10+ Fast Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

After a long day, getting dinner on the table can feel like a challenge. Fast dinner recipes can help you whip up delicious meals in no time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with family or relax after a busy day. These recipes make it easier to prepare nutritious food without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Whether you’re looking for simple ideas or creative twists on classic dishes, there are plenty of options to choose from. Fast dinners can be both satisfying and varied, helping you keep mealtime exciting while still being quick to make.

1) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a quick and delicious Italian dish. It uses just four main ingredients: pasta, garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes. You can make it in about 20 minutes!

Start by cooking your spaghetti in salted boiling water until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes.

Once the garlic starts to turn golden, add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss everything together, adding a bit of pasta water if needed. This keeps the sauce glossy and flavorful.

Enjoy your simple yet tasty meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) uncooked spaghetti
• ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot and add salt.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil.
5. Cook until garlic is golden brown.
6. Drain spaghetti and add it to the pan.
7. Toss to combine, adding pasta water as needed.
8. Serve warm.

2) Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas are a quick and tasty dinner option. You can have them ready in about 20 minutes. They are packed with flavor and colorful vegetables.

To make chicken fajitas, you need boneless chicken breasts, peppers, and onion. Season your chicken with spices like chili powder and cumin for extra flavor. Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top before serving.

These fajitas can be served in warm tortillas. Add toppings like sour cream or guacamole to make them even better.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) boneless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas
• Lime for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the chicken, peppers, and onion into strips.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until browned.
4. Add peppers and onion, cooking for another 5 minutes.
5. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve in warm tortillas with lime juice.

3) Shrimp Stir-Fry

Shrimp stir-fry is a quick and tasty dinner option. You can make it in about 20 to 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Start with fresh or frozen shrimp. They cook quickly and add great flavor. You can include colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. They not only brighten the dish but also add nutrition.

For the sauce, mix soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey or sriracha for sweetness. Heat some oil in a pan, stir-fry the shrimp and veggies, and pour on the sauce. Cook until everything is hot and well combined.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or sriracha
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add vegetables and cook for 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic and sauce, cooking for another 2 minutes.
5. Serve hot.

4) Beef Tacos

Beef tacos are a quick and tasty dinner option that your whole family will enjoy. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

To prepare, start by browning ground beef in a pan. You can add your favorite seasonings, like chili powder and garlic, to give it more flavor.

Once the beef is cooked, spoon it into taco shells. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, and salsa for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Taco shells or tortillas
• Shredded cheese
• Lettuce, chopped
• Salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink.
3. Drain the grease and add taco seasoning.
4. Mix well and heat for 3-5 minutes.
5. Fill taco shells with beef mixture and add toppings.

5) Vegetable Omelette

A vegetable omelette is a quick and healthy dinner option. You can customize it with your favorite veggies. It’s perfect for using up leftovers from your fridge.

To make this dish, beat a couple of eggs and add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach. You can also include cheese for extra flavor.

Heat a pan over medium heat at about 350°F (175°C). Pour in the egg mixture and cook until the edges start to lift. Gently fold the omelette in half and let it cook for a few more minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 onion, finely chopped
• A handful of spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Beat the eggs in a bowl.
2. Stir in the chopped vegetables and cheese.
3. Heat a pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Pour in the egg mixture and cook for 3-4 minutes.
5. Fold the omelette in half and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

6) Pesto Pasta

Pesto pasta is a quick and tasty meal that you can whip up in no time. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and parmesan makes it rich in flavor. You can prepare this dish in about 15 to 30 minutes.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta. Meanwhile, blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese to make a simple pesto. Once the pasta is ready, mix it with the pesto.

You can add cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken for extra flavor. This dish is delicious, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225 grams) of pasta
• 2 cups fresh basil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Optional: cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta cooks, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor.
3. Mix in the parmesan cheese until smooth.
4. Drain pasta and toss with pesto.
5. Add cherry tomatoes or chicken if desired. Enjoy!

7) BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ chicken pizza is a quick and tasty meal you can make at home. It combines BBQ sauce, cooked chicken, and cheese for a flavorful dinner option. You can whip this up in just about 30 minutes.

To start, you’ll need pizza dough. Store-bought or homemade works great. Spread BBQ sauce on the dough, then add cooked chicken, sliced red onions, and cheese. Mozzarella is a classic choice, but you can also try Gouda for a unique twist.

Bake your pizza in the oven at 475°F (245°C) for about 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Once it’s ready, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for added flavor.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough
• BBQ sauce
• Cooked chicken
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Sliced red onions
• Fresh cilantro

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet.
3. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the dough.
4. Add cooked chicken and sliced red onions.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden.
7. Remove from the oven and add fresh cilantro before serving.

8) Chickpea Curry

Chickpea curry is a quick and tasty option for dinner. You can make it in about 20 minutes using simple ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and filling.

This dish is made with canned chickpeas, making it easy to prepare. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Spices like cumin and curry powder give it great flavor.

Serve your chickpea curry with rice or bread. It’s a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 can coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional vegetables (spinach, bell peppers)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 180°C).
2. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in curry powder and cumin. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chickpeas and coconut milk. Stir well.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add vegetables if using.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

9) Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are a quick and tasty dinner option. You can whip them up in about 20 minutes. Fresh flavors and crunchy textures make them a favorite.

To start, use firm white fish like tilapia or cod. Season it simply for the best taste. A light slaw adds crunch, while a creamy sauce brings it all together.

You can serve your fish in warm corn tortillas. Top with chopped cilantro, avocado, or salsa for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) tilapia or cod
• 24 small white corn tortillas
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• ½ cup mayo
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the fish with cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the fish in a skillet over medium-high heat until flaky. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
3. Prepare the sauce by mixing mayo and lime juice.
4. Warm the tortillas in another pan.
5. Assemble tacos with fish, slaw, and sauce. Enjoy!

10) Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a fresh and simple dish that highlights Italian flavors. It features ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil. Drizzle it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a delicious finish.

This salad is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a fast dinner. You can serve it on its own or as a side. Pair it with grilled chicken or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• Ripe tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes into thick pieces.
2. Layer the mozzarella and tomatoes on a plate. Then, alternate them.
3. Tuck in fresh basil leaves between the layers.
4. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Enjoy!