29 Recipes That Get You Eating In No Time

Ever find yourself staring at a fridge full of food but no clue what to whip up quickly? Say goodbye to that because here’s the truth: simple, fast recipes can totally change the game. They’re out there, a whole 29 of them, ready to turn kitchen chaos into dinner done fast. Now, that’s what you call a dinner win!

A bowl of chicken noodle soup with vegetables.
Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Kimchi Stew

Close-up of a wooden spoon in a vibrant kimchi stew with tofu and pork, garnished with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes.
Kimchi Stew. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you’re craving something hot and ready quickly, Kimchi Stew answers the call. It combines unique flavors and comes together quickly, perfect for a busy day. Each spoonful packs a punch and leaves you feeling content. It’s both comforting and simple to make when you’re pressed for time.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

A plate with honey chicken tenders, broccoli florets, and mashed potatoes.
Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick to prepare, Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are a hit when you’re short on time but hungry for something delicious. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner, and everyone seems to love them. Juicy on the inside and coated in that irresistible honey mustard, they’re ready before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Pork Chops

Close-up of a cooked, seasoned pork chop topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley on a dark plate.
Pork Chops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Quick to hit the pan and even quicker to please, Pork Chops are ideal for a no-fuss dinner. Just season, cook, and serve—dinner is on the table before you know it. They’re the perfect solution when you’re not sure what to make but want something hearty. Quick cooking means you’re eating almost instantly.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Sesame Chicken

A close-up of glazed chicken pieces with sesame seeds and chopped scallions on a bed of rice.
Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sesame Chicken brings the fun to your dinner table with minimal effort. This dish is fast to make and even quicker to please everyone who tries it. Just toss, fry, and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top—your quick meal is ready to impress. Perfect when you need something tasty without waiting around.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Shrimp Burrito Bowls

A bowl of seasoned shrimp, avocado, corn, black beans, rice, and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with cilantro.
Shrimp Burrito Bowls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Stack your favorite flavors in minutes with Shrimp Burrito Bowls. It’s all about tossing together some fresh ingredients with cooked shrimp for a quick meal. Ready in a snap, it’s as colorful as it is quick. It breaks the monotonous dinner routine and brings some quick and light flair to your meal times.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Whip up a quick Potato Salad when you need a side that’s both easy to prepare and quick to disappear. Boil some potatoes, mix up a quick dressing, and toss them together. It’s ready to go by the time your main dish is done. Ideal for those days when you want something effortless yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas filled with rice, beans, and chicken, topped with sour cream and cilantro. Sliced tomato and jalapeño are on the side.
Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Mixing up dinner with Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas puts a delicious twist on a simple meal. It’s quick to cook and even more quick to disappear from your plate. Just grab some chicken, cheese, and tortillas, and you’re nearly done. It’s the perfect meal for when you want something fun and easy.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

Shrimp Tempura

A bowl of crispy fried shrimp with slices of green onions and jalapeños.
Shrimp Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Light and crispy Shrimp Tempura is surprisingly quick to whip up for a crunchy treat. Dip, fry, and eat—it’s that quick and simple. Perfect when you want something a bit different but don’t have much time. It adds a quick and easy burst of excitement to your meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

Spaghetti Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Turning your spaghetti dinner into a Spaghetti Casserole means you get to enjoy all your favorite flavors baked into one dish. It’s as simple as cook, layer, bake, and eat. Perfect for those nights when you want the comfort of pasta with a crispy top. Making dinner exciting without any extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Miso Soup

A bowl of miso soup with tofu cubes, seaweed, and green onions.
Miso Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

With minimal prep and just a few minutes away from being ready to enjoy, Miso Soup is a go-to for busy evenings. It’s light yet fulfilling, making it an excellent start to any meal. Just heat, stir, and serve—simplicity at its best. Perfect for those days when you just need a quick and comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Miso Soup

Sushi Bake

A dish of loaded fries inspired by sushi bake, topped with avocado slices, diced cucumbers, green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzled with sauce.
Sushi Bake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Who said making sushi at home needs to be hard? With Sushi Bake, you layer your favorite sushi ingredients and bake. It’s a creative twist that’s ready in no time and hassle-free. Dig into a different kind of sushi experience, perfect for a quick, yet fun meal.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Million Dollar Dip

Close-up of a creamy dish topped with shredded cheese, chopped nuts, bacon bits, and sliced green onions.
Million Dollar Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Who needs a fancy appetizer when Million Dollar Dip is quick to make and always a hit? Just mix, chill, and serve—it’s that easy. Instant friends at any table, it’s perfect when you’re short on time but need something that feels a bit fancy. Plus, it’s always fun to see how fast it disappears.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mac and Cheese is ready in a flash, making it an all-time favorite for those needing comfort food quickly. It’s creamy, cheesy, and exactly what you look for in a quick meal solution. Just boil the pasta, stir up the cheese sauce, and you’re basically done. Kids and adults alike can’t get enough of its cheesy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Change your mid-week meals with a quick version of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. It’s easy, quick and gets your dinner sorted without fuss. Whip it up, serve with rice or noodles, and you’ve got a meal that everyone loves. Fast to cook and even faster to disappear off the plate.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Grilled Peppers

Grilled red and yellow bell peppers with char marks, topped with crumbled feta cheese and garnished with herbs.
Grilled Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Smoky flavor comes to life with Grilled Peppers, bringing a vibrant touch to your quick meals. If you want a side that cooks up fast and adds color to your plate, this is it. You’ll find them perfect for a busy weeknight, easy to prepare and ready in no time. Their natural sweetness is enhanced perfectly on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Tortilla Pizza

Four tortilla pizzas on a wooden cutting board.
Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tortilla Pizza throws a fun spin on pizza night without any fuss. Grab a tortilla, add your favorite toppings, and pop it in the oven. Before you know it, you’ve got a crispy base pizza that’s both quick and tasty. It’s the ultimate quick fix for that pizza craving.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Vegetable Stir Fry is your go-to for getting something healthy and colorful on the table fast. Chop up some veggies, heat them in a pan, and you’re good to go. It’s an easy way to put dinner on the table that’s full of flavor. Plus, it’s super versatile with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A plate of creamy penne pasta garnished with chopped parsley and grated cheese, featuring pieces of sun-dried tomatoes. A black fork is resting on the plate.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If quick and impressive is your mealtime aim, Marry Me Chicken Pasta will get you there. It’s as delicious as it is fast, combining flavors that make any dinner special. Whether you’re trying to impress someone or just treat yourself, it’s ready in no time. Simple, fast, and undeniably tempting, it makes any evening better.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil.
Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Layer after layer, Homemade Lasagna cooks up as a timeless favorite for quick family dinners. Pop it in the oven and get everything else ready while you wait; it’s a straightforward dish that feeds everyone at the table. It’s rich, hearty, and consistently ensures no leftovers. Who said comfort food couldn’t be quick and easy?
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Meatball Sliders

Close-up of a cheesy meatball slider with a seasoned bun, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. Other sliders are visible in the background.
Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Meatball Sliders are small in size but big on flavor, and they’re incredibly quick to assemble. Great for those nights when you need something pleasing without spending hours cooking. Pop them together, and they’re ready to go—a hit with anyone who tries them. Plus, they make eating fun with their perfect, bite-sized goodness.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders

Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Close-up of a Beef Enchilada Tortellini dish topped with ground meat, corn, black beans, and chopped green onions.
Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Let Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini bring some heat to your dinner table with minimal effort. Just simmer, mix, and you’re ready to enjoy something a bit different. With a kick of spice and all the comforts of pasta, it’s ready in no time. Ideal for mixing things up when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Close-up of a blue corn chip dipped in a creamy cheese and vegetable mixture, garnished with cilantro and sliced jalapeños.
Mexican Street Corn Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turn ordinary snacks into a quick, flavorful feast with Mexican Street Corn Dip. It’s easy to whip up and serves as the perfect centerpiece for spontaneous gatherings. Rich and creamy, it comes together quickly and is usually gone just as fast. Everyone will love the bold flavors that make snacking more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Dip

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Give your dinner a twist with Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta, and you won’t believe how quick it is to serve. Mixing up the sauce and combining it with pasta takes no time at all. It’s the ideal choice for evenings when you want something a bit different but still filling. Nutty, rich, and incredibly quick to whip up—what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spice up your meal routine with Kung Pao Chicken, a delicious option that’s quick to make. It’s full of flavor, offering a great way to liven up your dinnertime. Prep is minimal, and cooking is fast, which means you’re eating almost as soon as you start craving it. Perfect for a last-minute meal but doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Pasta Carbonara

A close-up image of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a dinner that feels like a treat but is quick to the table, try Pasta Carbonara. It’s all about creamy, cheesy goodness that comes together in the time it takes to boil pasta. Stir through and serve hot for a meal that feels indulgent yet is effortlessly simple. Nothing beats a delicious dish that’s also quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Tuscan Pasta

A close-up of a plate of Creamy Tuscan Pasta topped with a rich white sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuscan Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Whip up a Tuscan Pasta dish that feels gourmet without all the work. It’s all about those creamy flavors that come together while the pasta cooks. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal that seems like you spent hours on it. An easy way to add some excitement to your meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

Veggie Pizza

Someone taking a slice of veggie pizza.
Veggie Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Turning your regular pizza night into a Veggie Pizza night is a quick way to add some nutrition without losing out on the fun. Just chop, top, and bake—a crunchy crust topped with fresh produce awaits. Perfect for when you want something quick, easy, and a little lighter. It makes getting your veggies in delicious and simple.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Penne Alla Vodka makes any dinner feel a little more special without any extra effort. Just simmer, mix, and before you know it, you’re sitting down to eat. It’s the perfect rush-hour meal with a touch of class. Simple ingredients, little time, and there’s dinner—easy and fast.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Chicken Noodle Soup

A bowl of chicken noodle soup with vegetables.
Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing beats the classics like a bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup, especially when it’s easy to make. Boil, simmer, and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl in no time. It’s the perfect quick fix to any rainy day or when you’re feeling under the weather. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and you have a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *