21 Main Dishes You Can Make Fast Enough to Skip the Drive-Thru

When you’re short on time but craving a homemade meal, these main dishes have you covered. I’ve gathered a collection of recipes that come together quickly, making them perfect for those hectic evenings when you need to skip the drive-thru. Each dish offers a satisfying alternative to fast food, combining convenience with great taste, so you can enjoy a hearty meal without the wait.

Baked lemon butter fish fillet seasoned with herbs and spices, garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley,. — Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Crab Pasta

This crab pasta dish offers a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something better than takeout. With a rich, flavorful sauce and tender crab meat, it’s a satisfying choice that requires minimal effort. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines convenience with great taste. It’s a go-to option when you need a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

Chicken Chop Suey

Chicken chop suey is an easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of a classic takeout favorite right to your home. With its combination of vegetables and tender chicken, it’s a satisfying and balanced meal that can be prepared quickly. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something fast and flavorful. It's a fantastic alternative to fast food that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Panko Crusted Cod

Breaded fish fillet served with green beans and lemon slices on a white plate. — Panko Crusted Cod. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Panko crusted cod is a fantastic option when you want a crispy and flavorful dinner without the hassle of deep frying. The panko coating gives the cod a delightful crunch, making it a satisfying choice for a fast, homemade meal. This dish is easy to prepare and cook, making it a great substitute for takeout on busy nights. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a quick, delicious fish dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Three crispy breaded chicken tenders on a white plate with a side of honey mustard sauce and garnished with parsley. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer chicken tenders are a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy chicken without the mess of frying. With a golden-brown exterior and juicy interior, they’re perfect for when you want a fast and tasty meal. This recipe provides a healthier alternative to fast food, delivering great flavor with minimal effort. It's a convenient option for busy nights that still feel like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked lemon butter fish is a simple yet flavorful option for a speedy dinner. The lemon and butter enhance the fish’s natural flavors, making it an easy and satisfying choice. Perfect for nights when you want something quick and light but still full of taste. This recipe offers a fast way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Salmon Pasta Alfredo

A plate of creamy salmon pasta garnished with lemon slices and parsley. — Salmon Pasta Alfredo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Salmon pasta alfredo is a creamy, delicious option that comes together quickly for a satisfying meal. With tender salmon and rich Alfredo sauce, it’s a great alternative to takeout when you're short on time. This dish is perfect for busy evenings, combining ease of preparation with exceptional flavor. It’s a go-to recipe for when you need a fast and fulfilling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Close-up of roasted broccoli and tofu cubes tossed with sesame seeds in a wooden spoon, set against a blurred background. — Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli tofu stir fry is a straightforward and tasty option for a quick meal. The combination of tofu and broccoli in a flavorful stir-fry sauce makes it a satisfying choice that’s easy to prepare. Perfect for those busy nights when you need a healthy yet quick dinner. This dish provides a flavorful alternative to fast food with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo steak pasta offers a rich, creamy meal that’s perfect for when you’re short on time but want something hearty. The combination of steak and Alfredo sauce over pasta makes it a filling option that’s easy to prepare. This recipe provides a quick, satisfying dinner that rivals your favorite takeout options. Ideal for busy evenings when you crave a delicious meal without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

A plate of cheesy baked pasta and chicken casserole served with chopped scallions, accompanied by a baking dish and fork. — Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Buffalo chicken pasta bake is a flavorful and easy option for a quick meal that’s sure to please. The spicy buffalo chicken combined with pasta creates a satisfying dish that comes together quickly. It’s a great choice for busy nights when you want something fast and full of flavor. This recipe provides a tasty alternative to fast food with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

A piece of air fried chicken thigh on a fork, with a caramelized exterior and garnished with a small leaf, in focus against a blurred background of more chicken pieces. — Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer boneless chicken thighs are a fast and easy way to enjoy flavorful chicken without the mess of frying. The air fryer delivers a crispy exterior and juicy interior, making it a great choice for busy nights. This recipe provides a quick, satisfying meal that’s perfect for when you need something easy and delicious. Ideal for a homemade option that rivals takeout.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Fried chicken with honey glaze garnished with parsley on a white plate. — Honey Butter Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Honey butter fried chicken offers a sweet and savory twist on a classic favorite. The combination of honey and butter creates a crispy, flavorful coating that’s perfect for quick dinners. This recipe is ideal for those nights when you want a satisfying, homemade meal without the effort of deep frying. It’s a great alternative to fast food with minimal preparation time.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Fork lifting a shrimp and pasta dish, with more food in the background. — Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a fast and flavorful meal that combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something easy yet satisfying. The combination of shrimp and pasta makes it a filling option that’s ready in no time. It’s a great choice for a quick, homemade meal that’s better than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Close-up of a golden, breaded pork chop cut into slices. — Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Breaded panko pork chops are a simple and quick way to enjoy crispy, flavorful pork without the hassle of deep frying. The panko coating gives the chops a satisfying crunch, making it an excellent choice for busy nights. This recipe is perfect for when you need a fast and hearty meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s an easy alternative to fast food with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

A skillet filled with a colorful stir-fry of ground meat, bell peppers, leafy greens, and sesame seeds, with a wooden spoon resting in it. Plates and a stack of flatbreads are nearby. — Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground beef and cabbage skillet is a quick and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy nights. The combination of beef and cabbage in a flavorful skillet dish makes for a satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare. This recipe offers a fast, filling option that’s better than takeout. Ideal for when you need a simple, delicious meal without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground Pork Tacos

An easy dish to look forward to cooking every night: a colorful taco with ground meat, shredded carrots, red cabbage, and a slice of lime on the side. — Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground pork tacos are a fast and flavorful option for a quick dinner. The seasoned pork is easy to cook and perfect for filling tortillas with minimal effort. This recipe is ideal for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal that rivals your favorite takeout. It’s a convenient choice for a homemade taco night.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin. — Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken divan is a quick and easy casserole that combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty and comforting without the long prep time. It’s an excellent option for a fast, filling meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. A great alternative to fast food with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers are a quick and flavorful option for a fast dinner. The shrimp cook up quickly on the grill, making this recipe ideal for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal. It’s a great choice for when you need a speedy, delicious alternative to takeout. Enjoy a homemade meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

A plate of baked salmon garnished with herbs, served alongside asparagus, zucchini, onions, and bell peppers. — Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sheet pan salmon and vegetables is a simple, fast meal that combines flavorful salmon with easy-to-cook veggies. Everything cooks together on one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a quick, nutritious dinner. It’s an ideal choice for a hassle-free meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Sautéed diced meat with green peppers and herbs in a pan. — Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic butter steak bites are a quick and delicious option for a satisfying meal. The steak bites are cooked with a savory garlic butter sauce, providing a flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare. Perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and fast. This recipe is ideal for a homemade meal that’s ready in no time and better than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Shrimp Scampi

Grilled shrimp with garlic and herbs served with slices of toasted bread. — Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp scampi is a quick and elegant option for a satisfying dinner. The shrimp are cooked in a buttery garlic sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, making it a great choice for busy nights. This recipe offers a fast, flavorful meal that’s better than takeout. Ideal for when you want a quick, homemade dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken is a quick and easy option for a fun and satisfying meal. The crispy coating and juicy chicken make it a great choice for busy nights when you want something tasty without the effort of deep frying. This recipe is perfect for when you need a fast, homemade dinner that rivals your favorite takeout. It’s a convenient choice for a speedy and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken