10+ Dinner Recipes Fast for Quick and Delicious Meals

Cooking dinner can sometimes feel like a race against the clock. With busy schedules and various commitments, many people find themselves searching for quick meal solutions. Fast dinner recipes are essential for satisfying hunger while saving time in the kitchen.

In this article, you will discover a range of easy and delicious recipes that you can whip up in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, these meals will help you get dinner on the table quickly, without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple yet delicious dish that you can whip up in no time. It features just a few ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

To make it, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt, then cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté sliced garlic until it turns golden.

Once the spaghetti is ready, reserve some of the cooking water before draining it.

Combine the pasta with the garlic oil in the pan. If you want a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved water to create a silky sauce.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of water with salt.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Sauté sliced garlic until golden.
5. Drain spaghetti, reserving some cooking water.
6. Combine spaghetti with garlic oil in the pan.
7. Add red pepper flakes and toss everything together.

Shrimp Tacos with Lime Slaw

Shrimp tacos with lime slaw are a quick and delicious dinner option. You can whip them up in under 30 minutes. The combination of shrimp and slaw is fresh and satisfying.

Start by cooking the shrimp. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C), and add a little oil. Cook the shrimp for about 4-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

While the shrimp cooks, prepare your lime slaw. Chop some cabbage and mix it with lime juice, cilantro, and a bit of salt. This adds a zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.

Serve the cooked shrimp in warm tortillas and top with the lime slaw. You can add avocado or salsa for an extra kick. Enjoy your tasty meal!

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups cabbage, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Corn tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
2. Cook shrimp for 4-5 minutes until pink and opaque.
3. In a bowl, mix cabbage, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
4. Serve shrimp in tortillas and top with lime slaw.

3) Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables

Chicken stir-fry is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy nights. It combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables for a tasty dish that you can make in no time. You can use whatever veggies you have on hand.

To start, chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and prepare your favorite vegetables. Common choices include bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. The mix of colors looks appealing and adds various nutrients.

For cooking, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). Add the chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink.

Then, toss in the vegetables and stir-fry for about 5 to 7 minutes.

You can add soy sauce or your choice of stir-fry sauce for flavor. This meal is not only quick but also a great way to enjoy healthy ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breast
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and broccoli)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Chop the vegetables.
3. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F or 190°C).
4. Cook the chicken until no longer pink.
5. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes.
6. Stir in the soy sauce before serving.

4) Beef and Broccoli

Beef and broccoli is a quick and tasty dinner option. You can make it in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. The dish combines tender beef slices and crisp broccoli with a flavorful sauce.

Start by cooking the beef in a hot pan until it’s browned. Then, add fresh broccoli florets and stir-fry them for a few minutes. The goal is to keep the broccoli vibrant and crunchy.

For the sauce, use soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey for sweetness. This mix brings all the flavors together. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add beef slices and cook until browned.
4. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
5. Mix soy sauce, honey, and garlic, then pour over the beef and broccoli.
6. Stir to coat and cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

5) Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera is a quick and tasty dinner option. You can make it in about 30 minutes with fresh vegetables and pasta. This dish is colorful and full of flavor, making it a hit with everyone.

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Remember to reserve some pasta water for later.

While the pasta cooks, heat some olive oil in a skillet. Then, sauté onions and your favorite vegetables until they are tender.

Once everything is cooked, combine the pasta and veggies. Add in the reserved pasta water for a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This meal is not only fast but also healthy!

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and zucchini)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet.
3. Sauté chopped onion for 3-5 minutes.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
5. Combine pasta and vegetables in the skillet.
6. Stir in reserved pasta water and season to taste.

6) Lemon Garlic Salmon

Lemon Garlic Salmon is a quick and tasty dinner option. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something special without much effort.

To make this dish, you coat salmon fillets with a mix of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. This adds a fresh and zesty flavor that makes the fish shine.

You can bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. The result is juicy salmon that’s tender and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional, like parsley or dill)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Place salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the mixture over them.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.

7) Caprese Salad with Pesto

Caprese salad with pesto is a fresh and easy dish to prepare. This salad combines juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and flavorful green pesto. It’s colorful and perfect for any dinner.

To make this salad, start by slicing ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Alternate the layers on a platter for a beautiful presentation. Drizzle pesto over the top to add a tasty twist.

You can use store-bought pesto or make your own with basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil. The bright flavors really shine in this simple salad.

Caprese salad works well as a side dish or even a light main course. It pairs nicely with grilled meats or crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 2 large tomatoes
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella
• 1/4 cup pesto
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella.
2. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter.
3. Drizzle pesto over the top.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

8) Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a creamy, comforting dish that you can whip up quickly. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something delicious without spending too much time cooking.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need rice, fresh mushrooms, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, and some Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This dish cooks in about 30 minutes, making it a great option when you’re short on time.

Begin by sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil. Then, add sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re soft.

Next, stir in Arborio rice and let it toast slightly. Gradually add broth until the rice is creamy and cooked through. Finish by mixing in Parmesan cheese for that rich taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
4. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
5. Gradually add vegetable broth until rice is creamy.
6. Mix in Parmesan cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9) Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

A Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is a quick and tasty dinner option. You can whip it up in less than 30 minutes. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rice, it’s a filling meal that everyone will love.

To start, you will need diced chicken, broccoli, carrots, and your favorite rice. You can also make a simple homemade teriyaki sauce. It typically includes soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.

This dish is easy to customize. Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy. The sweet, savory sauce pairs well with many options.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) diced chicken breast
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pan over medium heat, cook the chicken until browned.
2. Add broccoli and carrots, cooking until tender.
3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies.
5. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes.
6. Serve over cooked rice. Enjoy!

10) Baked Ziti with Ricotta

Baked Ziti with Ricotta is a delicious and comforting dinner option. This dish is packed with flavor and is simple to make. You can have it ready in under an hour.

You’ll use ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and your favorite spaghetti sauce. This meal is easy to adjust for personal tastes. You can add ingredients like ground beef or veggies if you’d like.

It’s a great choice for a family dinner. Plus, it will satisfy hungry appetites. You can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread.

Ingredients

• 12 oz. ziti pasta
• 15 oz. ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cups spaghetti sauce
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, and salt.
4. Then, combine the cooked pasta with spaghetti sauce.
5. Layer the ziti in a baking dish with ricotta and mozzarella.
6. Next, top it with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake it for 30-35 minutes until it’s bubbly. Enjoy!