Some nights are so busy that all I need is a quick dinner; coming up with these 15-minute Quick Dinner Recipes saves time and stress, especially on busy weeknights when I need to sleep early. These quick recipes are designed to help you get dinner on the table in record time without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or someone who wants to enjoy a quick and easy meal, this collection of weeknight-friendly meals will keep you satisfied.
Why Quick Dinner Recipes?
For many of us, weeknights are packed with activities, leaving little time to prepare a meal from scratch. Quick dinner ideas like these can be a lifesaver. They allow you to enjoy a healthy, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, with some ingredients like leftover chicken, fresh vegetables, and store-bought noodles, you can whip up an easy dinner that tastes like a top-rated recipe in no time.
PRO TIPS for Easy 15-minute recipes
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Have your veggies chopped, chicken shredded, and sauces measured out before you start cooking. This easy way to prepare ensures a stress-free experience.
- Keep it Simple: Stick to simple dinners that require minimal ingredients, like a quick pitta pizza or stress-free shrimp pasta primavera.
- Use Flavorful Sauces: A dash of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or a hint of ginger can transform a basic meal into something special. Experiment with flavors like honey garlic chicken or a tasty version of Korean beef to keep your meals interesting.
- Plan Ahead: Incorporate these quick recipes into your meal plans. This ensures you have everything on hand, and you won’t need to make last-minute grocery store trips.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, this meal can be easily stored. Simply place the pasta and chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out, and warm it up in the microwave or on the stove.
Best Cooking Methods
For quick meals, the best way to cook is using methods that require minimal time and effort, such as stir-frying, grilling, or using an air fryer. These methods retain the flavor and texture of ingredients while keeping cooking times short.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this honey garlic chicken pasta with a fresh side salad, or serve it alongside some crusty bread for a more filling meal. You could also add some parmesan cheese or fresh tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
Quick 15-Minute Recipes Ideas
Yummy AIr fryer hot dogs in less than 15 minutes!
Perfectly cooked and can be topped with your favorite ingredients, these hot dogs are a game changer for any meal. Quick, easy, and tasty, they are ideal for a weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering.
Air fryer Tortilla Piza in 5 minutes!
This air-fried tortilla pizza recipe is an excellent option for a quick lunch or a fun pizza night with the whole family. The best part? It takes just a few minutes to make, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings!
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
Have you ever tried air-fried jalapeno poppers? This simple recipe transforms regular spicy jalapenos into a delicious last-minute dinner idea in no time.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Pecan Crusted
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with a Pecan Crust are cooked in only 10 minutes! They come out perfectly moist and cooked, with a sweet and savory crispy breading.
With a crunchy pecan coating and tender chicken on the inside, these tenders are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Get the full recipe from: Tasty Oven
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe (Crispy, Juicy, and Flavorful)
This air fryer salmon is a quick and delicious way to enjoy perfectly cooked fish with minimal effort. The filets come out tender and juicy, with a slight crisp on the edges.
The hint of lemon zest adds a bright, refreshing flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich taste of salmon; this recipe delivers flavorful and tender salmon filets every time.
Get the full recipe from: Yum In The Kitchen
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
With an Asian flair, this Air Fryer Salmon Recipe is a foolproof dinner-time recipe that the whole family will enjoy.
Minimal ingredients and time make this the perfect meal! The ingredients are super easy to find at your local grocer, and cooking it in the air fryer is super quick!
Get the full recipe from:This Silly Girl’s Kitchen
Quick Baked Chicken
Crispy, tasty, and so good! This quick-baked chicken takes 10 minutes to prepare and is great when short on time. You can prepare ahead and pop it in the oven. It’s my go-to chicken recipe!
Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or someone who loves good food without the fuss, mastering Quick Baked Chicken will become your go-to solution for satisfying meals on hectic days.
Get the full recipe from: Knife And Paddle
Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein (Quick, Easy & Delicious)
This delicious dish is a classic Chinese takeout favorite, but with the convenience of the instant pot, you can make it at home in no time.
This Instant Pot chicken lo mein is a quick yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the full recipe from: Mom Who Save
Teriyaki Noodles With Chicken (15 minutes)
This Easy Teriyaki Noodles with Chicken recipe is one of my favorite recipes! It’s a little sweet, a little tangy, and a little savory, which may sound weird for noodles, but the tang whets your appetite and makes you want to eat more.
Plus, it’s an easy dinner recipe in under 15 minutes!
Get the full recipe from: Greedy Girl Gourmet
15-Min Stir-Fried Lemongrass Chicken
This is a quick and easy stir-fried lemongrass chicken. By substituting the typical chicken thigh used for ground chicken mince, the cooking time is reduced to 10 minutes.
The cost of the recipe goes down, but it’s still super tasty!
Get the full recipe from: Greedy Girl Gourmet
Instant Pot Moo Goo Gai Pan
It’s a restaurant-style dish that can be made at home in 10 minutes! then why order from the restaurant when you can cook it quickly in a more delicious and healthier way 🙂
Moo Goo Gai Pan is a flavorsome, keto-friendly recipe that requires minimal effort and produces an amazingly delicious result that you can serve over and over again and always get a happy reaction.
Get the full recipe from: Corrie Cooks
Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is a quick and easy take on the classic Chinese takeout dish.
Tender beef strips are cooked in a flavorful sauce with vibrant broccoli florets, all prepared conveniently in your Instant Pot.
The result is a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in a fraction of the time. This dish is packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the full recipe from: Corrie Cooks
Love salmon? Try making air fryer salmon fillets with your Instant Pot Air Fryer Basket! It’s simple, delicious, and ready in minutes.
The salmon is tender and delicious, with a crispy skin (like pan-seared fish), and the technique is as easy (and even faster!) as baking salmon.
Get the full recipe from: Champagne Tastes
Coconut Salmon: 15 minute recipe for dinner
This baked coconut salmon is made with salmon coated in toasted coconut and seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, and served with an easy tahini sauce.
It’s made with a toasted coconut and breadcrumb crust and served with an easy tahini sauce.
Get the full recipe from: Champagne Tastes
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Recipe
This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of spicy and savory. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a quick and easy meal for any day of the week.
Serve the shredded chicken in tacos, nachos, burritos, sandwiches, slider buns, and more!
Get the full recipe from: The Cookin’ Chicks
PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These Chicken Lettuce Wraps are healthy, simple to make, and taste just like the classic signature recipe from PF Chang’s.
Low carb and packed with flavor, these make a great dinner or appetizer option!
Get the full recipe from: The Cookin’ Chicks
Instant Pot Baked Ziti recipe
This Instant Pot Baked Ziti vegetarian recipe is a fantastic meatless pressure cooker pasta! Loaded with vegetables, spices, ricotta cheese and a delicious creamy sauce.
An easy weeknight meal that cooks in just minutes in your pressure cooker. Serve with a family-style salad and a thick slice of homemade garlic bread for the ultimate stay-at-home Italian meal.
Get the full recipe from: The Herbeevore
Drunken Salmon in 15 Minutes Recipe
Drunken Salmon in 15 Minutes is super quick, easy, and ready to eat in about 15 minutes! Salmon fillets are cooked on the stovetop in a savory beer-based sauce. They are so tender and flavorful!
Not only is it ready in a flash, but it’s packed with simple and classic flavors that ignite the senses. I love making this dish using a hearty beer, but this can be swapped out with vodka, vermouth, or white wine for a different kick.
Get the full recipe from: Simply Stacie
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Air Fryer Hot Dogs are the perfect weeknight dinner, requiring minimal effort and only 10 minutes in the kitchen!
The hot dogs get perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, while the buns get warm and toasty! Top these with your favorite toppings, from ketchup and mustard to chili and cheese!
Get the full recipe from: Busy Family Recipes
Instant Pot Tuna Casserole (Dairy Free)
Instant Pot tuna casserole is a dairy-free dinner that comes together in no time with pasta, coconut milk, celery, spices, tuna, and cheese.
This Instant Pot meal is great because you likely have all the ingredients on hand in your pantry and fridge so you can whip it up in a flash.
Get the full recipe from: Crayons And Cravings
Fresh Tomato Pasta 15 Minute Recipe
This Tomato Basil Pasta recipe is great for busy weeknights. The heat from the pasta warms the rest of the dish. 15 minutes is all you need, folks.
This is the best recipe to make when you have fresh tomatoes and basil coming out of your ears during the summer! Tomato basil pasta is one of those recipes that you will want to add to your monthly rotation.
Get the full recipe from: Food Folks And Fun
Air Fryer Naan Pizza (Delicious and Super Easy Recipe)
Satisfy your pizza cravings with this delicious, quick and easy naan pizza – made in the air fryer in just 2 minutes! Grab your favorite toppings and let’s have a pizza party!
Whether you are looking for a fun weeknight meal, quick dinner or are in the mood for some freshly made pizza – this easy air fryer pizza recipe is for you!
Get the full recipe from: Love Incredible Recipes
5-Ingredient Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry (15-Minute Recipe!)
Only 5 ingredients are needed to create this delicious Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry, which you can serve over rice or noodles.
When life is busy, this 15-minute beef stir-fry recipe means you’ll have a scrumptious dinner on the table in no time at all!
Get the full recipe from: The Purple Pumpkin Blog
Easy Air Fryer Pizza Recipe
You know those nights when you don’t have time or energy to cook dinner but don’t want to wait for pizza delivery? That’s where this quick and easy air fryer pizza recipe comes in.
The best part about pizza in the air fryer is how fast it is to have a simple pizza with a crispy crust.
Get the full recipe from: Busy Day Dinners
Air Fryer Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan
This air fryer gluten-free chicken parmesan is healthier than its fried counterpart. Yet, it’s crispy golden brown chicken topped with cheesy mozzarella and marinara sauce on the table in just 15 minutes.
This air fryer chicken parmesan is healthy, not a pain to make, and can be made in a busy weeknight so quickly that it’s become a staple in our home now.
Get the full recipe from: Golden Grace Kitchen
Cod Piccata: 15 minute recipe for dinner
This healthy Cod Piccata delivers light and flaky fish filets smothered in a butter-lemon sauce with capers and served over fluffy rice!
If you’re in the mood for a light and nutritious meal that delivers on flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this Cod Piccata is a must-try! This dish is incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients and just a total of 15 minutes.
Get the full recipe from: Food N Service
15-Minute Pistachio Crusted Salmon – Try Something New for Dinner!
This pistachio crusted salmon recipe is elegant yet easy, and packed with flavor and nutrition! It’s a great date-night dinner because it makes two servings, but you can easily scale it up to feed your family.
This recipe is easy and perfect for cooks of all skill levels, and it takes just 15 minutes.
Get the full recipe from: An Edible Mosaic
FAQ’s
Can I use leftover roast chicken instead of fresh chicken breast?
Absolutely! This is a great way to use up leftover roast or rotisserie chicken. Just add it to the skillet along with the vegetables.
What other vegetables can I use?
Feel free to use your favorite veggies, such as zucchini, broccoli, or fresh mushrooms. This recipe is very versatile.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the angel hair pasta with your favorite gluten-free noodles.
This 15-minute recipe is not just quick and easy but also a great way to bring comfort food to your table without the hassle. Add this to your recipe box and enjoy a delicious, weeknight-friendly meal that the whole family will love.
Try any of the included ideas in this 15-Minute Quick Dinner Recipes For Weeknights collection. Let me know your experience.
