December nights can get busy with work, school, and holiday plans, leaving little time for dinner. These 27 fast and foolproof recipes make it simple to get a warm, satisfying meal on the table without spending hours cooking. These recipes cook quickly, taste delicious, and keep cleanup easy so that even the busiest December evenings are covered.
Spicy Tuna Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Turkey mixed with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce to make burgers that are juicy and full of flavor. They cook quickly on the stove or grill and don’t require complicated prep. These burgers are perfect for a busy December night when time is short, but you still want something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Warm pasta gets tossed with juicy tomatoes and creamy ricotta for a comforting dish that comes together fast. The flavors are fresh and rich, but the prep is minimal. This is a simple meal that fills the table with flavor without taking extra time on a hectic weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Cacio e Pepe
Spaghetti cooks with butter, Parmesan, and black pepper to make a classic dish that’s both simple and flavorful. It comes together quickly and tastes as if more effort went into it than it really did. This is a quick, satisfying option for nights when December evenings feel too busy for long cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Chicken Tenders
Chicken cooks to a golden, crispy outside while staying tender and juicy inside. They pair easily with simple sides like vegetables, rice, or a salad. This is a meal that comes together fast and is sure to please everyone at the table, even on a rushed weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Spicy Tuna Rolls
Rice and spicy tuna combine to make flavorful bites that are quick and easy to prepare. No special skills or tools are needed, and the result feels fresh and satisfying. This is a fun, simple option for a December night when you want something tasty without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls
Pesto Salmon
Salmon gets coated with bright pesto and bakes quickly until it’s tender and juicy. The flavors are fresh and full without requiring long prep or complicated steps. This meal is ideal for a busy night when you want something healthy, fast, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Rotisserie chicken, tortillas, and cheese bake together into gooey enchiladas that come together quickly. The sauce blends with the cheese for a rich, comforting flavor. This is a filling, hearty meal that works well when December evenings are busy and time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Kefta Kebabs
Spiced ground meat cooks into juicy, flavorful kebabs in minutes. They’re simple to prepare and deliver plenty of taste without extra effort. These kebabs are a great option for a quick weeknight meal that still feels special and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Fluffy quinoa combines with spinach and Parmesan to make a light but filling meal that comes together quickly. One-pot prep keeps cooking and cleanup simple. This is an easy, wholesome option for nights when December schedules feel packed.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Salmon simmers in a creamy garlic and sun-dried tomato sauce that thickens fast while keeping the fish tender. The dish feels rich and satisfying without taking hours to prepare. This is a meal that makes a busy weeknight feel a little easier while still feeling special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Creamy Pea Pasta
Sweet peas stir into pasta with a buttery sauce that feels rich without being heavy. The dish cooks quickly in one pan and keeps cleanup minimal, making it perfect for hectic nights. Serve this dish for a fast, comforting meal that gets dinner on the table without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Caprese Panini
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are layered between slices of bread and pressed into a golden, crispy panini. The flavors are simple but satisfying, blending creamy, fresh, and savory in every bite. Make this panini for a quick, flavorful meal that comes together in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Seasoned chicken and crisp vegetables cook together in a single skillet for all the flavors of an egg roll in minutes. The dish is hearty, textured, and comes together with almost no cleanup. Try this bowl for a satisfying, fuss-free dinner that’s ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Honey Glazed Chicken
Chicken cooks under a sticky honey glaze until golden and caramelized in just a few minutes. The sweet and savory flavor pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal. Serve this dish for a simple, flavorful dinner that fits even the busiest weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Asian Glazed Salmon
Salmon bakes with a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes quickly while keeping the fish tender. The dish is full of flavor but requires very little hands-on time. Put this meal on the table for a healthy, satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Spicy buffalo chicken tops crisp greens with a creamy dressing for a meal that’s bold but light. It comes together quickly and gives all the flavor of wings without extra mess. Toss this salad for a quick, tasty dinner that makes a busy night easier.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Honey Habanero Tacos
Sweet honey and spicy habanero combine to make tacos that cook in just a few minutes while delivering big flavor. The filling is simple to prepare but feels lively and satisfying with every bite. Serve these tacos for a quick, bold dinner that brings flavor and fun to a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
A tortilla crisps in the air fryer while cheese melts and toppings brown evenly, giving a golden, satisfying crunch. The pizza comes together in minutes and requires very little cleanup. Slice it up for an easy, flavorful dinner that works well on a hectic weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Quinoa cooks with beans, corn, and salsa in a single skillet for a colorful, filling meal. The combination of flavors is hearty but not heavy, and cleanup is fast and simple. Make this easy skillet recipe for a quick, one-pan dinner that keeps weeknights stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Roasted asparagus and creamy goat cheese top a flatbread that cooks quickly in the oven. The cheese melts perfectly while the crust turns crisp, making each bite satisfying. Cut this pizza for a fast, fresh dinner that feels special without taking extra time.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Poached Orange Salmon
Salmon cooks gently in a citrusy orange broth that keeps the fish tender and adds a subtle, bright flavor. The method is quick and simple, giving a healthy, satisfying dinner without extra effort. Plate this salmon for a light, flavorful meal that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Tomato Basil Bisque
Creamy tomato soup with fresh basil comes together fast and offers comforting flavor in every spoonful. It cooks quickly and keeps cleanup simple, so dinner is ready in minutes. Ladle this bisque into bowls for a smooth, satisfying meal that warms up a hectic evening.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Beef Quesadillas
Seasoned beef and melted cheese cook together inside tortillas for a quick, tasty quesadilla that’s ready in minutes. The combination is rich and satisfying without requiring extra prep. Slice these quesadillas for an easy, flavorful dinner that works for any busy night.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Pasta, salmon, and vegetables tossed together with a light dressing to make a meal that is cool, refreshing, and filling. The salad comes together fast and offers a satisfying balance of protein and flavor. Make this pasta salad for a simple, quick dinner that feels wholesome and ready to eat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Drumsticks cook in the air fryer with a smoky barbecue glaze that caramelizes perfectly in minutes. The meat stays juicy while the glaze adds rich flavor without long hands-on prep. Serve these drumsticks for a quick, flavorful dinner that fills the table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken Egg Foo Young
Eggs, chicken, and vegetables cook together to make a dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. The simple sauce adds flavor without extra prep, making it fast to finish. Serve this dish for a quick, satisfying dinner that works well on a busy December weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Foo Young
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Chicken cooks quickly in the air fryer with warm spices that give authentic shawarma flavor without long prep. The wraps come together fast with simple toppings and a tangy sauce. Assemble these wraps for a fast, flavorful dinner that turns a hectic night into a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps