Easy Dinner Ideas That Take 30 Minutes or Less
Why is it so hard to cook weeknight dinners during the holiday season? Besides it just being a busy time of year, I think all that decision-making and planning for holiday feasts and parties uses up all my cooking energy. All I want, at the end of the day, is for dinner to be already made. Delivery can help on occasion, but it's honestly not great for the wallet or for long-term health.
When I want the family to eat something tasty and healthy, but I don't want to make a big fuss, I turn to this list.We've spent years thinking about what home cooks need, and trying to come up with tasty, easy, budget-friendly, and most-importantly family-friendly recipes that you can make. And then we put our fastest recipes here so you can find them. All of the recipes on this list either take less than 30 minutes to make, or we've got shortcut ideas for how to make them faster.
Most of the recipes lean on a few key ingredients that are easy to stock, so you don't have to run around chasing down weird ingredients to make them.
And some of the recipes are super fast—like 15 minutes or even less! (Check out our Gnocchi with Creamed Spinach recipe, below. It might just be our fastest.)
Need more dinner ideas? We've got lots!
Fast Easy Chicken Marsala
If you're looking for ways to make chicken a little less boring, put this recipe in your pocket. The classic creamy, savory sauce is easy to make and so good you'll want to drizzle it over everything.
Get the recipe for Chicken Marsala.
Crispy Gnocchi with Sausage and Sage Brown Butter
Keep this four-ingredient dish in your back pocket for whenever you want a simple, filling meal in a flash.
Get the recipe for Crispy Gnocchi with Sausage.
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Pine Nut Gremolata
Here's a recipe to convince you that canned pumpkin is good for far more than just making pie. Get this pantry-based meal on the table in just 25 minutes.
Get the recipe for Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Pine Nut Gremolata.
Lasagna Soup
This easy, 25-minute recipe gives you all the flavor of the world's favorite casserole in the world's favorite comfort-food form!
Get the recipe for Lasagna Soup.
Sausage, Potato, and Cabbage Soup
This hearty soup is simple and easy. If you want to make it a little faster, you can skip browning the (cooked) sausage. It won't taste quite as amazing, but it'll shave a good ten minutes off the recipe time.
Get the recipe for Sausage, Potato, and Cabbage Soup.
Chicken Thighs with White Beans and Escarole
If your idea of chicken for dinner is boneless breast meat, then this 30-minute recipe will show you just how juicy and delicious—and easy to cook—the thighs can be. (Get more one-pot meals right here.)
Get the recipe for Chicken Thighs with White Beans and Escarole.
Gnocchi with Creamed Spinach
Got 10 minutes? Besides that, all you need for this 10-minute meal is a pack of gnocchi, frozen spinach, some cream, some cheese, and a few pantry spices.
Serve it with a glass of wine and you've got a fancy dinner for two that tastes like it took a lot more work than it actually did.
Get the recipe for Gnocchi with Creamed Spinach.
Super-Easy Tuna Empanadas
Want to make dinner fun, as well as filling and fast? Make empanadas! Use thawed pie dough to skip the hassle of making dough, and fill it with whatever you like. Tuna salad is a surprisingly tasty and simple filling.
Get the recipe for Super-Easy Tuna Empanadas.
A Smarter Chicken Quesadilla
This fast and flavorful dinner uses a neat technique: cooking the ingredients in a thick sauce, so they're less likely to fall out from between the tortillas. It's tasty and clever!
Get the recipe for Chicken Quesadilla.
Tuna Caesar Salad
Another so-fast-it's-crazy dinner idea is salad! Canned tuna makes it filling and healthy. The hardest part is making the croutons (but we highly recommend you do. It makes an okay Caesar salad into a great one.
Get the recipe for Tuna Caesar Salad.
Swedish Meatballs with Chicken
Ground chicken is less expensive, but no less delicious, in this quick dish. Serve it with reheated mashed potatoes.
Get the recipe for Swedish Meatballs with Chicken.
Chicken-and-Spinach Tortellini Soup
Honestly, we could eat this soup for days. It's simple, it's tasty, and it's a great way to stretch a rotisserie chicken! (Check out more inexpensive family-friendly dinner ideas here!)
Get the recipe for Chicken-and-Spinach Tortellini Soup.
Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Broiled Broccolini and Capers
Seared in a little oil until just tender, salmon is delicate, tender, and delicious.
Get the recipe for Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon.
Chicken and Veggies Stir Fry
If you're hungry for takeout, skip the wait (and the delivery fee) and just whip this up. It's got an easy sauce made mostly out of pantry ingredients, is packed with fresh veggies, and the whole thing comes together faster than take-out.
Get the recipe for Chicken and Veggies Stir Fry.
Fried Rice
Keep this endlessly adaptable recipe in your back pocket for the next time you have leftover rice in the fridge. It's delicious. It's easy. And there's just 20 minutes between you and big comforting bowl of it.
Get the recipe for Fried Rice.
Salmon and Creamed Spinach Fettuccini
This may be one of our favorites. If you're craving a tasty pasta dish that's a little more grown-up than jarred red sauce, give this dish a whirl. We're pretty sure it'll become a regular part of your dinner plans.
Get the recipe for Salmon and Creamed Spinach Fettuccini.
Crispy Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Rosemary
Your whole family will fall in love with these crispy chicken thighs (emphasis on "crispy"). Garlic and rosemary make them as aromatic as they are delicious. Serve with a fresh salad for an extra touch of green.
Get the recipe for Crispy Chicken Thighs.
30-Minute Beef Stroganoff
Other versions of this classic Eastern European comfort food can take hours to put together. This one can beat your go-to delivery app to the table, and it's yummy enough that the kids'll lick their plates clean.
Get the recipe for Beef Stroganoff.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
It's easy to keep nearly everything you need to make this classic comfort-food dish in the pantry or freezer, making it both delicious and easy. What else could you want?
Get the recipe for Tuna Noodle Casserole.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
With a fast sauce made from pantry staples, and an even faster sear, this classic takeout staple comes together in less time than you can get it delivered. And it's fresher, too!
Get the recipe for Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry.
Tuna Melt
The underrated tuna melt, that staple of diners and lunch plates everywhere, deserves to be making a big time comeback. First, it's as tasty as can be. Second, it's easy to make, and third, you probably have most of the ingredients in your fridge right now. What are you waiting for?
White Wine-Garlic Pasta with Scallops
Scallops aren't the very cheapest—but they may be more affordable than you think. And they certainly cook fast! You can sear the scallops while the pasta is cooking and have the whole meal on the table in 15 minutes!
Get the recipe for White Wine-Garlic Pasta with Scallops.
Pasta Carbonara
This has long been one of my personal favorite fast meals. Boil pasta, cook bacon, and then toss both with cheese and eggs. You've just made dinner.
Get the recipe for Pasta Carbonara.
Migas with Chorizo
There's nothing for a fast dinner like making breakfast for dinner! This recipe goes all out—scrambled eggs with corn tortillas, spicy chorizo, and plenty of toppings—and still takes just 15 minutes to make.
Get the recipe for Migas with Chorizo.
Easy Weeknight Salisbury Steak
This well-loved dish has been popular for decades—and for good reason: Few simple meals are more satisfying. (And check out more ground beef dinner ideas here!)
Get the recipe for Salisbury Steak.
Air Fryer Fajitas
These still-sizzling fajitas will be a hit with the whole family. Cooking them in an air fryer makes the whole thing quicker, and cleanup's a breeze: No oil splatters on the stovetop!
Get the recipe for Air Fryer Fajitas.
Bagel Pizza
Whether you're feeding kids, or just feeling young at heart, there's no denying that these fast, filling little pizzas are about as satisfying as they get. Plus, we've got a little trick to keep the sauce from spilling everywhere.
Get the recipe for Bagel Pizzas.
Asparagus Frittata
Want a fast dinner that's still a little elegant? Consider a breakfast-for-dinner option! This delicious egg dish pairs well with quick-cooked bacon and a slice of toast. Serve it with a glass of wine!
Get the recipe for Asparagus Frittata.
Air Fryer Salsa Verde Enchilada Pie
An air fryer cuts the bake time for our traditional salsa verde enchiladas down from 20 to just 6 minutes. Store-bought shortcuts like rotisserie chicken make assembling these individual dishes even faster.
Get the recipe for Air Fryer Salsa Verde Enchilada Pie.
Vermouth Air Fried Shrimp
These quick-marinated shrimp cook in just 10 minutes. Serve them on a salad, over pasta, or with some steamed veggies for a light, fast, tasty dinner!
Get the recipe for Vermouth Air Fried Shrimp.
Stovetop Cheeseburger
You don't need to break out the grill to eat a good burger. And these cook very quickly! There's a reason they're a fast-food staple.
Get the recipe for Stovetop Cheeseburger.
Easy-Peasy Stovetop Mac 'n Cheesy
A can of evaporated milk and fresh shredded cheese makes this no-drain pasta recipe (you read that right) even easier than the boxed stuff! It's tastier, too.
Get the recipe for Easy-Peasy Stovetop Mac 'n Cheesy.
Cornflake Crusted Fish and Chips
Nothing beats fish sticks for that certain kind of kid—but that doesn't mean you need to fill your freezer with boxes of the stuff. This takes just 20 minutes from fridge to plate.
Get the recipe for Cornflake Crusted Fish and Chips.
Grain Salad with Trout
A light broil turns trout (or other white fish) into a delicate and tender topper for a tasty grain salad. It's perfect for a quick, filling dinner.
Get the recipe for Grain Salad with Trout.
Spring Pasta with Salmon, Peas, and Dill
Adult and kid friendly, this fun pasta dish boasts loads of roasted salmon, fresh spring peas, and oodles of flavorful dill. And any leftovers (if there are any!) make for a delicious lunch. (Get more kid-friendly recipes right here!)
Get the recipe for Spring Pasta with Salmon, Peas, and Dill.
Homemade Chinese-Style Orange Chicken
Sure, you could order some from the local place. Or, for a fraction of the price (and in the same amount of time) you could just make your own—and it'll be much tastier.
Get the recipe for Chinese-Style Orange Chicken.
Lemon-Butter Broiled Salmon with Bibb Salad
If getting dinner on the table STAT is of utmost concern, then you want fish. Paired with a simple salad, this whole meal can be ready in about 10 minutes.
Get the recipe for Lemon-Butter Broiled Salmon.
Easy-Peasy Fettuccini Alfredo
This elegant-enough-for-a-date dinner only has four main ingredients: pasta, butter, cream, and Parm!
Get the recipe for Easy-Peasy Fettuccini Alfredo.
Cobb Salad
The trick to making this super-hearty salad extra fast? Rotisserie chicken breast!
Get the recipe for Cobb Salad.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Though it's perfect for picnics, this easy dish also makes a great light summer dinner. It comes together in 20 minutes and tastes delicious warm or cold.
Get the recipe for Caprese Pasta Salad.
Stovetop Chicken Pot Pie
Throw your pot pie ingredients into a single saucepan and let the stove do the work.
Get the recipe for Stovetop Chicken Pot Pie.
Teriyaki Salmon with Crispy Roasted Broccoli
If you've got a little extra time, however, a sauce can add tons of flavor, and it doesn't need to be complicated. Case in point: this honey teriyaki sauce.
Get the recipe for Teriyaki Salmon.
Ground Chicken Pad Thai
You're 15 minutes from having a plate of this inexpensive and satisfying dish on the table in front of you.
Get the recipe for Ground Chicken Pad Thai.
Tex-Mex Chicken Meatballs
Looking for an easy Tex-Mex meal? Try making these delicious ground chicken meatballs, which are packed with flavor from spices and mild Hatch chiles. They make an excellent light taco salad-style dinner.
Get the recipe for Tex-Mex Chicken Meatballs.
Salmon in Foil with Vegetables
We love this frugal masterpiece of a dish in part because it's so easy to clean up. You can even prep the foil packets up to a day in advance. Just toss them in a hot oven and let them cook!
Get the recipe for Salmon in Foil with Vegetables.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
This spicy, buttery, citrusy dish is an old-school classic. It's great for a fancy dinner, but equally good when you're pressed for time.
Get the recipe for Shrimp Scampi Pasta.
Sweet-and-Sour Chicken Meatballs
This recipe is fast—just 25 minutes—and the result tastes like your favorite takeout dish.
Get the recipe for Sweet-and-Sour Chicken Meatballs.
Ground Chicken Tacos
Here's a fast and easy, kid-friendly dish that only takes about as much time as you need to brown some ground chicken.
Get the recipe for Ground Chicken Tacos.
Butter Baked Salmon
If you're frustrated because your salmon always ends up overcooked, try this recipe, which keeps it moist and delicious—and still cooks it quickly.
Get the recipe for Butter Baked Salmon.
Chipotle Chicken Fajitas
These spicy fajitas take barely any time to make and require just one cast iron skillet. (Plus they taste great!)
Get the recipe for Chipotle Chicken Fajitas.
Veggie-and-Bean Burritos
Hearty, healthy, and super easy to make, these fast burritos make a great dinner, or an excellent next-day lunch!
Get the recipe for Veggie-and-Bean Burritos.
Italian Potato Wedge Nachos
Tomatoes, basil, and melted mozz upgrade potato wedges to the max.
Get the recipe for Italian Potato Wedge Nachos.
Salsa Verde Enchilada Pie
Corn tortillas, rotisserie chicken, Monterey Jack, and a creamy cilantro-packed green salsa make up the layers of this Mexican-inspired pie.
Get the recipe for Salsa Verde Enchilada Pie.
Sesame Chicken Meatballs
If you like the classic stir-fry, you'll love this meatball version!
Get the recipe for Sesame Chicken Meatballs.
Orzo Pasta Salad
This hearty vegetarian dish is inexpensive and comes together in just 20 minutes. Make extra and enjoy the leftovers cold the next day!
Get the recipe for Orzo Pasta Salad.
Chicken Kiev Meatballs
Stuffed with butter and herbs, traditional Chicken Kiev is a miracle of flavor. We've turned the same idea into a fun, 15-minute meatball—ideal for switching up your dinner rotation.
Get the recipe for Chicken Kiev Meatballs.
Pear, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Pizza with Arugula
This elegant, easy white pizza is surprisingly satisfying.
Get the recipe for Pear, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Pizza.
Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes
The kids will come running when you serve up this fast version of a perennial favorite. Ground turkey or chicken replaces the usual ground beef, and a fresh cucumber onion relish tops it all off!
Get the recipe for Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes.
Cucumber-Salmon Panzanella
Made with cucumbers and quick-cooking salmon, this salad is as refreshing as it is easy to put together. Add the toasted bread of your choice for a satisfying crunch.
Get the recipe for Cucumber-Salmon Panzanella .
Super Fast Scampi-Style Air Fryer Shrimp
With an air fryer, these shrimp go from fully frozen to ready-to-eat in less than half an hour. They're perfect for a healthy last-minute meal and are great for salads, pasta, or more.
Get the recipe for Super Fast Scampi-Style Air Fryer Shrimp.
Easy Air Fryer Steak
Steak is one of those dinners that manages to be both easy and decadent. Prepared in the air fryer—faster than the oven, far less messy than a frying pan—it's even easier.
Get the recipe for Air Fryer Steak.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Some days you just feel like having a cold beer and a pile of wings. With an air fryer, you don't even have to go anywhere to get 'em.
Get the recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Wings.
Easy Marinated Air Fryer Salmon
This recipe is ready in 30 minutes and that includes the marinating! You can whip up a bed of sautéed spinach while it's cooking.
Get the recipe for Easy Marinated Air Fryer Salmon.
Herbes de Provence Shrimp with Basil and Pea Couscous
Simply seasoned with Herbes de Provence, this quick meal is served with a flavorful lemony pea couscous.
Get the recipe for Herbes de Provence Shrimp.
Hot Dogs with Quick Cast-Iron Beans
The beans for this classic camping meal can be made just as easily on the stove, and oven-toasted hot dogs will taste nearly as good, if you don't want to build a campfire.
Get the recipe for Hot Dogs with Quick Cast-Iron Beans.
Strip Steak with Lemon Mashed Potatoes
We love this flavorful spin on the tried-and-true steak and potatoes dinner. Not only is it a quick dinner idea, but it'll satisfy the whole family too.
Get the recipe for Strip Steak with Lemon Mashed Potatoes.
Skillet Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Apples
Sweeten skillet chicken with brown sugar and roasted apples.
Get the recipe for Skillet Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Apples.
Blackened Chicken with Fennel Slaw
A fennel, avocado, and red onion slaw lightens up smoky chicken cutlets.
Get the recipe for Blackened Chicken with Fennel Slaw.
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Seared Chicken
Pack some protein into a butternut squash ravioli dish with sliced seared chicken.
Get the recipe for Butternut Squash Ravioli with Seared Chicken.
Sloppy Joes with Pickled Okra Slaw
Crispy onion rings and a homemade pickled slaw bring some crunch to your favorite sloppy Joes.
Get the recipe for Sloppy Joes with Pickled Okra Slaw.
Jerk Chicken and Mango Lettuce Cups
Butter lettuce cups are the new tortilla—and spicy ground chicken and juicy mango is your new favorite taco filling.
Get the recipe for Jerk Chicken and Mango Lettuce Cups.
Roasted Parmesan Chicken and Tomatoes
Bursting Campari tomatoes add juicy sweetness to breaded chicken cutlets.
Get the recipe for Roasted Parmesan Chicken and Tomatoes.
Crispy Chicken with Roasted Carrots and Couscous
This dish makes the case for cooking your carrots with the stem on—how pretty are they?
Get the recipe for Crispy Chicken with Roasted Carrots and Couscous.
Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Potatoes and Peas
Use the kiddos' favorite cereal to make an easy and quick breading for chicken.
Get the recipe for Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Potatoes and Peas.
Butternut Squash and Chicken Chili
Give this go-to chili recipe some fall flair with seasonal squash.
Get the recipe for Butternut Squash and Chicken Chili.
Dijon-Smothered Chicken Legs with Broccolini
Dijon mustard makes everything—yep, even drumsticks—tastier.
Get the recipe for Dijon-Smothered Chicken Legs with Broccolini.
Grilled Spiced Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Salad
Cool down Indian-inspired chicken kebabs with a refreshing cucumber and mint salad.
Get the recipe for Grilled Spiced Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Salad.
Sugar Snap, Orange, and Teriyaki Stir-Fry
This colorful chicken stir-fry (oranges bring a bright pop!) is as healthy as it is pretty.
Get the recipe for Sugar Snap, Orange, and Teriyaki Stir-Fry.
Pierogies with Sausage, Cabbage & Pear
Pierogies are a great shortcut item that can be found in the freezer section of the grocery store. Steam for a softer texture, or fry if you prefer a few crispy edges.
Get the recipe for Pierogies with Sausage, Cabbage & Pear.
Thai Noodle Soup with Shrimp & Pumpkin
This tasty soup can be made in just 25 minutes! It's a flavorful combo of coconut milk, spicy chili paste, tangy lime, and hearty veggies and seafood. (Find more hearty fall soup recipes here.)
Get the recipe for Thai Noodle Soup with Shrimp & Pumpkin.
Grilled Pesto Chicken with Summer Squash
Charred summer squash pairs perfectly with pesto-glazed chicken breasts.
Get the recipe for Grilled Pesto Chicken with Summer Squash.
BBQ Drumsticks with Edamame Succotash
This colorful veggie medley brightens up just about any plate.
Get the recipe for BBQ Drumsticks with Edamame Succotash.
Pasta with Sautéed Peppers, Zucchini, and Smoked Mozzarella
Put a fresh-veg twist on spaghetti night.
Get the recipe for Pasta with Sautéed Peppers, Zucchini, and Smoked Mozzarella.
Chicken and Arugula Cacio e Pepe
Put your rotisserie chicken leftovers to use by adding shredded meat to a melty Parmesan pasta dish.
Get the recipe for Chicken and Arugula Cacio e Pepe.
Bucatini with Winter Pesto and Sweet Potatoes
Ready in under 30 minutes, this deserves a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation come winter.
Get the recipe for Bucatini with Winter Pesto and Sweet Potatoes.
Turkey Meatballs over Zucchini Noodles
Lighten up spaghetti night with lean turkey meat and fresh zoodles.
Get the recipe for Turkey Meatballs over Zucchini Noodles.
Summer Vegetable, Chicken, and Gnocchi Soup
This hearty soup is summer's version of chicken noodle.
Get the recipe for Summer Vegetable, Chicken, and Gnocchi Soup.
Corn-and-Ham Risotto
Risotto makes for not-too-leftover-y leftovers because you can serve it in patty form the next go-round. Fry in oil or butter for a few minutes for a delicious turn of events.
Get the recipe for Corn-and-Ham Risotto.
Skillet Chicken and Spring Vegetables
Fresh seasonal veggies are an easy (and healthy!) way to upgrade the classic chicken dinner.
Get the recipe for Skillet Chicken and Spring Vegetables.
Grilled Chicken-and-Strawberry Cobb Salad
Fresh strawberries add a sweet and juicy element to this spring salad.
Get the recipe for Grilled Chicken-and-Strawberry Cobb Salad.
Bass Packets with Tomato, Corn, Chickpeas, and Olives
Get dinner on the table quick (and keep dirty dishes to a minimum) with these simple fish packets.
Get the recipe for Bass Packets with Tomato, Corn, Chickpeas, and Olives.
Grilled Cumin-Rubbed Hanger Steak with Smashed Minty Peas
Put a fresh spin on the classic steak dinner. While the steak rests, brush slices of country bread with olive oil and toss them on the grill—divine!
Get the recipe for Grilled Cumin-Rubbed Hanger Steak.
Gingery Snap Pea Slaw with Seared Salmon
Bring a little snap (peas) to the table with this quick and easy dinner.
Get the recipe for Gingery Snap Pea Slaw.
Mini Chicken Tacos
These bright, spicy tacos are the ultimate party food and take just 20 minutes to make.
Get the recipe for Mini Chicken Tacos.
Pancetta-and-Brussels Sprouts Linguini
Crispy pancetta and caramelized onions give this simple dish plenty of flavor.
Get the recipe for Pancetta-and-Brussels Sprouts Linguini.
Seared Grouper with Corn, Zucchini, and Tomato Sauté
This light and refreshing dinner gets some color from a vegetable sauté.
Get the recipe for Seared Grouper with Corn, Zucchini, and Tomato Sauté.
Herb-Garlic Crusted Flank Steak with Pan-Roasted Grapes
A quick and easy flank steak gets acidity from roasted grapes in this easy, weeknight recipe.
Get the recipe for Herb-Garlic Crusted Flank Steak with Pan-Roasted Grapes.
Crispy Chicken Thighs with Peppers and Salsa Verde
Spice up your weeknight dinner with this quick and easy skillet recipe.
Get the recipe for Crispy Chicken Thighs with Peppers and Salsa Verde.
Crunchy Carrot, Pea, and Chicken Salad
This crunchy salad gets a protein boost from rotisserie chicken.
Get the recipe for Crunchy Carrot, Pea, and Chicken Salad.
Steak-and-Potato Salad
This salad is a light and flavorful way to savor the classic pairing of steak and potatoes.
Get the recipe for Steak-and-Potato Salad.
Spicy Pork Posole
Warm up a cool night with this flavorful and filling pork stew.
Get the recipe for Spicy Pork Posole.
Thai Steak Tacos
Try juicy Thai-marinated steak for a new spin on tacos. These are ready in just 30 minutes!
Get the recipe for Thai Steak Tacos.
Creamy Chicken-and-Broccoli Pesto Bow Ties
Toasted pecans add unexpected warmth and crunch to this creamy pasta dish.
Get the recipe for Creamy Chicken-and-Broccoli Pesto Bow Ties.
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