30-Minute Dinner Recipes to Turn to on Busy Weeknights

No matter how adult you feel, one struggle always remains: trying to find quick yet delicious meals to make during the week. We’re all busy, and especially after a long day at work, the last thing most of us want to do is stand in the kitchen for hours to create some spectacular dish. But worry not—I’m here to help. If you have just 30 minutes to spare on your weeknight, you can try out any of these recipes for a fast, delicious meal that won’t make you want to give up halfway through and order takeout. In fact, these 30-minute dinner recipes are so good, you might find yourself making these even when you do have the time. From cozy pasta dishes to protein-packed salads, these 30-minute dinner recipes will make your weeknight “What should I make for dinner?” conundrum a thing of the past.

1. Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta

Source: Midwest Foodie Blog

This creamy sausage pasta recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients, so it’s perfect for when you need to throw something together on a busy weeknight. It also requires very little prep work, so if you’re not big on slicing and dicing, you’ll love this recipe.

2. One Pot Street Corn White Chicken Enchiladas

Source: Fit Foodie Finds

You’ll be dreaming about these cheesy, creamy chicken enchiladas for days. Pairing the unique flavors of Mexican street corn and enchiladas verdes, this one-pot recipe is delicious, quick, and super satisfying. Plus, it can easily be made gluten-free since it calls for corn tortillas instead of flour.

3. Vegan Coconut Curry Soup

Source: Fit Foodie Finds

When you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that doesn’t feel too rich, this vegan coconut curry is the perfect dish to satisfy that! The homemade curry broth is so flavorful, and the soup is filled with healthy fats and veggies, too.

4. Herby Chicken Meatball Pitas with Jalapeño Tzatziki

Source: Ambitious Kitchen

This recipe has everything you could ever want: protein-packed chicken meatballs, fluffy pita bread, and a creamy homemade jalapeño tzatziki sauce. Load your pita up with toppings like crumbled feta, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion for even more crunch and flavor.

5. Beef and Broccoli

Source: Salt & Lavender

With a few fresh ingredients and a handful of pantry staples, you can turn around this restaurant-quality beef and broccoli recipe in just 30 minutes. Once you get everything prepped, the actual cooking goes by super fast, so you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.

6. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Source: Salt & Lavender

The name of this recipe speaks for itself. With juicy shrimp and a creamy garlic and sundried tomato sauce served over pasta, this dish will make you fall in love in just 30 minutes.

7. Vegetarian Pad Thai

Source: Erin Clarke of Well Plated

This vegetarian pad thai recipe is made with zucchini noodles, making it a healthy low-carb dish that packs in a ton of veggies. All you need to do is spiralize your zucchini (or buy it in pre-spiraled form) and toss all the ingredients in your pan to cook. Simple yet so delicious!

8. Greek Orzo Salad

Source: Cooking Classy

If you’re in the mood for something light and nutritious, this Greek orzo salad is a great way to get in some fresh veggies, and it’s so simple to make. The recipe combines orzo, chopped veggies, and feta with a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a Greek-inspired salad that’s worthy of being a main dish.

9. Taco Pasta

Source: Two Peas & Their Pod

Tacos and pasta? This recipe is truly the best of both worlds. Made with cheesy pasta shells, taco sauce, and a ton of fresh toppings, it’s both delicious and easy. The toppings also can be easily catered to your own tastes!

10. Crunchy Cashew Thai-Inspired Quinoa Salad

Source: Ambitious Kitchen

Filled with a rainbow of veggies and topped with a creamy peanut ginger dressing, this Thai-inspired quinoa salad will leave you wanting more with each bite. The recipe also outlines instructions to make it gluten-free and vegan, so it’s perfectly customizable to any dietary needs.

11. Chicken Piccata

Source: Downshiftology

This classic chicken dish is great for weeknights, coming together with a few basic ingredients and still packing in tons of flavor. Serve it with pasta or rice and douse the lemon butter sauce over everything.

12. Creamy Chipotle Shrimp

Source: Downshiftology

If you’re a shrimp lover (same), this one-pan chipotle shrimp recipe might just become your new obsession. The shrimp is tossed in a creamy chipotle sauce alongside sautéed peppers and onions for a savory, spicy meal that goes great over a bed of rice.

13. Chimichurri Chicken

Source: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Chimichurri sauce is traditionally served on top of steak, but it’s delicious on just about anything, including these simple chicken and rice bowls. Pro tip: Make a double batch of the sauce and save the leftovers to add a flavor boost to meals throughout the week.

14. Vegan Jackfruit Tacos

Source: Jessica in the Kitchen

If you are vegan and haven’t tried jackfruit yet, allow me to introduce you. This tropical fruit replicates the texture of pulled pork and takes on the flavor of whatever spices you cook it with, making it the perfect substitute to satisfy your taco cravings.

15. Pan Seared Salmon

Source: Erin Clarke of Well Plated

Salmon lovers, this one’s for you. This pan-seared salmon recipe will help you achieve the perfect at-home salmon that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve it alongside some rice and sautéed veggies for an easy, well-rounded meal.

16. Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Source: Eat The Gains

Quesadillas are a total comfort food, and this buffalo chicken version brings a little extra spice to the cheesy deliciousness. They’re easy to make and high in protein, making it the perfect busy weeknight recipe.