17 Quick Dinners That Feel Like Cheating

Got a busy night ahead but still want a tasty meal? These 17 quick dinners are perfect for you.

They’re so simple and fast, you’ll feel like you’re cheating the system.

From easy air fryer fish tacos to speedy soba noodle salads, these recipes are designed to save time without sacrificing flavor.

1) Quick Pasta Carbonara

Pasta carbonara is a perfect choice when you want a tasty meal fast. You can whip it up in about 20 minutes with just a few ingredients. It’s creamy and satisfying without needing a heavy sauce. The mix of pasta, eggs, cheese, and bacon creates a rich flavor. You can easily switch things up by using chicken instead of bacon or trying different pasta shapes. It’s a great way to use leftovers too. Carbonara works well for both weeknight dinners and impressing guests.

2) Quick Chicken Stir-Fry

You can’t go wrong with a quick chicken stir-fry for dinner. It’s a speedy meal that packs in protein and veggies. You can toss in whatever vegetables you have on hand – bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas work great. A simple sauce of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger ties it all together. Serve it over rice or noodles for a filling meal that’s ready in about 20 minutes.

3) Quick Tacos al Pastor

You’ll love these quick tacos al pastor for a tasty weeknight dinner. They bring the flavors of traditional Mexican street food to your table in no time. The mix of seasoned pork, sweet pineapple, and fresh toppings creates a delicious blend of tastes. You can use ground pork to speed things up even more. Add some diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for extra zest. These tacos are perfect when you want something flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

4) Quick Shrimp Scampi

You’ll love this quick shrimp scampi for a fast weeknight dinner. It’s ready in about 15 minutes and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The garlic butter sauce is rich and flavorful, coating the juicy shrimp and pasta perfectly. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, whatever you have on hand. Serve it over linguine or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. A splash of white wine adds depth, but you can swap it for chicken broth if you prefer. This dish feels fancy enough for guests but is simple enough for a regular Tuesday night.

5) Quick Margherita Pizza

You can’t go wrong with a classic Margherita pizza for a fast and tasty meal. It’s perfect when you want something homemade but don’t have much time. The simple toppings of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves are easy to throw together. You can use a pre-made crust to save even more time. Pop it in a hot oven, and you’ll have a delicious pizza in minutes. It’s great for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners with friends.

6) Quick Beef and Broccoli

Craving takeout but want to save money? Quick beef and broccoli is your answer. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combo of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce hits the spot. Plus, it’s healthier than restaurant versions. Serve it over rice or noodles for a filling meal. You can even prep ingredients ahead of time to make cooking even faster.

7) Quick Vegetable Curry

You can whip up a tasty vegetable curry in no time. It’s a great way to use up extra veggies in your fridge. Canned coconut milk and curry powder give it rich flavor without much effort. Serve it over rice for a filling meal. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or add some tofu for extra protein.

8) Quick Teriyaki Salmon

Teriyaki salmon is a great choice when you need a fast and tasty meal. You can whip it up in about 15 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce adds tons of flavor without much effort. Pair it with some rice and veggies for a complete dinner. You can even use store-bought sauce to make it even quicker if you’re really pressed for time.

9) Quick Thai Red Curry

You’ll love this quick Thai red curry for busy weeknights. It’s a tasty way to use up leftover chicken or veggies. The creamy coconut milk and fragrant curry paste make a flavorful sauce in minutes. Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for a fast, satisfying meal. You can adjust the spice level to your liking and experiment with different proteins or vegetables.

10) Quick BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

You can’t go wrong with a BBQ pulled pork sandwich for a fast and tasty meal. Using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, giving you tender, flavorful meat in a fraction of the time. Pair it with a simple coleslaw and some store-bought BBQ sauce for a satisfying dinner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd with minimal effort.

11) Quick Baked Ziti

You’ll love this quick baked ziti for busy weeknights. It’s a comforting pasta dish that comes together fast. With gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and tender noodles, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. You can easily customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies too. It’s a great make-ahead option for meal prep as well.

12) Quick Lemon Herb Chicken

You’ll love this tasty chicken dish. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The lemon and herbs give the chicken a fresh, zingy flavor. You can pair it with a simple salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal. It’s also great for meal prep – you can make extra and use it in salads or sandwiches later in the week.

13) Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp

You’ll love this quick garlic butter shrimp for a fast and tasty dinner. It takes just minutes to cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a complete meal, add a simple side salad or some steamed veggies.

14) Quick Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

You’ll love these sheet pan chicken fajitas for a fast weeknight meal. They’re ready in about 25 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup. Just toss chicken strips, peppers, and onions with spices on a baking sheet. While they roast, warm some tortillas. The result is tender chicken and crisp-tender veggies packed with Mexican flavors. It’s an easy way to get a tasty, colorful dinner on the table without much fuss.

15) Quick Creamy Tomato Soup

You’ll love this quick creamy tomato soup for busy nights. It’s warm, comforting, and tastes way better than canned versions. You can whip it up in about 15 minutes using simple ingredients like canned tomatoes, cream, and some basic seasonings. Add a grilled cheese sandwich on the side for a classic combo that will make you feel like a kid again. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings when you want something cozy but don’t have much time to cook.

16) Quick Black Bean Quesadillas

You’ll love these quick black bean quesadillas for a speedy dinner. They’re tasty, filling, and take just 15 minutes to make. You can use canned black beans for ease, and add some corn and cheese for extra flavor. Pepper Jack gives a nice kick, but mild cheddar works too if you prefer. Serve with salsa or guacamole on the side for dipping. It’s a great way to get a protein-packed meal without much fuss.

17) Quick Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops

You’ll love these quick balsamic glazed pork chops for a tasty weeknight meal. They’re ready in under 30 minutes but taste like something from a fancy restaurant. The sticky, sweet, and savory glaze adds amazing flavor to the juicy pork. Pair them with some steamed broccoli and a crisp salad for a complete dinner that feels special without much effort. It’s an easy way to jazz up basic pan-fried chops when you want something a little fancier.