10 Easy Weeknight Dinners You Can Make in Under 30 Minutes

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Introduction:

After a long day at work or school, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Luckily, these 10 quick and easy weeknight dinner recipes are here to save the day! Each dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, ensuring you have more time to relax or spend with your loved ones. From pasta dishes to stir-fries, there’s something for everyone on this list.

1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
  3. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in white wine (if using) and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, cooked pasta, and shrimp. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

2. Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, marinate chicken strips with soy sauce and sesame oil for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat a wok or large pan over high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Push chicken to one side of the pan and add garlic to the other side. Sauté for 1 minute.
  4. Mix in vegetables and cook for another 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Stir in oyster sauce and combine everything evenly.
  6. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.

3. Quick Taco Bowls

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • Toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream

Instructions:

  1. Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Once cooked, drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning according to package instructions.
  3. Divide cooked rice among bowls and top with seasoned meat.
  4. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

4. Sheet Pan Fajitas

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Tortillas, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss chicken, bell peppers, and onions with fajita seasoning and olive oil in a large bowl.
  3. Spread evenly on a sheet pan and roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Serve with warm tortillas and optional toppings like salsa or guacamole.

5. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
  4. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Let it thicken slightly for 5 minutes.
  5. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce and toss to coat.
  6. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan before serving.

6. Loaded Baked Potatoes

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Toppings: shredded cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, chives

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes clean and pierce them several times with a fork.
  2. Rub with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Bake for 20–25 minutes until soft when squeezed gently.
  4. Top with your favorite ingredients and serve immediately.

7. Veggie-packed Omelette

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/4 cup spinach
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

  1. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour in egg mixture.
  3. Once the base sets, sprinkle veggies and cheese on one half.
  4. Fold the other half over and cook for another 2 minutes until cheese melts.

8. Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded chicken
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Optional: salsa, guacamole

Instructions:

  1. Place a tortilla in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle cheese and chicken on half of it.
  2. Fold the tortilla in half and press down lightly.
  3. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese melts.
  4. Cut into wedges and serve with desired toppings.

9. Instant Pot Chili

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 1 packet chili seasoning
  • Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream

Instructions:

  1. Sauté ground beef in the Instant Pot until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning.
  3. Secure lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Release pressure naturally.
  4. Serve with toppings as desired.

10. Caprese Salad Sandwiches

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices bread
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 4 slices fresh mozzarella
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Balsamic glaze
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Toast bread slices if preferred.
  2. Layer tomato, mozzarella, and basil on each slice.
  3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve open-faced or close into sandwiches.

Conclusion:

These 10 easy weeknight dinners prove that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With minimal effort, you can create delicious meals that satisfy your hunger and leave you with plenty of time to unwind. Try out these recipes today and discover your new favorites!

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