Ditch The Spaghetti: 15 Quick Dinners That Aren’t Pasta

Photo of author

| Published:

Ditch The Spaghetti: 15 Quick Dinners That Aren’t Pasta

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.

https://tastesdeliciouscom.bigscoots-staging.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mexican-ground-beef-skillet-landscape-1-1.jpg
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon filet with broccolini on a plate.
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Air Fryer Ribeye

Air fryer ribeye on a plate with potatoes and butter.
Air Fryer Ribeye. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken in a white skillet.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Blackened Cod

Blackened cod served with tri color quinoa.
Blackened Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod

Gochujang Chicken

Chinese gochujang chicken in a skillet on a table with black kitchen towel wrapped around the handle.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

BBQ pulled pork nachos on a plate.
BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos

General Tso Shrimp

Homemade general tso shrimp with broccoli and rice in a bowl with chopsticks.
General Tso Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Turmeric chicken with chickpeas over rice.
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Shrimp and steak fajitas with peppers and onions.
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.