Food Recipe Collections & Favorites Quick & Easy Meals 86 Easy Dinner Ideas to Add to Your Weeknight Rotation Take the guesswork out of the "what's for dinner" question. These quick recipes will help you put food on the table fast. By Samantha Leffler Samantha Leffler Samantha is the senior food editor at RealSimple and previously launched the US Weekly food vertical, where she wrote about the intersection of food and pop culture. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Melanie Edwards Melanie Edwards Melanie Edwards has been a freelance lifestyle and parenting writer and owner of an award-winning blog for nearly 20 years. She joined the Real Simple quality team as an editor in 2022. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 20, 2024 Close Photo: GREG DUPREE If you need quick dinner recipes to help you get supper served in under an hour, you've come to the right place. These easy dinner ideas are wholesome, almost entirely homemade, and affordable—no junk food, fancy techniques, or expensive ingredients are required. These simple dinners range from kid-friendly fare, like cheesy chicken nachos, to sophisticated dishes, like glazed salmon with broccoli rice. Plus, each recipe requires 35 minutes or less of hands-on work. Get ready to prepare a delicious meal on a busy weeknight and spend more time out of the kitchen. 01 of 86 Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Greg DuPree Sheet-pan dinners are a dream come true for busy cooks. You can cook a whole meal—in this case, chicken leg quarters and sweet potato wedges—in the same pan. This cooking method saves time and effort during meal prep and speeds cleanup, too. GET THE RECIPE 02 of 86 Salt and Pepper Chicken Jen Causey In just under 30 minutes, this easy Chinese staple chicken recipe is ready for indulging. Plus, you'll use just one skillet—plus a pot for the rice and a couple of bowls—to make this recipe, so you won't have much to clean up. And if you have leftovers (emphasis on "if"), we recommend reheating the chicken in the air fryer for crisp perfection. GET THE RECIPE 03 of 86 Slow-Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast Rice Bowls Fred Hardy This slow cooker pork roast recipe is full of flavors, thanks to the packet of ranch seasoning, pepperoncini peppers, and shallots that get tossed in the mix. After eight hours in the slow cooker, the pork becomes fall-apart tender. You'll then serve it on a bed of white rice with cilantro, lettuce, sour cream, and more peppers. GET THE RECIPE 04 of 86 Shawarma-Seasoned Cauliflower and Chickpea Pitas Fred Hardy Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish that consists of marinated meat that is thinly sliced and slow-roasted on a spit. This vegetarian twist uses a shawarma spice blend to add shawarma's bold flavor to the cauliflower and chickpeas mix before placing it onto a pita round with smooth yogurt. Sliced red onions give the pita a kick while crunchy cucumbers mellow it out. GET THE RECIPE 05 of 86 Skillet Chicken With Grapes and Shallots Fred Hardy This easy weeknight dinner is made to impress everyone at the table. Seasoned juicy chicken thighs, caramelized shallots, and sweet browned grapes lie on a bed of creamy polenta for a unique dish full of flavor. Thyme leaves top it off, giving the plate an earthy taste. GET THE RECIPE 06 of 86 Crispy Chicken Cutlets With Artichoke Dressing Greg DuPree You can't go wrong with crispy chicken cutlets for a quick dinner. Breadcrumb-coated chicken bakes with roasted asparagus and is topped with a lemony dressing made from briny artichoke hearts, fresh parsley, and salty Parmesan cheese. It is so tasty that it's hard to believe you can whip it up in just 25 minutes. GET THE RECIPE 07 of 86 Linguine With Cherry Tomato Sauce Greg DuPree With only eight ingredients and 30 minutes, this simple dinner recipe is a guaranteed weeknight winner. It tops linguine noodles with a tasty cherry tomato sauce infused with pancetta. Finish with Parmesan and basil for a truly delicious dinner. GET THE RECIPE 08 of 86 Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Arugula Salad Greg DuPree A grill is perfect for easy dinner ideas, as proven by this simple pork chop recipe. Give the pork chops a perfect sear by patting them dry before setting them on a hot, oiled grill. And—bonus!—there's no smoky kitchen to worry about afterward. GET THE RECIPE 09 of 86 Cheesy Chicken Nachos With Avocado and Radish Greg DuPree For this recipe, every chip is gloriously topped with chicken, cheese, salsa, avocado, and, well, more cheese. Make this meal heartier by adding black beans, or swap the avocado slices for homemade guacamole. GET THE RECIPE 10 of 86 Salmon With Creamy Cucumber-Fennel Salad José Picayo Shake up your dinner routine with this simple approach to salmon. To speed up dinner prep, make the side salad up to 12 hours in advance, refrigerate, and serve cool or at room temperature alongside freshly roasted salmon. Reserve a few fennel fronds for a garnish. GET THE RECIPE 11 of 86 Egg Salad Toast with Fresh Herbs and Capers Greg DuPree These open-faced egg toast beauties are fancier than your average egg salad sandwich, with flavors, textures, and looks that are elegant and original. The recipe features boiled egg slices gently mixed with a mustardy vinaigrette, briny capers, fresh parsley, and just-bitter-enough radicchio leaves. All are served on toasted, crusty bread slices. GET THE RECIPE 12 of 86 Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs With Salsa Verde Jen Causey Dust off your sheet pan because this 30-minute dinner is destined to become a new favorite! The recipe pairs seasoned chicken thighs with fresh vegetables, cotija cheese, and savory salsa verde, all nestled in a warm corn tortilla for a complete meal. GET THE RECIPE 13 of 86 Grilled Halloumi Salad Greg DuPree Let's count why this grilled salad will likely become a new dinner fave: It's easy to throw together after work, yet it manages to be super filling. It hits all the right flavor notes—from briny olives to spicy garlic and cool, crunchy cucumbers. Best of all, it's grilled halloumi: a firm cheese that can stand the heat of a grill or grill pan and tastes salty, like feta. GET THE RECIPE 14 of 86 Grandma Pie With Pepperoni and Pink Sauce Greg DuPree Grandma pies—said to have originated in New York—are baked and served on a standard baking sheet. No fancy pizza equipment is required. Its toppings are classic—melted mozzarella and crispy pepperoni coins. But the red pizza sauce gets a twist courtesy of a few tablespoons of heavy cream, which makes this pizza richer than usual. GET THE RECIPE 15 of 86 Shrimp Lo Mein Greg DuPree Lo mein is a standard Chinese takeout order for many of us, but making it at home can expand your culinary repertoire and save you money. This version stirs noodles and veggies in a saucy mixture of soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, Sriracha, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. GET THE RECIPE 16 of 86 Lemony Lentil Soup Greg DuPree This simple soup recipe simmers everyday ingredients—carrots, onion, garlic, and spices—with red lentils. Lentils are the perfect soup legume that breaks down easily when heated. Instead of puréeing the entire soup, blend just half the batch to retain some texture and then top with crispy, roasted kale for a modern garnish. GET THE RECIPE 17 of 86 Eggplant and Tomato Masala With Chickpeas Antonis Achilleos This Indian-inspired vegetarian meal comes together in 25 minutes. The recipe calls for bold seasonings—cumin, mustard seeds, coriander, cilantro, and garam masala—stewed with onions, eggplant, canned chickpeas, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Trust us; you'll love this flavorful feast. GET THE RECIPE 18 of 86 Chicken Curry in a Hurry John Kernick How does curry make a list of quick dinner recipes? This fast version uses rotisserie chicken to save time, so the meal is ready in just over 30 minutes. Pin this one for nights when you're craving Indian food but don't want takeout. GET THE RECIPE 19 of 86 Zucchini and Bean Salad With Bulgur Marcus Nilsson Believe it or not, nothing on this plate requires much preparation or cooking. The bulgur simply steams in boiling water, so—after making a quick vinaigrette and chopping your zucchini, shallot, and dill—just toss and serve. Salted, roasted almonds lend crunch and crumbled goat cheese adds a creamy tang. GET THE RECIPE 20 of 86 Whole Grain Spaghetti With Kale and Tomatoes Hans Gissinger Craving pasta but not in the mood to load up on carbs? This easy dinner idea pairs whole-grain pasta with garlic, onion, kale, grape tomatoes, and almonds. We bet the whole family will love this 30-minute dinner idea. GET THE RECIPE 21 of 86 Southwestern Beef Chili With Corn Hector M. Sanchez Most chili recipes require you to simmer everything for an hour or two, but when your family wants chili fast, this poblano chile-spiked version is the one to pull out. It's packed with ground beef, black beans, corn, and carrots and comes together in one pot in just 30 minutes. Double the recipe and take care of dinner for a night down the road, or stretch the chili by serving it over brown rice. GET THE RECIPE 22 of 86 Spanish Omelet With Potatoes and Chorizo Ngoc Minh Ngo The idea of breakfast for dinner is nothing new, but this recipe is novel. Packed with yellow onion, red potatoes, chorizo, and Manchego or cheddar cheese, this single-skillet dish is ready in 30 minutes. Expect this filling omelet to become a comfort-food fixture in your kitchen. GET THE RECIPE 23 of 86 Fishermen's Soup Marcus Nilsson Halibut and quick-cooking mussels are the stars of this rich, fragrant meal in a bowl. Yes, it looks fancy and time-consuming, but it's easier than you think. After sautéing leeks, garlic, and fennel in a saucepan, add sherry and canned diced tomatoes, simmer, and then add fish and mussels. Simmer for another 5 minutes, then garnish and serve with crusty bread. GET THE RECIPE 24 of 86 Sheet Pan Cod and Potatoes Caitlin Bensel That sheet pan used for easy chicken dinners works for fish, too. This recipe roasts everything—creamy Yukon gold potatoes, cod fillets, and crispy chard leaves—on a single pan. Dress it up with a quick olive salsa that adds richness, acidity, and a little spice to the whole dish. GET THE RECIPE 25 of 86 Steak and Potato Skewers With Orange Salsa Victor Protasio There's nothing better than a meal on a stick, especially if it only takes 30 minutes to cook. With this dinner recipe, you grill spiced steak and cooked potato skewers alongside bell peppers and onions. The whole spread is tied together via a spicy orange salsa that you'll want to make over and over. GET THE RECIPE 26 of 86 Seared Tilapia With Watercress-Mango Salad Quentin Bacon This light and refreshing seafood dinner is perfect for busy evenings. It serves perfectly seared tilapia fillets atop a watercress-mango salad with a peppery ginger-lime dressing. It comes together in just 20 minutes, allowing you to relax for the rest of the evening. GET THE RECIPE 27 of 86 Saucy Shrimp and Noodle Stir-Fry Antonis Achilleos If you're eager to cook with shrimp but don't know where to start, try this easy, versatile stir-fry recipe. Tender rice noodles, shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, and a sweet and spicy sauce round out this 20-minute meal. Feel free to add (or swap in) bell peppers, broccoli, or whatever veggies you have in the fridge. GET THE RECIPE 28 of 86 Crispy Pork Cutlets With Fennel-Chickpea Slaw Christopher Baker Thin, crispy slices of pork and a crunchy, zesty salad—chickpeas, sliced fennel, celery, red onion, and a quick lemon dressing—provide a great point-counterpoint in this easy dinner idea. While the thin pork cutlets bake in the oven, there's plenty of time to mix the slaw before the timer dings. And that breaded crust is homemade from whole-wheat sandwich bread: no stale, store-bought breadcrumbs here. GET THE RECIPE 29 of 86 Green Curry With Halibut and Corn Johnny Miller Sure, you can order takeout, but if you want to make this popular Asian dish yourself, try this easy curry recipe. It starts by cooking shallots in green curry paste, adding coconut milk and chicken broth, and then stirring in corn and halibut. For extra flavor, squeeze some lime on top and toss in basil leaves and sliced jalapeño. GET THE RECIPE 30 of 86 Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin Greg DuPree A tasty brown sugar and soy-spiked beef stock makes this easy-to-make pork tenderloin dish something special. Using a slow cooker, it only takes 20 minutes to assemble and results in tender meat that pulls apart with a fork. Serve this sweet and savory pork with fresh cucumber and carrots over hot rice for a balanced meal. GET THE RECIPE 31 of 86 Broiled Salmon on Rice With Broccoli Kan Kanbayashi This dish features broiled salmon that's buttery, flaky, and won't stink up your kitchen. When nearly done, it's brushed with a glaze of brown sugar and low-sodium soy sauce or tamari that caramelizes, giving each fillet a slightly crispy top. Save some sauce for drizzling over the broccoli rice, too. GET THE RECIPE 32 of 86 Shrimp and Spinach Pasta with Leeks Christopher Baker For a meal that's light and hearty with vegetables and protein, this easy, fast recipe for shrimp, leek, and spinach pasta is the answer. Kids and kids-at-heart will enjoy this mac and cheese-like supper that has not one but two vegetables stirred in. Grownups get a dinner that's ready in just 20 minutes. GET THE RECIPE 33 of 86 Quick Lamb and Vegetable Stew Quentin Bacon Carrots, onion, diced canned tomatoes, green beans, chicken broth, and fresh parsley combine to flavor this easy-to-make lamb stew. It's a hearty, warm meal you can make any night, but is especially comforting on cool fall or spring days. If you're feeling ambitious, the recipe provides instructions for you to make an extra batch to freeze for later. GET THE RECIPE 34 of 86 Spicy Grilled Chicken With Shaved Zucchini Salad Jen Causey Forget your standard grilled chicken recipe and make way for this new one that turns out grilled boneless, skinless breasts that are juicy and tender. They're rubbed in Aleppo pepper for a kick and paired with a lemony-marinated zucchini salad. The whole dish finishes with a drizzle of garlic and herb dressing. GET THE RECIPE 35 of 86 Slow-Cooker Chipotle Short Ribs With Tangy Cabbage Slaw Raymond Hom Short ribs become fall-apart delicious when simmered with onion, garlic, tomato paste, chipotle peppers, and cumin—and this quick dinner idea only takes 20 minutes of hands-on time. Cook the rice 20 minutes before you plan to serve dinner, toss the cabbage slaw, sit down, and enjoy! GET THE RECIPE 36 of 86 Grilled Turkey-Zucchini Burgers Caitlin Bensel Turkey burgers can be a tad dry, but these are anything but. Key ingredients—shredded zucchini, eggs to bind, garlic powder, and cumin—combine to make these patties extra juicy and flavorful. Top burgers with the obligatory sliced tomato, crispy lettuce, and your other favorites, and you won't be disappointed. GET THE RECIPE 37 of 86 Coconut Chicken Cutlets With Mango Chutney Slaw Fred Hardy Ready in 30 minutes, these delicious chicken cutlets adopt flavor and crunch from their shredded coconut breading. Serve alongside a tasty mango chutney coleslaw—which pairs perfectly with the coconut flavor—and you have a new winning dish for your weeknight dinner rotation. GET THE RECIPE 38 of 86 Summer Nachos Greg DuPree Full of flavor and nutritious summer vegetables, these vegetarian nachos are perfect for a quick dinner for yourself or the family. Featuring corn, zucchini, and avocado in every cheesy bite, they're ready in 30 minutes, start to finish. (Despite "summer" in the title, you're allowed to follow this recipe any time of year!) GET THE RECIPE 39 of 86 Smoky Sheet Pan Salmon and Potatoes Caitlin Bensel Sheet pan dinners are a favorite for a quick and easy dinner. This one features roasted salmon and potatoes flavored with smoked paprika and orange zest dressing. Topped with avocado and orange salsa, you can enjoy this easy meal with just 15 minutes of hands-on prep. GET THE RECIPE 40 of 86 Chicken Pot Pie Empanadas Antonis Achilleos This twist on a traditional chicken pot pie only requires 25 minutes hands-on and is ready in under an hour. With recipe shortcuts of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and store-bought pie crust, this comforting pastry comes together more easily than it looks. Serve with salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. GET THE RECIPE 41 of 86 Chicken Satay Lettuce Wraps Caitlin Bensel Fun to eat and easy to make, these chicken lettuce wraps feature a delicious coconut-peanut sauce and rice vermicelli noodles. Top with your favorite vegetables, and let everyone assemble their own. Ready in only 25 minutes, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. GET THE RECIPE 42 of 86 Meatless Meatball Subs Caitlin Bensel Filling, savory, and vegetarian, these eggplant mushroom meatball subs are perfect for an easy dinner. They take only 30 minutes—start to finish—so consider doubling the meatball recipe to freeze some for later. Serve sandwiches with a side salad for a complete meal the whole family will enjoy. GET THE RECIPE 43 of 86 Chicken Paprikash Soup Antonis Achilleos Inspired by the traditional Hungarian dish of the same name, this recipe turns those same robust flavors into a comforting soup that's ready in just 30 minutes. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this a perfect dish for any weeknight dinner or when you're in a rush. GET THE RECIPE 44 of 86 Sunny-Side-Up Sheet Pan Breakfast Greg DuPree A delicious combination of breakfast favorites—roasted potatoes, crispy prosciutto, and sunny-side-up eggs—makes this wholesome dish perfect any time of day. Easy and convenient, everything cooks on a single baking sheet with only 20 minutes of hands-on prep. Let the oven do the rest, and enjoy your meal! GET THE RECIPE 45 of 86 Grilled Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas Alex Farnum Quick and simple to make, these quesadillas are also filling and nutritious. Using pre-cooked chicken speeds up prep to put this dish on the table in just 20 minutes. Serve with salsa, sour cream, avocado, and whatever other toppings you enjoy. GET THE RECIPE 46 of 86 Turkey Sloppy Joes With Coleslaw Raymond Hom In just 15 minutes, you can brown some ground turkey and season it to create a juicy mixture for this dinner-worthy sandwich. Round out the meal with a fresh homemade coleslaw that pairs perfectly. Try adding it on top of the turkey mixture for added crunch. GET THE RECIPE 47 of 86 Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Caitlin Bensel Take advantage of pre-cooked chicken to make this creamy pasta dinner. You'll love how the wider noodles and nutritious mushrooms combine with the sauce. It's simple to make and quick to cook, so enjoy! GET THE RECIPE 48 of 86 Turkey Barley Vegetable Soup Raymond Hom Comforting and hearty, this recipe combines ground turkey and barley with nutrient-filled vegetables for a delicious one-pot dish. After just 15 minutes hands-on, sit back and let the soup simmer while you relax. Serve a warm bowl with crispy bread to help sop up all the broth. GET THE RECIPE 49 of 86 Potato, Egg, and Avocado Hash Jen Causey This quick 25-minute hash is perfect for busy nights when you want a nutritious meal but are low on time or energy. While it's a vegetarian recipe, feel free to add pre-cooked chicken or ham for extra protein. Serve with a nice chunk of crispy baguette, or eat as-is: You'll be full either way. GET THE RECIPE 50 of 86 Lasagna-Style Baked Ziti Petrina Tinslay This recipe turns classic lasagna into a cheesy, delicious, baked-ziti dish with just 20 minutes of prep. Make this comforting meal in one big baking dish or use large ramekins for individual servings. Either way, expect your family to devour it. GET THE RECIPE 51 of 86 Crispy Bacon and Egg Tacos Andrew Purcell Tacos are a family-favorite weeknight dinner, and this version incorporates breakfast staples to create a delicious dish that works for dinner. Top with avocado, slaw, or your favorite veggies for a well-rounded meal. GET THE RECIPE 52 of 86 Beef and Cabbage Skillet Supper Victor Protasio In just 25 minutes, you can make this unique ground beef recipe that mimics beef cabbage rolls, but there's no rolling here. Green cabbage adds a dose of nutrition, while raisins bring a touch of sweetness to the dish. Serve with rice for a complete and hearty meal. GET THE RECIPE 53 of 86 Eggplant and Chicken Caponata Pizza Jen Causey Transform store-bought pizza dough and rotisserie chicken into a delicious family-friendly dinner. It's perfect for pizza night and takes only 30 minutes. Eggplant relish adds a unique flavor that pairs wonderfully with chicken and roasted bell peppers. GET THE RECIPE 54 of 86 Spicy Summer Squash Stir-Fry Greg DuPree We're fans of a quick, easy, yet filling stir-fry dinner, and this 20-minute vegetarian version is one reason why. It features summer squash and eggplant, as well as red jalapeño and crushed red pepper that bring a bit of heat to the dish. Serve with white rice for a perfect pairing. GET THE RECIPE 55 of 86 Greek Lamb Burgers With Baked Eggplant Fries Greg DuPree If you feel like switching up your burger night, give these Greek-style lamb and feta burgers a spin. Served with cucumber yogurt sauce and a side of eggplant fries, you get an out-of-the-box, nutritious burger and fries meal in 30 minutes. GET THE RECIPE 56 of 86 Ratatouille Maura McEvoy Our quick take on traditionally slow-cooking ratatouille combines eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and red bell pepper for a hearty, comforting meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's nutritious, filling, and easy to make. Serve on its own, with bread, or toss with pasta. GET THE RECIPE 57 of 86 Curried Eggplant With Tomatoes and Basil Con Poulos Full of protein and fiber from canned chickpeas, this vegetarian curry dish comes together in only 25 minutes. Eggplant, tomatoes, and basil boost the nutritional value and flavors while (optional) Greek yogurt tops the dish for a refreshing contrast. Serve with rice for a filling and complete meal. GET THE RECIPE 58 of 86 Spiced Cod With Broccoli-Quinoa Pilaf Sang An Pairing cod and quinoa with vegetables and almonds makes for an easy and healthy dinner option. Ready in 30 minutes, you'll enjoy the contrast of paprika-flavored fish with broccoli-quinoa pilaf that gets a hint of sweetness from raisins. GET THE RECIPE 59 of 86 Sausage With Smashed Potatoes and Cornichons Quentin Bacon This take on British bangers and mash comes together in just 25 minutes. It mixes smashed potatoes with onions and chopped cornichons (tiny pickles) and is served with Italian sausage. It's a fast dinner idea that's easy, flavorful, and filling. GET THE RECIPE 60 of 86 Orange Chicken With Bulgur Pilaf Quentin Bacon This quick dinner recipe pairs orange-flavored chicken with bulgur (a nutty grain). Cook the bulgur per package directions, and then mix with tomatoes and kalamata olives for a pilaf-like side. Serve with sautéed chicken breasts—doused with orange juice at the last minute—for this nutritious, filling meal. GET THE RECIPE 61 of 86 Skillet Gnocchi With Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Greg DuPree Full of healthy vegetables like fennel and broccoli rabe, this easy dinner idea cooks in just 30 minutes. It delivers a hearty combination of sausage, gnocchi, veggies, and creamy ricotta cheese in every bite. Aside from the broccoli rabe, everything else cooks in a single skillet to make cleanup a breeze. GET THE RECIPE 62 of 86 Rigatoni With Roasted Sausage and Broccoli Sang An This quick pasta dish is ready to eat in only 25 minutes. Roasted broccoli and Italian sausage combine with tender pasta noodles for a filling and hearty dinner. It's simple, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week. GET THE RECIPE 63 of 86 Smoky Fish Chowder Hans Gissinger Hearty, warm, and comforting, this fish chowder is full of flavor and nutrients. Combine white fish, like cod or halibut, with chorizo, potatoes, and leeks, and—in only 30 minutes—it's soup! Serve with crusty bread to help soak up the delicious broth. GET THE RECIPE 64 of 86 Pasta With Turkey and Broccoli Raymond Hom This dinner recipe might taste like a traditional slow-cooked Italian pasta dish with vegetables and sausage, but it's ready in 20 minutes and uses ground turkey, a leaner, healthier alternative to sausage that cooks up quickly. Chopped garlic and crushed red pepper give the pasta a bit of a zip. GET THE RECIPE 65 of 86 Spicy Chorizo-and-Pinto Bean Chili Victor Protasio Spicy chorizo and poblano chiles mingle with pinto beans in a tomato broth for this hearty 30-minute chili. Top with diced avocado, thinly sliced cabbage, cilantro, or any other toppings you enjoy. It's a perfect weeknight solution that's filling and delicious. GET THE RECIPE 66 of 86 Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Antonis Achilleos A sheet pan comes to the rescue again in this quick 30-minute recipe. Out of the oven, serve right from the pan with warm tortillas and toppings like avocado, sour cream, pico de gallo, or your faves. The best part is the easy cleanup! GET THE RECIPE 67 of 86 Saucy Shrimp and Noodle Stir-Fry Antonis Achilleos This easy stir-fry is packed with protein, nutritious veggies, and umami flavor from shiitake mushrooms and soy sauce. Chile-garlic sauce and honey mix for a tasty sweet and spicy coating for the shrimp and rice noodles. Since it's ready in just 20 minutes, you have time to make an easy dessert! GET THE RECIPE 68 of 86 Speedy Pork Banh Mi Sandwiches Caitlin Bensel Our take on the classic Vietnamese sandwich comes together in just 30 minutes. It glazes tender roast pork with honey, lime, and sesame flavors, while carrots and cucumber are quick-pickled in lime juice. You'll enjoy the fresh flavors in this simple to make sandwich topped with a spicy Sriracha mayo. GET THE RECIPE 69 of 86 No-Bake Summer Veggie Lasagna Fred Hardy. It's hard to imagine cooking lasagna in only 25 minutes, but this no-bake vegetarian recipe accommodates a busy night's time constraint. Full of summer vegetables like cherry tomatoes and zucchini, this recipe delivers a nutritious and comforting meal, and the oven stays off! GET THE RECIPE 70 of 86 Gnocchi With Corn & Miso Fred Hardy It only takes 20 minutes to prepare, and this corn and miso gnocchi feels sophisticated despite its ease. It tops tender gnocchi with salty pecorino cheese and a sprinkling of pepper. Think of it as a summery take on cacio e pepe. GET THE RECIPE 71 of 86 Lemony Linguine With Olives and Feta Greg DuPree This 30-minute dinner recipe packs a flavor punch. It partners jarred Castelvetrano olives with golden pine nuts, which add a bit of crunch. Fresh garlic and lemon keep the dish light and bright while red pepper flakes amp up the heat. GET THE RECIPE 72 of 86 Curry Powder Shrimp and Rice Dana Gallagher This curry-laced one-pot meal featuring shrimp, carrots, onions, and rice is a quick, flavorful option that's naturally gluten-free. It takes less than an hour, making it an easy weeknight dinner. A simple green salad goes perfectly alongside. GET THE RECIPE 73 of 86 Pasta with Bacon and Cauliflower Con Poulos Bacon brings a welcome smoky flavor to this pasta dish, without making it feel heavy. Loads of cauliflower give this meal a veggie boost, and fresh sage leaves and ground black pepper round out its flavor profile. GET THE RECIPE 74 of 86 Rosemary Chicken with Zucchini Anna Williams If you're looking for a recipe that won't create a lot of dirty dishes, a sheet pan meal is the way to go. This one roasts potatoes, zucchini, and boneless, skinless chicken breasts—all on the same pan—for a well-rounded meal that's a breeze to clean up. GET THE RECIPE 75 of 86 Tortellini With Sausage and Greens Fred Hardy Cheesy and creamy, this comforting dinner is on the table in just 25 minutes. The shortcut lies in the store-bought tortellini, which perfectly complements the meaty hot Italian sausage. Top with a quick sprinkle of Parmesan and dig in. GET THE RECIPE 76 of 86 Sun-Dried Tomato Butter Salmon and Broccolini Fred Hardy For a busy weeknight, look no further than this 25-minute recipe. No ordinary cooked salmon, it's flavored with a buttery, garlicky, sun-dried tomato treatment. Paired with cheesy, charred broccolini, this easy meal does not disappoint. GET THE RECIPE 77 of 86 Soba Noodle Salad with Chili-Glazed Shrimp Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Shrimp is a shoo-in for a quick and easy recipe, and this one pairs them with soba, which are soft, Japanese, buckwheat noodles. It surrounds the shrimp, noodles, and veggies (your favorite coleslaw mix) with a rich, sweet-and-savory peanut sauce, all tossed just before serving. The result is an innovative, Asian-inspired salad full of protein and flavor. GET THE RECIPE 78 of 86 Creamy Enchilada Soup Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Weekends are for spending half the afternoon cooking a big batch of enchiladas, but weeknights call for this 30-minute recipe that borrows those same Tex-Mex flavors. Yes, there are shortcuts—bottled salsa verde, taco seasoning mix, and canned green chilies—but you end up with a meat-free meal that really wows. GET THE RECIPE 79 of 86 Rosemary Lamb Chops Greg DuPree When you think of a quick and easy dinner, lamb chops probably isn't top of mind, but this recipe should be. In just 15 minutes, you can do it all—boil bulgur, broil lamb chops bathed in a rosemary-olive-mayo mixture, smash cucumbers to mix in with the cooked bulgur, and plate—for a cohesive Mediterranean-inspired dish. GET THE RECIPE 80 of 86 Instant Pot Risotto With Peas & Crispy Salami Greg DuPree In the culinary world, risotto has a reputation as a high-maintenance dish that requires toasting, adding, stirring, watching, more adding, and more stirring. For this recipe, your Instant Pot does most of the work for you in less than half the time. The result is a creamy, Spanish-inspired, rice-and-veggie dish to serve with a main or on its own. GET THE RECIPE 81 of 86 Thai Peanut Butter Ramen Antonis Achilleos Almost nothing is quicker and easier than preparing a package of instant ramen, but this dish comes close and is so much tastier. Instead of adding the little seasoning packet that comes with it, this recipe flavors those same quick-cooking noodles with a mixture of peanut butter, chile sauce (gochujang or Sriracha), and sesame oil. Add a protein if you want, or keep this dish in mind for Meatless Monday. GET THE RECIPE 82 of 86 Shrimp and Chorizo Skillet Supper Greg DuPree If you're wondering, "Is it a salad, a stew, or a gumbo?" the answer is, "Yes!" It's also a one-pot 30-minute recipe with "busy weeknight" written all over it. Besides the titular ingredients, it features chickpeas and cherry tomatoes in a white wine sauce, all served on a bed of arugula. GET THE RECIPE 83 of 86 White Pizza With Artichokes, Rosemary, and Olives Raymond Hom It's hard to find someone who doesn't love pizza, and this white pie is bound to please. Instead of tomato sauce and pepperoni, it's innovatively topped with ricotta cheese, marinated artichoke hearts, and olives. While the dough is baking, whip up an easy side salad for a complete meal. GET THE RECIPE 84 of 86 Fast Italian Fish Stew Caitlin Bensel With fast in its title, this dinner recipe was made for a busy weeknight. It calls for searing halibut filets and then setting them aside. The stew—cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, and capers in seasoned chicken stock—cooks in that same skillet, and then the filets return for the final few minutes on the stove. With just one skillet to clean, what'll you do with all that extra time? GET THE RECIPE 85 of 86 Instant Pot Colcannon with Herbed Pork Chops Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Why not try a new Irish dish for dinner? Colcannon is a long-time favorite comprising of onion-flecked mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage alongside some herby pork chops. You'll sear it on a hot skillet until it is browned and add a pinch of poultry seasoning—thyme, marjoram, rosemary, and sage. GET THE RECIPE 86 of 86 Perfect Short-Grain Brown Rice Con Poulos Brown rice makes for a healthy base for dinners with veggies and proteins. It's essentially the same as white rice, except it still has the bran layer that's polished away with white rice. This makes it extra nutritious. GET THE RECIPE 38 Quick and Easy Family Dinner Recipes You Can Make in Under an Hour Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit