29 Fast Recipes For When Dinner Needs To Be Done Right Now

ByMandy

When hunger strikes, patience is the first thing to disappear. With 29 quick recipes, there’s no need for takeout or emergency snack while waiting for something to cook. A meal that’s ready fast means fewer grumbles and more actual eating. Because the only thing worse than a long wait is hearing “What’s for dinner?” on repeat.

A close-up view of a plate of chow mein stir-fried noodles with vegetables and black sesame seeds, with chopsticks visibly picking up a portion.
Easy Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Close-up of a stir-fry dish with chicken, broccoli, mushrooms, and sesame seeds, coated in a soy-based sauce.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When time isn’t on your side, this dish comes to the rescue. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for when hunger strikes hard and fast. Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry combines the savory goodness of chicken with the crunchiness of broccoli. You can have a meal that’s both nutritious and ready in a snap.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Miso Soup

A bowl of miso soup with tofu cubes, seaweed, and green onions.
Miso Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sometimes, you just need something warm and comforting. That’s where a simple yet flavorful bowl fits right in. Miso Soup provides that soothing taste without taking much of your time. It’s an easy go-to for a light dinner or a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Miso Soup

Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas filled with rice, beans, and chicken, topped with sour cream and cilantro. Sliced tomato and jalapeño are on the side.
Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For those evenings when you’re craving something with a bit of a kick, here’s a meal that won’t disappoint. Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas are a breeze to whip up, filled with tasty ingredients. They deliver a fulfilling crunch and a burst of flavor without keeping you in the kitchen all night.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

On days when a heavy dinner doesn’t appeal to you, a light yet fulfilling salad might just hit the spot. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of tangy and sweet. It’s straightforward, refreshing, and gets ready before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Sushi Bake

A dish of loaded fries inspired by sushi bake, topped with avocado slices, diced cucumbers, green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzled with sauce.
Sushi Bake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re a sushi lover but lack the time for rolling, this dish is a game-changer. Sushi Bake deconstructs the traditional sushi experience into a wonderful casserole. It’s a unique and quick way to satisfy your sushi cravings without all the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Best Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole in a white baking dish.
Best Tuna Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There are nights when you just crave some comfort food, and that’s when this casserole comes into play. Best Tuna Casserole is the definition of comfort, packed with flavors that remind you of home. It’s hearty and gets ready in no time, making it a dinner winner.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole

Pork Chops

Close-up of a cooked, seasoned pork chop topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley on a dark plate.
Pork Chops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For a meal that feels a bit more special without the extensive prep time, opt for this choice. Pork Chops can be seasoned and cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time you’d expect. This dish proves that quick meals can also be mouth-watering.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Grilled Peppers

Grilled red and yellow bell peppers with char marks, topped with crumbled feta cheese and garnished with herbs.
Grilled Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You can’t forget about the sides, especially when they’re as versatile and vibrant as this one. Grilled Peppers add a splash of color and a burst of flavor to any meal. They’re ridiculously easy to prepare and pair well with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Spaghetti Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When pasta calls but time is of the essence, this dish steps up. Spaghetti Casserole merges the love for pasta with the efficiency we all appreciate on a busy night. It’s hearty, comforting, and ready before your stomach starts to growl louder.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you need something light yet fulfilling, diving into this dish is the way to go. Antipasto Salad is bursting with flavors, textures, and colors. It’s incredibly fast to pull together, making your dinner both lively and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Shrimp Burrito Bowls

A bowl of seasoned shrimp, avocado, corn, black beans, rice, and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with cilantro.
Shrimp Burrito Bowls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Want to bring some excitement to your dinner without spending hours in the kitchen? Shrimp Burrito Bowls are packed with fresh flavors and can be customized to your liking. They come together quickly, ensuring a meal that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, you just need a good burger without the guilt that comes from fast food. 25 Minute Black Bean Burger offers a delicious homemade alternative. It’s hearty, filled with good-for-you ingredients, and ready in a snap.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil.
Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Even traditional dishes can be adapted for when time is tight. Homemade Lasagna might sound like a weekend project, but this quick version will prove you wrong. It’s all about layering love into each component, without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Cacio e Pepe

Close-up of cooked spaghetti with cracked black pepper and a fork partially visible.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want a taste of Italy without the wait? Cacio e Pepe is a minimalistic yet flavorful pasta that brings simplicity to your dinner table. It’s quick to prepare, focusing on a few quality ingredients that pack a punch. This dish is a testament to the beauty of simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Cheeseburger

A cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and ketchup on a plate. A bowl of lettuce is in the background.
Cheeseburger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who says you can’t enjoy a classic burger on a busy night? Cheeseburger becomes an easy dinner option with this quick recipe. Juicy, flavorful, and fulfilling, it’s everything you crave in a burger, delivered with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add a touch of indulgence to your dinner routine without spending all evening cooking. Penne Alla Vodka blends creamy sauce and pasta in a way that feels luxurious yet is deceptively quick to make. It’s the perfect way to upgrade your dinner plans without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For those needing a comforting and quick solution to dinner, look no further. Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in a flash. Creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious, it’s a guaranteed hit without the long cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

A close-up of a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup garnished with croutons, a sprig of mint, and grated cheese.
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Need a warm hug in a bowl? Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup is here to provide just that. It’s quick to prepare, packed with nutrients, and delivers a comforting warmth. Perfect for those chilly nights when you crave something soothing.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

Sweet and Sour Sauce

A spoon rests inside a glass jar filled with a thick, brown liquid.
Sweet and Sour Sauce. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Transforming a simple meal into something extraordinary doesn’t have to be complex. Sweet and Sour Sauce adds that wow factor to your dishes in minutes. It’s fast, flavorful, and can be paired with a variety of meals to spice things up.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

Tortilla Pizza

Four tortilla pizzas on a wooden cutting board.
Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When pizza night calls but you’re short on time, this alternative has you covered. Tortilla Pizza is a creative twist on the classic, ready in minutes. It’s versatile, allowing everyone to customize their slice of joy without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

A plate with honey chicken tenders, broccoli florets, and mashed potatoes.
Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Ditch the fast food and opt for something homemade, quick, and equally delicious. Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are a crowd-pleaser that come together in no time. They’re perfect for fulfilling those fried chicken cravings on the fly.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Marry Me Salmon

Grilled salmon fillet topped with a creamy herb sauce, served next to a portion of white rice.
Marry Me Salmon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Impressing someone special or treating yourself doesn’t necessitate hours in the kitchen. Marry Me Salmon is the delicacy you need that’s surprisingly quick to make. It’s flavorful, impressive, and leaves you with plenty of time to enjoy the evening.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Salmon

Veggie Pizza

Someone taking a slice of veggie pizza.
Veggie Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Catering to a plant-based diet or simply craving a lighter pizza option? Veggie Pizza is your quick, go-to solution. It’s packed with fresh toppings and flavors, proving that fast can still be fabulous and full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza

Million Dollar Dip

Close-up of a creamy dish topped with shredded cheese, chopped nuts, bacon bits, and sliced green onions.
Million Dollar Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you need a quick appetizer that promises to wow, this is the dip for the job. Million Dollar Dip is creamy, cheesy, and comes together faster than your guests can ask, “What’s in this?” It’s the perfect starter for any meal or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip

Sesame Chicken

A close-up of glazed chicken pieces with sesame seeds and chopped scallions on a bed of rice.
Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Craving takeout but not the wait? Sesame Chicken delivers that delicious Asian flair right to your dinner table in less time than it would take to order in. It’s sweet, savory, and will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking for a nutritious dinner option that’s both quick and versatile? Vegetable Stir Fry has got you covered. It’s packed with veggies and can be easily customized. You get a colorful and tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Tuscan Pasta

A close-up of a plate of Creamy Tuscan Pasta topped with a rich white sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuscan Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dreaming of a Tuscan getaway but stuck in a dinner rut? Tuscan Pasta brings the flavors of Italy to your table in less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite show. It’s creamy, comforting, and quick, making for an ideal weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

Meatball Sliders

Close-up of a cheesy meatball slider with a seasoned bun, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. Other sliders are visible in the background.
Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you’re in need of a fun and easy dinner option, these sliders are here to save the day. Meatball Sliders are the perfect combination of hearty and convenient. They’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike, proving that quick can still be fun and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders

Easy Chow Mein

A close-up view of a plate of chow mein stir-fried noodles with vegetables and black sesame seeds, with chopsticks visibly picking up a portion.
Easy Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Skip the takeout and opt for this homemade favorite that’s both fast and fulfilling. Easy Chow Mein brings the classic Chinese restaurant dish to your kitchen in less time than delivery. It’s full of flavor and can be easily tailored to your taste, making dinner a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

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