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Home » Recipe Collections

35 20-Minute Dinners That Prove Quick Can Still Be Delicious

Published: Jan 10, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

20-minute dinners don’t have to mean boring or bland—they can be quick, easy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule, too tired to cook for hours, or just need something on the table fast, these recipes prove you don’t have to sacrifice taste to save time. From one-pan meals to simple pastas, these dishes are all about making dinner stress-free and great for any weeknight. Get ready to add a few go-to meals to your regular lineup that’ll keep everyone happy without keeping you in the kitchen all night.

Horizontal image of fried rice in a white bowl with brown chopsticks on the side.
Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy Soba Noodles

An overhead image of spicy soba noodles in a bowl.
Spicy Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy soba noodles bring together nutty noodles and crisp vegetables in a bold sauce. A quick and flavorful dish, it’s perfect for a Japantown-inspired 20-minute dinner that’s easy to whip up on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Soba Noodles

Spicy Vodka Pasta

An overhead view of a cooked spicy vodka pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Vodka Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This spicy vodka pasta, which can be made with or without vodka, is ready in a flash. A versatile and fast choice for 20-minute dinners, it caters to vegan and vegetarian preferences, making it a great option for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta

Kimchi Grilled Cheese

An image of a sliced kimchi grilled cheese sandwich resting on the other slice.
Kimchi Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kimchi grilled cheese combines tangy kimchi with creamy cheese between crispy sourdough slices. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and creative option for a satisfying 20-minute dinner.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Grilled Cheese

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Overhead view of rigatoni arrabbiata dish placed on a white plate and baking dish. 
Rigatoni Arrabbiata. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Rigatoni arrabbiata is a simple pasta dish that features fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. It’s an excellent 20-minute dinner for nights when you need a flavorful meal but are short on time.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Pasta e Piselli

An image of Pasta e Piselli served in a bowl.
Pasta e Piselli. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta e piselli is a simple Italian dish featuring peas and Pecorino cheese. With its easy preparation and quick cook time, it’s a perfect choice for 20-minute dinners that won’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Horizontal image of fried rice in a white bowl with brown chopsticks on the side.
Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick fried rice is made with day-old rice and fridge staples, creating a meal in just 15 minutes. This practical dish is ideal for 20-minute dinners or quick lunches when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side.
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

One-pot lemon ricotta pasta is creamy and packed with flavor, all in 15 minutes. This fast and easy dish makes for a great choice when you need a 20-minute dinner without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Penne Pomodoro

An close up photo of cooked penne pomodoro in a pot.
Penne Pomodoro. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Penne Pomodoro is a budget-friendly pasta dish that comes together in no time. It’s an excellent choice for 20-minute dinners when you’re craving a nutritious and quick meal with minimal hassle.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon.
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bucatini cacio e pepe is a classic pasta made with only three ingredients. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a go-to dish for quick and easy weeknight dinners without compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza.
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Homemade Margherita pizza uses fresh ingredients and bakes in just 20 minutes. A straightforward recipe, it’s perfect for a 20-minute dinner when you’re looking for something quick yet delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Overhead image of a plate of creamy Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Copycat Panera broccoli cheddar mac and cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that comes together in 20 minutes. It’s a great 20-minute dinner option when you’re craving something hearty but don’t have much time.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Overhead view of sizzling Thai pork green beans on a Blackstone griddle with a fried egg on top.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Stir-frying on an outdoor griddle is a fast way to prepare a flavorful meal. In under 20 minutes, this dish offers variety and ease for 20-minute dinners with a bit of adventure.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb

A photo of a sheet pan Mediterranean roast lamb with chickpeas and cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mediterranean roasted lamb is a simple sheet pan meal ready in 20 minutes. This flavorful 20-minute dinner is perfect for when you need a quick, satisfying meal for fall evenings.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb

Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders

Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders on a black plate with dill.
Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air fryer ranch chicken tenders are crispy and full of flavor, requiring minimal prep. These tenders cook in just 20 minutes, making them an excellent 20-minute dinner option for families.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Mongolian beef in the air fryer delivers crispy beef in a sweet and savory sauce. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s a great choice for 20-minute dinners that bring restaurant-style flavor to your home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Sliced flank steak with chili butter.
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Flank steak grilled and topped with chili butter sauce is quick to make and packed with bold flavors. In just 20 minutes, this hearty 20-minute dinner is sure to satisfy your hunger without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

A quick stir-fry brings together beef, vegetables, and sauce in just 20 minutes. This 20-minute dinner is both hearty and simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole

Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air fryer tater tot casserole combines crispy tots, savory beef, and cheese, ready in 20 minutes. It’s a no-fuss, family-friendly 20-minute dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green Chile Chicken with shredded chicken thighs is a one-skillet meal that comes together quickly. Perfect for 20-minute dinners, it’s a practical and flavorful choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Sheet Pan Salmon Asparagus on a parchment paper lined sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Baked salmon and asparagus is a healthy sheet pan meal, ready in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect 20-minute dinner when you want something nutritious and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Ninja Foodi Beef Stew

Ninja Foodi Beef Stew. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Ninja Foodi beef stew brings classic stew flavors into a 20-minute cooking process. It’s a hearty, comforting 20-minute dinner that’s ready in no time, making it a quick and satisfying choice.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Foodi Beef Stew

Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles

Overhead view of Korean sweet potato glass noodles in a white pan with chopsticks and garnish in the background.
Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Korean sweet potato glass noodles are mixed with beef and veggies in a flavorful sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish makes a fast and tasty 20-minute dinner that’s perfect for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles

Sweet and Spicy Quinoa Peanut Stir Fry

Top view of sweet and spicy quinoa peanut stir fry.
Sweet and Spicy Quinoa Peanut Stir Fry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Sweet and spicy quinoa peanut stir-fry is packed with flavor and ready in under 20 minutes. It’s a quick, healthy, and vibrant option for 20-minute dinners that don’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Quinoa Peanut Stir Fry

Chicken Caesar Flatbread

Small flatbread toped with salad and chicken.
Chicken Caesar Flatbread. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This Chicken Caesar Flatbread uses store-bought flatbread and cooked chicken for a meal that’s ready quickly. It’s an excellent 20-minute dinner for those busy nights when you need something fast and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Flatbread

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Garlic chicken bites with mushrooms and veggies come together in just 20 minutes using one pan. This easy and quick recipe is perfect for 20-minute dinners when you want a hearty, simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

Lettuce wraps filled with shredded chicken, shredded carrots, and peanut sauce on a plate.
Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Lettuce wraps with shredded rotisserie chicken and crunchy veggies are paired with a peanut sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this meal is light and flavorful, making it a great 20-minute dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

Fettuccine Alfredo

A close up image of pair of cooking tongs serving a portion of Fettuccine Alfredo into a bowl.
Fettuccine Alfredo. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

This quick pasta recipe brings Italian flavors to your table in only 20 minutes. It’s a simple, no-fuss 20-minute dinner that’s perfect for weeknights when you need something fast.
Get the Recipe: Fettuccine Alfredo

Korean Ground Beef

Korean Ground Beef in lettuce wrap on white plate.
Korean Ground Beef. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Korean ground beef is a budget-friendly recipe that’s ready in just 20 minutes. This dish is a quick and delicious choice for 20-minute dinners, perfect for families or solo meals.
Get the Recipe: Korean Ground Beef

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips on a white plate with white sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air fryer chicken breast strips are juicy and flavorful, cooking in just 20 minutes. These strips are a healthy and quick 20-minute dinner option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips

Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner

A picture of ketchup over cheesy onion and ground beef skillet dinner.
Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger to the table without the bun. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and easy 20-minute dinner option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

A pan of beef and broccoli stir fry with a brown sauce.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Marinated steak with broccoli stir-fry is packed with flavor and comes together quickly. It’s an excellent 20-minute dinner when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans in a white bowl with a fork.
Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Skillet Chicken Thighs with bacon and green beans is a one-pan meal that’s fast and full of flavor. In just 20 minutes, you can have a nutritious and satisfying 20-minute dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Sheet Pan Honey Soy Cashew Chicken

Sheet Pan Honey Soy Cashew Chicken with sesame seeds and chopsticks.
Sheet Pan Honey Soy Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Sheet pan honey soy cashew chicken is simple to prepare and clean up after. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a no-fuss 20-minute dinner that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something easy.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Honey Soy Cashew Chicken

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

A picture of cabbage stir fry in cast iron skillet.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Ground beef and cabbage stir-fry is a weeknight game changer. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a hearty, satisfying choice for 20-minute dinners that require minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Baking tray with cooked steak, bell peppers, and veggies with a steel bowl of fresh tomatoes in the middle and flour tortillas folded to the side.
Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Sheet pan steak fajitas are made with lean beef and fresh veggies, all seasoned with homemade fajita spices. Ready in just 20 minutes, this meal is a great choice for easy weeknight dinners with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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