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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    26 Speedy Dinner Solutions for When Time Is Not on Your Side

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 9, 2025 · Published December 25, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 26 speedy dinner solutions are perfect for those busy nights when you need to whip up something quick and satisfying. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Whether you're in the mood for pasta, stir-fries, or one-pan dishes, these ideas will help you get dinner done fast.

    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This carbonara recipe gives a little twist to the traditional dish, adding extra flavor that makes it even better. It's an easy and filling meal that works well for any evening. Whether you're short on time or just looking for something comforting, this dish fits the bill.

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    Air Fryer Nachos With Tajin

    Air fryer nachos.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    These nachos are super quick to prepare in your air fryer, taking only 10 minutes. With plenty of cheese and a dash of Tajin seasoning, they're great for a snack, an appetizer, or even a fast dinner option.

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew with Lemon & Rosemary

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This stew is quick and easy to make using a rotisserie chicken from the store. It's packed with delicious flavors that everyone will love. Perfect for busy nights when you need a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese come together in this delicious dinner. It's a quick and satisfying meal that you can whip up in no time. Perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick and easy dinner can be ready in just 12 minutes using only 5 ingredients and one pot. This is a good dinner choice for busy nights when you want something simple and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    A spoonful of cheesy tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This dish is simple, cheesy, and incredibly tasty, making it a great choice for a cozy meal. It's perfect for when you're short on time but still want something satisfying. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a comforting dinner that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Crispy Furikake Salmon

    Fruikake salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is easy to make and comes together quickly with just a few ingredients: salmon, soy sauce, and furikake seasoning. It's a tasty choice that you can put on the table in no time, perfect for busy evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a simple and fast meal that comes together in just 15 minutes. It features tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce that everyone will enjoy. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Chinese Scrambled Eggs & Shrimp

    chinese scrambled eggs with shrimp.
    Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    This Cantonese dish combines fluffy scrambled eggs with shrimp, creating a quick and satisfying meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's ideal for busy evenings when you need something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Salad with Spinach & Cashews

    Caprese salad with cashews.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This caprese dish is an easy and satisfying option for dinner. It's quick to put together, making it ideal for evenings when you're short on time. Enjoy a fresh and hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Carbonara is a quick and easy twist on a classic Italian pasta dish that you can whip up in just 10 minutes. With a creamy sauce and tender shrimp, this meal is both filling and simple to make. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetable Ramen with Spicy Miso Broth

    Bowls with vegetable ramen.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Instant ramen can be easily upgraded with some fresh veggies and a few spices, transforming it into a quick and delicious meal. This is a simple way to whip up a satisfying dinner when you're short on time and don't want to spend ages cooking.

    Get the recipe

    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 evenings and can be ready in less than 10 minutes. This dish is a great option when you need a satisfying meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This taco casserole is a favorite among many, combining ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese baked to perfection. It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a potluck gathering. With its simple ingredients and delicious flavors, it's sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Oven-baked teriyaki salmon is a quick and easy dinner choice. It takes just a minute to get ready, and you can use either store-bought teriyaki sauce or make your own. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is easy to whip up and takes hardly any time at all. It's ideal for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours cooking. With just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Garlic Butter

    Bacon wrapped salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon fillets are filled with garlic butter and wrapped in bacon, creating a quick and delicious dinner option. This dish is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick and easy, making it ideal for busy evenings. It's a meal you'll want to make again and again.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Shrimp

    Buffalo shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo shrimp is a fast and flavorful dish that you can whip up in less than 10 minutes using just a handful of ingredients. It's a healthy choice packed with taste, perfect for when you're short on time but still want something satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is quick and simple to make, using only four ingredients along with a few store-bought items. You can whip it up in just 5 minutes and have it served in under 40 minutes. It's perfect for busy nights when you need a meal fast.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Dumplings

    A dumpling picked up with chop sticks.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Air Fryer Dumplings are a fast and filling choice that can be ready in just 10 minutes. They turn out nicely cooked with a crispy texture, making them perfect for enjoying with your favorite dipping sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick to prepare with ingredients you likely have on hand. It's a straightforward and filling meal that's ideal for busy nights when you need something easy and delicious.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Rib Eye

    A sliced rib eye steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air frying rib eye steak is a quick and simple way to enjoy a delicious meal. This method keeps the steak juicy and full of flavor while using less oil, making it a healthier option. In just 15 minutes, with only a minute of prep time, you can have a satisfying dinner ready to go.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Legs

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

    Crispy chicken legs are a great option when you're short on time but still want something delicious. Using an air fryer gives you that perfect golden-brown skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender. This dish is simple to prepare and is sure to please everyone at the table.

    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 simple and tasty meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce features the bold flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, crème fraîche, and a blend of dried herbs. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Cold Soba Noodle Salad

    Cold soba noodle salad.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This cold noodle salad is perfect for quick meals and can be served on its own or paired with your favorite protein. It's a straightforward and refreshing dish that comes together in no time.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      19 Shrimp Recipes That Could Turn Anyone into a Seafood Lover
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      20 Chreesy Dump-and-Go Comfort Foods That Always Hit the Spot

    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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