Need Dinner in a Hurry? These Recipes Have You Covered

Some nights, dinner needs to be fast, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. These recipes come together quickly with minimal effort, so you can get a homemade meal on the table without stress. Whether you’re working late or just don’t feel like spending all night in the kitchen, these go-to meals have you covered.

A bowl of shrimp pasta salad garnished with lemon slices and diced vegetables.

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Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A bowl of meat and green peppers with a spoon. — Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These steak bites cook quickly in a rich garlic butter sauce, making them an easy option when dinner needs to be on the table fast. The bite-sized pieces ensure even cooking, so there's no waiting around for a thick cut to finish. Serve them with a simple side, and you've got a meal that feels well put together without much effort. Perfect for a weeknight when time is short but a hearty meal is still the goal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate. — Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Loaded with seasoned beef and melted cheese, these quesadillas come together in minutes, making them a go-to choice for busy nights. They crisp up perfectly in a skillet, giving them that satisfying crunch without a long cooking time. Pair them with salsa or sour cream for a quick meal that feels complete. A simple and filling option when there's no time to fuss over dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

This chilled dish is a great make-ahead option when time is tight but a homemade meal is still the plan. Shrimp adds a fresh, light touch to the creamy pasta, making it feel a little more special than a basic side. It works well on its own or as a complement to grilled meat or sandwiches. Great for when you need something fast without heating up the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

A grilled chicken thight with barbecue sauce and a side of green beans on a white plate, garnished with chopped parsley. — Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These chicken thighs cook quickly on the grill, making them a great option when time is short but flavor is still a priority. The BBQ sauce caramelizes perfectly, adding a smoky sweetness in just minutes. Boneless cuts cook faster, so you’re not standing over the grill for long. A solid choice when a home-cooked meal is needed without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Alfredo Steak Pasta

This creamy pasta dish combines rich Alfredo sauce with tender steak pieces, making it a satisfying choice for nights when a quick meal is necessary. The steak cooks fast, and the sauce comes together in minutes, so there’s no long prep time. It’s a one-bowl meal that doesn’t require extra sides, keeping things simple. Ideal when a filling dinner is needed without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Ground Pork Tacos

Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges. — Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These tacos come together quickly with seasoned ground pork, making them an easy go-to for a fast and flavorful meal. The meat cooks in just a few minutes, so there’s no waiting around. Load up tortillas with your favorite toppings for a customizable dinner that doesn’t require much effort. A great choice when a satisfying meal is needed without a long prep time.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

This baked pasta dish is packed with bold flavors and only requires minimal prep, making it a solid choice for busy evenings. The creamy buffalo sauce coats every bite, and the oven does most of the work. It’s a hearty meal that comes together fast with simple ingredients. A great option when time is short but a home-cooked meal is still the plan.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Chicken Chop Suey

This stir-fry comes together in one pan, making it a quick and easy dinner when time is limited. The vegetables stay crisp, and the sauce coats everything perfectly without much effort. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal in minutes. A solid option when a homemade dinner is needed without spending all night cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Chicken Divan

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

This creamy, cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole bakes in under 30 minutes, making it a convenient choice for a busy night. The simple prep means it can be thrown together quickly and left to cook while handling other tasks. It’s a warm and comforting meal that doesn’t require much effort. A great way to put dinner on the table without a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer kabobs cook in minutes, making them an easy option when dinner needs to happen fast. The chicken stays juicy, and the vegetables get a slight char without using a grill. They’re easy to serve and pair well with a simple side for a complete meal. Perfect for when a quick and flavorful dinner is a must.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

These shrimp skewers cook in just a few minutes, making them perfect for nights when dinner needs to be quick. The shrimp get a nice char on the grill while staying tender and juicy. They pair well with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for a simple meal. A great option when something light and fast is needed without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This stir-fry comes together in one pan in under 20 minutes, making it a great option when time is short. The shrimp cook quickly, and the broccoli stays crisp, creating a balanced meal with minimal effort. A simple sauce brings everything together without the need for complicated steps. Perfect for nights when dinner needs to be easy but still feel well-planned.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Baked salmon fillet with asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers on a white plate, garnished with herbs. — Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This one-pan meal keeps cleanup simple while delivering a full dinner in under 30 minutes. The salmon stays flaky and flavorful while the vegetables roast to perfection. Everything cooks at the same time, so there’s no juggling multiple pans. A great option when a quick, homemade meal is needed with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

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.

These chicken thighs cook up fast in the air fryer, making them an easy weeknight option. The outside crisps up while the inside stays juicy, and there’s no need for constant monitoring. They pair well with a simple side or salad for a no-fuss dinner. A solid choice for when dinner needs to happen fast but still feel homemade.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes. — Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This light but satisfying pasta dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick dinner. The shrimp cook in minutes, and the fresh tomatoes add a bright flavor. It’s a simple meal that doesn’t require a long list of ingredients. Perfect for when a homemade dinner is needed without much time to spare.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

A sandwich with avocado, chicken and cheese on a plate. — Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This sandwich brings the same bold flavors as the restaurant favorite but takes just minutes to make at home. The seasoned chicken is juicy, and the avocado adds a creamy texture. It’s a simple yet filling meal that doesn’t take long to put together. A great option when a fast but satisfying dinner is the goal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice. — Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This quick stir-fry is packed with flavor and cooks in just minutes, making it ideal for busy nights. The ground pork cooks fast, and the sauce brings everything together without much effort. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. A great choice when time is short, but a homemade dinner is still the goal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Shrimp Scampi

A plate with shrimp and bread on it. — Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This pasta dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a reliable choice for busy evenings. The shrimp cooks quickly, and the buttery garlic sauce brings everything together effortlessly. Serve it over pasta for a meal that feels well put together without much work. A simple option when dinner needs to happen fast.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This creamy, cheesy chicken dish bakes in one dish, making it a low-maintenance dinner option. The sauce keeps the chicken tender, and the prep takes just minutes. It’s easy to pair with rice or vegetables for a complete meal. A smart choice when a home-cooked meal is needed without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Roasted broccoli and tofu cubes garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with a wooden spoon. — Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This quick stir-fry keeps things simple with crispy tofu and tender broccoli coated in a flavorful sauce. It cooks in under 20 minutes, making it a solid choice for busy nights. Serve it over rice or noodles for a filling meal that doesn’t take much effort. A great option when dinner needs to happen fast but still feel homemade.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Crab Pasta

A close-up of spaghetti twirled on a fork with bits of crab meat and herbs, with more pasta and a dish in the blurred background. — Crab Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This pasta dish is a quick way to bring bold flavors to the table without a complicated recipe. The crab blends perfectly with a simple sauce, making the dish feel put together with minimal effort. It cooks in under 30 minutes, making it a reliable option when time is short. A great way to get a homemade meal on the table without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

Personal Pizza

Close-up of a pepperoni pizza slice being lifted, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. — Personal Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These homemade personal pizzas come together fast, making them a great option for nights when dinner needs to be quick and easy. The crust bakes up perfectly, and they can be topped with whatever ingredients are on hand. Since they’re small, they cook quickly, so there’s no waiting around. A simple, homemade meal when there’s no time for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Plate of crispy chicken pieces with walnuts and green onions, served next to white rice on a patterned cloth with a fork. — Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This takeout-inspired dish delivers restaurant-style flavors in a fraction of the time. The shrimp cook quickly, and the honey sauce coats everything perfectly without extra effort. It’s a great mix of sweet and crunchy, making it feel special without a long prep time. A smart choice when a flavorful dinner is needed in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

A plate with steak, tomatoes and cucumbers on it. — Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This one-pan meal delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, making it a great choice for a fast dinner. The steak sears quickly while the mushrooms soak up the balsamic sauce, creating a balanced dish without extra work. It pairs well with mashed potatoes or a simple side salad. A reliable option when a hearty meal is needed in a short amount of time.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

This light and flaky fish dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a fast and easy meal. The lemon butter sauce adds flavor without requiring extra steps. It pairs well with roasted vegetables or rice for a simple dinner. A great choice when something quick and homemade is the goal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These crispy chicken tenders cook up fast in the air fryer, making them a go-to option for nights when dinner needs to be quick. The breading gets golden and crunchy without the mess of deep frying. Serve them with a dipping sauce and a side for a simple meal. A smart choice when time is short but a homemade dinner is still the plan.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Panko Crusted Cod

This crispy, golden cod cooks quickly, making it a great option for a fast and easy dinner. The panko coating adds a nice crunch while keeping the fish tender inside. It pairs well with a simple side for a no-fuss meal. A solid choice when a homemade dinner is needed without much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Wet Burrito

This hearty burrito comes together quickly and gets smothered in sauce for a meal that feels complete with minimal effort. The filling is packed with flavor, and the baking step brings everything together in minutes. It’s a great way to put dinner on the table fast without a complicated recipe. A good choice when a filling meal is needed without a lot of prep.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Mexican Steak Pizza

This pizza delivers bold flavors with a crispy crust and a well-seasoned steak topping. It cooks quickly, making it a great option for when time is short but takeout isn't the plan. The combination of melty cheese and savory steak makes for a satisfying meal without much effort. A solid pick when a homemade dinner is needed without a long wait.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

Panko Chicken Breast

Panko chicken on a white plate. — Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This crispy chicken breast is a quick way to get a satisfying meal on the table without extra hassle. The panko coating crisps up in the oven, creating a golden crust in minutes. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for an easy, well-balanced dinner. A reliable option when dinner needs to happen fast but still feel homemade.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

Chicken Nuggets

Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background. — Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These homemade chicken nuggets cook quickly, making them a great option when a fast meal is necessary. The crispy breading adds texture while keeping the chicken juicy inside. They pair well with a dipping sauce and a simple side for an easy dinner. A smart choice for busy nights when takeout isn’t the plan.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley. — Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This pasta dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a fast dinner. The shrimp cooks quickly, and the garlic butter sauce adds plenty of flavor without extra effort. Serve it with a side of bread for a complete meal. A great option when a homemade meal is needed in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Panko pork chop on plate with greens. — Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These pork chops crisp up beautifully in the oven, making them a simple yet flavorful dinner option. They cook quickly, so there’s no long wait for a home-cooked meal. Serve them with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for an easy pairing. A great choice when dinner needs to be fast but still feel well put together.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

A plate of salmon on a white plate with lemon slices on it. — Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This sauce comes together in minutes and adds a bright, buttery finish to the salmon. It’s a simple way to bring extra flavor without a complicated recipe. Drizzle it over-baked or grilled salmon for an easy upgrade. A solid option when a quick but flavorful dinner is the goal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

These salmon bites cook up fast, making them a great option when time is short but a satisfying meal is still the plan. The bacon adds a crispy, smoky layer without requiring extra effort. Serve them as an appetizer or pair with a side for a full meal. A smart choice when a homemade dinner needs to come together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Creamy Chicken Curry

Chicken curry with rice. — Creamy Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This rich and creamy curry comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an easy way to get dinner on the table fast. The chicken stays tender in the sauce while the flavors blend beautifully. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete meal. A great option for a quick, homemade dinner with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Serving of honey butter chicken garnished with parsley on plate. — Honey Butter Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This crispy fried chicken gets coated in a rich honey butter glaze for a balance of crunchy and sweet flavors. It cooks quickly, making it a great choice when dinner needs to be fast but still feel special. Serve it with a simple side for a well-rounded meal. A solid pick when time is limited but takeout isn’t the plan.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken