Quick Dinner Recipes in 45 Minutes or Less
Easy weeknight dinners that take 45 minutes or less—main dish favorites and one-pot meals for busy evenings.
Some days just don’t leave much time (or energy) for cooking — but that doesn’t mean dinner has to come from a box or a drive-thru. These are the kinds of meals I lean on when things are busy: quick skillet dinners, easy casseroles, one-pot pastas… all ready in 45 minutes or less, start to finish. They’re hearty enough to feel like a real meal but fast enough to get on the table after a long day.
A little planning makes them even easier. If I know the day’s going to be full, I’ll chop a few things in the morning or get the sauce stirred together ahead of time. Even just measuring out the pasta or marinating chicken overnight can make dinnertime feel more doable. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these are meals that don’t ask for much but give back plenty.
Whether you need a one-pan pasta, a quick chicken dish, or a hearty skillet meal, these recipes make it possible to enjoy homemade dinners without the stress.
⏲️ Make-Ahead Tip
Even five minutes in the morning can help later—chop a few veggies, measure out dry ingredients, or marinate the meat so it’s ready to go when you are.
Company Chicken
Elevate your dining experience with this company chicken recipe, combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a crispy prosciutto topping.
Shrimp Fra Diavolo With Garlic Breadcrumbs
Enjoy shrimp fra diavolo for dinner tonight! This quick and flavorful dish combines shrimp with a spicy tomato sauce.
Pork Chops With Easy Pan Sauce
Serve up juicy pork chops with a mouthwatering pan sauce. Add some roasted or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
30-Minute Skillet Beef Stroganoff Recipe
This creamy beef stroganoff is made with ground beef and comes together in just under 30 minutes. It’s a hearty skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Beef and Bean Taco Casserole
A beef and bean taco casserole is an all-in-one meal that will satisfy everyone on taco night. Serve it with shredded lettuce for a low carb dinner.
Apple Brandy Chicken
This quick and easy skillet chicken is simmered with a creamy apple brandy-spiked sauce. Green onions and mushrooms add color and flavor.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs may be Italian, but it’s also a classic American weeknight meal!
Tacos
Make taco Tuesday a breeze with these tacos. Seasoned ground beef, onions, and peppers, topped with cheese, vegetables, and zesty garnishes.
Classic American Goulash
This classic American goulash is a hearty one-pot pasta dish with ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese.
Cacio e Pepe Recipe
Cacio e pepe pasta seems too simple to be good, but it is incredibly delicious! Use pecorino Romano cheese for the most authentic version of this traditional Roman pasta.
Perfect Tuna Casserole (No Noodles)
This creamy tuna casserole is a noodle-free version of the classic, topped with crunchy potato chips for texture.
Reuben Sandwiches
Make a delicious Reuben sandwich with sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and melted Swiss cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Scale the recipe up or down for 1, 2, 3, or more.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Make dinner a breeze with this lemon pepper chicken recipe. Quick and flavorful, it’s perfect for busy weeknight meals and elegant enough for a dinner party.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Savor the simplicity of Instant Pot chicken adobo. Prepare this moist chicken in a delicious sauce for a quick, tasty, and comforting meal.
Quick Black-Eyed Peas With Ham
Black-eyed peas are associated with prosperity and are a favorite New Year’s Day dish, and these fast and easy black-eyed peas are ready in under 30 minutes!
Bucatini all’Amatriciana
This classic bucatini all’Amatriciana, with crisp guanciale, pecorino Romano cheese, and bright San Marzano tomatoes, is loaded with flavor and incredibly satisfying.
Roast Beef Nicoise Salad
Try our easy, mouthwatering roast beef Nicoise salad for a unique twist on a classic dish usually made with tuna. The salad features a bright, zesty Dijon dressing.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Impress your friends and family with creamy Cajun chicken pasta, a flavorful meal combining spicy flavors and rich, creamy sauce.
Pork Chop and Stuffing Casserole
Make weeknight dinners a breeze with our pork chop and stuffing casserole, a quick and comforting meal for the whole family.
Curried Chicken Salad
Try this curried chicken salad for a tasty meal. Enjoy bold flavors with apples, cranberries, and a creamy dressing.
Elevated Tuna Melt (And It’s Easy!)
Take your taste buds to the next level with this elevated tuna melt. Creamy tuna, melty Gruyere cheese, and a satisfying crunch.
Beef and Noodle Skillet
Try this delicious one-pot beef and noodle skillet recipe for an easy weeknight meal. Packed with flavors and super versatile!
Sausage Ragu
This sausage ragu perfectly balances simplicity and bold, vibrant flavors. Great with sweet or hot Italian sausage.
Chicken Breasts With Spinach and Gruyère
Juicy chicken breasts with spinach, Gruyère, and creamy sauce—simple enough for weeknights, elegant enough for guests.
Creamy Dijon Chicken with White Wine Sauce
Whip up creamy Dijon chicken in no time. A delightful dish that transforms simple ingredients into something special.
Pork Teriyaki Meatballs
Pork teriyaki meatballs provide the perfect balance of flavors. From savory soy sauce to tangy rice vinegar, every bite is a delight.
Turkey Tetrazzini
This tasty turkey tetrazzini is an excellent way to use leftover turkey, and with spaghetti and a creamy sauce, it’s a meal in one dish!
Croque Monsieur Sandwich
Take a virtual trip to a Parisian bistro with our delicious homemade croque monsieur, featuring a mouthwatering combination of toasted bread, melted Gruyère cheese, and savory sliced ham! You don’t have to leave home for this classic French sandwich!
Easy Chicken and Gnocchi Dumplings
A bowl of chicken and gnocchi dumplings is comforting and perfect for a fall or winter meal. This creamy, satisfying dish combines rotisserie chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, savory broth.
Wisconsin Butter Burgers
Discover the unique flavors of Wisconsin butter burgers. These regional specialties are a must-try for any burger lover.
One-Pot Spaghetti Dinner With Ground Beef
This quick and delicious spaghetti dinner is ready in 30 minutes, and you only need to dirty one pot! It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Crispy Baked Hot Honey Wings
These crispy, sweet, and spicy hot honey wings are easy to make and ready to enjoy in as little as 30 minutes. They’re perfect for meals, game nights, or casual get-togethers.
Anchovy Butter Pasta
Anchovy butter pasta is a bold, savory dish with lemon and crispy breadcrumbs, ready in under 30 minutes.
Speedy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole
Creamy chicken tetrazzini with Alfredo sauce, peas, and bacon makes a quick and satisfying weeknight casserole.
20 Minute Chicken Chowder
Using a rotisserie chicken and convenience ingredients, it takes just 20 minutes to make this chowder.
Creamy Chicken Florentine
Creamy chicken Florentine with spinach and Parmesan is an easy and elegant one-pan dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Creamy Chicken Fettuccine
Enjoy a quick and easy creamy chicken fettuccine. This simple stovetop recipe, featuring artichokes and cooked diced chicken, can be ready in under 30 minutes.
Air Fryer Meatballs
Serve air fryer meatballs as appetizers or make them a main dish. These juicy meatballs are quick to make and always a crowd favorite.
