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.

Start Slideshow

1 of 49

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

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 49

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 

3 of 49

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 

Advertisement

4 of 49

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

5 of 49

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 

6 of 49

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 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 49

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 

8 of 49

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 

9 of 49

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 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 49

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 

11 of 49

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

12 of 49

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 49

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

14 of 49

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 

15 of 49

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 49

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

17 of 49

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

18 of 49

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 49

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

20 of 49

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 

21 of 49

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 49

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

23 of 49

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

 

 

24 of 49

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 49

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

26 of 49

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

27 of 49

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 49

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

29 of 49

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

30 of 49

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 49

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