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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    49 Tasty Weeknight Dinners Done in 30 Minutes or Less

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 11, 2025 · Published January 9, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Busy weeknights can make cooking feel like a chore, but with these 30-minute meals, you can whip up something delicious in no time. From quick stir-fries to simple pasta dishes, these recipes are perfect for satisfying your hunger without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy flavorful meals that are easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This vegetarian halloumi pasta is quick to prepare in just 30 minutes and is loaded with fresh vegetables. It's a light and refreshing dish that's great for summer nights, showcasing the natural tastes of the veggies.

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    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Cast iron skillet pork chops.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These juicy pork chops are ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for a satisfying dinner. Sear them with garlic, mushrooms, and thyme, then let them simmer in red wine for a delicious meal.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

    Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This quick meal combines instant ramen noodles with a tasty peanut sauce, and it's ready in under 20 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Salmon Curry

    A bowl of thai salmon curry with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Enjoy a delicious Thai Salmon Curry that combines pan-seared salmon with a rich coconut milk sauce. This dish is quick to prepare, taking only 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Greek Salmon Bowl

    A serving of salmon Greek bowl.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    A simple Greek Salmon Bowl can be ready in under 30 minutes, filled with fresh vegetables, quinoa, and a tasty balsamic vinaigrette. This is a great option for a quick and healthy meal during busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish that you can prepare in just 20 minutes. With simple ingredients like crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and a few dried herbs, it's quick to make and perfect for a busy weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal uses only 8 ingredients and is perfect for a tasty dinner any night. Featuring soft gnocchi, crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it's a dish that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole combines all the delicious flavors of tacos into a simple one-dish meal. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it perfect for a potluck or a quick weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

    Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta served on a skillet.
    Photo Credit: Savory Cipolla.

    This quick pasta dish is full of flavors from garlic, basil, and cheese, combined with sun-dried tomato pesto. You can toss in your favorite vegetables to customize it to your taste.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Curry

    Shrimp curry in a skillet.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This simple Shrimp Curry is perfect for anyone who loves flavorful and spicy meals. With Thai red curry paste and coconut milk, you can have a quick and satisfying dinner ready in just 20 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Spinach Lemon Orzo

    Spinach Lemon Orzo.
    Photo credit: Barley and Sage.

    This creamy spinach lemon orzo comes together in one pan in just 20 minutes. With fresh spinach, lemon zest, and basil in a rich sauce, it's a great option for a quick and tasty meal or side.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta combines tender shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta in a delicious garlic butter sauce. This is a quick and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    This creamy tahini pasta is perfect for busy weeknights and can be ready in just 20 minutes. With its tangy and nutty tahini sauce, this dish is a tasty choice that you'll want to make again.

    Get the recipe

    Rotisserie Chicken Tacos

    Rotisserie chicken tacos.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    These Rotisserie Chicken Tacos are quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes. Stuff corn tortillas with shredded chicken, creamy avocado, tangy pickled red onions, and finish with your favorite salsa and cheese.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A tasty dinner can be ready in just 30 minutes with spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features a tasty mix of creamy tomato sauce and crispy bacon, perfect for a quick meal. It's a simple option that fits well into a busy weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    You can quickly prepare a delicious Cherry Tomato Pasta with spinach and walnuts in just 30 minutes. Adding a ball of mozzarella or burrata takes it to the next level.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Nachos With Tajin

    Air fryer nachos.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    These nachos come together in just 10 minutes using your air fryer. They're packed with layers of cheese and a sprinkle of Tajin seasoning, making them perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a quick dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Orange Chicken

    Air fryer orange chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This orange chicken dish is quick, tasty, and healthier than takeout, plus it won't break the bank. With tender air-fried chicken covered in a zesty orange sauce, you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes with very little work.

    Get the recipe

    Yaki Udon

    Yaki Udon (Stir Fried Udon Noodles) on a white bowl.
    Photo Credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

    In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a delicious yaki udon dish featuring ground chicken, fresh veggies, and udon noodles. This stir-fry is full of flavor from the chicken, bok choy, mushrooms, and carrots, perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Croque Madame Sandwich

    Croque Madame Sandwich
    Photo Credit: The Foreign Fork.

    This sandwich is perfect for any time of day. The Croque Madame takes a simple ham and cheese sandwich to the next level with rich bechamel sauce and a fried egg on top.

    Get the recipe

    California Roll Bowl

    A serving of California roll bowl.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    Enjoy a California Roll sushi experience with this easy California Roll Bowl. It's filled with avocado, cucumber, imitation crab, and a spicy sriracha drizzle.

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew

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

    This chicken stew is quick and easy, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience. It's packed with bright lemon flavor and aromatic rosemary, perfect for a busy weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup

    A bowl of creamy vegan
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This vegan tomato soup is simple to prepare with just 10 ingredients and can be ready in 25 minutes. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Teriyaki Tempura Cauliflower

    Tempura teriyaki cauliflower.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Teriyaki Tempura Cauliflower bites are crispy and delicious, thanks to a baked tempura method in the air fryer. This is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Club Sandwich

    Chicken BLT.
    Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This Chicken Club Sandwich is packed with layers of chicken, ham, bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes. It's a perfect choice for a quick meal or a tasty snack anytime.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Salmon Fish Cakes

    Fish cakes.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These crispy salmon fish cakes are quick and easy to make with simple ingredients. A quick fry gives them a nice crunch while keeping the inside tender.

    Get the recipe

    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This recipe adds a fun twist to the traditional carbonara, bringing in some extra flavor. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Prepare a quick meal in just 30 minutes with only a few ingredients and one pot. This is a great option for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Tuna Patties

    AIR FRYER TUNA PATTIES.
    Photo credit: 2 Cookin Mamas.

    Air Fryer Tuna Patties are quick and easy to make by combining canned tuna with onion, red bell pepper, garlic, panko crumbs, and eggs. After mixing everything together, just pop them in the air fryer for 8 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Taco Rice

    Taco Rice
    Photo Credit: The Endless Meal.

    Taco rice is a flavorful Mexican dish that works well as a side or as a filling for burritos and bowls. It's quick to prepare, with corn, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice, all done in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Salmon

    Pesto salmon on a serving platter.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Pesto Salmon is ready in just 30 minutes and is packed with flavor. Baked with a blend of Greek yogurt and pesto, it's a quick meal perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Katsu

    Air fryer katsu chicken.
    Photo credit: Piper Cooks.

    This recipe puts a fun spin on Japanese chicken katsu with a crispy Panko-coated chicken cutlet. It's quick and easy, taking only 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer with just four ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a quick dish that combines spicy sauce, tangy blue cheese, and tender chicken with pasta. This is a satisfying meal that you can have ready in just half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 30 minutes. With either store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce, it's a tasty option that won't take much time to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Teriyaki Stir-fry

    Chicken teriyaki.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry can be ready in under 30 minutes, featuring chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. This low-carb dish is great on its own or can be served with noodles or rice for a more filling option.

    Get the recipe

    One Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Chicken tortilla soup topped with cream.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This meal features a tasty tomato broth mixed with Mexican spices, beans, corn, tomatoes, and shredded chicken. Everything cooks together in one pot and is ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Asian Glazed Salmon

    A plate of Asian glazed salmon.
    Photo Credit: Delightful Plate.

    This salmon dish is quick and easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients. The pan-seared salmon is topped with a delicious honey fish sauce glaze, making it a great option for a fast weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Red Curry Fried Rice

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

    This Thai Curry Fried Rice is quick to prepare in just 15 minutes and is full of real Thai flavors like fish sauce, curry paste, cashews, lime, and cilantro. If you enjoy a bit of heat, toss in some Sriracha for an extra kick.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Tortellini with Asparagus and Peas

    Pesto Tortellini with Asparagus and Peas
    Photo Credit: Mandi of the Mountains.

    This pasta dish is great for a quick and delicious dinner. It's loaded with fresh spring vegetables and a creamy pesto sauce, all cooked in one pot.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Melts

    Tuna Melts.
    Photo credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    Classic tuna melts come together in under 30 minutes, offering a quick and satisfying meal. These open-faced sandwiches are filled with a tasty tuna salad, gooey cheese, and fresh tomato slices.

    Get the recipe

    One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup

    One pot creamy vegetable soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and easy. You can swap in your favorite vegetables or use up any leftovers you have in the fridge.

    Get the recipe

    Cheeseburger Macaroni

    Dutch oven with Cheeseburger Macaroni.
    Photo Credit: Homemade Hooplah.

    Cheeseburger macaroni is a tasty dish that combines pasta, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese, all cooked in one pan. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Broccoli Pasta

    Broccoli pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta is loaded with veggies and is a healthier choice that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. It's perfect for a quick and satisfying meal during busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

    Cheeseburger sliders.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    Mini pull-apart cheeseburger sliders made with Hawaiian rolls are a simple dinner option that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. These little burgers are filled with juicy ground beef, gooey cheese, and zesty pickles, all topped with a tasty homemade burger sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Miso Honey Mustard Salmon

    Miso honey mustard salmon served with green beans and rice.
    Photo Credit: Avocado Skillet.

    Miso honey mustard salmon is a simple and delicious meal that's perfect for dinner when you're pressed for time. It's a great option that comes together quickly and satisfies your hunger.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

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

    This dish is easy to make, cheesy, and really delicious. It's great for a quick and filling meal.

    Get the recipe

    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

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

    In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a tasty pan-fried gnocchi dish with bacon and mushrooms that's way better than the usual boiled version. This is a quick and satisfying meal that will brighten up your weeknight dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Stir-fry

    Salmon stir-fry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just half an hour, you can prepare a tasty stir-fry loaded with vibrant vegetables and a refreshing citrus flavor. It goes great with rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a filling meal.

    Get the recipe

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      33 Cozy Slow Cooker Soups to Keep You Warm All Winter

    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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