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    Home » Uncategorized

    31 Satisfying Meals You Can Prepare in Just 30 Minutes

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

    Cooking doesn't have to take hours, especially when you're looking for satisfying meals that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. Whether you're in a rush after a long day or simply want to enjoy a quick homemade dinner, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. From hearty pastas to juicy burgers, these meals are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy good food without spending all evening in the kitchen.

    Cashew Alfredo

    A skillet full of cashew alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    This vegan alfredo sauce is super simple and only needs 5 ingredients. It’s creamy and tasty, and you can whip it up in just 15 minutes with no real cooking required.

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    Cream of Jalapeno Soup

    Cream of Jalapeno Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    Cream of Jalapeno Soup is a delicious dish that will keep you cozy and satisfied. You can whip up this spicy vegetable soup in just 15 minutes.

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    Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

    Sundried tomato chicken sauce with penne pasta.
    Photo Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is a creamy and delicious meal that's quick to prepare. This dish is packed with flavor and can be ready in just 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Hamburger Soup

    Hamburger Soup
    Photo Credit: Fed by Sab.

    Hamburger soup is filled with ground beef, vegetables, and potatoes in a tasty tomato broth. It's a quick dinner that you'll want to make again and again!

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    Traditional Bucatini Carbonara with Guanciale

    Bucatini carbonara on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Casual Epicure.

    Pasta Carbonara with Guanciale is a simple and delicious dish that features crispy guanciale mixed with pasta in a rich egg and Parmigiano Reggiano sauce. It's a great option for a quick dinner that doesn't take much time to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

    Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta.
    Photo credit: I Heart Nap Time.

    This sweet and spicy bang bang shrimp pasta is sure to please everyone at the table. It's a quick dish made with tender fettuccine and shrimp cooked in a creamy sriracha sauce.

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    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pan-fried gnocchi is a quick and tasty option that’s way better than the boiled version. When you add bacon and mushrooms, it really boosts the flavor.

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    Cheeseburger Soup

    CHEESEBURGER SOUP.
    Photo credit: Wholesome Yum.

    Cheeseburger soup is a warm and satisfying meal that comes together quickly. It's cheesy, hearty, and can be on the table in just 20 minutes.

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    Salmon Stew

    A bowl of salmon stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Salmon Stew is full of flavor and just a bit spicy, and it comes together in under 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking method, it’s sure to be a favorite for quick dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

    Beef and broccoli stir fry.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Beef and broccoli stir-fry is quick to make and packed with flavor and nutrients. This dish is a family favorite that’s great for busy weeknights and will keep everyone satisfied.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this tasty vegetarian halloumi pasta packed with fresh vegetables. It's a light and refreshing dinner that highlights the flavors of the veggies without any heavy cream.

    Get the recipe

    Pork Chops in Tomato Sauce

    Tomato sauce pork chop.
    Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

    These Instant Pot pork chops are a quick and tasty meal perfect for busy weeknights. They come out juicy and tender, simmered in tomato sauce with added ingredients for extra flavor.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Skillet Lasagna

    Cheesy Tortellini Skillet Lasagna
    Photo Credit: Flavor Mosaic.

    Skillet lasagna is a great option when you're craving lasagna but need something quick. You can have this dish ready in just 20 minutes!

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    Peanut Butter Chicken Curry

    Peanut Butter Chicken Curry with rice.
    Photo Credit: Mae's Menu.

    This dish offers a tasty take on traditional chicken curry, blending creamy coconut with rich peanut butter for a unique flavor. It's filled with warm spices and can be prepared in no time, making it ideal for a comforting weeknight meal.

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    Crunchwrap Supreme

    Crunchwraps.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These homemade Taco Bell crunch wraps are packed with layers of flour tortillas, seasoned ground beef, nacho cheese, a crunchy tostada shell, cool sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and extra melty cheese. This quick dinner is a fun twist on taco night that you can whip up in just 20 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    Italian Meatballs

    Italian Meatballs served over pasta.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Baked Italian meatballs are quick to prepare, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish. They are full of great flavors from herbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.

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    Spicy Baked Salmon

    Spicy Baked Salmon.
    Photo credit: Sims Home Kitchen.

    This baked salmon is fresh and full of flavor. It comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs well with potatoes, veggies, or a salad.

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    Gochujang Buttered Noodles

    A serving of Gochujang Buttered Noodles.
    Photo Credit: Spoons of Flavor.

    These gochujang buttered noodles combine Eastern and Western flavors in a simple dish. With a nice mix of savory taste, mild spice, and a hint of sweetness, this is a meal everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Tandoori Pasta

    Tandoori Pasta.
    Photo credit: My Vegan Minimalist.

    Tandoori pasta is a quick and satisfying meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. It's hearty, flavorful, and feels like a warm embrace in a bowl.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    This pasta salad is a perfect option for lunch or dinner when the weather is nice. It's delicious and simple enough to impress your guests.

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    Cacio e Pepe

    A fork with cacio e pepe.
    Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    This classic Italian pasta dish is simple to prepare and only needs a few ingredients. It's perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Ricotta Lemon Pasta

    A serving of lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo Credit: Chenee Today.

    This lemon ricotta pasta sauce is quick to prepare and brings a fresh flavor to your meal. It's a bright and satisfying dinner option that you can whip up in no time.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta comes together in just 15 minutes, offering a quick and tasty meal. With spicy sauce, tangy blue cheese, pasta, and chicken, this dish is sure to please.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Chicken

    Garlic butter chicken.
    Photo credit: Served From Scratch.

    This garlic butter chicken is quick to prepare in just 15 minutes and is loaded with flavor. It's a great protein option to complement any meal.

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    Panang Curry with Tofu & Veggies

    A pot full of vegan panang curry.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This Panang Curry is creamy and packed with a nice mix of sweet and spicy flavors. It's simple to prepare and perfect for a quick dinner.

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    Blackened Chicken Thighs

    Blackened chicken thighs.
    Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

    Blackened chicken thighs are juicy and full of rich, smoky flavor. They work great in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and bowls, making them a versatile choice for dinner.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

    instant pot chicken teriyaki
    Photo Credit: Karen Kelly.

    Teriyaki thighs are super simple to prepare and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients for the sauce and the help of your Instant Pot, this dish comes together in no time.

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    Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

    Cheeseburger sliders.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    These mini, pull apart Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls are a quick and easy to make dinner done in just 30 minutes! They’re perfect for family dinner or a fun snack. These mini burgers are packed with tender, juicy ground beef, melty cheese, and tangy pickles. All smothered in a homemade burger sauce!

    Get the recipe

    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking only 30 minutes total, with just 15 minutes of actual cooking time. It's loaded with veggies and flavor, and you can use either homemade or store-bought pesto, enjoying it hot or cold.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and tasty dish that combines juicy shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce. This is a great meal for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Kimchi Sloppy Joes

    Kimchi Sloppy Joe.
    Photo credit: Served From Scratch.

    This classic dish gets a fun twist with some Korean flavors. It's a quick and easy dinner option that you can whip up in no time.

    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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    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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