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As a busy home cook, I know how tough it can be to get dinner on the table quickly. That’s why I’m excited to share some fast dinner ideas that can be whipped up in no time. These recipes are perfect for those hectic weeknights when you’re short on time but still want a tasty meal.
I’ve gathered 15 dinner recipes that can be made in 15 minutes or less. These dishes range from simple pasta to quick stir-fries and easy salads.
They use everyday ingredients you likely have on hand, so you won’t need to make an extra trip to the store. With these speedy recipes, you’ll be able to enjoy a home-cooked meal even on your busiest days.
1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is my go-to quick dinner. It’s a simple Italian pasta dish I can whip up in just 15 minutes.
The main ingredients are spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. I love how the flavors come together so quickly.
Get the spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe.
2. Chicken Stir Fry
I love making chicken stir fry for a quick dinner. It’s ready in just 15 minutes.
I start by cooking chicken pieces in a hot pan. Then I add veggies like broccoli and carrots.
For flavor, I mix in garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. It tastes great over rice or noodles.
Get the chicken stir fry recipe.
3. Taco Salad
Taco salad is one of my go-to quick dinner options. I love how easy it is to customize.
I start with a base of crisp lettuce and add seasoned ground beef or chicken. Then I pile on toppings like cheese, tomatoes, and olives.
For extra crunch, I crush up some tortilla chips and sprinkle them on top. A dollop of sour cream and salsa finishes it off perfectly.
4. Shrimp Scampi
I love making shrimp scampi for a quick and tasty dinner. It only takes about 15 minutes to prepare.
I start by heating olive oil and butter in a pan. Then I add garlic and onions and cook until they’re soft.
Next, I toss in the shrimp and cook until pink. A splash of white wine adds great flavor.
5. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
A Mediterranean quinoa bowl is a tasty and quick dinner option. I start by cooking quinoa according to package directions. While it cooks, I chop veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
I add chickpeas, feta cheese, and olives to the bowl. A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs ties it all together. This meal is ready in about 20 minutes.
Get the Mediterranean quinoa bowl recipe.
6. Beef and Broccoli
Beef and broccoli is a quick and tasty meal I can whip up in about 15 minutes. I start by slicing beef thinly and stir-frying it with broccoli florets in a hot pan.
I add a simple sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to give it lots of flavor. This dish is perfect served over rice for a fast weeknight dinner.
Get the beef and broccoli recipe.
7. Pasta Primavera
I love making pasta primavera for a quick dinner. It’s ready in just 15 minutes and packed with fresh veggies. I toss cooked pasta with sautéed seasonal vegetables and a creamy sauce. It’s tasty, colorful, and satisfying.
Get the pasta Primavera recipe.
8. Lemon Garlic Salmon
I love making lemon garlic salmon for a quick dinner. It’s ready in about 20 minutes. I season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Then I add lemon slices on top.
I bake the salmon in foil at 375°F for 15-17 minutes. The foil keeps the fish moist. When it’s done, I open the foil and broil for 1 minute to crisp the top.
Get the lemon garlic salmon recipe.
9. Caprese Sandwich
I love making Caprese sandwiches for a quick dinner. I layer sliced mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil on crusty bread. A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar adds flavor. It’s ready in minutes and tastes delicious.
Get the Caprese sandwich recipe.
10. Quick Chicken Parmesan
I love making this fast chicken parmesan for a tasty weeknight dinner. It takes just 15 minutes from start to finish.
I coat chicken breasts in breadcrumbs, fry them quickly, then top with sauce and cheese. A few minutes under the broiler melts the cheese perfectly.
Get the chicken parmesan recipe.
11. Fried Rice with Vegetables
I love making fried rice with vegetables for a quick dinner. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and any veggies I have on hand.
I usually start with some onions, carrots, and peas. Then I add in other veggies like broccoli or bell peppers.
Get the fried rice with the vegetable recipe.
12. Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos
I love making chili lime shrimp tacos for a quick dinner. I marinated shrimp in lime juice, chili powder, and spices for 15 minutes.
While they marinate, I whip up a simple slaw. Then I cook the shrimp for just a few minutes until pink.
I serve the spicy shrimp in warm tortillas with slaw and sliced avocado. It’s a tasty meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the chili lime shrimp tacos recipe.
13. Crispy Chicken Thighs
I love making crispy chicken thighs for a quick dinner. I season them with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then I pan-sear them skin-side down until golden brown. I finish cooking them in a hot oven for about 20 minutes.
Get the crispy chicken thigh recipe.
14. One-Pan Fajitas
I love making one-pan fajitas for a quick dinner. I slice chicken, peppers, and onions, then cook them together in a skillet with fajita seasoning.
In just 15-30 minutes, I have a tasty meal ready to serve with tortillas. It’s an easy way to get a flavorful dinner on the table fast.
Get the one pan fajitas recipe.
15. Garlic Butter Steak Bites
I love making garlic butter chicken bites for a quick dinner. I cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.
Then I sear the chicken in a hot skillet with butter and minced garlic. The meat cooks fast – just a few minutes per side.
