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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    24 Speedy Dinners That Will Transform Your Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 5, 2025, updated April 29, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Busy weeknights can make it tough to whip up a satisfying meal, but with these 24 speedy dinner ideas, you can have delicious food on the table in no time. From quick soups to simple pasta dishes, these recipes are designed to save you time while still delivering great flavors. Whether you're cooking for yourself or the whole family, these meals will help you enjoy your evenings without the stress of long cooking times.

    Instant Pot Taco Soup

    Taco soup.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This taco soup is a simple way to enjoy all the great flavors of tacos without the mess. It uses V8 and broth to create a thick, hearty soup that's loaded with veggies.

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    Vegan Spinach Pasta

    Vegan spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This vegan pasta is a simple and delicious option for dinner. It’s a great way to enjoy a creamy dish without using any dairy.

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    Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Skillet

    Teroyaki chicken and broccoli.
    Photo credit: Fit As A Mama Bear.

    This chicken teriyaki broccoli skillet is quick and easy, featuring tender chicken cooked in a homemade gluten-free sauce. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty meal without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts

    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These chicken breasts are quick to prepare, taking only 6 minutes to cook. They're packed with flavor from a generous seasoning of garlic and basil.

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    Instant Pot Shrimp Boil

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

    This quick dinner brings together seafood, meat, and veggies all in one dish, making it easy to prepare in your instant pot. It's a great option for busy evenings when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready in just 20 minutes and is sure to impress everyone at the table. With a tasty mix of crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika, and oregano, it’s easy to whip up using ingredients you probably already have.

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    Pasta Fresca

    Pasta Fresca.
    Photo credit: Profusion Curry.

    This dinner is quick and tasty, combining pasta, tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms in a flavorful sauce with balsamic vinegar and garlic. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Lobster & Scallop Pasta

    Lobster & Scallop Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Craft Cookbook.

    This quick lobster and scallop pasta is perfect for a special dinner at home. With tender seafood and a bright lemon garlic wine sauce, it’s a tasty choice that won’t take much time to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Blackened Chicken Thighs

    Blackened chicken thighs.
    Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

    These quick blackened chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor, perfect for a variety of meals. They work great in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or bowls, making dinner easy and delicious.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

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

    These air fryer chicken cutlets are a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious dinner. You'll get crispy, juicy chicken without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Air Fryer Salmon Bites

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

    These quick salmon bites are full of flavor and easy to make. With a zesty citrus kick, they’re perfect for a simple and satisfying dinner.

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    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Prepare a quick and delicious vegetarian halloumi pasta with vegetables in just 20 minutes, including prep time. This light dish is ideal for a fresh pasta dinner that showcases the vibrant flavors of the veggies.

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    Air Fryer Chicken Katsu

    Air fryer katsu chicken.
    Photo credit: Piper Cooks.

    This Japanese-inspired breaded chicken cutlet is easy to prepare with just four ingredients. In only 12 minutes in the air fryer, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to enjoy.

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    Salmon Tacos

    A salmon taco.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Fresh salmon can be cooked quickly and simply, seasoned and pan-fried to perfection. Pair it with a straightforward Ginger Avocado Salsa for healthy and delicious Salmon Tacos.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy pesto pasta is super easy to whip up with just three ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to prepare. The bright pesto mixed with Greek yogurt makes for a quick and cozy meal any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Club Sandwich

    Chicken BLT.
    Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This Chicken Club Sandwich is packed with layers of chicken, ham, bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes. It's perfect for a quick dinner or a filling snack.

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    Instant Pot Cheese Tortellini

    Instant pot tortellini.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This creamy and cheesy tortellini dish is perfect for a satisfying family meal. It's quick to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Chicken and Rice

    15-Minute Chicken and Rice
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipes.

    This chicken and rice dish is quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes. It's full of flavor and perfect for a busy evening.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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

    Prepare a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in just 15 minutes, featuring tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce. This simple dish is sure to please everyone at the table, combining the best of seafood and pasta for a fulfilling dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Hummus Chicken Wraps

    Chicken wraps.
    Photo credit: Fit Mama Real Food.

    This Mediterranean hummus wrap is packed with fresh veggies, creamy hummus, and chicken, all seasoned with delicious Mediterranean flavors. It's a quick and healthy meal that's easy to grab and enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Stir-fry

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

    This veggie-packed stir-fry is full of fresh citrus flavors and is quick to prepare. It's great on its own or served with rice.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

    Air fryer salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Frozen salmon can be just as tasty as fresh when prepared quickly with a zesty lemon flavor. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something simple yet satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Halloumi

    Air fried halloumi on a blue plate with lemon wedges and chili flakes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is easier to prepare than grilling and comes together quickly. Pair it with a side salad or your favorite sides for a complete meal!

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Chicken legs marinated in Mexican chicken marinade.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Crispy chicken legs can be ready in a flash with this simple air fryer recipe. The air fryer cooks them to a perfect golden brown on the outside while keeping them juicy on the inside.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Baked Ravioli Casserole.
      23 Simply Satisfying Dump-and-Go Meals That Will Make Cooking Fun Again
    • Slow cooker potato soup.
      20 Vegetarian Crockpot Meals You’ll Want to Make Every Week
    • Vietnamese seafood salad.
      24 Colorful Summer Salads That Will Brighten Your Day
    • Hobo casserole.
      20 Make-Ahead Freezer Casseroles Your Family Will Love

    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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