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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    47 Quick and Easy Dinners Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on December 21, 2024, updated December 16, 2024 - 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 made in 30 minutes or less. From simple stir-fries to hearty pasta dishes, these meals are perfect for satisfying hunger without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Shrimp Curry

    Shrimp curry on a plate with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This shrimp curry is packed with flavor and comes together in just 20 minutes. With Thai red curry paste and coconut milk, it's a great option for a busy weeknight dinner.

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    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 just right for a cozy meal at home.

    Get the recipe

    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

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

    Pan-frying gnocchi instead of boiling it gives it a nice texture, and when you mix it with bacon and mushrooms, you get a flavorful meal. This is a quick and satisfying option for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Brown Rice Risotto

    Risotto on a white plate.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    Instant Pot risotto is a quick and easy dinner option that feels fancy. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Chickpea Gyros

    Chickpea Gyros.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Chickpea gyros are a quick and simple vegetarian dish that you can whip up on the stovetop in just 10 minutes. You can have dinner on the table and ready to enjoy in only 15 minutes after getting home.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Coconut Chicken

    A bowl of chicken curry with rice.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This Indian chicken curry is simple to make and features ginger, garlic, onions, and flavorful spices cooked in creamy coconut milk. It's a satisfying meal that's perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is super easy to prepare with just three ingredients. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Pork chops with red wine and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pork chop dish is great for any evening meal. It's simple to prepare and full of flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole puts a fun spin on tacos by mixing ground beef, salsa, and lots of cheese all in one dish. It's great for a potluck or a quick dinner during a busy week.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Prepare a quick Shrimp Carbonara that gives a fresh twist to the classic Italian dish. This creamy pasta is combined with succulent shrimp for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy pesto pasta comes together in just 30 minutes with only three ingredients. The garlicky pesto mixed with Greek yogurt makes a quick and satisfying meal for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

    A skillet full of chicken mushroom stroganoff.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    This dish brings together Eastern European flavors in a quick and tasty way. It's a simple one-skillet meal that you can have on the table in just thirty minutes, ideal for busy nights when you want a satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    One Pan Fish & Broccoli in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce

    Fish and broccoli with sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Lemon butter caper sauce is creamy and flavorful, making it a great match for the fish and broccoli cooked together in one pan. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Teriyaki Stir-fry

    Chicken teriyaki.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is packed with veggies and doesn't require rice unless you prefer it. You can use either store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce for a quick and flavorful meal.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Garlic Butter

    Bacon wrapped salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Stuff salmon with garlic butter and wrap it in bacon for a quick and satisfying dinner. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This carbonara is quick and easy to make, using common ingredients you can find at any grocery store. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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

    This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is ready in just 15 minutes and features tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce. It's a simple and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Basil Chicken

    A bowl with thai basil chicken, rice and a fried egg.
    Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a flavorful Thai Basil Chicken using diced or ground chicken, yardlong beans, and fresh Thai basil. This dish combines a tasty sauce made with fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar, making it a great option for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Kale White Bean Soup

    Lemon Kale White Bean Soup.
    Photo Credit: Spabettie.

    This soup is packed with fresh veggies and vibrant flavors that you'll want to make again and again. It comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a comforting option for a busy night.

    Get the Recipe

    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This simple meal can be ready in just 12 minutes using only 5 ingredients, all cooked in one pot. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Halloumi with Ratatouille

    Halloumi and ratatouille in a bowl.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    This easy one-dish meal is great for busy nights when you want something quick and tasty. It comes together in no time, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Coconut Milk Pasta

    Coconut milk pasta in a skillet.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    This pasta sauce is creamy and flavorful thanks to coconut milk, which is a lighter option than heavy cream. It's a simple and tasty choice for a quick meal when you're short on time.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetable Korma

    A bowl of vegetable korma.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    This dish is a tasty choice for dinner that won't break the bank. It features a rich korma sauce filled with chickpeas, carrots, peas, potatoes, green beans, and mushrooms.

    Get the recipe

    Coconut Lime Chicken Pasta

    Coconut Lime Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Craft Cookbook.

    Coconut Lime Chicken & Pasta is a quick and tasty choice for dinner on busy nights. With a zesty coconut lime sauce, you can have this meal ready in just 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

    Buffalo chicken quesadillas.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cheesy quesadillas filled with spicy goodness are great for a quick meal. Serve them with blue cheese sauce on the side for added flavor!

    Get the recipe

    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features a flavorful tomato sauce with a bit of spice, paired perfectly with crispy bacon. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Broccoli Pasta

    Broccoli pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta is loaded with veggies and offers a tasty, healthier choice. It's perfect for a quick meal when you're short on time.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Orange Chicken

    orange chicken with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This tastes just as good as the takeout version - probably even better!

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Masala

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

    Shrimp masala curry is a tasty dish featuring tender shrimp simmered in a hearty Indian sauce made with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices. It's perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Crispy Furikake Salmon

    Fruikake salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is simple and quick to prepare, using just salmon, soy sauce, and furikake seasoning. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Salmon

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

    This Pesto Salmon is ready in just 15 minutes and is packed with flavor. Baked with a blend of Greek yogurt and pesto, it's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Vegan Sloppy Joes

    A vegan sloppy joe.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This vegan version of a classic dish is sure to please everyone at the table. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Feta Cheese

    Chicken feta cheese pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Feta cheese gives this creamy chicken pasta a tasty kick. It's a great option for a quick meal when you're short on time.

    Get the recipe

    Vegan Panang Curry with Tofu & Veggies

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

    Vegan Panang Curry with Tofu and Vegetables is a creamy dish full of sweet and spicy flavors. It's easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Carbonara

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

    This vegetarian carbonara is a simple and tasty option for busy nights. It swaps out bacon for halloumi, making it a delicious twist on the classic dish.

    Get the recipe

    Cod Piccata

    Cod piccata.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    Cod with a creamy piccata sauce is a quick and tasty dinner that everyone will love. It's rich, a bit tangy, and really satisfying!

    Get the recipe

    Red Curry Tofu Stir Fry

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

    This quick curry is perfect for when you're pressed for time but still want something flavorful. It's an easy dish to prepare that will satisfy your hunger without taking up your whole evening.

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew with Lemon & Rosemary

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

    This stew is simple to prepare with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, offering a quick meal solution for busy nights. It's a flavorful option that won't take much time to make.

    Get the recipe

    Pasta with Pancetta & Peas

    Pasta with peas and pancetta.
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    In under 20 minutes, you can prepare a quick weeknight dinner featuring pancetta and pea pasta. This dish combines crispy pancetta, green peas, orecchiette pasta, and grated parmesan for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Tacos

    Shrimp tacos.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Tacos are easy to whip up with the help of your air fryer. This is a quick and tasty dinner option that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Shrimp Boil

    A plate of shrimp boil.
    Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

    This dish combines seafood, meat, and veggies, all cooked together quickly in your instant pot. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    California Burrito

    California burrito with fries.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    A California-style steak burrito can be ready in just 30 minutes, featuring melted cheese, guacamole, seasoned fries, and sour cream all wrapped in a soft tortilla. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying and quick.

    Get the recipe

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken
    Photo credit: Always use butter

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken is a quick dinner that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce is full of flavor from crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Pork Chops

    A pork chop on a small chopping board.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These tasty pork chops are perfect for a busy night when you need something quick. With just a few ingredients, you can have a flavorful meal ready in under 25 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Miso Vegetable Soup

    A bowl of miso vegetable soup.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This vegetable soup is packed with healthy veggies and a tasty broth with miso. It's easy to prepare and you can customize it to fit what you like.

    Get the recipe

    Sticky Tofu

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

    This dinner is ideal for busy nights when you want something quick and tasty. It’s a simple option that won’t take much time to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Quick, easy, spicy, and so delicious!

    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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