When time is tight, getting a meal on the table can feel like a race against the clock. These 13 quick dinner ideas are perfect for those nights when you need something fast, easy, and filling. Whether you’re rushing home from work or just want to spend less time in the kitchen, these meals will help you get dinner done without the stress.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Shortcut Chicken Salad
This chicken salad is incredibly easy to make, perfect for nights when time is tight. With juicy chicken and fresh veggies, it creates a light and satisfying meal in minutes. It’s an ideal choice when you want something quick and filling without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
These lasagna roll-ups give you all the cheesy comfort of traditional lasagna in half the time. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a quick and tasty option that doesn’t require hours of prep. A perfect solution for busy nights when a hearty dinner is still needed.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Pesto Salmon
This pesto salmon is quick to make and bursting with fresh flavors, making it a perfect meal when time is short. The herby pesto adds a rich taste to the tender salmon, making it both satisfying and delicious. It’s an easy, healthy dinner that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
These cheesy stuffed shells are simple to prepare and offer a comforting meal everyone will love. With creamy cheese and flavorful sauce, they make for a filling and satisfying dinner in no time. Just stuff, bake, and enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Caprese Panini
A Caprese panini with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil makes a perfect quick meal when time is limited. It’s toasted to perfection, offering a light but satisfying dinner with minimal effort. A great choice when you want something flavorful and fast.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This one-pot casserole is a hearty mix of ground beef, rice, and melted cheese that comes together quickly. It’s a great option for busy nights when you need a filling meal but don’t have much time. With minimal prep and easy cooking, it’s a perfect quick dinner for any evening.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
These crescent roll bagel dogs are a fun twist on a classic, combining hot dogs with flaky crescent rolls for a meal that’s both quick and tasty. They’re easy to make and perfect when you need something simple but satisfying. This meal takes no time at all, making it a great choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
Honey Glazed Chicken
This honey-glazed chicken is quick to make and full of flavor, offering a sweet and sticky glaze that everyone will enjoy. The simple prep makes it ideal for hectic nights when time is tight but you still want something delicious. It’s a satisfying meal that doesn’t take much effort to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
This one-pan Mexican skillet quinoa is packed with beans, salsa, and corn, making it a quick and flavorful dinner. It’s an easy meal that saves time both on prep and cleanup, perfect for when you’re in a rush. This dish is simple to make and a great choice when you need something filling fast.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Kefta Kebabs
These kefta kebabs are juicy, flavorful, and grill up quickly for a satisfying dinner. The bold spices add a delicious kick, and the fast cooking time makes them perfect for busy evenings. A great choice when you want a tasty, quick meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Cacio e Pepe
This classic pasta dish is made with just cheese and pepper, but it’s rich in flavor and simple to prepare. It comes together quickly, making it an ideal meal for busy nights when time is short. The quick prep and satisfying taste make it a perfect option for a flavorful dinner in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Poached Orange Salmon
Poached orange salmon is an easy, healthy meal that cooks quickly and is full of bright citrus flavors. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want a flavorful, light dinner but don’t have much time. This dish is quick to prepare and offers a satisfying, elegant meal in no time.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Cashew Chicken
Cashew chicken is a quick and easy meal that combines tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and colorful veggies for a flavorful dinner. It’s perfect for nights when you need something filling but don’t have much time to cook. The simple ingredients and quick prep make this a great choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken