When the weather’s great, quick dinners are the way to go. Nobody wants to be stuck in the kitchen while the daylight fades and the patio calls. These recipes come together fast so you can eat well without cutting your evening short. Less time cooking means more time for hanging out, soaking up the sun, or just taking a breather outside. That’s the kind of dinner plan we’re into.
Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
This lemon ricotta pasta comes together in one pot and takes just 15 minutes. It’s a great pick when you want something fast without giving up your evening.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Kung Pao Tofu
Kung Pao tofu is loaded with crunch and ready in 30 minutes, making it easy to throw together after a long day. It’s bold, quick, and lets you get back outside sooner.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu
Penne Pomodoro
Penne Pomodoro is fast, budget-friendly, and ready in under half an hour. It’s a simple weeknight meal that won’t cut into your downtime.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro
Pasta e Piselli
Pasta e piselli is a classic dish made with peas and cheese that comes together fast. It’s the kind of no-stress dinner that makes busy nights easier.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This 3-ingredient broccoli cheese casserole is ready in just 30 minutes and bakes while you clean up. It’s simple, filling, and lets you keep the evening light.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Ethiopian Cabbage
Atakilt Wat is a one-pot veggie stew packed with warm spices and pantry staples. It’s ready in 30 minutes and doesn’t keep you tied to the stove.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup
This Instant Pot tortellini soup is ready in 30 minutes and packed with veggies and pasta. It’s perfect when you want something comforting without staying in the kitchen too long.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup
Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice
Fried rice is made in one pan using day-old rice and whatever veggies you have. It’s a 15-minute fix that gives you more time to relax after eating.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Bucatini cacio e pepe is just three ingredients and comes together quickly. It’s a no-frills classic that’s perfect when you want dinner done fast.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup
This one-pot vegan cabbage soup is loaded with vegetables and cooks in under 30 minutes. It’s great for nights when you want something easy with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is a one-pot dinner that’s done in half an hour. It’s perfect when you want something rich but don’t want to stay inside long.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Rasta pasta is made with fresh veggies and mild spices and is done in 30 minutes. It’s a no-fuss dinner that leaves you with more time to unwind.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Nigerian Fried Rice
Nigerian fried rice takes 15 minutes and comes packed with veggies and bold flavor. It’s fast, colorful, and lets you get on with your evening.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice
Salt and Pepper Tofu
Salt and pepper tofu is spicy, crispy, and ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a solid go-to when you want something quick with lots of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Tofu
Mushroom Stroganoff
Mushroom stroganoff is creamy and ready in 30 minutes—great over rice or noodles. It’s the kind of quick comfort food that doesn’t take over your night.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff
Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Cottage cheese alfredo sauce is smooth and ready in just 15 minutes. It’s a lighter take on a classic that’s perfect when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Pasta alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma uses eggplant, tomato, and basil to make a classic 30-minute dish. It’s a good way to get a full dinner on the table without staying in.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma
Spicy Soba Noodles
Spicy soba noodles are fast, bold, and filled with crisp veggies. They’re a quick fix that’s great when you want dinner with a kick and still get outside.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Soba Noodles
Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
This broccoli cheddar mac and cheese is creamy and done in 20 minutes. It’s a solid choice when you want comfort food that doesn’t keep you inside.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza
Margherita pizza uses fresh ingredients and bakes in just 20 minutes. It’s a simple, quick dinner when you want something homemade without a big time sink.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza
Chicken Miso Soup
Chicken miso soup is light, quick, and takes just a few ingredients. It’s a smart pick for nights when you need something fast but still want to eat well.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Miso Soup
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
Garlic chicken bites with mushrooms and veggies cook in one pan and take only 20 minutes. It’s the kind of meal you can make without thinking twice.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb
Mediterranean roasted lamb is a sheet pan dinner done in 20 minutes. It’s hearty but fast, which means you can eat well without skipping the evening breeze.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb
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