Take the stress out of meal prep with easy 30-minute dinner recipes that provide maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
Say goodbye to the dinner dilemma because I’ve got just what you need! Whether you’re rushing in from work or juggling a packed schedule, these quick and delicious dinner recipes will save the day.
From savory stir-fries to hearty pasta dishes, I’ve handpicked the easiest recipes that can be whipped up in 30 minutes or less, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time doing what you love.
Let’s make dinnertime a breeze with these hassle-free recipes!
Dinners You Can Whip Up in 30 Minutes or Less
Easy Beef and Broccoli: This recipe is quick (just 20 minutes!), easy and oh-so-satisfying. With tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, you can enjoy the flavors of your favorite takeout right at home.
Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp: Oodles of veggies tossed in a sweet, tangy, garlicky soy sauce. Best of all, leftovers make for a great lunch or dinner and can be reheated like a breeze.
Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs: This 30-minute recipe stars a lick-the-spatula-and-your-plate DIY sweet and sour sauce that pairs perfectly with the garlicky meatballs. Just addfried riceorlo mein noodlesto complete your feast!
30-Minute Mongolian Beef: Tender slices of beef are simmered in a sweet, tangy, and oh-so-sticky sauce starring minced fresh garlic, ginger, brown sugar and soy sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles and dinner is done!
20-Minute Sweet and Sour Shrimp Stir-Fry: This quick and easy recipe stars sweet and sour shrimp sautéed with sugar snap peas and tossed together with udon noodles. Not a fan of shrimp? Up the cooking time and toss in cubed chicken breast for a seafood-free alternative.
Baked Orange Chicken Meatballs: Extra-moist meatballs tossed in a really simple DIY orange chicken sauce that’s sweet, tangy and oh-so addicting. Whip up a side of rice or noodles while the meatballs are baking and dinner is done!
Easy Skillet Lasagna: This has become an instant fave in our house. Tender noodles, hearty meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese all swirled together into a one-dish dinner winner.
Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta: I’ve updated the iconic Baked Feta Pasta by swapping in creamy, garlicky Boursin cheese, sundried tomatoes and fresh spinach.
Quick Black Pepper Pork: Transform pork tenderloin into a takeout-fakeout feast with this easy recipe your whole family will love.
Sticky Pineapple Chicken: This recipe stars juicy chicken thighs (or breasts), fresh pineapple chunks and crunchy cashews tossed in a sweet, tangy, garlicky soy sauce.
Chicken Milanese with Green Apple Salad: This is my idea of the ultimate easy but impressive meal. Best of all, you can dice the cutlets into squares and call them “nuggets” for little ones. Big Mom win!
Quick Shrimp Scampi: I’ve updated the classic to include cherry tomatoes and your choice of pasta, which all gets tossed in a fresh lemon sauce that comes together in mere minutes. We’re talking 20 minutes, start to finish!
One Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage: This recipe is everything you need in a hearty meal that can be tweaked and customized based on whatever you can find in your fridge or pantry.
30-Minute White Cheddar Mac and Cheese: While white cheddar is most definitely the star of the cheese show, I like to also use an entire cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The salty richness of the Parm punches up the creamy tanginess of the white cheddar.
Parmesan Baked Chicken Tenders: This quick-fix recipe yields moist chicken tenders with a cheesy coating that are baked until crispy perfection.
Cacio e Pepe Pasta: You’re only four ingredients and less than 25 minutes away from this easy, cheesy pasta.
Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese: This recipe is made with a few pantry and fridge staples, and the result is the best-ever homemade mac and cheese that your family will ask for again and again!
Quick Bruschetta Chicken: I’ve kept this recipe extra-simple with just six basic ingredients and endless options for customization. It’s a fast, fresh and healthy dinner winner!
Baked Turkey Meatballs with Quinoa: These juicy, protein-packed meatballs are baked to perfection and served with fluffy quinoa, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
Baked Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken Tenders: Juicy chicken coated in a crispy pretzel crust, baked to perfection and served with a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce. A crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!
Korean Beef Bowls: Satisfy your Bibimbap craving in a fraction of the time with this recipe starring flavor-packed ground beef and all the traditional toppings.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry: This quick-fix stir-fry stars tender chicken and assorted veggies tossed in the best garlicky soy sauce.
One-Pot Gnocchi with Sausage: Pillowy store-bought gnocchi and chopped fresh kale tossed with fresh citrus.
Broccoli-Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts: Whenever I have no clue what to make for dinner, this is the answer. It’s quick, filling, and the perfect combo of protein and veggies, all in one bite!
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: Ditch the deep-fryer and then get ready for DIY dunkable deliciousness. Juicy chicken and crispy crunch for the win!
Baked Cheddar Dijon Chicken Tenders: Skip the regular breadcrumbs and grab the cheese crackers for a family-favorite recipe for juicy tenders that are baked to crispy perfection in just 15 minutes. Bonus: They’re also air fryer-friendly!
And don’t forget dessert!
Find inspiration with reader-favorite dessert recipes, including monster cookies, chocolate cupcakes, Peanut Butter Cup Cookies and homemade cocoa brownies.
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