Fast Weeknight Dinner Recipes That'll Be Ready in 45 Minutes or Less
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.
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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