10 Quick Dinner Recipes You Can Make in Under 30 Minutes

1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

This simple one-pan dish delivers bold flavors without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

Ingredients

• • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• • 4 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1 lemon, juiced and zested

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

1. 1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

1. 1. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes on each side.

1. 1. Add garlic, lemon juice, and zest to the pan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

1. 1. Garnish with parsley and serve with a side of your choice.

2. Quick Veggie Stir-Fry

This colorful veggie stir-fry can be customized with your favorite vegetables and served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

• • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)

• • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

• • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

• • Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

1. 1. In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.

1. 1. Add ginger and garlic, stirring for 1 minute.

1. 1. Add the mixed vegetables, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until tender.

1. 1. Pour in soy sauce and toss well. Serve over rice or noodles.

3. Pasta Aglio e Olio

This classic Italian dish requires just a few pantry staples and can be ready in no time.

Ingredients

• • 200g spaghetti

• • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• • ¼ cup olive oil

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. 1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.

1. 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add garlic and red pepper flakes.

1. 1. Sauté until garlic is golden, about 2 minutes.

1. 1. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

1. 1. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

4. Shrimp Tacos with Avocado

These easy shrimp tacos are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a midweek meal.

Ingredients

• • 250g shrimp, peeled and deveined

• • 1 tablespoon olive oil

• • 1 teaspoon chili powder

• • 1 avocado, sliced

• • Tortillas for serving

• • Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

1. 1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

1. 1. Add shrimp and sprinkle with chili powder, cooking for 3-4 minutes until pink.

1. 1. Warm tortillas in another pan or microwave.

1. 1. Fill each tortilla with shrimp and avocado slices. Serve with lime wedges.

5. Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken

This refreshing salad combines grilled chicken with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.

Ingredients

• • 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced

• • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• • 1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced

• • Fresh basil leaves

• • Balsamic glaze for drizzling

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1. Arrange sliced grilled chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a plate.

1. 1. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.

1. 1. Serve immediately as a light dinner option.

6. Quesadillas with Spinach and Cheese

Quesadillas are a quick and customizable dinner option that everyone loves.

Ingredients

• • 4 tortillas

• • 2 cups fresh spinach

• • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

• • 1 tablespoon olive oil

• • Sour cream and salsa for serving

Instructions

1. 1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

1. 1. Add spinach and sauté until wilted.

1. 1. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle one half with cheese and spinach, and fold.

1. 1. Cook until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted.

1. 1. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Serve with sour cream and salsa.

7. Italian Sausage and Peppers

This one-pan dish is hearty, flavorful, and can be served on its own or with bread.

Ingredients

• • 4 Italian sausages

• • 1 bell pepper, sliced

• • 1 onion, sliced

• • 1 tablespoon olive oil

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

1. 1. Add sausages and cook until browned on all sides.

1. 1. Add bell pepper and onion; sauté until vegetables are tender.

1. 1. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

8. Creamy Tomato Soup

This comforting soup is rich and creamy, perfect paired with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Ingredients

• • 1 can diced tomatoes

• • 1 cup vegetable broth

• • ½ cup heavy cream

• • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1. In a pot, combine diced tomatoes and vegetable broth; simmer for 10 minutes.

1. 1. Add heavy cream and garlic powder; blend until smooth.

1. 1. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

9. Coconut Curry Chickpeas

This vegan dish is flavorful, fulfilling, and packed with protein.

Ingredients

• • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• • 1 can coconut milk

• • 2 tablespoons curry paste

• • 1 tablespoon olive oil

• • Salt to taste

Instructions

1. 1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then stir in curry paste.

1. 1. Add chickpeas and coconut milk; simmer for 10 minutes.

1. 1. Season with salt and serve warm.

10. Egg Fried Rice

This quick and easy egg fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice.

Ingredients

• • 2 cups cooked rice

• • 2 eggs, beaten

• • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

• • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• • Green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. 1. In a skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat and scramble the eggs

1. 1. Add peas, carrots, and cooked rice; stir to combine.

1. 1. Pour in soy sauce and cook until heated through. Garnish with green onions before serving.