15+ Simple Fast Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

When the clock is ticking and the kids are hungry, quick and delicious meals can save the day. You don’t have to sacrifice flavor for speed; with a handful of ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up something special in no time. Let’s explore some mouthwatering recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds!

One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

One-pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

One-pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes from Simple Home Edit

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 1 h 15 min

Easy, Creamy Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken

Easy, Creamy Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken from The Kitchn

Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: 26 min

One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce from Little Spice Jar

Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 30 min

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This zesty dish bursts with flavors that transport you to a sunny Mediterranean kitchen. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed with fragrant garlic and finished with a splash of fresh lemon juice, creating a delightful balance of savory and tangy. What makes this recipe shine is the one-pan cooking method, which means less cleanup, leaving you more time to enjoy the meal with your family.

Speedy Veggie Stir-Fry

The Easiest Vegetable Stir Fry

The Easiest Vegetable Stir Fry from The Recipe Critic

Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 15 мин

Easy Vegetable Stir Fry

Easy Vegetable Stir Fry from Budget Bytes

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 25 мин

Quick Vegetable Stir Fry

Quick Vegetable Stir Fry from Inspired Taste

Ingredients: 25 мин

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Imagine a colorful array of crisp vegetables tossed in a savory soy sauce and sesame oil glaze. This veggie stir-fry is not only quick to make but also packed with nutrients and crunch. You can customize it with whatever fresh veggies you have on hand, making it a versatile choice that never gets boring. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens!

15-Minute Shrimp Tacos

15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe

15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe from iFoodReal.com

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 15 мин Total Time: 15 minute easy shrimp tacos recipe.

15-Minute Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Chipotle Slaw

15-Minute Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Chipotle Slaw from Food Network

Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: 15 мин

Easy Shrimp Tacos

Easy Shrimp Tacos from The Recipe Critic

Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: 30 мин

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These shrimp tacos are a fiesta on a plate! Juicy shrimp are cooked in a smoky spice blend, then nestled in warm tortillas and topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and a drizzle of creamy sauce. What’s exceptional about these tacos is how incredibly fast they come together, making them perfect for a busy weeknight that still feels festive and fun.

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole from The BakerMama

Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 45 мин

Broccoli Casserole with Rice

Broccoli Casserole with Rice from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: 1 ч

Broccoli Rice Casserole from Scratch

Broccoli Rice Casserole from Scratch from Spend With Pennies

Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 55 мин

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This comforting dish combines creamy cheese sauce with tender broccoli and fluffy rice, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. The best part? You can throw it together in under 30 minutes, and it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice or veggies lurking in your fridge.

Quick Beef and Bean Chili

Beef and Bean Chili

Beef and Bean Chili from The Defined Dish

Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 5, 0(53)

Classic Beef Chili

Classic Beef Chili from The Kitchn

Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: 1 Std. 15 Min. Total Time: 1 std. 15 min..

Beef and Bean Chili

Beef and Bean Chili from Epicurious

Rating: 4.2. Ingredients: 4, 2(175)

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Warm up with a hearty bowl of chili that’s ready in a flash! This recipe features ground beef, canned beans, and a medley of spices, simmering together to create a rich and satisfying dish. What makes this chili so special is its adaptability; you can make it as spicy or mild as you like, and it’s perfect for loading up with your favorite toppings like cheese and sour cream.

Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Pesto Pasta with Roasted Balsamic Cherry Tomatoes

Pesto Pasta with Roasted Balsamic Cherry Tomatoes from Danilicious Dishes

Ingredients: Balsamic vinegar, cherry tomatoes, cavatappi pasta, balsamic glaze, parmesan cheese

Cherry Tomato & Pesto Pasta

Cherry Tomato & Pesto Pasta from Love and Good Stuff

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Pesto, balsamic vinegar, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic Total Time: 20 min.

Roasted Tomato Pesto Pasta

Roasted Tomato Pesto Pasta from The Salty Marshmallow

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, parmesan cheese, olive oil, store bought Total Time: 30 min.

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If you’re a fan of fresh flavors, this bright pesto pasta is calling your name! Tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes and vibrant basil pesto, it’s a delightful mix that’s both quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying. The secret ingredient here is the pasta cooking water, which helps to bind everything together into a luscious sauce that clings to every noodle.