal.

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    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This flavorful take on carbonara is quick to prepare and really satisfying. It's perfect for busy nights when you need a delicious meal without a lot of work.

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    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This quick carbonara is easy to make with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. It's perfect for busy nights when you need a satisfying meal in no time.

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    Cacio e Pepe

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

    This Italian pasta dish is quick and easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. It's perfect for busy nights when you need a satisfying meal in no time.

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    Poached Egg Bowls

    Breakfast bowl with egg.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Leftover boiled potatoes can easily turn into a quick fried potato breakfast bowl. Topped with a poached egg and Feta cheese, this dish is filling and great for any meal.

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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

    This Cherry Tomato Pasta with spinach and walnuts is perfect for busy nights, ready in just 15 minutes. Toss in some mozzarella or burrata for an extra delicious twist.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This taco casserole is a quick and tasty meal filled with ground beef, salsa, and lots of cheese. It's ideal for busy weeknights or for sharing at a potluck.

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    Vegetarian Pasta e Fagioli

    Vegetarian pasta soup.
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Treaty.

    This thick and creamy pasta-and-bean soup is packed with flavor from rosemary, garlic, and smoked paprika. A drizzle of olive oil and a side of bread make it a perfect cozy dinner.

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    Salmon Stir-fry

    Salmon stir-fry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    When you're short on time, this veggie stir-fry is a great option. It's packed with fresh flavors and works well on its own or served with rice.

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    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Foil-baked cod packets offer a simple solution for a filling meal. With cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon all in one dish, it's an easy dinner that comes together quickly.

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    Pesto Salmon

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

    This Pesto Salmon is ready in just 15 minutes. With a simple mix of Greek yogurt and pesto, it’s a delicious choice for busy evenings that doesn’t require many ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    15-Minute Shrimp and Orzo

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

    This shrimp and orzo dish is easy to prepare and really delicious. It's a simple meal that will definitely satisfy your hunger.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      20 Dump-and-Cook Recipes for a Relaxed Memorial Day Feast
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      19 Easy Summer Salads Perfect for Picnics and BBQs
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      22 Easy Ideas for Spring Pasta Dinners
    • Baked lamb chops with veggies.
      21 Lazy Dinners You Can Just Dump, Bake and Devour

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of 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, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, 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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