10+ Recipes for Dinner You Can Make in Under 30 Minutes

Finding the right dinner recipe can make your evenings so much easier—and, honestly, a lot more fun. Recipes for dinner help you plan meals that are simple, tasty, and fit your schedule.

Whether you like quick meals or something a little more special, having good options ready can take the stress out of deciding what to eat.

You don’t need to be a chef to pull off a great dinner. If you have the right ingredients and a clear plan, you can whip up meals that actually suit your tastes and nutrition needs.

This guide will help you discover recipes that are easy to follow and perfect for your everyday dinner.

1) Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a creamy pasta dish that comes together fast. You cook chicken breasts until golden brown, then add a rich Alfredo sauce and pasta.

It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting without too much fuss. You can make it all in one skillet, which means less cleanup.

Toss in broccoli or mixed veggies if you want to make it a bit more colorful and healthy. The recipe uses simple ingredients but honestly tastes like something from a nice restaurant.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: broccoli or mixed vegetables

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and slice.
4. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
7. Add pasta and chicken back to the skillet; toss to coat with sauce.
8. Heat through, then serve warm.

For a detailed recipe, see Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy & Amazing!} – Belly Full.

2) Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a simple, flavorful dish where you poach eggs in a spicy tomato and bell pepper sauce. You can eat it for dinner, breakfast, or whenever you want something warm and comforting.

Start by simmering tomatoes, onions, garlic, and peppers with cumin and paprika. Crack the eggs right into the sauce—let the whites set while the yolks stay soft.

It’s a good choice if you want something filling with just one pan.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 to 6 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, cumin, and paprika; cook 1 minute more.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, simmer 10-15 minutes until thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Crack eggs into sauce, cover skillet, cook 6-8 minutes until eggs are done to your liking.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

For an easy and classic recipe, check out this shakshuka guide.

3) Sesame Soba Noodles

Sesame soba noodles are a quick, tasty dinner. Serve them hot or cold—honestly, they’re good either way.

The noodles have a nutty flavor that goes perfectly with a sesame dressing. Usually, you’ll use sesame oil, soy sauce, and a bit of sweetness.

Add fresh veggies like snap peas or radishes for crunch. Toss in avocado for creaminess and maybe fresh mint if you’re feeling fancy.

This dish is ready in about 20 minutes, so it’s great for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 8 oz soba noodles
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
• 1/4 cup sliced snap peas
• 1/4 cup sliced radishes
• 1 avocado, diced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Fresh mint leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook soba noodles according to package instructions, then rinse with cold water.
2. In a bowl, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until combined.
3. Toss the noodles with the dressing.
4. Add snap peas, radishes, avocado, and mint.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

You can find more about this recipe and variations at Sesame Soba Noodles Recipe – Love and Lemons.

4) Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup is cozy and simple. It’s creamy, full of veggies, and comes together in about 30 minutes.

You blend fresh broccoli with rich cheddar cheese. Start by cooking onions and garlic in butter for flavor.

Add broth, broccoli, and cream, then mix in the cheese slowly. This soup is great as a main dish or with bread on the side.

It warms you up without being too heavy.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ pound fresh broccoli, cut into small florets
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Cook onion and garlic until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Slowly whisk in broth and cream.
5. Add broccoli and simmer for 10-12 minutes until tender.
6. Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

Learn more about making this soup from this Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe.

5) Lemon Chicken

Lemon chicken is fresh and easy—just right for a weeknight dinner. You cook the chicken in a bright lemon sauce that brings lots of flavor without feeling heavy.

Use chicken breasts or thighs, whatever you have. The buttery lemon sauce with garlic or herbs keeps the chicken juicy and rich.

Some versions have a creamy sauce, others stick to a light lemon butter glaze. Either way, it’s tasty.

Serve it with rice, potatoes, or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. Try a recipe like this easy lemon chicken to get dinner on the table in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes each side until golden and cooked through.
4. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth.
6. Simmer sauce for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Spoon sauce over chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.

6) Pulled Pork in the Crockpot

Pulled pork in the crockpot is about as easy as it gets. Just season a pork shoulder, add some sauce or spices, and let it cook low and slow until it’s tender enough to shred.

Use simple ingredients like garlic, paprika, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Set it and forget it for several hours.

When it’s done, shred the meat and mix it with the cooking juices or your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve in sandwiches or bowls for a quick, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 lb pork shoulder
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic.
2. Place the pork in the crockpot.
3. Pour brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce over the meat.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5-6 hours.
5. Remove pork and shred with two forks.
6. Mix shredded pork with the juices in the crockpot.
7. Serve warm.

For more tips, check out a slow cooker pulled pork recipe.

7) Veggie Frittata

A veggie frittata is a simple way to get a healthy dinner on the table. Use whatever vegetables you have—it’s a great way to clear out the fridge.

It’s packed with eggs, fresh veggies, and a bit of cheese for flavor. Eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner; it’s filling and easy to make.

Cooking it in the oven gives the frittata a light, fluffy texture. Add herbs like parsley or basil if you want a flavor boost.

This dish is quick to prepare and works for busy nights. Serve it hot or at room temperature—it’s versatile and convenient.

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 2 cups chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms)
• ½ cup cheese (feta or cheddar)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
3. Add vegetables and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Beat eggs with salt, pepper, and herbs, then pour over veggies.
5. Sprinkle cheese on top.
6. Cook on stove for 2 minutes, then transfer skillet to oven.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until set and slightly golden.

8) Steph’s Chickpea Curry

Steph’s Chickpea Curry is one of those weeknight dinners that just works. You’ll need chickpeas, spinach, and a handful of spices.

Everything cooks together in a creamy coconut milk sauce. It’s quick—about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Spoon it over jasmine rice for a meal that actually fills you up. If you like a little kick, toss on some chili crisp.

You only need one pot, and the ingredients are easy to find.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 2-3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked jasmine rice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Toss in the onion and cook until it softens.
3. Sprinkle in curry powder and garam masala and give it a quick stir.
4. Pour in chickpeas, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
5. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Cook jasmine rice following the package instructions.
9. Serve the curry over the rice.

9) Black Bean Burger

Black bean burgers really hit the spot when you want something healthy but still crave a burger. They’re pretty easy to put together, too.

Spice them up with cumin and garlic for extra flavor. These burgers hold up well on the grill or in a skillet.

Stack them on a bun with avocado, lettuce, or tomato—whatever you’re into. If you haven’t tried homemade black bean burgers yet, it’s worth it.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the black beans in a bowl until they’re mostly smooth.
2. Mix in breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mixture into 4 patties.
4. Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat (around 350°F / 175°C).
5. Cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, until they’re firm and browned.
6. Serve them on buns with your favorite toppings.

Want more ideas? Here’s an easy black bean burger recipe you might like.

10) Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup just feels right when you need something warm and hearty. It’s a thick tomato-based soup packed with veggies, pasta, and beans.

Carrots, celery, onions, and kidney beans are classic, but you can toss in whatever you’ve got. Everything simmers in a flavorful broth with Italian herbs.

If you want to try a detailed version, check out this Minestrone Soup Recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup pasta (small shapes like ditalini)
• 1 cup cooked kidney beans
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour some olive oil into a big pot and set it over medium heat.

2. Toss in the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Let them cook until they soften up—should take around 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Dump in the diced tomatoes, pour in the vegetable broth, and sprinkle in those Italian herbs.

4. Crank up the heat until it boils, then lower it and let the whole thing simmer for 15 minutes.

5. Add the pasta and beans. Keep it going until the pasta turns tender, which usually takes about 10 minutes.

6. Shake in some salt and pepper to taste. Serve it up while it’s still warm.