When time is short and hunger is high, quick and easy weeknight dinners are essential. Here are 12 fast, delicious meals you can make in under 30 minutes.
One-pot pasta primavera only requires a few simple ingredients: pasta, jarred marinara sauce, fresh or frozen vegetables like broccoli, carrots and bell peppers, vegetable broth and parmesan cheese. Simmer everything together until the pasta is al dente and serve with a sprinkle of parmesan.
Sheet pan fajitas are a hands-free dinner. Place strips of chicken and bell peppers on a sheet pan, toss with chili powder, cumin, garlic and olive oil. Roast at 400 F until the chicken is cooked through. Serve the chicken and veggies in tortillas or lettuce cups with your favorite toppings.
Quesadillas take just minutes to make and are endlessly customizable. Place fillings like chicken, black beans, corn and cheese on a tortilla, fold and cook in a hot skillet with oil until the tortilla is lightly browned. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa, guacamole, sour cream or hot sauce.
Bibimbap is a traditional Korean rice bowl dish. While the components are simple, the flavors are complex. Cooked rice is topped with sautéed beef and vegetables like mushrooms, spinach and carrots. A fried egg and spicy gochujang sauce are also common additions. Mix everything together and enjoy.
Shakshuka is a dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce. Sauté garlic and chili peppers in olive oil, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and spices like paprika, cumin and oregano. Simmer until slightly reduced, then make wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them. Cover and cook until the eggs are set but the yolks are still runny. Serve with bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Turkey Bolognese is a hearty pasta sauce made with ground turkey instead of beef. Sauté onions, carrots and turkey, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Toss with cooked pasta such as ziti or penne and top with parmesan cheese.
Black bean burritos are protein-packed and budget-friendly. Heat black beans, salsa and chili powder, then fill tortillas with the bean mixture, rice, grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers and cheese if desired. Top with guacamole, Greek yogurt, lettuce and hot sauce.
Shrimp fried rice only takes a few minutes to whip up for a quick weeknight meal. Cook rice according to package directions, then sauté shrimp, eggs, peas, carrots, garlic and ginger in oil. Add the shrimp mixture to the rice along with soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir fry everything together until heated through.
Grilled cheese sandwiches satisfy any craving for something warm and gooey. Butter the outside of bread slices and place cheese such as cheddar, Swiss or Gruyere in between. Cook the sandwiches in a hot skillet, flipping once, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Omelets make a perfect quick dinner, especially when filled with lots of mix-ins. Whip 2-3 eggs and cook in a buttered skillet. As the omelet firms up, add in fillings like spinach and feta, ham and cheese or mushrooms and thyme. Fold the omelet over the fillings and cook until set.
Pasta e fagioli is an Italian pasta and bean soup. Sauté onions, carrots and celery, then add chicken or vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, cannellini beans and small pasta like ditalini. Simmer until the pasta is tender, then season with basil, oregano, rosemary and parmesan cheese. Serve with a simple salad for a complete meal.