50 Easy Weeknight Dinners You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less
Weeknights. The time when you’re starving, tired, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. Sound familiar? We get it! That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate list of 50 ridiculously easy weeknight dinners that you can whip up in 30 minutes or less. Prepare to say goodbye to takeout menus and hello to delicious, homemade meals!
These recipes are designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. We’re talking pantry staples, quick cooking methods, and shortcuts that will make you feel like a culinary genius. So, ditch the dinner-time stress and get ready to impress yourself (and your family) with these speedy, satisfying meals!
Speedy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
This classic Italian-American dish is ready in minutes! Sauté shrimp with garlic, butter, white wine (optional), and lemon juice. Serve over pasta for a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag.
Quick Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Chop up some chicken and your favorite veggies (broccoli, peppers, carrots work great!). Stir-fry with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Serve over rice or noodles for a healthy and flavorful dinner.
One-Pan Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe
Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet with lemon slices and herbs like dill or rosemary. Bake until cooked through. Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
Black Bean Burgers Recipe
Combine canned black beans, breadcrumbs, spices, and an egg (optional) in a bowl. Form into patties and pan-fry or bake. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
Quesadillas Recipe
A true lifesaver! Spread cheese and your favorite fillings (beans, veggies, cooked chicken or beef) between tortillas and cook in a skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Pasta with Pesto Recipe
Cook your favorite pasta and toss with pesto. Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, or grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.
Tuna Melts Recipe
Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise, celery, and onion. Spread on bread with cheese and toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown and bubbly.
Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Recipe
A classic comfort food combo that’s always a winner. Use canned tomato soup for extra speediness. Don’t forget to butter the outside of the bread for perfectly golden grilled cheese!
Sheet Pan Fajitas Recipe
Slice bell peppers, onions, and chicken or steak. Toss with fajita seasoning and roast on a baking sheet until tender. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe
A simple yet flavorful pasta dish made with garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Toss with cooked spaghetti for a quick and easy meal.
Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps Recipe
Combine shredded cooked chicken with Caesar dressing, lettuce, and Parmesan cheese. Wrap in tortillas for a light and refreshing dinner.
Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Bring chicken broth to a boil and slowly drizzle in beaten eggs while stirring. Season with soy sauce and green onions for a quick and comforting soup.
Pizza Bagels Recipe
Top bagel halves with pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Bake or broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Bean and Cheese Burritos Recipe
Heat refried beans and cheese in the microwave or on the stovetop. Wrap in tortillas and enjoy a quick and satisfying burrito.
Sloppy Joes Recipe
Brown ground beef with onions and green peppers. Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Serve on hamburger buns.
Chicken Nuggets and Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
A kid-friendly favorite that’s easy to make at home. Bake or air fry chicken nuggets and sweet potato fries for a healthier version of a classic meal.
Breakfast for Dinner Recipe
Scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, toast, and fruit. Who says you can’t have breakfast for dinner?
Lentil Soup Recipe
Sauté vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. Add lentils, broth, and spices. Simmer until the lentils are tender. A hearty and healthy soup that’s perfect for a cold night.
Avocado Toast Recipe
Toast bread and top with mashed avocado, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add a fried egg for extra protein.
Pasta Salad Recipe
Cook your favorite pasta and toss with chopped vegetables, cheese, and dressing. A refreshing and easy meal that’s perfect for summer.
Chicken and Veggie Skewers Recipe
Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers. Grill or bake until cooked through. Serve with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Chickpea Curry Recipe
Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. Add chickpeas, coconut milk, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer until heated through. Serve with rice or naan bread.
BLT Sandwiches Recipe
Crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on toasted bread. A simple yet satisfying sandwich.
Tacos Recipe
Brown ground beef or chicken with taco seasoning. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
Fried Rice Recipe
Stir-fry cooked rice with vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce. Add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
Pasta Carbonara Recipe
Cook pasta and toss with a sauce made from eggs, Parmesan cheese, pancetta (or bacon), and black pepper. A rich and decadent dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Sauté onions, garlic, and chili powder. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and shredded chicken. Simmer and top with tortilla strips, avocado, and sour cream.
Mini Pizzas Recipe
Use English muffins or pita bread as the base. Top with pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Bake or broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe
Combine cooked chicken with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and grapes. Serve on bread or croissants.
Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Sauté onions and garlic. Add broccoli, broth, and cheese. Simmer until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is melted. Blend for a smooth and creamy soup.
Turkey Wraps Recipe
Spread cream cheese or hummus on tortillas. Add sliced turkey, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. Wrap tightly and enjoy.
Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Sauté Italian sausage with bell peppers and onions. Serve on hoagie rolls with marinara sauce.
Caprese Salad Recipe
Slice tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Arrange on a plate and drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil. Sprinkle with basil.
Nachos Recipe
Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top with cheese, beans, and your favorite toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Season pork tenderloin with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Roast or pan-fry until cooked through. Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Quinoa Salad Recipe
Cook quinoa and toss with chopped vegetables, beans, and a vinaigrette dressing. A healthy and filling salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Brown ground beef with vegetables. Top with mashed potatoes and bake until golden brown.
Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Combine cooked chicken with vegetables and a creamy sauce. Top with puff pastry and bake until golden brown.
Chili Recipe
Brown ground beef with onions and peppers. Add beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning. Simmer until heated through.
Lasagna Recipe
Layer lasagna noodles with meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Enchiladas Recipe
Fill tortillas with cheese, beans, and meat. Roll up and place in a baking dish. Cover with enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake until bubbly.
Meatloaf Recipe
Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices. Form into a loaf and bake until cooked through. Top with ketchup or tomato sauce.
Beef Stew Recipe
Brown beef cubes with vegetables. Add broth and spices. Simmer until the beef is tender.
Mac and Cheese Recipe
Cook macaroni and cheese according to package directions. Stir in cheese and milk. Bake until bubbly.
Baked Potatoes Recipe
Bake potatoes until soft. Top with your favorite toppings like chili, cheese, sour cream, and bacon.
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Sauté vegetables. Add chicken broth, noodles, and cooked chicken. Simmer until the noodles are tender.
Corn Chowder Recipe
Sauté onions and celery. Add corn, broth, and potatoes. Simmer until the potatoes are tender. Blend for a creamy soup.
Fish Tacos Recipe
Bake or pan-fry fish. Serve in tortillas with cabbage slaw, salsa, and a creamy sauce.
Pancakes Recipe
Mix pancake batter according to package directions. Cook on a griddle until golden brown. Serve with syrup, fruit, and whipped cream.
Waffles Recipe
Mix waffle batter according to package directions. Cook in a waffle iron until golden brown. Serve with syrup, fruit, and whipped cream.