25 Easy Last Minute Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights

We’ve all been there—work ran late, errands took longer than expected, or the family is hungry, and you realize dinner still isn’t on the table.

That’s where last minute dinner recipes come to the rescue.

These recipes are designed to be fast, easy, and full of flavor, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge.

From comforting pastas to fresh salads, hearty stir-fries, and even quick seafood dishes, these 25 recipes will help you put a satisfying meal on the table in no time, without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, you’ll find something for every craving in this list.

25 Easy Last Minute Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights

With these 25 last minute dinner recipes, you’ll never have to stress about what to cook on busy evenings again.

From quick pastas and stir-fries to fresh salads, tacos, and easy seafood, there’s a recipe here for every taste and every schedule.

Keep a few of these go-to recipes in your weekly rotation, and you’ll always have a delicious, homemade dinner ready in a fraction of the time.

Fast, simple, and flavorful—these meals prove that last-minute doesn’t mean compromising on taste.

One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp with Vegetables

This dish is a quick, savory, and colorful dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes.

The shrimp cooks quickly while the vegetables absorb the garlic butter sauce, making this meal both nourishing and flavorful.

Perfect for nights when time is short but you still want something satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• Juice of half a lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and butter.
2. Once the butter melts, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Toss in the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
4. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
5. Return the shrimp to the pan, squeeze lemon juice over the top, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until well coated in the garlic butter sauce.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

This one-pan garlic butter shrimp with vegetables is a lifesaver on busy nights.

It is fast, flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup while still delivering a restaurant-worthy taste.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

A warm, comforting bowl of creamy tomato basil pasta is perfect for a last-minute dinner.

With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a dish that feels indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces spaghetti or penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and half the basil leaves. Let simmer for another 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Season with salt and black pepper, then top with remaining basil leaves before serving.

This creamy tomato basil pasta is quick to prepare yet rich in flavor.

It is an easy way to enjoy comfort food on a tight schedule and is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

This stir-fry is sweet, savory, and satisfying while taking less than 25 minutes to make.

The homemade teriyaki sauce coats tender chicken and crisp vegetables, creating a healthy yet flavorful dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and bell peppers)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)

For the teriyaki sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
3. Remove chicken and add vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce and cook for 2 minutes. Add cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
5. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

This teriyaki chicken stir-fry is the perfect combination of quick cooking and bold flavors.

Served with rice or noodles, it’s a complete meal that can be on your table in no time.

Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus

This light and refreshing salmon dish is perfect for a quick dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.

The lemony herbs bring brightness while the asparagus roasts to tender perfection alongside the fish, making it a one-pan wonder.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place salmon fillets and asparagus on the prepared sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Sprinkle garlic, lemon zest, thyme, dill, salt, and black pepper over the salmon and asparagus.
4. Roast for 12–15 minutes until the salmon is flaky and the asparagus is tender.
5. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

This lemon herb salmon with asparagus is healthy, vibrant, and ready in just 20 minutes.

It’s the perfect dinner when you want something elegant but effortless.

Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas are the ultimate last-minute dinner.

With gooey melted cheese, tender chicken, and crispy tortillas, this recipe delivers flavor and comfort in every bite.

Best of all, it only takes about 15 minutes to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup sautéed onions and bell peppers (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt half the butter.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle evenly with cheese, shredded chicken, and sautéed vegetables if using.
3. Top with the second tortilla and press gently. Cook for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. Flip carefully, add the remaining butter, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the second side is crisp and the cheese is melted.
5. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Cheesy chicken quesadillas are a quick crowd-pleaser that you can whip up with simple pantry and fridge staples.

They’re filling, fun, and endlessly customizable.

Egg Fried Rice with Vegetables

When time is short, egg fried rice makes a wholesome and satisfying dinner.

It’s the perfect way to use leftover rice, eggs, and vegetables, creating a flavorful dish in just minutes.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers)
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Toss in the vegetables and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Add the rice to the pan, breaking up clumps. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until heated through.
5. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, scrambled eggs, and green onions. Mix well and season with salt and black pepper.
6. Serve hot as a standalone meal or with your favorite protein.

Egg fried rice with vegetables is quick, versatile, and endlessly satisfying.

It’s the ultimate solution for busy nights when you want a warm, homemade dinner without the hassle.

Spicy Garlic Noodles

For nights when you crave something bold and comforting, spicy garlic noodles are the answer.

They are quick to prepare, full of flavor, and use simple pantry staples that come together in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spaghetti or rice noodles
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce)
• 1 tablespoon chili paste or sriracha
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
4. Toss in the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over them. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until evenly coated.
5. Drizzle with sesame oil, sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top, and serve hot.

Spicy garlic noodles are fast, fiery, and deeply satisfying.

They’re the perfect last-minute fix when you want something flavorful with minimal effort.

Caprese Stuffed Avocados

This no-cook recipe is refreshing, wholesome, and ready in minutes.

Creamy avocados are filled with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil, making it a light yet filling dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Scoop out a little avocado flesh to make room for the filling and dice it.
2. In a bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, diced avocado, and basil.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently.
4. Spoon the mixture into avocado halves.
5. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.

Caprese stuffed avocados are a vibrant, nutrient-packed dinner that requires no stove time.

They’re elegant, healthy, and ideal for nights when you need something quick and refreshing.

Chicken Caesar Wraps

A wrap is one of the easiest dinners you can make in minutes.

These chicken Caesar wraps are creamy, crunchy, and filling—perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups cooked chicken, sliced or shredded
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• ¼ cup Caesar dressing
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions:

1. Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface.
2. In a bowl, toss chicken with Caesar dressing until well coated.
3. Layer lettuce, Parmesan cheese, chicken mixture, and tomatoes onto each tortilla.
4. Sprinkle with black pepper, then roll tightly into a wrap.
5. Slice in half and serve immediately.

Chicken Caesar wraps are simple, creamy, and delicious.

They’re an excellent grab-and-go dinner that feels fresh yet filling.

10-Minute Tuna Salad

This classic tuna salad is packed with protein and flavor while being incredibly quick to prepare.

With a few pantry staples, you can create a hearty meal that’s perfect on bread, crackers, or leafy greens.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans tuna in water, drained
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons celery, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lettuce leaves or bread, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, onion, and lemon juice.
2. Stir until evenly mixed and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Serve in lettuce wraps, on toast, or alongside crackers.

This quick tuna salad is light, versatile, and satisfying.

It’s the ultimate last-minute dinner for when you want something fast but protein-rich.

Greek Pita Pizzas

Turn pita bread into a personal pizza in just minutes with Mediterranean flavors.

This recipe is easy, customizable, and makes a fun last-minute dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 pita breads
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup hummus
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons kalamata olives, chopped
• Fresh parsley or oregano for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brush pita breads with olive oil and toast lightly in a skillet or oven.
2. Spread hummus evenly over the pitas.
3. Top with feta, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and olives.
4. Garnish with parsley or oregano before serving.

Greek pita pizzas are fresh, flavorful, and ready in 10 minutes. They’re perfect for an easy dinner that still feels special.

Black Bean Tacos

These vegetarian tacos are hearty, healthy, and take less than 20 minutes to make.

Black beans are seasoned and topped with vibrant garnishes for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 6 small corn tortillas
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, salsa, sour cream, cheese

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
2. Stir in black beans, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5 minutes, lightly mashing the beans as they warm.
3. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet.
4. Fill each tortilla with black beans and top with your favorite garnishes.

Black bean tacos are quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable.

They’re a wholesome and budget-friendly dinner that comes together in no time.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

This recipe is a lifesaver on busy evenings—juicy chicken cubes quickly seared and coated in a garlicky butter sauce.

It pairs well with rice, pasta, or even a green salad for a speedy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 6–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic, and stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Toss chicken in the sauce, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Garlic butter chicken bites are savory, quick, and versatile.

They’re perfect for nights when you want maximum flavor in minimal time.

Veggie Omelet with Cheese

Eggs are a go-to for last-minute dinners, and this veggie-packed omelet delivers protein, flavor, and comfort all in one skillet.

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, onions)
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat butter in a nonstick skillet and sauté vegetables for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Pour egg mixture over the vegetables and cook over medium heat until edges set.
4. Sprinkle cheese over half of the omelet, fold gently, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until melted.
5. Slide onto a plate and serve warm.

A veggie omelet with cheese is nourishing, filling, and ready in under 15 minutes. It’s an excellent dinner option when the fridge is nearly empty.

BBQ Chicken Flatbreads

These easy flatbreads are loaded with smoky barbecue flavor and melty cheese, making them a satisfying dinner you can prepare in just minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 naan or flatbreads
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix chicken with barbecue sauce until well coated.
3. Place flatbreads on a baking sheet, top with chicken, cheese, and red onion.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges are golden.
5. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.

BBQ chicken flatbreads are smoky, cheesy, and fast. They’re a fun and easy twist on pizza night, perfect for last-minute meals.

Chickpea Salad Bowls

Light, fresh, and packed with plant-based protein, chickpea salad bowls are a no-cook dinner you can throw together in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ red onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Feta cheese and parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss gently until well combined.
4. Top with feta and parsley before serving.

Chickpea salad bowls are bright, nutritious, and effortless. They make a refreshing dinner option when you want something light but satisfying.

Crispy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

A quick stir-fry with tender beef and crunchy broccoli tossed in a savory sauce.

It’s a takeout-style dinner you can make at home in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add beef and sear for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Add broccoli to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
3. Return beef to the pan and add garlic. Stir for 1 minute.
4. Pour in soy sauce and brown sugar, then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook until sauce thickens.
5. Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.

Crispy beef and broccoli stir-fry is quick, savory, and satisfying. It delivers restaurant-quality flavor in less time than takeout.

Margherita Pita Pizzas

This classic pizza flavor is simplified by using pita bread as the base.

With fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes, you’ll have a beautiful dinner in less than 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 pita breads
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 tomato, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spread tomato sauce over pita breads.
3. Layer with mozzarella slices and tomato slices.
4. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
6. Top with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Margherita pita pizzas are fresh, cheesy, and incredibly quick to make. They bring Italian-inspired flavor to your table in record time.

Lemon Garlic Tilapia

A light, flaky fish that cooks in under 10 minutes, perfect for last-minute dinners.

The bright lemon and garlic flavors make it refreshing yet satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 tilapia fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season tilapia with salt, pepper, and parsley.
3. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Add fillets and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and flaky.
5. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest before serving.

Lemon garlic tilapia is quick, flavorful, and elegant. It’s a last-minute dinner that feels restaurant-quality.

Quick Beef Tacos

These beef tacos are flavorful, ready in 15 minutes, and perfect for a fast, family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade mix
• 6 small tortillas
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, salsa, sour cream

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
2. Stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water and cook 2–3 minutes until thickened.
3. Warm tortillas in a separate pan.
4. Assemble tacos with beef and desired toppings.

Quick beef tacos are fast, satisfying, and perfect for last-minute dinners. They’re easy to customize and loved by all ages.

15-Minute Chicken Alfredo

A creamy pasta dish that comes together in record time. Rich Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta make it irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 pound cooked chicken, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, cooking until smooth.
4. Add chicken and cooked pasta, tossing to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Chicken Alfredo is creamy, comforting, and fast. It’s a perfect last-minute meal for pasta lovers.

Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu

This plant-based stir-fry is colorful, healthy, and ready in under 20 minutes. Crisp vegetables and pan-fried tofu make a filling dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
3. Add vegetables and stir-fry 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Return tofu to the skillet, drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, and stir well.
5. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Veggie stir-fry with tofu is quick, nutritious, and satisfying. It’s perfect for last-minute plant-based dinners.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

A classic Italian pasta dish that’s simple, flavorful, and ready in 15 minutes. Garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes deliver bold taste with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant but not browned.
3. Toss in pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Mix well.
4. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle parsley, and top with Parmesan.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is fast, elegant, and bursting with flavor. It’s a last-minute dinner classic that never disappoints.

Quick Shrimp Tacos

Juicy shrimp, a zesty slaw, and soft tortillas make this seafood taco recipe ideal for a speedy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 6 small tortillas
• Slaw: shredded cabbage, lime juice, cilantro, and salt

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
3. Prepare slaw by mixing cabbage with lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
4. Assemble tacos with shrimp and slaw, serving immediately.

Quick shrimp tacos are vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for a fast, seafood-packed dinner.

Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

A healthy, balanced, and speedy dinner that combines chicken, grains, and fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
• 1 pound cooked chicken, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt, black pepper, and oregano to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, layer rice or quinoa, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
4. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Mediterranean chicken bowls are fresh, nutritious, and ready in minutes. They’re ideal for busy nights when you want a wholesome dinner fast.