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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    29 Easy Dinner Solutions for When You're Short on Time

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 30, 2025, updated September 25, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When time is tight and dinner needs to be on the table fast, having a few quick and easy recipes can make all the difference. From one-pan meals to simple pasta dishes, these 29 dinner ideas are perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Lamb Burgers with Tahini Sauce

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

    This lamb burger is packed with Mediterranean flavors thanks to a mix of fresh herbs like oregano, mint, dill, and parsley, along with feta cheese and cumin. The addition of tahini sauce really elevates the whole dish. It's a delicious option that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table.

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    Pasta al Pesto

    https://mygoodfoodworld.com/pasta-al-pesto/.
    Photo Credit: My Good Food World.

    Pasta al pesto is a comforting dish that's quick and easy to prepare. With some homemade pesto on hand, you can have this meal ready in just 15 minutes. It's a simple yet satisfying option for any night of the week.

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    Cream Cheese Pasta

    Cream Cheese Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Cream cheese pasta is a creamy and satisfying dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. It's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, requiring very little prep work. This simple recipe is great for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

    Air fryer salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon cooked this way turns out just right, bursting with lemon flavor. It's a simple dish that's just as delicious as fresh salmon. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara is simple and quick to prepare, using everyday ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. It's a great option for a weeknight meal when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

    Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas.
    Photo Credit Cuisine and Travel.

    Chicken fajitas are simple to whip up in your air fryer and can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. They're packed with flavor and are sure to please everyone. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, with only 15 minutes of actual cooking time. It's loaded with vegetables and flavor, making it a satisfying meal. You can use either homemade or store-bought pesto, and it tastes great whether served hot or cold.

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    4-Ingredient Chili

    Chili.
    Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This is a budget-friendly meal that will fill you up without breaking the bank. With just four ingredients, it's simple to prepare and perfect for busy nights. You can whip it up quickly, making it a great option for any weeknight dinner.

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    Brie Grilled Cheese with Turkey

    Brie Grilled Cheese with Turkey
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie

    Turkey Brie Grilled Cheese takes the classic grilled cheese to a whole new level. Packed with sliced turkey, fresh greens, and plenty of melted Brie cheese, this sandwich is both satisfying and delicious. A touch of whole grain mustard adds a nice kick, making it a great choice for a quick and tasty 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 15-minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts is a great option for a quick meal. It's easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a satisfying dish on its own. Adding a nice piece of mozzarella or burrata cheese on top takes it to the next level.

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    Homemade Spaghettios

    Homemade Spaghettios.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Homemade Spaghettios offer a warm and comforting taste of nostalgia. This simple meal can be ready in just 30 minutes, bringing back those childhood memories while using fresh ingredients instead of canned ones. It's a great option for a quick dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Spaghetti Pomodoro

    Spaghetti Pomodoro.
    Photo Credit: Aline Made.

    This spaghetti pomodoro is a classic Italian dish that's simple and satisfying. With fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic, it brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. It's an easy meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Sheet Pan Gnocchi

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi.
    Photo Credit: Posh Journal.

    This sheet pan gnocchi dish is fantastic. The gnocchi comes out perfectly roasted, with a nice crisp on the outside and a soft texture inside. It's packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful herbs. It's a meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Pork Chops in Tomato Sauce

    Tomato sauce pork chop.
    Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

    These Instant Pot pork chops are perfect for a quick and easy dinner during busy weeknights. They turn out juicy and tender, packed with flavor from the tomato sauce and added ingredients. This dish is simple to prepare and will satisfy everyone at the table.

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    One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    Creamy ricotta mixed with lemon juice, zest, garlic, and herbs comes together to create a delicious pasta dish. It's quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes from start to finish. This one-pot lemon ricotta pasta is a great choice for an easy and tasty dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

    Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a great option for dinner. It's simple to prepare and perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting and satisfying. This dish combines tender chicken with creamy sauce and spaghetti, making it a family favorite. Just set it up in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

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    Asian Noodle Soup with Ground Pork and Peanuts

    Asian Noodle Soup with Ground Pork and Peanuts.
    Photo Credit: This Is How I Cook.

    This easy and comforting soup is great for a quick meal when the weather is cold. The peanut and scallion Asian noodle soup is delicious and can be enjoyed any time of the year.

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    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for quick weeknight meals. With just a little chopping at the beginning, it's mostly hands-off and comes together easily. You'll have delicious chicken, veggies, and plenty of sauce all cooked in one pan.

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    Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks

    Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks feature juicy chicken, lots of fresh veggies, and a generous layer of Swiss cheese. This dish offers a tasty twist on dinner that's sure to please everyone. It's a simple and enjoyable way to mix up your mealtime routine.

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    Thai Red Curry Fried Rice

    Fried rice with curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai Curry Fried Rice is a quick and simple meal that you can whip up at home in just 15 minutes, including prep time. It features genuine Thai flavors from ingredients like fish sauce, Thai curry paste, cashew nuts, lime, and cilantro. If you like a bit of heat, you can easily add some Sriracha sauce to spice things up.

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    Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

    Chicken and mushroom stroganoff with sour cream in a sour cream sauce.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    This Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is a creamy, savory, luxurious dinner inspired by delicious Eastern European cuisine, and all ready to eat in just half an hour! You simply can't beat this easy stroganoff recipe when you're looking for a satisfying, comforting meal that doesn't involve working in the kitchen all afternoon.

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    Cheesy Taco Pasta

    Cheesy Taco Pasta.
    Photo Credit: 24 Bite.

    This Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and easy dish that brings back memories of classic comfort food. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a meal that the whole family will enjoy. With its cheesy goodness and taco flavors, it's a simple option for busy weeknights.

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    Chili Rubbed Chicken Thighs

    Chili rubbed chicken.
    Photo credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Broiled chili-rubbed chicken thighs are a great option for a quick and tasty meal. With just a few basic ingredients from your pantry, you can create a dish that's full of flavor and juicy goodness. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Shrimp Masala

    A bowl of shrimp masala curry.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    Shrimp masala curry is a flavorful dish that features tender shrimp simmered in a rich Indian sauce made from onions and tomatoes. The addition of ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices gives it a warm and inviting taste. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and brings a bit of Indian flair to your table.

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    Creamy Broccoli Pasta

    Broccoli pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta is packed with vegetables, making it a healthier option that everyone will enjoy. It's a simple and satisfying meal that brings together fresh ingredients in a delicious way. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

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    Air Fryer Salmon Patties

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

    These Air Fryer Salmon Patties are quick and simple to prepare, taking only 6-8 minutes to cook. Made with fresh salmon and flavored with powdered seasonings, they are full of taste without the need for any chopping. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    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. Packed with spices, cheese, and shrimp, this meal is both colorful and delicious. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights.

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    Santa Fe Chicken Salad

    Santa Fe chicken salad.
    Photo credit: Healthy Mom Healthy Family.

    Santa Fe Chicken Salad is a quick and easy meal that uses rotisserie chicken and a simple two-ingredient creamy salsa dressing. It's a satisfying option that's also healthy, perfect for busy evenings. This salad is not only delicious but also comes together in no time, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.

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    Roasted Red Pepper Soup

    Roasted red pepper soup with cheese.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a creamy and smoky roasted red pepper soup. Using jarred roasted red peppers, smoked Gouda, heavy cream, and some dried herbs, this soup is packed with flavor and is easy to make. It's a great vegetarian option that warms you up and satisfies your hunger.

    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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