Fast Weeknight Dinner Recipes That'll Be Ready in 45 Minutes or Less

By Mary Shannon Wells

Updated February 24, 2021

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

When you have free time on the weekends, it can be fun to try challenging or time-consuming recipes. Weeknights, on the other hand, there is not a moment to spare. Enter Southern Living. With these speedy supper ideas, you can get a wholesome meal on the table without sacrificing a second of spare time. These are the best recipes for an easy dinner, whether you’re in the mood for a simple salad, hearty pasta, or new twist on a burger. With one-dish meals like sheet pan shrimp and vegetables, ham and lima bean fried rice, cast-iron pork cacciatore, and honey-soy glazed salmon and veggies with oranges, even cleanup is a breeze with these fast weeknight dinners. What's really fast? These handpicked weeknight ideas can be on the table between 10 and 45 minutes. Dig in.

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Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Recipe: Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

With the help of your multi-cooker, chili doesn't have to take all day to make.

Total Time: 45 minutes

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Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck

Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls

This recipe turns the classic supper sandwich into a delicious one-dish casserole you can serve right out of the skillet.

Total Time: 30 minutes

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Orange-Rosemary Roast Chicken

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Orange-Rosemary Roast Chicken

Savory and sweet flavors come together on one sheet pan for a flavor-packed dinner in just 45 minutes.

Total Time: 45 minutes

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Chicken-Bell Pepper Tacos

Credit: Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Recipe: Chicken-Bell Pepper Tacos

Just 20 minutes stand between you and a delicious taco night at home.

Total Time: 20 minutes

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Beefy Nacho Casserole

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck

Recipe: Beefy Nacho Casserole

We recommend using a chunky salsa that's not too watery for this casserole recipe.

Total Time: 45 minutes

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Instant Pot Chili Mac

Credit: Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Instant Pot Chili Mac

Chili meets mac and cheese in this 30-minute dinner recipe for a filling meal that both kids and adults will love.

Total Time: 30 minutes

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Sheet Pan Fajitas

Credit: Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin

Recipe: Sheet Pan Fajitas

Transform basic ingredients like chicken breasts, onion, bell peppers, and spices into dinner in just 20 minutes using one pan.

Total Time: 20 minutes

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Chicken-and-Broccoli Skillet Pasta

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Chicken-and-Broccoli Skillet Pasta

This recipe calls for egg noodles, but in a pinch you can use whatever type of pasta you already have on hand in your kitchen.

Total Time: 30 minutes

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Baked Ziti With Meatballs

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Baked Ziti With Meatballs

Store-bought sauce and frozen meatballs combine with fresh spinach, mushrooms, and orange juice for a warm meal you can get on the table even on the busiest weeknights.

Total Time: 30 minutes

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Pork Chops with Spring Onions, Farro, and Asparagus

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Pork Chops with Spring Onions, Farro, and Asparagus

This recipe will help you serve up protein, whole grains, and vegetables all in one dish.

Total Time: 35 minutes

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Supreme Pizza

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

Recipe: Supreme Pizza

Instead of reaching for the phone, follow this recipe for a supremely delicious homemade pizza.

Total Time: 30 minutes

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Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Credit: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Casserole

This recipe offers the flavor of the classic game day dishes like wings or dip in a form that's filling enough to be dinner.

Total Time: 45 Minutes

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Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Your multi-cooker will help you get warm, comforting chicken noodle soup on the table in less than 45 minutes.

Total Time: 40 minutes

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Shrimp Alfredo

Credit: Micah A. Leal

Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo

Just eight ingredients and 45 minutes are needed to create this simple yet elegant pasta dinner.

Total Time: 45 minutes

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Beef Tamale Pie

Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Beef Tamale Pie

This cheesy beef casserole that's topped with a layer of cornbread will become a staple on your weeknight dinner menu.

Total Time: 40 minutes

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One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Every component of this pasta dish, the sauce, chicken, and even the noodles, comes together in just one pot.

Total Time: 45 minutes

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Cast-Iron Skillet Burgers

Credit: photographer: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Cast-Iron Skillet Burgers

If you don't have time to fire up the grill, you can still serve up great burgers with the help of your trusty cast-iron skillet.

Total Time: 35 minutes

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Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero

Recipe: Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Stir fry is an easy way to serve a filling dinner that's packed with veggies and flavor, no matter how short on time you may be.

Total Time: 20 minutes

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Chicken Scallopini

Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis, Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Chicken Scallopini

This recipe is great served over linguine, spaghetti, or whatever noodles you have in your pantry.

Total Time: 30 minutes

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One-Pan Hot Honey Chicken and Rice

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: One-Pan Hot Honey Chicken and Rice

This budget-friendly chicken thigh dinner comes together in one pan for easy cleanup.

Total Time: 45 minutes

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Easy Taco Casserole

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero

Recipe: Easy Taco Casserole

We can turn anything into a dinner casserole and tacos are no exception.

Total Time: 30 minutes

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Sheet Pan Hanger Steak and Vegetables

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling; Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Sheet Pan Hanger Steak and Vegetables

Steak night for the whole family is made easy with the help of your trusty sheet pan.

Total Time: 45 minutes

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Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis, Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

While it may not be the exact recipe Mama used, this recipe for chicken and dumplings will allow you enjoy the classic meal in under 45 minutes.

Total Time: 40 minutes

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Honey-Mustard Baked Salmon with Vegetables

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Honey-Mustard Baked Salmon with Vegetables

Choose fish cuts that are similar in size so it will all cook evenly.

Total Time: 30 minutes

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Baked Shells and Greens

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Baked Shells and Greens

This meaty pasta bake is easy, fast, and no-fuss.

Total Time: 30 minutes

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Turkey and Spinach Meatball Sandwiches

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Turkey and Spinach Meatball Sandwiches

Turkey meatballs will be your new favorite healthy swap in the kitchen, and the kids won’t protest.

Total Time: 40 minutes

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Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetables with Rice

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetables with Rice

Sheet pans work weeknight miracles, and this wholesome meal is proof.

Total Time: 25 minutes

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White Bean, Fennel, and Italian Sausage Soup with Parmesan Toasts

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: White Bean, Fennel, and Italian Sausage Soup with Parmesan Toast

Soups don’t have to come from the slow cooker to have tons of flavor, and this one is filling, too.

Total Time: 45 minutes

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Fried Pork Chops with Peas and Potatoes

Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Fried Pork Chops with Peas and Potatoes

This quick recipe is a less fatty version of the Southern classic, and isn’t it pretty?

Total Time: 30 minutes

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Skillet Shrimp Chilaquiles

Credit: Stephen DeVries

Recipe: Skillet Shrimp Chilaquiles

This skillet dinner feels indulgent, but shrimp and fresh avocado lighten it up.

Total Time: 30 minutes

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Fresh Salmon Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Fresh Salmon Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing

You’ve had crab cakes, but have you tried homemade salmon cakes? They’re easy, light, and taste amazing.

Total Time: 30 minutes

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Crab-and-Bacon Linguine

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Crab-and-Bacon Linguine

This pretty pasta is easier than it looks to make, but your secret is safe with us.

Total Time: 45 minutes

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Pico de Gallo Pizzas

Credit: Stephen DeVries

Recipe: Pico de Gallo Pizzas

These crispy personal pizzas make serving a breeze, and they’re so delicious.

Total Time: 45 minutes

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Ham and Lima Bean Fried Rice

Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Ham and Lima Bean Fried Rice

No takeout this week, kids! You can make flavorful fried rice at home, and chopped ham makes it filling enough to stand as a main dish.

Total Time: 30 minutes

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Bacon, Peach, and Basil Burgers

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Bacon, Peach and Basil Burgers

Amp up burger night with this Southern-style recipe that has sweet peaches, smoky and salty bacon, tangy goat cheese, fresh basil, and pickled jalapeños. We didn’t even have to mention the peach chutney and caramelized onion, but here we are.

Total Time: 30 minutes

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Shrimp Cobb Salad with Bacon Dressing

Credit: Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Shrimp Cobb Salad with Bacon Dressing

This gorgeous, colorful salad had us at “bacon dressing.”

Total Time: 25 minutes

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Burrito Bowls

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Burrito Bowls

Let each family member customize individual burrito bowls for the easiest weeknight dinner ever.

Total Time: 10 minutes

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Smoked Chicken, Squash, and Rice Soup

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Smoked Chicken, Squash, and Rice Soup

Use up that fresh farmers’ market zucchini and squash in this light, bright soup.

Total Time: 45 minutes

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Grilled Pork Meatball Kebabs

Credit: Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Tina Stamos

Recipe: Grilled Pork Meatball Kebabs

The Korean chile sauce we paired with these easy grilled kebabs adds a perfect balance of sweet and heat.

Total Time: 35 minutes

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Pasta with Burst Tomatoes and Mascarpone

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pasta with Burst Tomatoes and Mascarpone

This beautiful pasta dish is perfect for spring and summer. Serve as an easy meatless meal, buy ravioli with a meat and cheese filling, or top with grilled shrimp or chicken.

Total Time: 15 minutes