Fast dinners are the kind of thing you always want in your back pocket—easy to make, big on flavor, and the kind of meals everyone actually looks forward to. These are the recipes that come through when you’re short on time but still want to eat something great. No complicated steps, no long ingredient lists—just solid, reliable meals that taste like you put in way more effort than you did.
Pasta e Piselli
Pasta e piselli pairs peas with Pecorino cheese in a simple dish that comes together quickly. It’s a practical option for a fast weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli
Mushroom Stroganoff
A creamy mushroom stroganoff ready in 30 minutes, it pairs well with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. This makes it an easy and comforting meal to prepare when time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
A classic three-ingredient bucatini cacio e pepe that is simple and authentic. It can be made quickly, making it an efficient choice for a fast dinner.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Mediterranean Black Bean Salad
The black bean salad with cilantro lime dressing takes only 10 minutes to prepare, fitting nicely into a fast dinner routine. It works well as a light meal or a quick side dish.
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3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This broccoli cheese casserole uses just three ingredients and comes together quickly, making it a good choice for fast dinner plans. It cooks in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Nigerian Fried Rice
Nigerian fried rice combines rice, vegetables, and bold spices in just 15 minutes. This vibrant dish fits well into a fast and flavorful dinner plan.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice
Pizza Sliders
Pizza sliders combine cheese, sauce, and veggies in a quick, no-fuss way. They come together fast and satisfy pizza cravings without long cooking times.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sliders
Penne Pomodoro
Penne Pomodoro is a quick, healthy dish ready in under 30 minutes. It’s budget-friendly and works well when you need a fast dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus requires only five ingredients and 25 minutes. This fresh side is quick to prepare and perfect for summer meals or last-minute dinners.
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Ethiopian Cabbage
Ethiopian cabbage stew is made in one pot using pantry vegetables and spices. It cooks in 30 minutes, offering a flavorful option that keeps cleanup simple for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Lemon ricotta pasta comes together in 15 minutes and only requires one pot. This makes it an easy option to prepare and clean up after during a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup
This one-pot vegan cabbage soup is packed with nutrients and flavor. It can be made in large batches, making it convenient for quick dinners throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup
Pasta alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma features sautéed eggplant and tomato sauce, ready in 30 minutes. This hearty dish fits well when you need a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma
Spicy Soba Noodles
Spicy soba noodles mix nutty noodles with crisp vegetables and a fiery sauce. This Japantown-inspired dinner comes together quickly for a fast and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Soba Noodles
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup
Instant Pot tortellini soup is packed with vegetables and cheese, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a comforting, quick option when dinner needs to come together fast.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup
Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice
Fried rice made from leftover rice and fridge staples cooks in 15 minutes. It’s a quick and flexible meal for busy weeknights or lunches.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice
Mango Avocado Salad
Mango avocado salad with lemon vinaigrette takes only 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a fresh, light option for quick summer dinners or cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad
Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Vegan rasta pasta mixes fresh ingredients with mild spices and cooks in 30 minutes. It’s a flavorful meal that works well for fast weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Sun dried tomato pasta is a one-pot dish ready in 30 minutes. It combines garlic, ricotta, and parmesan for a simple, quick dinner without much cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Korean Tofu Soup
Korean tofu soup uses soft tofu and a mushroom-kombu broth to come together quickly. This dish offers a bold and comforting dinner option in a short time.
Get the Recipe: Korean Tofu Soup
Easy Cabbage Curry
Vegan cabbage curry cooks in one pot in just 25 minutes. It’s nutrient-rich and a practical choice for a fast weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cabbage Curry
Sesame Tofu
Sesame tofu pairs caramelized vegetables with a rich, nutty sauce. This dish is fast to prepare and works well for quick dinners or casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Tofu
Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Cottage cheese Alfredo sauce is creamy and ready in 15 minutes. This sauce offers a faster alternative to traditional Alfredo for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Cauliflower Nuggets
Crispy cauliflower nuggets have a golden breadcrumb crust and cook quickly whether baked, fried, or air-fried. They make for an easy snack or dinner side.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets
Salt and Pepper Tofu
Salt and pepper tofu is crispy and spicy, ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a high-protein meal that fits well into a fast dinner schedule.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Tofu
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