5 Quick Dinner Recipes Ready in Under 30 Minutes
Sick of staring down takeout menus with a rumbling stomach? We’ve all been there. Weeknights demand quick, delicious meals that won’t leave you glued to the stove. But fear not, busy chefs! Easy Eats Arena presents a life-saving selection of 5 Quick Dinner Recipes Ready in Under 30 Minutes.
Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with minimal effort and maximum flavor. These recipes are more than just speedy – they’re:
- Accessible: Made with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Nutritionally Balanced: Protein, veggies, and whole grains for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Flavor-Packed: Restaurant-worthy taste without the wait or the bill.
- User-Friendly: Simple instructions that make cooking a breeze, even after a long day.
So, ditch the delivery apps and grab your apron! Here are our top 5 picks to conquer those weeknight blues:
1. Classic Shrimp Scampi
Why We Chose It
Classic Shrimp Scampi is a beloved dish that combines elegance with simplicity. This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. The succulent shrimp bathed in a garlicky white wine and butter sauce served over linguine offers a luxurious dining experience in just 20 minutes.
Expert Review
This recipe from Food Network stands out for its balance of flavors and ease of preparation. The combination of garlic, white wine, and butter creates a rich and aromatic sauce that coats the shrimp and pasta beautifully. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted with different types of pasta or additional vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in about 2-3 minutes. Overcooking them can make them tough and rubbery.
- Quality Ingredients: Use good quality shrimp, preferably fresh, and a decent white wine you enjoy drinking, as it will affect the final taste of the dish.
Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- 12 ounces linguine
- 1 1/4 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1/2 lemon, plus wedges for serving
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain.
- Meanwhile, season the shrimp with salt. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until the garlic is just golden, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until pink and just cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp to a plate. Add the wine and lemon juice to the skillet and simmer until slightly reduced, 2 minutes.
- Return the shrimp and any juices from the plate to the skillet along with the linguine, butter, and 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water. Continue to cook, tossing, until the butter is melted and the shrimp is hot, about 2 minutes, adding more of the reserved cooking water as needed. Season with salt; stir in the parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 702 |
| Total Fat | 32g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 68g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 31g |
| Cholesterol | 209mg |
| Sodium | 813mg |
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free Adaptable: Use gluten-free pasta.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Yes, you can substitute linguine with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even a gluten-free option.
Q: What if I don’t have white wine? A: You can use chicken broth or a splash of white wine vinegar as a substitute.
2. Mustard-Stuffed Chicken
Why We Chose It
Mustard-Stuffed Chicken transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a flavor sensation. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, with its cheesy, bacon-wrapped twist adding richness and depth to a weeknight staple.
Expert Review
This recipe from BBC Good Food is praised for its simplicity and robust flavor. The combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and mustard inside the chicken creates a gooey, tangy filling that contrasts beautifully with the crispy bacon exterior. It’s a dish that’s as impressive as it is easy to make.
Tips for Success
- Secure the Filling: Ensure the chicken breasts are securely wrapped with bacon to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Ingredients
- 125g ball mozzarella, torn into small pieces
- 50g strong cheddar, grated
- 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breast fillets
- 8 smoked streaky bacon rashers
Directions
- Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Mix the cheeses and mustard together.
- Cut a slit into the side of each chicken breast, then stuff with the mustard mixture.
- Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2 bacon rashers – not too tightly, but enough to hold the chicken together.
- Season, place on a baking sheet, and roast for 20-25 mins.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 367 |
| Total Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Protein | 49g |
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
FAQ
Q: Can I use turkey bacon? A: Yes, turkey bacon is a great lower-fat alternative.
Q: What sides pair well with this dish? A: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad are all excellent options.
3. Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
Why We Chose It
This one-pan wonder offers a complete and wholesome meal. Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan is perfect for busy families seeking a healthy and flavorful option. It’s packed with protein, veggies, and whole grains, making it a balanced choice for any night of the week.
Expert Review
EatingWell’s recipe is a staple for its simplicity and flavor. The creamy lemon Parmesan sauce is light yet indulgent, perfectly complementing the tender chicken and fresh spinach. Using whole-wheat penne adds fiber and nutrients, enhancing the dish’s nutritional profile.
Tips for Success
- Prep Ahead: Cut the chicken and prep the spinach ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
- Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish and add a refreshing flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces gluten-free penne pasta or whole-wheat penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 10 cups chopped fresh spinach
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in wine, lemon juice, and zest; bring to a simmer.
- Remove from heat. Stir in spinach and the cooked pasta. Cover and let stand until the spinach is just wilted. Divide among 4 plates and top each serving with 1 tablespoon Parmesan.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 335 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 29g |
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free Adaptable: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Vegetarian Adaptable: Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
FAQ
Q: Can I use baby spinach instead of regular spinach? A: Yes, baby spinach works perfectly and doesn’t need to be chopped.
Q: Is there a substitute for white wine? A: You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as an alternative to white wine.
4. Ravioli and Mushroom Skillet
Why We Chose It
Ravioli and Mushroom Skillet elevates store-bought ravioli into a gourmet experience. The creamy, flavorful mushroom and thyme sauce envelops each ravioli, topped with crispy fried onions for a delightful textural contrast. It’s a quick and impressive meal that tastes like it took hours to make.
Expert Review
Bon Appétit’s recipe is cherished for its rich flavors and quick preparation. The combination of mushrooms, shallots, and Parmesan creates a decadent sauce that pairs beautifully with cheese ravioli. The crispy fried onion topping adds an unexpected crunch, making this dish a standout.
Tips for Success
- Thaw Ravioli: Let the ravioli thaw completely before adding them to the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Broil with Care: Keep an eye on the skillet while broiling to prevent the topping from burning.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 oz button mushrooms, sliced ½” thick
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tbsp thyme leaves
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- 1¼ cups finely grated Parmesan, divided
- Two 9-oz packages fresh or frozen, thawed cheese ravioli
- 2 cups store-bought fried onions (about 3.5 oz)
- 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
Directions
- Heat broiler. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Cook mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add shallot and garlic; cook until just starting to soften, about 1 minute. Pour in wine and cook until evaporated, about 2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream, thyme, and salt; season generously with pepper. Bring to a bare simmer and add 1 cup Parmesan, stirring to combine. Add ravioli and cook, stirring to coat, until sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Crush fried onions in a small bowl to panko-size pieces. Add lemon zest and remaining Parmesan; toss to combine. Sprinkle over ravioli mixture and broil until lightly browned and crisp on top, 2–3 minutes.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 577 |
| Total Fat | 43g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Protein | 15g |
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This dish is naturally vegetarian.
FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh ravioli? A: Yes, fresh ravioli works well and cooks quickly in the sauce.
Q: What type of mushrooms can I use? A: Button mushrooms are recommended, but cremini or portobello mushrooms can be used for a different flavor profile.
5. Quick and Easy Pancit
Why We Chose It
Quick and Easy Pancit offers a taste of Filipino cuisine in a simple, approachable recipe. It’s perfect for those nights when you crave something different yet comforting. This dish combines rice noodles with chicken and vegetables, all brought together with a tangy soy sauce.
Expert Review
This Allrecipes favorite is loved for its ease and adaptability. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice creates a savory and tangy base that complements the tender chicken and crisp vegetables. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare.
Tips for Success
- Soften Noodles Properly: Soak the rice noodles until just soft to avoid them becoming mushy when stir-fried.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have available or prefer.
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) package dried rice noodles
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast meat
- 1 small head cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 carrots, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 lemons, cut into wedges, for garnish
Directions
- Place rice noodles in a large bowl; cover with warm water and let soften for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add chicken, cabbage, carrots, and soy sauce. Cook until cabbage begins to soften.
- Toss in noodles and cook, stirring constantly, until heated through. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with lemon wedges.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 369 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Protein | 18g |
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: Ensure soy sauce is gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
FAQ
Q: Can I add other proteins? A: Yes, shrimp, pork, or tofu can be added to this dish for variety.
Q: What if I don’t have rice noodles? A: You can substitute with thin spaghetti or vermicelli if rice noodles are not available.
Tips to Become a Weeknight Master Chef
- Prep Ahead: Prepping ingredients in advance can make a huge difference in the speed and ease of cooking during the week.
- Invest in Quality Tools: Good knives, a reliable skillet, and other quality tools can streamline your cooking process.
- Experiment and Adapt: Don’t be afraid to make these recipes your own by adjusting spices, adding different vegetables, or trying out new proteins.
The Takeaway
Weeknights don’t have to be synonymous with boring meals. With these 5 Quick Dinner Recipes Ready in Under 30 Minutes, you can whip up delicious and satisfying dishes in no time. So, ditch the takeout menus, embrace your inner chef, and conquer the kitchen with Easy Eats Arena!
Happy Cooking!
