23 Delicious Weeknight Dinners You Can Have Ready in 30ish Minutes

When time is tight but you still want a satisfying meal, quick and flavorful recipes can save the day. This collection offers a range of dishes that come together in about 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something simple without sacrificing taste.

Fresh Basil Pesto, Pancetta + Parmigiano Pasta

Pesto pasta.
Photo Credit: Envato.

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Pesto and pancetta with pasta is a match made in heaven — and this recipe is so simple and requires minimal ingredients. I love to use fresh, homemade basil pesto, but there are many delicious canned versions too.

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Sheet Pan Caprese Pizza

Pizza topped with slices of tomatoes, mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Photo Credit: Xoxo Bella.

This easy recipe brings together fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a crispy pizza crust. Bake it all on one sheet pan for a quick, delicious dinner with minimal cleanup.

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Garlicky Mussels In a Red Wine Tomato Sauce With Pancetta

A platter full of mussels in red sauce served with bread.
Photo Credit: The Peasant’s Daughter.

The sauce makes these mussels a whole meal, especially when served with crusty bread and a hearty salad on the side.

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Simple Chicken a la King Recipe

Chicken, mushrooms, green peas, and red pimentos in a flavorful from-scratch creamy sauce, served over rice.
Photo Credit: An Edible Mosaic.

Tender chicken chunks simmer in a creamy, savory sauce with mushrooms and peppers. It’s a comforting, no-fuss meal that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.

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Chicken With Spinach and Mushrooms

Creamy mushroom and spinach dish served in a metal skillet.
Photo Credit: Craving something Healthy.

Enjoy tender chicken cooked with spinach and mushrooms in a light, flavorful sauce. This dish is a great way to get your greens in without much effort.

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Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A big bowl of creamy Hungarian mushroom soup with mushrooms and fresh dill.
Photo Credit: The Peasant’s Daughter.

A creamy and hearty soup full of mushrooms spiced with sweet paprika.

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Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a creamy tomato, Parmesan, garlic, and spinach sauce.
Photo Credit: My Gorgeous Recipes.

Juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that’s sure to please.

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Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Gnocchi with basil, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, served in a bowl.
Photo Credit: Xoxo Bella.

Soft gnocchi are baked in a tomato sauce with melted mozzarella cheese. This Italian classic is comforting and easy to make for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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Hamburger Hash

Ground beef and potatoes with vegetables on a plate.
Photo Credit: Little Chef Within.

This one-pan meal combines ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables for a hearty, satisfying dish. It’s a straightforward way to serve up a filling meal with minimal effort.

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Homemade Hamburger Helper 

Pasta with ground beef and cheese, served in a pot.
Photo Credit: Little Chef Within.

Skip the box and make your own version of this classic with ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a quick and easy dinner option that the whole family will enjoy.

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Kale Chicken Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing

Kale and spiced cumin chicken, all topped with avocado-cilantro dressing.
Photo Credit: Piper Cooks.

This hearty salad features tender chicken and kale, topped with a creamy avocado cilantro dressing. It’s a fresh and healthy choice for lunch or dinner.

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Lemon Caper Pasta

Pasta tossed in a caper sauce with lemon juice and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Photo Credit: Little Nonni

This pasta dish is bright and zesty with a lemony caper sauce. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that pairs well with a variety of proteins.

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Easy Mahi Mahi Recipe with Lemon Garlic Sauce

Mahi Mahi Fillet with Lemon Garlic Sauce.
Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

Mahi Mahi fillets are cooked with a tangy lemon garlic sauce for a light and tasty meal. This recipe is quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Tender chicken with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and cheesy tortellini.
Photo Credit: Simple and Fraiche.

Creamy chicken with tortellini and a blend of herbs and spices make this dish irresistible. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for cozy nights in.

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Mediterranean Chicken, Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Chicken with tomato and cucumber, served in a wooden bowl.
Photo Credit: Moderately Messy RD.

This fresh salad features grilled chicken, cucumbers, and tomatoes, tossed in a light vinaigrette. It’s a healthy and refreshing choice for lunch or a side dish.

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Crispy Pan Fried Gnocchi

Crispy gnocchi coated in a light sauce made with garlic, herbs, butter, and Parmesan, served in a black frying pan.
Photo Credit: The Littlest Crumb.

Gnocchi get a crispy edge when pan-fried, creating a satisfying texture and flavor. It’s a quick and tasty way to enjoy this classic Italian dish.

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Pork Stroganoff

Pork Stroganoff made with pork pieces and mushrooms in a sour cream gravy served in a bowl.
Photo Credit: My Gorgeous Recipes.

Tender pork strips are cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce and served over noodles or rice. It’s a comforting meal with a rich, savory flavor.

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Salmon Rice Bowl

Pan-seared salmon with rice, vegetables, a drizzle of spicy mayo, and a blend of spices, served in a bowl.
Photo Credit: Xoxo Bella.

This bowl features tender salmon over rice with your choice of vegetables and sauce. It’s a healthy, balanced meal that’s easy to prepare.

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Easy Homemade Sausage Curry Recipe

Curried sausages with mashed potatoes in a white bowl.
Photo Credit: Piper Cooks.

This simple curry features flavorful sausage and vegetables in a rich sauce. It’s a great way to enjoy a spicy, hearty meal without much fuss.

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One Pan Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet

Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet in a pot.
Photo Credit: Begin with Balance.

Chicken sausage and orzo are cooked together in one pan with vegetables for a complete meal. It’s an easy and flavorful option for busy weeknights.

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Spicy Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Spicy tuna and tomato pasta, served in a pot.
Photo Credit: Its Not Complicated Recipes.

This pasta dish combines spicy tuna with a tangy tomato sauce for a flavorful dinner. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that packs a punch.

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20-Minute Sticky Aubergine / Eggplant Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Rice bowl topped with veggies to pair with the aubergine teriyaki.
Photo Credit: The Fruity Jem.

Tender eggplant is cooked in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce and served over rice. It’s a fast, tasty, and vegetarian-friendly option.

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Easy Deconstructed Egg Roll Bowl

Rice topped with egg roll ingredients and crunchy chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, red pepper flakes, and sriracha sauce.
Photo Credit: Begin with balance

This bowl features all the flavors of a traditional egg roll but in a simpler, deconstructed form. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic dish.

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