Who has time to spend hours in the kitchen these days? Not us, that’s for sure. That’s why we’ve rounded up 21 meals that are all about speed without skimping on flavor. From stir-fries that sizzle to pastas that please, each of these recipes guarantees a great meal on the table in 30 minutes or less.
Chicken Saag
This dish is nearly identical to what you’d get at a restaurant but without the wait. Quick to make and filled with flavor, it’s a great way to enjoy a special meal on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Saag
Gochujang Chicken
If you’re looking for something quick, spicy, and packed with flavor, this chicken dish is it. With a cooking time that keeps you moving, it’s a great way to spice up your weeknight dinners without a big time commitment.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken
Sticky Honey Soy Pork Chops
Marinate in the morning and cook in just 20 minutes for a meal that feels special without all the work. These pork chops are a great choice for when you want something a little different but don’t have a lot of time.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Honey Soy Pork Chops
Greek Shrimp Skillet
This dish brings a bunch of fresh and light Mediterranean flavors to your table quickly. It’s packed with healthy ingredients and can be ready in a flash, making it a perfect choice for a last-minute dinner.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli
Here’s a lighter, yet super quick version of a classic pasta dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s great for when you’re craving something creamy and satisfying but still want to keep things quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli
Creamy Tomato Farfalle
This pasta dish is a great way to mix up your dinner routine without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and has a creamy sauce that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
Upgrade your mac and cheese game with this quick and hearty version. It’s got all the cheesy goodness you love plus some added veggies for a well-rounded meal. And it’s ready before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
Bacon Wrapped Salmon
This dish adds a luxurious touch to your dinner without any extra time in the kitchen. Bacon keeps the salmon moist and adds flavor, making it a great choice for a quick yet fancy meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
For a quick and delicious meal, these quesadillas are perfect. They come together in no time and are packed with flavor, making them a great option for a fast dinner.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles
Ready in 15 minutes, these noodles are a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful Korean dish. They’re great for a last-minute dinner that’s different and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles
Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry
When you need dinner on the table fast, this udon noodle stir fry is the way to go. It’s quick, full of flavor, and beats takeout any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Ready in just 25 minutes, this pasta is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s simple, quick, and loaded with flavors thanks to bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes. Great for when you need something fast but don’t want to skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry
For a meal that’s quick, easy, and loaded with flavor, this pork ramen stir fry is perfect. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a great way to enjoy a delicious noodle dish without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Talk about easy and quick. Throw everything on a sheet pan, bake, and you’ve got a flavorful dinner ready in less than 20 minutes. Perfect for when you want something tasty without the wait or the cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Ground Beef Stir Fry
This stir fry is a great option for a quick, tasty meal that’s also healthy. It’s packed with veggies and flavor, ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Baked Skillet Gnocchi
Get ready to impress with minimal effort. This one-pan wonder packs in all the good stuff – pork, tomatoes, spinach, and cheese – and cooks up fast. Perfect for those nights when you want something comforting but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
This salmon dish is a game changer for busy nights. No need to thaw; just season, air fry, and you’re done. It’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal prep and cook time.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese is not only quick to make but also adds a tangy twist with Greek yogurt. It’s a great way to satisfy your comfort food cravings in a healthier, quicker way.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
This is your go-to for a quick and hearty meal. The thin beef slices and broccoli cook up so fast, making this the perfect pick for a busy night. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. With juicy shrimp and cherry tomatoes, this pasta dish is not only easy to make but also fast, so you can enjoy a great meal without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
These stuffed peppers are a fast track to a flavorful dinner. Loaded with chicken, cheese, and spices, they’re a great way to add some excitement to your meal routine without spending all evening cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.