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    Home » Uncategorized

    31 Quick and Delicious Dinners You Can Make in 30 Minutes

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on March 4, 2025, updated February 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding time to cook can be tough, especially on busy weeknights. Luckily, there are plenty of quick and easy dinner ideas that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. From simple pizzas to hearty pasta dishes, these meals are not only fast but also satisfying, making them perfect for any night of the week.

    Burrata Pizza

    Burrata pizza topped with arugula.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Pesto and burrata pizza is a quick and delicious meal that your family will love. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a fresh twist on pizza night with this easy recipe featuring basil pesto and creamy burrata.

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    Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

    Fish tacos.
    Photo credit: Sweet Tea and Thyme.

    Grilled flaky white fish paired with sweet and spicy mango salsa creates a delicious meal that's hard to resist. These tacos are packed with bold flavors that you'll want to enjoy again and again.

    Get the recipe

    Indian Vegetable Curry

    Mixed vegetable curry on a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: J's Cooking Odyssey.

    This veggie curry is a quick and healthy dinner option. Just add your favorite vegetables and some Indian spices for a tasty meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai chicken salad is a quick and healthy option you'll want to prepare regularly. It features a flavorful base and is topped with crunchy peanuts.

    Get the recipe

    Chili Mac

    Gluten-free Chili Mac
    Photo Credit: Whole New Mom.

    This dinner is quick and simple, perfect for the whole family. It all cooks in one pan and can be made dairy-free and gluten-free.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a quick pasta dish that you can whip up in no time. It uses everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Feta Cheese

    Creamy feta cheese chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Feta cheese adds a delicious twist to creamy pasta sauces. This is a quick and satisfying dinner option that you can whip up in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp and Orzo

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

    This 15-minute shrimp and orzo dish is super simple to prepare and really delicious. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Mediterranean Baked Fish

    A bowl of Mediterranean baked fish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This healthy Mediterranean baked fish dinner is quick and simple, ready in just 20 minutes with only 8 ingredients. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something nutritious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Chicken

    Caprese chicken.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    This 5-ingredient Caprese Chicken is a simple and satisfying one-pan meal. It’s filling and comforting, and you can whip it up quickly with just five ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    Sesame Chicken

    Sesame chicken served over rice.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Sesame Chicken is a go-to dish that never disappoints. It's quick to prepare and packed with great flavors, making it a perfect choice for any day.

    Get the recipe

    Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella

    Sundried tomato pasta with chicken and mozzarella.
    Photo Credit: Curry Trail.

    This pasta dish features chewy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy chicken, and plenty of baby spinach. It's quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is simple, cheesy, and really tasty. It's perfect for a cozy meal when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Mediterranean Salmon

    Baked Mediterranean salmon on a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This 15-minute Baked Mediterranean Salmon is packed with Greek herbs, roasted chickpeas, and a zesty lemon yogurt sauce. It's a simple and delicious option for a busy weeknight dinner.

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    Egg Roll in a Bowl

    Egg roll in a bowl with chopsticks.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Egg roll in a bowl is a quick and simple dinner that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. Packed with fresh veggies and tasty flavors, it features a savory sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.

    Get the recipe

    Skillet Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup

    Skillet Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Skillet chicken with cream of mushroom soup turns plain chicken breast and a classic pantry item into a quick and tasty one-pan meal. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

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    Cajun Dirty Rice With Smoked Sausage

    Cajun Dirty Rice With Smoked Sausage
    Photo Credit: Pink Owl Kitchen.

    Cajun dirty rice with smoked sausage is packed with flavor and is great as a main dish or a side. With its blend of Cajun spices, the holy trinity of vegetables, and spicy smoked sausage, this dish is sure to please everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Marry Me Chicken

    Chicken with sauce on a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Tender chicken breast is cooked just right and served with a tasty sauce made from Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. This is a great way to make your weeknight dinner special and delight everyone at the table.

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    Broccoli Cheese Soup

    Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This Broccoli Cheese Soup is full of flavor and perfect for a cozy meal. It comes together in just 30 minutes and is gluten-free, making it a great option for busy nights.

    Get the Recipe

    Taco Rice (Okinawan Style)

    A bowl of taco rice with toppings.
    Photo Credit: Plates by Nat.

    Japanese taco rice features tasty ground beef served over rice, topped with fresh tomato, lettuce, avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips. It’s quick to prepare in just 20 minutes and is sure to please everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Zucchini Corn Fritters

    Zucchini fritters served with a dip.
    Photo Credit: Vintage Kitchen Notes.

    This dish is a quick and tasty way to use up your summer vegetables. With just a few common ingredients, you can have these crispy fritters ready in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak

    Old fashioned Salisbury steak with gravy.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This Salisbury Steak is a simple skillet meal made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices, all simmered in a tasty mushroom gravy. It's a great option for a quick dinner that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Chicken with Honey Sauce

    Garlic chicken with honey and chopped green onions.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Garlic chicken with honey sauce is quick to prepare, taking only 20 minutes in one pan. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s packed with flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Steak Bites & Mushrooms

    A serving of steak bites and mushrooms.
    Photo Credit: A Red Spatula.

    Tender steak bites are great for any meal or as a tasty appetizer. They come together in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Tacobell Copycat Chicken Quesadillas

    Copycat Taco Bell quesadilla with dip.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Chicken quesadillas are a quick and tasty meal that you can whip up in no time. With melted cheese, tender grilled chicken, and a creamy sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Red Curry Tofu Stir Fry

    Red curry tofu stir-fry in a pan.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This flavorful curry is a great alternative to takeout. It’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Simple Oven Baked Salmon

    Oven baked salmon.
    Photo credit: Low Carb Africa.

    Oven baked salmon is quick and easy, using store-bought fish seasoning to keep things simple. This is a great option for busy nights when you want a healthy meal without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Mediterranean Garbanzo Bean Salad

    Mediterranean Garbanzo Bean Salad
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie

    This Mediterranean Garbanzo Bean Salad is the quickest 10-minute vegetarian meal you'll ever make. It's loaded with garbanzo beans, sliced cucumber, Kalamata olives, grape tomatoes, red onion, and tons of fresh parsley tossed in a super simple white wine vinaigrette.

    Get the recipe

    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: A Sweet Alternative.

    This easy tahini sauce uses just a handful of simple ingredients, with tahini as the main highlight. It's perfect for adding flavor to your meals without taking much time to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Beef Tacos

    Ground Beef Tacos.
    Photo credit: I Heart Naptime.

    These tacos are packed with tasty homemade beef and all your favorite toppings. They come together quickly, making them a great family meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Scampi can be ready in just 10 minutes, offering a delicious option for a quick meal or appetizer. The combination of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

    Get the recipe

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      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.

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