Looking for quick dinner solutions that go beyond the usual pasta? Our collection of 15 meals, each ready in 30 minutes or less, offers a variety of flavors and ingredients to spice up your weeknights. From stir-fries to sheet pan wonders, these recipes are perfect for when time is tight but flavor is a must.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Whip up this quick stir fry with thinly sliced beef for a meal that’s faster and more flavorful than your usual pasta. Perfect for a busy night, this dish is a takeout-beater.
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Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Quick and convenient, this air fryer frozen salmon with a simple maple mustard sauce is a great choice for those evenings when you want something different than pasta.
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Air Fryer Ribeye
Enjoy a classic dinner effortlessly with this air fryer ribeye steak. It’s a fast and flavorful meal, proving a hearty alternative to pasta on busy nights.
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Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
This southwestern-inspired ground beef and sweet potato skillet is an easy one-pan meal that’s a perfect option for quick dinners. Enjoy the tasty blend, ideal for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Quick and easy, this ground beef stir fry is a healthier and quicker alternative to takeout. Made in one pan with fresh vegetables, it’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal on busy evenings.
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Cream Cheese Chicken
For a change from pasta, try this cream cheese chicken. Seasoned with flavorful spices, it’s a creamy, savory option for a quick dinner that’s both simple and rich in taste.
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Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
These quesadillas, filled with smashed white beans and kale, offer a tasty and speedy alternative to pasta-based meals. Oozing with melted cheddar, they’re perfect for meatless dinners.
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Blackened Cod
Quick to prepare, this blackened cod recipe uses simple pantry seasonings for a flavorful meal. It’s a delightful seafood option for those nights when you want something lighter than pasta.
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Gochujang Chicken
Spice up your dinner routine with this quick gochujang chicken. It’s a flavorful, 30-minute meal that’s a great alternative to the usual pasta dishes, served best over white rice.
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Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
This one-pan meal of chicken and sweet potatoes is a no-fuss dinner solution. It’s easier and more nutritious than pasta, with caramelized pecans adding a unique touch.
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Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
This Mexican-inspired skillet is a flavorful, one-pan meal you can have ready in 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic choice for a quick dinner, providing a spicy alternative to pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
These BBQ pulled pork nachos are an easy crowd-pleaser. Load them up with your favorite toppings for a fun and quick dinner option that’s a tasty break from pasta meals. If you have leftover pork in the fridge, this meal is a no-brainer.
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General Tso Shrimp
General Tso shrimp offers a quick, easy alternative to Chinese takeout. This 10-minute, one-skillet recipe is a sweet and spicy delight, perfect for those seeking a break from pasta.
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Try this creamy turmeric chicken for a quick, one-skillet meal. It’s a savory and hearty option that stands out from the usual pasta, ready in under 30 minutes and great over rice.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Make surf and turf at home with these steak and shrimp fajitas. Cooked on one pan in the oven in under 20 minutes, they’re a speedy and savory alternative to pasta dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas