This post shows you 22 easy weeknight dinners under 30 minutes.
Let’s face it, after a long day of work, errands, and juggling life’s daily chaos, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen cooking dinner.
You’re hungry, your family’s hungry, and that delivery app is calling your name. But what if I told you that whipping up a delicious, satisfying meal doesn’t have to take forever?
Welcome to the ultimate guide to easy weeknight dinners that are ready in 30 minutes or less! These recipes are here to save the day (and your sanity).
Whether you’re craving something light, hearty, or somewhere in between, these meals are designed for busy people who want real food fast.
No complicated ingredients, no endless prep work—just tasty meals that get from pan to plate in a flash.
22 simple Weeknight Dinners Under 30 Minutes
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Shrimp cooks incredibly fast, making this dish a go-to for busy nights. While your pasta (spaghetti or linguine work best) is boiling, heat a skillet with butter and garlic.
Add shrimp to the pan, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink. The key to a good shrimp pasta is not overcooking the shrimp, which only needs about 5 minutes total.
Once the shrimp is cooked, toss it with the pasta and add a squeeze of lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a bit of the pasta water to bring it all together.
Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a delicious, restaurant-worthy dinner in under 30 minutes.
2. Chicken Stir-Fry
Stir-fries are the epitome of quick dinners, and you can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Start by slicing chicken breasts thinly (this helps them cook faster) and set them aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok, and toss in your choice of vegetables – bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots are great options.
Once the vegetables start to soften, push them to the side of the pan and cook the chicken.
As everything finishes cooking, pour in a simple sauce made of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a bit of honey for sweetness. Serve over rice or noodles for a balanced meal.
3. Taco Salad
Taco salad is a great way to enjoy the flavors of tacos without the carbs. Cook ground beef or turkey with taco seasoning, then layer it over a bed of lettuce.
Add diced tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips for crunch. You can also toss in black beans or corn for extra flavor and texture.
For the dressing, a mix of salsa and sour cream or ranch dressing with a squeeze of lime juice works perfectly. This meal is quick, satisfying, and customizable to your taste.
4. Sheet Pan Fajitas
Sheet pan dinners are a lifesaver on busy nights, and fajitas are no exception. Slice chicken breasts into strips, along with bell peppers and onions.
Toss everything in olive oil and fajita seasoning (a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika), then spread it on a baking sheet.
Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, and you’ll have a flavorful, healthy meal with minimal cleanup. Serve the fajita mix in warm tortillas and add toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for a complete dinner.
5. Creamy Pesto Chicken
Pesto is an easy way to add a burst of flavor to any dish. For this recipe, sauté chicken breasts until cooked through, then add store-bought pesto and a splash of cream to the pan.
The cream cuts the sharpness of the pesto and creates a rich sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. Serve over pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil to make it look fancy, even though it took just 20 minutes!
6. Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner that can be adapted to suit everyone’s taste. Simply fill a tortilla with cheese and your choice of fillings – cooked chicken, black beans, sautéed vegetables, or even leftover steak.
Fold the tortilla in half and cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Quesadillas can be as simple or as loaded as you want, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast.
7. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This classic Italian dish is deceptively simple but packed with flavor. While your spaghetti is boiling, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet and sauté thinly sliced garlic until it turns golden.
Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Once the pasta is cooked, toss it in the garlic oil along with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Add fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. This dish is perfect for nights when you’re craving something quick but still satisfying.
8. Turkey Burgers
Turkey burgers are a leaner alternative to beef burgers and cook just as quickly. Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, an egg, and your choice of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Form into patties and cook in a skillet or on the grill until they reach 165°F inside (about 5 minutes per side).
Serve on a bun with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion, or get creative with avocado, bacon, or a fried egg. For a low-carb option, wrap the burger in lettuce instead of a bun.
9. Veggie Stir-Fry
For a vegetarian-friendly meal, a veggie stir-fry is a great option. You can use any combination of vegetables you have on hand – bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, and carrots are great choices.
Sauté the vegetables in a hot pan with a little oil, garlic, and ginger. Once the vegetables are tender but still crisp, add soy sauce and a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy kick.
Serve over rice or noodles, or toss in tofu for added protein. This dish is healthy, quick, and full of flavor.
10. Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic comfort food combination that comes together quickly. For the grilled cheese, use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère for extra flavor.
Cook the sandwich in a skillet with butter until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup, which can be made from scratch by sautéing onions and garlic, adding canned tomatoes, and blending until smooth, or simply heat up a good store-bought version.
11. Chicken Caesar Wraps
Chicken Caesar wraps are light, fresh, and take just minutes to prepare. Use cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken breasts to save time.
Toss the chicken with Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and romaine lettuce, then wrap it up in a tortilla. You can add extras like croutons or bacon bits for extra crunch.
These wraps are a great way to enjoy the flavors of a Caesar salad in a handheld, portable dinner.
12. Beef Tacos
Tacos are always a winner for a quick weeknight dinner. Brown ground beef in a skillet with taco seasoning (you can use a store-bought packet or make your own with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder).
Once the beef is cooked, spoon it into warm tortillas and add your favorite toppings – shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, and avocado all work well.
For a lighter option, serve the beef in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
13. Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp cooks incredibly fast, making shrimp tacos a perfect weeknight option. Season shrimp with chili powder, cumin, and lime juice, then cook in a skillet for about 3 minutes per side.
For the slaw, toss shredded cabbage with lime juice, salt, and a little mayo or Greek yogurt. Serve the shrimp and slaw in soft tortillas, and drizzle with chipotle mayo or hot sauce for an extra kick.
14. Chicken Fried Rice
Fried rice is a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, and it comes together in just minutes. Start by cooking bite-sized pieces of chicken in a hot skillet, then add peas, carrots, and any other vegetables you like.
Stir in the leftover rice, breaking up any clumps. Push everything to the side and scramble a few eggs in the empty space, then mix everything together. Add soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor, and your meal is ready.
15. Lemon Garlic Salmon
Salmon is a healthy, quick-cooking protein that pairs beautifully with lemon and garlic. Season the salmon fillets with olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic, and roast them in the oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness.
The result is tender, flaky salmon with a bright, fresh flavor. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a light, satisfying dinner.
16. Zucchini Noodles with Marinara
For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles (or “zoodles”) are a great alternative to pasta. Use a spiralizer to make the noodles, or buy pre-spiralized zucchini at the store to save time.
Sauté the zucchini noodles in a little olive oil until just tender, then toss with marinara sauce. You can keep it simple or add cooked ground beef or turkey to the sauce for extra protein. This meal is light, healthy, and comes together in no time.
17. Pita Pizzas
Pita bread makes a great quick pizza base. Spread marinara sauce over the pita, then top with mozzarella cheese and any toppings you like – pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives are all great options.
Bake the pizzas in the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These mini pizzas are customizable and perfect for busy weeknights.
18. One-Pot Mac and Cheese
One-pot mac and cheese is a game-changer when you’re short on time. Cook your pasta in milk instead of water, which creates a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
Once the pasta is tender, stir in shredded cheddar cheese, butter, and a little mustard for flavor. The result is a rich, cheesy mac and cheese that cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
19. BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
BBQ chicken sandwiches are quick, flavorful, and require minimal effort. Shred rotisserie chicken and toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Pile the chicken onto buns, and top with coleslaw for crunch and a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. Serve with chips or a side salad for an easy, no-fuss dinner.
20. Tuna Melt
Tuna melts are a great way to use up pantry staples. Mix canned tuna with mayo, lemon juice, and diced celery, then spread the mixture on slices of bread.
Top with cheese (cheddar or Swiss work well) and toast the sandwiches in the oven or a skillet until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This simple, satisfying meal is perfect when you need something quick.
21. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is light, fresh, and takes just minutes to assemble. Layer slices of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves on a plate, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Season with salt and pepper, and serve with crusty bread. This simple salad is perfect on its own for a light dinner or as a side dish to a heartier meal.
22. Breakfast for Dinner: Eggs & Avocado Toast
Who says you can’t have breakfast for dinner? Scramble or fry eggs to your liking, and serve them on top of avocado toast.
Mash the avocado with a little lime juice, salt, and pepper, and spread it over toasted bread. Top with extras like cherry tomatoes, smoked salmon, or crumbled feta for more flavor.
This meal is quick, healthy, and perfect for a busy night when you want something comforting.
This post showed you 22 Delicious but easy weeknight dinners under 30 minutes.
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