Short on Time? Try These 11 Quick Dinners You Can Make Fast

Short on time but still need a good dinner? These 11 quick meals make it easy to get food on the table fast. Each one is simple to throw together with basic ingredients and little prep. Perfect for busy nights when you want to skip takeout but don’t have hours to cook.

Fork of mini shell pasta with peas and dill over a bowl containing more pasta.

Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This dish has the great flavors of an egg roll without all the extra effort. Leftover chicken and fresh veggies come together fast, making it a tasty option for busy nights. It’s perfect for when you need a filling meal but don’t have much time to cook.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Image shows a closeup of Kung Pao Chicken Salad in a white bowl.
Kung Pao Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Packed with bold flavors and crunch, this salad is a quick meal for busy nights. Using leftover chicken and a tangy dressing, it’s big on taste and light on prep. It’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to throw together and perfect for any night.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Tomato Basil Bisque

Image shows a close up of a bowl of Tomato Basil Bisque with grated parmesan on top of it.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This creamy soup is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal when time is short. It’s a simple, comforting dinner that’s easy to throw together and doesn’t take much work. Perfect for nights when you want something warm and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This classic pasta dish comes together in just 15 minutes with a few basic ingredients. It’s a creamy, cheesy option that’s perfect when you’re craving comfort food without the wait. Enjoy a hearty, simple meal that doesn’t need much time or effort.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Creamy Pea Pasta

Pot of creamy pea pasta on a wooden table.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Rich, creamy, and fast to make, this pasta is perfect for weeknights when time is short. It’s a meatless option that’s simple to make but full of comfort and flavor. A filling meal that comes together with little effort and satisfies every time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Sweet, sticky, and full of flavor, this chicken dish is perfect for a quick dinner. With minimal prep, it’s an easy way to have a delicious meal on the table without the stress. Great for nights when you need something flavorful without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Soy Ginger Salmon

Image shows Soy ginger salmon on a white plate with sweet potato tater tots.
Soy Ginger Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This salmon dish brings bold, tangy flavors and only takes minutes to prepare. It’s a healthy choice for when you’re low on energy but still want a satisfying meal. An easy dinner that’s full of flavor and doesn’t take much time to make.
Get the Recipe: Soy Ginger Salmon

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Overhead shot of chicken tortilla soup in a red bowl on wooden table with tortilla strips on the soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This warm, hearty soup comes together fast with leftover chicken and canned ingredients. It’s a filling meal that’s low on prep and cook time, perfect for weeknights. Enjoy a bowl that’s satisfying and ready without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These cheesy enchiladas use rotisserie chicken to save time while still being packed with flavor. They’re a simple way to get a hearty, satisfying meal on the table without a long wait. Big on taste but easy to prepare, they’re perfect for any night.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This one-pan meal is full of protein and bold flavors, and it comes together quickly. Hearty and filling, it’s a great option for the busiest evenings. With minimal cleanup and simple prep, it’s perfect for dinner anytime.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Spicy Tuna Rolls

Image shows Chopsticks holding spicy tuna roll over a plate with more of the roll.
Spicy Tuna Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These rolls are a fast, tasty option for nights when you’re short on time. The spicy tuna adds just the right amount of kick, making it satisfying and full of flavor. Perfect for when you need something quick and don’t want to compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls

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