30 Minute Dinner Recipes For Any Night Of The Week

Cooking a delicious dinner can be a challenge, especially when you’re short on time. In today’s busy world, it’s not uncommon for people to find themselves with no more than 30 minutes to spare for cooking a meal. Fortunately, with a little creativity and planning, you can create quick, easy, and mouth-watering dinners that will satisfy your family’s taste buds. From classic comfort food to international flavors, 30-minute meals offer a world of possibilities.

One of the best things about 30-minute dinners is that they’re often made with readily available ingredients, allowing you to whip up a meal even on the most hectic nights. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or a parent, these speedy meals can be a lifesaver. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep or special occasions when you need to impress your family and friends.

30 Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This classic Italian-inspired dish is a simple yet impressive 30-minute meal that’s sure to satisfy your family’s pasta cravings. Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and quick dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. To make it, you’ll need to cook the pasta and sauté the garlic, shrimp, and herbs, then combine everything in a flavorful sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, shell-on and peeled
– 1 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
– 1 cup (120g) chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tsp chopped fresh basil
– Fettuccine or spaghetti

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain.

2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for a few minutes until it’s fragrant.

3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.

4. Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing with the creamy sauce to coat.

6. Adjust the sauce with the reserved pasta water, if needed.

30 Minute Chicken Stir Fry

A quick and easy Chinese-inspired meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients, Chicken Stir Fry is a 30-minute dinner winner. This dish is made with protein-rich chicken breast or thighs, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauces, all of which come together in a matter of minutes. Simply stir-fry your ingredients in a large skillet and serve over steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound (450g) boneless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup (120g) broccoli florets
– 1 cup (120g) sliced carrots
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.

3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and stir-fry until the onion is translucent.

5. Add the broccoli, carrots, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and honey. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

6. Return the chicken to the skillet, and toss with the vegetables and sauce to coat.

7. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

30 Minute Beef Tacos

Who doesn’t love a good taco? This quick and delicious Mexican-inspired meal is a staple for any dinner night. This Beef Tacos recipe is an easy and flavorful way to enjoy beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream in a crispy taco shell.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound (450g) ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
– 8-10 taco shells
– Shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack)
– Chopped fresh cilantro
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, refried beans

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon.

2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and stir until the onion is translucent.

3. Add the taco seasoning and stir for 1-2 minutes until the flavors are well combined.

4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the taco meat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Warm the taco shells as directed on the package.

6. Assemble tacos by spooning the beef mixture into the shells and topping with cheese, cilantro, and desired toppings.

7. Serve immediately.

30 Minute Creamy Skillet Chicken

This dish is the ultimate comfort food – a creamy skillet chicken made with boneless chicken breast or thighs, sautéed vegetables, and a rich and creamy sauce. This 30-minute meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. Simply cook your chicken, vegetables, and sauce in one large skillet, and serve with steamed rice or pasta.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound (450g) boneless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup (120g) frozen peas
– 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.

2. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent.

4. Add the frozen peas and stir until thawed.

5. Pour in the heavy cream, thyme, and shredded cheese. Bring to a simmer.

6. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss with the creamy sauce to coat.

7. Serve hot over steamed rice or pasta.

30 Minute One Pan Sausage Dinner

Who needs multiple pots and pans when you can cook a delicious one-pan meal in just 30 minutes? This hearty sausage dinner is made with juicy sausages, crunchy vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce. Simply brown the sausage, add the vegetables, and simmer for 10 minutes, then season with fresh herbs.

Ingredients:

– 4 Italian sausages
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups (200g) cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup (120g) sliced bell peppers
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
– 1 cup (120g) chopped fresh basil

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven or skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, browning on all sides, about 10 minutes.

2. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.

3. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion is translucent.

4. Add the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

5. Return the sausage to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Season with chopped basil and serve hot.

30 Minute Fried Rice

This Chinese-inspired meal is a classic, easy, and delicious option for a quick dinner. The dish is made by stir-frying leftover rice with vegetables, meats, and sauce, all of which come together in one large skillet. The best part is that you can use leftover rice, so it’s a great way to reduce food waste.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups (200g) cooked rice, preferably day-old rice
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup (120g) diced cooked chicken
– 1 cup (120g) frozen peas
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add the diced cooked chicken and stir-fry until heated through.

3. Add the frozen peas and minced garlic, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the peas are tender.

4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spoon.

5. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the rice is well combined with the sauce.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with chopped scallions (if using). Serve hot.

30 Minute Chicken Quesadillas

Who needs a slow cooker when you can make delicious chicken quesadillas in just 30 minutes? This Mexican-inspired meal is made with juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Simply cook the chicken, add the vegetables and cheese, then fry until crispy.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound (450g) boneless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup (120g) shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack)
– 4 large tortillas
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium-high heat, browning on both sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.

2. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent.

4. Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted.

5. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and combine with the cheese and onion mixture.

6. Place a large tortilla in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and place 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture in the center.

7. Fold the tortilla over the filling and fry until crispy and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.

8. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.

30 Minute Salmon with Veggies

When you need a quick and healthy meal, look no further than this salmon recipe. This 30-minute meal is made with fresh salmon fillets, a medley of steamed vegetables, and a hint of lemon and herbs. Simply season the salmon, sear in a skillet, and serve with steamed vegetables.

Ingredients:

– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz or 170g each)
– 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup (120g) mixed frozen vegetables
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or thyme)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet.

4. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.

5. Brush the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.

6. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

7. While the salmon is cooking, steam the mixed vegetables until tender.

8. Serve the salmon with the steamed vegetables and add fresh herbs if desired.

30 Minute Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera is a quick and delicious vegetarian meal made with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a hint of garlic. This 30-minute pasta dish is perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight meal. Simply cook the pasta, sauté the vegetables, and combine everything in a flavorful sauce made from olive oil and herbs.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice
– 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups (200g) mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
– 1 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Combine the cooked pasta and vegetables in a large bowl.

6. Add the Parmesan cheese and toss until the pasta is well coated with the cheese and herb mixture.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh herbs.

30 Minute Ground Beef Skillet

A hearty ground beef skillet meal is always a winner, and this 30-minute recipe is no exception. Made with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound (450g) ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups (200g) diced potatoes
– 1 cup (120g) diced carrots
– 1 cup (120g) diced bell peppers
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste