21 Speedy Main Dishes That Won’t Keep You Waiting at the Table

We’ve all had those nights where time is tight, but skipping a delicious dinner isn’t an option. That’s where these speedy main dishes come in, each one designed to help you get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding the family or just yourself, these recipes make mealtime easy, filling, and stress-free.

Korean beef and broccoli. — Ground Beef and Broccoli. Image Credit: Little Bit Recipes

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Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

A skillet containing a stir-fried mix of ground meat, sliced bell peppers, leafy greens, and white sesame seeds, with a wooden spoon resting on the side. Plates with flatbreads are in the background. — Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground beef and cabbage come together in one skillet for a hearty, quick meal that’s easy to clean up afterward. This recipe is a simple way to put a filling dinner on the table in minutes, and its ingredients keep it light but satisfying. Perfect for anyone wanting a straightforward meal. Good for weeknights with little prep time.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

Air fryer chicken tenders are a fast, crispy option for a main dish that’s ready in minutes. This recipe keeps things simple with a golden crust that’s perfect for both kids and adults. Great for nights when you want a quick meal without waiting around. These tenders are sure to please, with no hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This shrimp and broccoli stir-fry brings together bright flavors in just minutes, ideal for a busy night. With shrimp that cook quickly and broccoli that keeps things fresh, it’s a balanced, speedy main dish. Light on prep and easy to pull together. A perfect meal when you’re short on time but want something flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

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

Honey butter fried chicken delivers a crispy coating with a touch of sweetness for a quick and appealing main dish. Ready in minutes, this recipe works well for those busy evenings when you want something warm and comforting. Easy to make with minimal ingredients. Ideal for serving up something special without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken

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 lemon butter sauce for salmon adds rich flavor to your fish without taking much time at all. Perfect for enhancing a simple salmon fillet and getting a quick, satisfying dinner on the table. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Great for a weeknight when you want something fresh but filling.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

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

Shrimp and tomato pasta combines fresh tomatoes and quick-cooking shrimp in a dish that’s ready in minutes. The flavors come together easily, making it a go-to for nights when you need something fast but filling. Perfect for when you’re craving pasta without the wait. Light and straightforward, yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Chicken Chop Suey

Chicken chop suey is a stir-fry packed with fresh vegetables and tender chicken, ready in minutes for a quick dinner. This recipe offers a balanced meal with great flavor in a short amount of time, ideal for busy evenings. Easy to cook and enjoy with minimal effort. Perfect for a light and tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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

Garlic butter shrimp pasta combines pasta with quick-cooking shrimp and a rich garlic butter sauce, making it an ideal meal when time is limited. The flavors are bold without being complicated, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Great for pasta lovers who don’t have a lot of time. A simple but filling option.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Panko Crusted Cod

Panko-crusted cod is a quick way to get a crispy fish dinner that’s light but filling. This recipe provides a well-rounded dish with a satisfying crunch in minutes, ideal for a busy night. Great for anyone wanting something fresh without too much time spent. Simple and easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Mexican Steak Pizza

Mexican steak pizza offers a twist on traditional pizza with bold flavors and a quick prep time. This recipe brings together steak and spices on a pizza crust, making it a quick meal for nights when you want something different. Great for a filling, easy dinner. Perfect for enjoying a fun twist on pizza.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

Creamy Chicken Curry

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

Creamy chicken curry offers a smooth, flavorful main dish that’s easy to make and ready quickly. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken for a comforting meal without much waiting time. Great for a weeknight when you need something warm and filling. Perfect for curry lovers who need a quick fix.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

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

These breaded panko pork chops provide a crispy coating and juicy center, ready quickly for a simple, satisfying dinner. The breading adds texture, making it a well-rounded dish without much hassle. Ideal for busy nights when you need something substantial. Great for enjoying a balanced dinner.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice. — Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Korean beef and broccoli combines tender beef and fresh broccoli in a sauce with bold flavors, ready in minutes. It’s an easy dish that feels complete and keeps you from waiting around. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a mix of flavors in a speedy meal. Great for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

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

Garlic butter steak bites provide tender pieces of steak coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, ready in no time. This recipe is ideal for a quick main dish that’s packed with flavor. Great for steak lovers who need a meal fast. Perfect for a warm and satisfying dinner without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken is a fun, crispy option that’s easy to make and perfect for a quick main meal. Great for busy evenings when you want something filling and simple. Perfect for adults and kids alike who want a fast, enjoyable dinner. Easy to enjoy with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Shrimp Scampi

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

Shrimp scampi is a light, flavorful main dish that brings together shrimp and pasta in a lemony garlic sauce. Ready in minutes, it’s a great option when you want something fresh and quick. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t take much time. Great for seafood lovers in need of a fast meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

This baked lemon butter fish is a quick, light dish that pairs perfectly with a side for a balanced meal. Ready quickly, it’s ideal for those who want something fresh but filling. Perfect for busy nights when you need a wholesome dinner in a snap. Great for enjoying fish without too much time involved.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks. — Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chinese black pepper chicken is a bold, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and ready in minutes. The combination of tender chicken and peppery sauce is perfect for a quick dinner that satisfies. Great for weeknights when time is tight. Perfect for enjoying a flavorful dinner fast.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

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.

Ground pork stir fry combines pork and fresh vegetables in a quick dish that’s easy to prepare and enjoy. Ready in minutes, it’s a filling main meal for busy evenings. Great for anyone looking for a straightforward stir fry with bold flavors. Perfect for a fast, balanced dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Chicken Divan

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

Chicken Divan offers a creamy, comforting option that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. Great for busy evenings when you want something warm and filling without much wait. Perfect for anyone looking for a quick classic dish. Simple and hearty, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers offer a light, flavorful main dish that’s ready quickly and easy to enjoy. Perfect for when you want something fresh but don’t have much time. Great for a busy night when you need a quick main course. Simple and tasty, they’re a solid option for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers