• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Uncategorized

    29 Delicious Dinners You Can Whip Up in Just Half an Hour

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on March 14, 2025, updated February 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding time to cook a delicious dinner can be a challenge, especially on busy weeknights. Luckily, there are plenty of meals you can prepare in just half an hour without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. From quick seafood dinners to simple pasta dishes, these 29 recipes will help you get dinner on the table in no time.

    Cheese Ravioli with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

    Sun-dried tomato ravioli with sauce.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This sun-dried tomato ravioli sauce adds a great flavor to store-bought cheese ravioli. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a tasty meal ready in 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Asparagus Risotto

    Instant Pot Asparagus Risotto.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This Instant Pot risotto is a simple and quick dish that you can whip up in no time. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Kielbasa & Potatoes

    Kielbasa cooked in an air fryer.
    Photo Credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

    This meal with kielbasa, potatoes, and peppers is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It takes less than 15 minutes to prepare and only requires 4 ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Pizza

    A serving of sheet pan pizza.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This pizza features a thick and crispy crust that's chewy and satisfying. It's loaded with shredded mozzarella, a touch of Parmesan, and all the toppings your family loves.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp are quick to prepare and only take about 3-5 minutes to cook. They’re flavored with garlic and paprika, and you can add fresh parsley for a nice touch, making them perfect to enjoy on a salad or with your favorite sauces and sides.

    Get the recipe

    Cod Piccata

    Cod piccata.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    This recipe features cod in a creamy piccata sauce, perfect for a quick dinner that your family will enjoy. It's rich and flavorful, making it a great choice for busy evenings.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be quick and simple with just 12 minutes, 5 ingredients, and one pot. This is an easy meal that fits perfectly into a busy evening.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup

    A bowl of creamy vegan
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This vegan tomato soup is quick and simple, ready in just 25 minutes with only 10 ingredients. It's a great option for a fast and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Blackened Cod

    Blackened cod served on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    Blackened cod is a quick and healthy dinner option that you can whip up in no time. With a simple homemade seasoning and just 15 minutes in the skillet, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Get on my Plate.

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is perfect for a quick family dinner or a tasty side dish for gatherings. It combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, pasta, and fresh veggies all mixed together in a creamy ranch dressing.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Carbonara

    A bowl of halloumi carbonara.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This vegetarian carbonara uses halloumi instead of bacon, offering a tasty twist on the classic dish. It's a quick and satisfying meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    One Pan Chicken and Noodles

    Chicken and Noodles on a round dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken noodles dish is ready in just 30 minutes and is made in one pot, making it a simple option for a weeknight dinner. It's a meal that your family will enjoy without much effort.

    Get the recipe

    3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes

    SLOPPY JOES.
    Photo credit: The Short Order Cook.

    A classic sloppy joe is a dinner that everyone in the family can enjoy. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dinner features spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese for a delicious meal. It's quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Salmon with Brussels Sprouts

    Sheet pan salmon with brussels sprouts.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    This dinner can be made all on one sheet pan. The tasty brussels sprouts go perfectly with salmon, and you can add rice on the side if you want.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

    Cheesy smoked sausage pasta on a skillet.
    Photo Credit: On My Kids' Plate.

    Cheesy sausage pasta is a simple dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes using just one pot. It's great for busy weeknights and can be easily adjusted based on what you have at home.

    Get the recipe

    Strawberry Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

    Strawberry Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Naturallie Plant Based.

    This Strawberry Balsamic Vegan Tofu Pasta Salad is perfect for warm days, featuring juicy strawberries, marinated balsamic tofu, fresh spinach, basil, and creamy feta cheese. It's a great choice for a picnic, BBQ, or a quick weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Lamb Burgers with Tahini Sauce

    A plate with salad, a lamb burger, and dressing.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    These lamb burgers are packed with Mediterranean flavors from fresh herbs like oregano, mint, dill, and parsley, along with feta and cumin. The Tahini sauce adds a delicious finishing touch that really enhances the dish.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken

    Honey Mustard Chicken in a stainless steel pan.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    This creamy Honey Mustard Chicken skillet meal is ready in just 30 minutes. It's packed with rich flavors and is made in one pan, making it a great choice for a quick and tasty dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad

    SALMON ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD.
    Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    This dish combines fresh asparagus, salmon, hard-boiled eggs, and pasta, all mixed in a creamy lemon dill dressing. It's simple to prepare and perfect for spring and summer meals.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Broccoli Pasta

    Broccoli pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta is packed with vegetables, making it a healthier option you'll enjoy. It's a quick and easy meal that comes together in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Red Pesto Salmon

    Red Pesto Salmon.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    Baked Pesto Salmon is a quick and healthy dinner option that's full of flavor and simple to customize. It features flaky salmon fillets topped with delicious red pesto, paired with crispy potatoes, asparagus, and broccoli.

    Get the recipe

    Lobster & Scallop Pasta

    Lobster & Scallop Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Craft Cookbook.

    Lobster and scallop pasta is a great choice for a special meal at home. It's packed with seafood and tossed in a zesty lemon garlic wine sauce, making it a delicious option for any occasion.

    Get the recipe

    Nduja Pasta

    Nduja Pasta.
    Photo credit: This Italian Kitchen.

    Nduja Pasta is a simple pasta dish that packs a punch with its rich flavors. With spicy nduja, a spreadable salami from Calabria, this meal is sure to hit the spot when you're looking for something tasty.

    Get the recipe

    Sticky Tofu

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

    This easy dinner is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a simple meal.

    Get the recipe

    Rasta Pasta with Jerk Shrimp

    Rasta Pasta with Jerk Shrimp.
    Photo credit: Sims Home Kitchen.

    Rasta Pasta with Jerk Shrimp is a vibrant dish that brings together the bold flavors of the Caribbean. You can whip this delicious meal up in just 30 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Cauliflower Beef Taco Skillet

    Cauliflower beef taco skillet on a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Wholesome Made Easy.

    This easy Cauliflower Beef Taco Skillet is a flavorful, low-carb way to satisfy your cravings for Mexican food. An easy, busy weeknight meal that takes about 30 minutes to make!

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Rib Eye

    Grilled Rib Eye
    Photo Credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This rib eye steak is packed with flavor from smoked salt and paired with charred vegetables, perfect for meat lovers. It's a quick and satisfying dinner option that can be ready in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    BLT Puff Pastry Tart

    Square slices of BLT puff pastry tart.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This tart is packed with crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and a simple balsamic aioli. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    More Uncategorized

    • Chicken parmesan pasta.
      31 Quick Dinners That Don’t Skimp on Flavor
    • A spoonful of seafood pasta bake.
      23 Pasta Casseroles That Are Perfect for Leftovers
    • A bowl of potato soup with toppings.
      31 Weeknight Dinners That Are a Breeze to Prepare
    • Lemon pepper salmon.
      31 Effortless Dinners You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    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!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Lasagna.
      22 Dump-and-Bake Dinners That Will Revolutionize Your Weeknight Meals
    • A veggie casserole.
      21 Vegetarian Casseroles That Will Change Your Dinner Game
    • Instant Pot French Onion Soup.
      18 Elegant Lunch Ideas to Impress Mom This Mother’s Day
    • Cheesburger sliders.
      18 Cheap Ground Beef Recipes That Are Perfect for Spring

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB