29 Fast Recipes That Keep Cooking Quick And Stress-free
Ever feel like cooking just takes too long? Well, got a list of 29 quick ideas to make sure time in the kitchen is a breeze and never a drag. These are all about getting in and out fast, but still ending up with something super tasty on the plate. With just a few steps and not a lot of waiting around, these dishes make sure dinner won’t keep anyone tapping their feet.

Easy Bibimbap

Easy Bibimbap turns an iconic Korean dish into a quick, no-fuss dinner option. Just toss together some veggies, meat, and rice, then top with a spicy sauce for flavors that wow. It’s a versatile meal that allows for mixing and matching based on what you have at hand. You’ll be sitting down to enjoy it before you know it, making it perfect for those hectic days.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap
Miso Soup

For those nights when you need a soothing meal fast, Miso Soup is wonderfully straightforward. It’s light, yet fulfilling, and comes together faster than most other dishes. It’s an excellent start to a meal or a soothing dish on its own. The simplicity and quickness make it a staple for hassle-free meals.
Get the Recipe: Miso Soup
Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Turn weeknight dinners into a fiesta with Shrimp Burrito Bowls that are as speedy as they are delicious. They pack a punch of flavor and can be personalized to suit every taste. With minimal prep and cooking time, they’re a winning choice for a quick and tasty meal. It’s a simple way to enjoy big, bold flavors in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls
Million Dollar Dip

Million Dollar Dip makes any occasion feel a bit more luxurious without much effort. It’s an easy mix, ready in no time, and perfect for spontaneous get-togethers or a simple family night in. The rich and creamy texture of the dip ensures it’s always a hit. Guests will think you spent hours preparing it.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip
Pork Chops

Juicy and flavorful, Pork Chops are a fast track to a hearty meal. Have them ready in a jiffy, grilling or pan-frying for a delicious solution to weeknight dinner blues. They provide a versatile canvas for a variety of seasonings and sides. Speedy cooking means you can enjoy more relaxation time after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops
Potato Salad

For a side that’s as quick to prepare as it is homely, Potato Salad comes to the rescue. Have it prepped and served in a flash, perfect alongside any main dish. It’s a reliable classic that never disappoints, especially when you’re strapped for time. Plus, it’s a universal favorite at any mealtime rush.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

Get those senses dancing with Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas prepared fast. No time-consuming prep, just quick cooking for a meal that’s full of flavor. Wrap up your day with a cheesy, chicken-filled bite that’s ready in minutes. They’re the perfect shortcut to a tasty meal that doesn’t skimp on fun.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas
Sesame Chicken

Get your fix of tasty Sesame Chicken without the hassle of dining out. It’s quickly stir-fried, making a typically takeout treat an easy home-cooked meal. This dish marries convenience with a touch of exotic flavor. Best yet, you’ll be surprised how swiftly it all comes together.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken
Spaghetti Casserole

Transform a classic pasta into a one-dish wonder with Spaghetti Casserole. It’s a breeze to assemble, bakes rapidly, and is a surefire hit with all ages. If you’re after a comforting meal without the wait, it’s a top-notch pick. Even on your busiest days, this casserole provides a quick and hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole
Shrimp Tempura

Craving something crispy? Shrimp Tempura is a quick fix to satisfy that need without spending all night cooking. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home and fries up faster than you might think. Serve it up and watch it be the hit of your speedy kitchen lineup.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura
Mexican Street Corn Salad

Need a side dish that’s fast and flavorful? Mexican Street Corn Salad is an instant favorite with its fresh and lively flavors. It’s so quick to put together, making it an ideal choice for a no-fuss meal. Pair it with any main dish, and it completes your meal beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Sweet and Sour Sauce

Create a tangy and delicious Sweet and Sour Sauce in the comfort of your kitchen quickly. It’s the perfect addition to jazz up your meals and snacks. Believe it or not, whipping up this sauce is faster than running to the store. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy and quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce
Mac and Cheese

When time is tight and you need comfort without the wait, Mac and Cheese is your go-to. It’s straightforward, combining creamy textures with comforting tones in no time. Kids and adults alike gravitate towards its familiar feel. Ready quickly, it keeps dinner easy and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Craving something with a bit of a kick? Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings can be made at home for a quick spicy treat. Just season, bake, and in no time, you’re enjoying flavors that pack a punch. They’re perfect for a fast and fuss-free meal that still tastes like you ordered in.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings
Vegetable Stir Fry

Whip up a Vegetable Stir Fry when you need a quick and nutritious meal. It’s all about slicing up some veggies and tossing them into a hot pan. This dish is as speedy as it is healthy, making it perfect for last-minute dinners. And, it’s a great way to use up whatever produce you have.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry
Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you want to impress with minimal fuss, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the answer. Rich flavors come through in every forkful, making it perfect for a quick romantic meal. It cooks up fast, allowing you more time to enjoy the evening. It’s all about making a special dinner simple and swift.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Penne Alla Vodka

Whip up a classy kitchen creation with Penne Alla Vodka without spending the whole night cooking. It turns your evening meal into an express yet impressive dinner. Even when time is scarce, this dish adds a touch of finesse to your dining table. Best of all, it comes together quicker than you’d expect for gourmet pasta.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka
Meatball Sliders

Meatball Sliders are just right for feeding a crowd or enjoying a playful dinner. They come together quickly, filling your home with smells that draw everyone to the table. Each bite is packed with flavor, and they’re versatile enough for any gathering. They provide a simple solution when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders
Shrimp Scampi

In the time it takes to boil pasta, you can whip up a fabulous Shrimp Scampi. It’s a no-fuss, no-muss meal with a garlic twist that comes together before you know it. Loaded with shrimp and flavor, it’s a must for those busy evenings. Simplicity meets speed for a stress-free seafood dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi
Mexican Street Corn Dip

For a quick and easy dip that’s always a crowd-pleaser, Mexican Street Corn Dip never disappoints. It’s an effortless way to bring the bold flavors of the street into your kitchen. Whether for a gathering or a simple family snack, it’s prepared in a snap. Enjoy it with chips or veggies and watch it disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Dip
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Bring home the popular Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe without the wait or the drive. It cooks faster than you can pick up takeout and tastes just as good, if not better. It’s all about minimal effort for maximum flavor. It’s perfect for a quick meal that satisfies any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Pasta Carbonara

When you need a quick classic, Pasta Carbonara is the way to go with its clean, rich flavors. It’s one of those magical recipes where simple ingredients come together fast and taste incredible. It’s perfect when you’re pressed for time but still want a meal that feels homemade. Quick cooking means enjoying more time eating and less time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara
Thai Drunken Noodles

With Thai Drunken Noodles, you get to devour the explosive flavors of Thailand in a snap. Stir-fry some noodles with a handful of ingredients, and you’re all set. This dish offers the ultimate shortcut to a flavorful journey. And, it’s guaranteed to be a hit for anyone looking for a quick spice fix.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles
Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Spice up your dinnertime with Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini without the long hours in the kitchen. This dish packs a flavor punch and couldn’t be simpler to throw together. It’s the ideal choice for those who like it hot and want it now. Turn up the heat and have dinner served in a snap.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
Tortilla Pizza

Get your pizza fix without the wait with Tortilla Pizza. Grab a tortilla, slap on your favorite toppings, and bake for a crisp, thin crust pizza in minutes. It’s a creative and speedy way to fulfill those pizza cravings. Plus, it’s so easy that it practically makes itself.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza
Marry Me Salmon

When looking for a quick yet elegant dinner, Marry Me Salmon fits the bill. This dish provides a gourmet experience without the long preparation typically associated with seafood. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something special. It combines quality and efficiency elegantly.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Salmon
Veggie Pizza

Opt for a Veggie Pizza when you’re aiming for something quick, easy, and loaded with greens. Prepping it is a breeze, especially with pre-made pizza dough. Top it off with all your favorite vegetables for a meal that’s as fast as it is fresh. It’s an effortlessly tasty way to enjoy your veggies.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza
Tuscan Pasta

For a dinner that feels like a trip to Italy but without the fuss, Tuscan Pasta is your go-to. It marries the rich flavors of Tuscany in a dish that comes together fast. No need for hours in the kitchen; this meal is about simplicity and speed. It’s a straightforward way to add some Italian flair to your weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta
Sushi Bake

Embrace the fun and flavor of sushi without the roll with a Sushi Bake. It’s like a deconstructed sushi roll, baked and ready to scoop onto seaweed sheets. This inventive dish is surprisingly quick to assemble and cook. It’s a novel approach to enjoying sushi flavors minus the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake
About the Author

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.
