Quick, easy, and on the table in no time.
After a long day of work, the last thing you want to do is spend hours cooking an elaborate dinner.
So we rounded up our favorite easy weeknight dinner recipes you can make in just 15 minutes — from comforting pastas to hearty rice bowls.
1. Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles
![27 Weeknight Dinner Ideas For People With Literally No Time (2) 27 Weeknight Dinner Ideas For People With Literally No Time (2)](https://i0.wp.com/img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2023-11/8/14/asset/aa453978fc14/sub-buzz-4444-1699454669-1.jpg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
Jeri Mobley-Arias / Via whisperofyum.com
Quick-cooking ramen noodles are tossed with a savory homemade sesame garlic sauce for a quick and easy dinner.
Recipe: Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles
2. Maple-Glazed Salmon
![27 Weeknight Dinner Ideas For People With Literally No Time (3) 27 Weeknight Dinner Ideas For People With Literally No Time (3)](https://i0.wp.com/img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2023-11/8/14/asset/97c5615d80ac/sub-buzz-1019-1699454679-1.jpg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
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In just a few minutes, you can have sweet and zesty glazed salmon fillets with a side of lemon and garlic broccoli. Make a double batch, this meal keeps well in the fridge for another day.
Recipe: Maple-Glazed Salmon
3. Bacon Avocado Caesar Salad
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The addition of crispy bacon and creamy avocado makes a main dish out of classic Caesar salad.
Recipe: Bacon Avocado Caesar Salad
4. Scallops with Caper Pan Sauce
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Who said fast can't be fancy? Sear up quick-cooking scallops, then make an easy pan sauce flavored with shallots, garlic, capers, and white wine. Serve with a simple side salad for a meal that's sure to impress.
Recipe: Scallops with Caper Pan Sauce
5. Cacio e Pepe
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In just a couple minutes more than it takes to boil the pasta, you can make a rich and buttery cacio e pepe sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles. Sauté up some spinach while the pasta cooks to get your greens in on the side.
Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
6. Tuna Melt
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This isn't just any tuna melt–the oil-packed tuna stays moist and succulent, while celery and sweet pickle relish provide a tangy crunch. Don't skimp on the cheese for the ultimate melty sandwich.
Recipe: Tuna Melt
7. 5-Ingredient Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce
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This no-cook dish is packed with flavor, thanks to the spicy, creamy peanut sauce. Add some chicken or shrimp for more protein if you'd like!
Recipe: 5-Ingredient Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce
8.
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What if you could have creamy homemade mac & cheese in less time than it takes to make the boxed version? This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes, thanks to the Instant Pot.
Recipe:
9. Italian Chopped Salad
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All of your favorite Italian flavors are chopped together in this hearty salad. Full of tender and bitter greens, hearty protein from salami and chickpeas, and flavor boosters like Provolone, pepperoncinis, and a garlicky vinaigrette, it’s satisfying enough to stand alone.
Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad
10. 15-Minute Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup
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This makes use of smart staples — frozen wontons, mixed veggies — and combines them in the most delicious way.
Recipe:15-Minute Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup
11. Easiest Garlic Bread Pizza
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This recipe uses thick garlic toast as the base, but you could also easily swap in French bread or anything similar.
Recipe:Easiest Garlic Bread Pizza
12. Veggie Fried Rice
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Fried rice is the OG easy dinner — and this veggie-forward version removes the most time-consuming aspect: cooking the protein.
Recipe:Veggie Fried Rice
If you can't find Thai basil in your grocery store, regular Italian basil will work just fine.
Recipe: Thai Basil Chicken
14. Pasta Carbonara
Quick, easy, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Recipe: Pasta Carbonara
15. Thai Red Curry Ramen
Red curry paste can be found in the international section of most grocery stores in either cans or jars — but if you can't find it, you can also make your own.
Recipe: Thai Red Curry Ramen
This dish is gluten-free, low-carb, and insanely easy to make. Feel free to use regular rice if cauliflower rice isn't your thing, or omit it altogether.
Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Cauliflower Rice
Not only is this recipe fast, it also takes only four ingredients to make: gnocchi, chicken sausage, tomatoes, and fresh basil.
18. Sheet Pan Lemon Pepper Chicken
Serve this chicken over rice, quinoa, or all by itself for a quick dinner that requires practically no clean up.
Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon Pepper Chicken
19. Easy Korean Beef Rice Bowls
This flavorful beef is made entirely in one pan and takes no time at all. Serve it over cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
Recipe: Easy Korean Beef Rice Bowls
20. Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Pasta
Zucchini noodles can be found in the produce section of most well-stocked grocery stores. If unavailable, just slice your zucchini into planks and cut into thin matchsticks.
Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Pasta
21. Chicken Cucumber Avocado Salad
Using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own helps this summery salad come together in just 10 minutes.
Recipe: Chicken Cucumber Avocado Salad
22. Spicy Peanut Udon Noodles
These slightly spicy noodles can be made in less time than it would take to place an order for delivery.
Recipe: Spicy Peanut Udon Noodles
23. Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas
Load these quesadillas up with your favorite pizza toppings for the ultimate last-minute dinner.
Recipe: Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas
Feel free to add additional veggies such as kale, spinach, bok choy, or cabbage to bulk this soup up.
Recipe: Ham and Bean Soup
Serve these pork chops over fresh greens, rice, or quinoa for a hearty dinner that comes together in no time.
Recipe: Sautéed Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Feel free to prepare this salad ahead of time and stash it in the fridge — just make sure to give it a good toss to redistribute the dressing before serving.
Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Pineapple, red onion, and a generous amount of lemon juice gives this chicken salad a bright summery flavor.
Recipe: Pineapple Chicken Salad
Looking for more recipe inspiration? Check out these posts:
• 83 Insanely Popular Dinners That Are Practical And Easy
• 30 Stress-Free Dinners That Come Together In 30 Minutes
• 20 Easy Dinner Ideas For When You're Not Sure What To Make
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics, including cooking and recipes. While I have personal experiences or preferences, I can provide information based on reliable sources and search results.
In this article, there are several quick and easy dinner recipes listed. Let's go through each concept mentioned in the article and provide information related to them:
Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles
Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles is a quick and easy dinner recipe that features quick-cooking ramen noodles tossed with a savory homemade sesame garlic sauce. It can be prepared in just 15 minutes. You can find the recipe for Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles on the website whisperofyum.com [[1]].
Maple-Glazed Salmon
Maple-Glazed Salmon is a recipe that allows you to prepare sweet and zesty glazed salmon fillets in just a few minutes. It can be served with a side of lemon and garlic broccoli. This meal can be stored in the fridge for another day. You can find the recipe for Maple-Glazed Salmon on the website tasty.co [[2]].
Bacon Avocado Caesar Salad
Bacon Avocado Caesar Salad is a variation of the classic Caesar salad. The addition of crispy bacon and creamy avocado transforms it into a main dish. You can find the recipe for Bacon Avocado Caesar Salad on the website tasty.co [[3]].
Scallops with Caper Pan Sauce
Scallops with Caper Pan Sauce is a quick and fancy dish. It involves searing quick-cooking scallops and making an easy pan sauce flavored with shallots, garlic, capers, and white wine. It can be served with a simple side salad. You can find the recipe for Scallops with Caper Pan Sauce on the website tasty.co [[4]].
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe is a rich and buttery pasta dish that can be prepared in just a couple of minutes more than it takes to boil the pasta. The sauce clings perfectly to the noodles. It is recommended to sauté some spinach while the pasta cooks to add some greens to the dish. You can find the recipe for Cacio e Pepe on the website tasty.co [[5]].
Tuna Melt
Tuna Melt is a delicious sandwich that features oil-packed tuna that stays moist and succulent. The addition of celery and sweet pickle relish provides a tangy crunch. It is recommended not to skimp on the cheese for the ultimate melty sandwich. You can find the recipe for Tuna Melt on the website tasty.co [[6]].
5-Ingredient Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce
5-Ingredient Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce is a no-cook dish that is packed with flavor. The dish features zucchini noodles tossed in a spicy and creamy peanut sauce. You can add chicken or shrimp for more protein if desired. You can find the recipe for 5-Ingredient Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce on the website tasty.co [[7]].
Creamy Homemade Mac & Cheese
Creamy Homemade Mac & Cheese is a quick and easy recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes, thanks to the Instant Pot. It offers a creamy and homemade alternative to the boxed version. You can find the recipe for Creamy Homemade Mac & Cheese on the website tasty.co [[8]].
Italian Chopped Salad
Italian Chopped Salad is a hearty salad that combines all your favorite Italian flavors. It includes tender and bitter greens, protein from salami and chickpeas, and flavor boosters like Provolone, pepperoncinis, and a garlicky vinaigrette. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal. You can find the recipe for Italian Chopped Salad on the website tasty.co [[9]].
15-Minute Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup
15-Minute Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup is a quick and easy soup recipe that makes use of frozen wontons and mixed veggies. It combines them in a delicious way to create a flavorful soup. You can find the recipe for 15-Minute Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup on the website tasty.co [[10]].
These are just a few of the recipes mentioned in this article. If you're interested in exploring more recipe ideas, you can check out the posts mentioned at the end of the article.
I hope this information helps you in finding quick and easy dinner recipes! Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with.