We’ve all been there — staring into the abyss of our fridges, hoping for a dinner miracle because the clock’s laughing in our faces. Welcome to the world of hurry-up dinners, where the name of the game is to get food on the plate before your stomach starts grumbling even louder. These 17 recipes are your secret tool for those moments when you are feeling impatient and just really hungry.
Spinach Chicken Bake
When you’re racing against the clock and need a quick dinner, the Spinach Chicken Bake is a perfect pick. Throw it together in 30 minutes with easy-to-find ingredients like chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella. You get a hearty meal with creamy spinach-topped chicken that’s simple enough for beginners. It’s a great way to serve up a protein-rich dish that keeps you going without spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
On those nights when you’re pressed for time, the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a great solution. Just toss sausages, mini peppers, broccoli, and zucchini on a pan and roast them up. This meal is a breeze to make and even easier to clean up. It’s the perfect way to whip up a good meal fast and spend more of your evening doing what you love.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
For a quick meal fix, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the way to go. Chop up some chicken breasts, pan-fry them to perfection, and finish with a simple garlic butter sauce. You’ll have a great meal ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you’ve got a lot to do and not much time to cook. It’s a straightforward, protein-rich dinner that’s ready in a snap.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
When you’re short on time but still want a meal that feels a bit special, Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach has got your back. It’s a quick mix of shrimp, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach that comes together in 30 minutes flat. It’s a great choice for a fast meal that still feels like you’ve treated yourself. Serve it up with pasta or bread, and you’ve got a quick, great-tasting dinner on your hands.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Cabbage and Sausage
Dive into Cabbage and Sausage for a dinner that’s ready in a flash. This dish is a no-fuss mix of sausage, cabbage, onion, and spices, all cooked up in one skillet within 30 minutes. It’s a great go-to for a hearty and nutritious meal that’s as easy to clean up as it is to prepare. Perfect for those evenings when time is tight but you still want a substantial dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Shake and Bake Pork Chops are the answer to your busy weeknight dinner dilemma. They’re ready in 25 minutes, giving you a great meal with minimal effort. This recipe is straightforward and mess-free, delivering a flavorful and hearty dish without the hassle of frying. It’s a simple favorite that makes for a stress-free cooking experience, ensuring you can enjoy your evening with a good meal that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Turn those greens into a crowd-pleaser with the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. It’s a mix of broccoli, cauliflower, cream cheese, sour cream, and bacon that makes veggies hard to resist. And it’s ready in just 30 minutes, which means you can serve up a great dish without spending all night cooking. It’s perfect for those times when you need a hearty meal but are short on time.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
For a quick and easy meal, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a solid choice. It’s ready in 25 minutes and uses ingredients that won’t break the bank or be hard to find. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week, need a fast dinner, or want to bring something to a gathering, this salad is a great fit. With pre-cooked chicken and ready-made Caesar dressing, you cut down on prep time and get straight to enjoying your meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
When you need a flavorful dinner but the clock is ticking, the Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet has got you covered. It’s a hearty blend of beef, cream cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, all ready in 30 minutes. This dish is a great last-minute meal that doesn’t compromise on taste, ensuring you get a filling dinner on the table quickly.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish brings together Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream for a filling meal. Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is perfect for those chilly evenings when you need a quick, comforting meal. That said, you can also adjust the spice level of the soup by choosing a milder sausage.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
This Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a fast-track recipe to a fancy-tasting dinner featuring chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. This dish only takes 30 minutes to make, perfect for busy days when you don’t have much time. You can even store your leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can simply reheat it for 30-90 seconds in the microwave.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Canned Chicken Patties
When you need a meal in a hurry, make this recipe. These Canned Chicken Patties come together in just 20 minutes. They’re straightforward to make and versatile enough to pair with any of your favorite sides or to tuck into a bun for a quick sandwich. It’s a great way to whip up a homemade meal without dedicating too much time to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Creamy Dijon Chicken
Whip up a fantastic meal in no time with Creamy Dijon Chicken. This dish is all about simplicity and flavor, featuring chicken thighs drenched in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce with spinach and bits of crispy bacon. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great way to add some variety to your dinner routine. Chicken thighs keep things juicy and full of flavor, making this one-pan meal a stress-free option for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
In just 30 minutes, you can have a Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach ready to go. This dish is a cinch to put together and serves up a great meal that’s both filling and hearty. Packed with beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and a generous helping of cheese, it’s a comforting choice for lunch or dinner during those jam-packed days.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Serve up a Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce that’s got all the hallmarks of a meal you’d order out, but it’s made in your own kitchen in 30 minutes. This one-pan wonder lets you cook the chicken, sauté mushrooms to golden perfection, and whip up a creamy sauce with chicken stock and heavy cream. It’s a straightforward way to get a great meal on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Fajita Baked Chicken
When time’s not on your side, Fajita Baked Chicken is a quick fix that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Just mix chicken with fajita spices, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella in a baking dish and pop it in the oven for 15-20 minutes. It’s a great dish to relax with at the end of a long day, and it’s ready in half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is your 30-minute ticket to a rich and hearty meal. Tender chicken in a creamy garlic sauce comes together quickly, making this dish a great choice for those evenings when you’re looking for some comfort food but don’t have a lot of time. Pair it with rice or your favorite veggies for a complete meal that’s ready before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken