Don't fear the busy weeknight, conquer it with one of these in-a-flash, super fast recipes. You got this.
Photo: Maya Visnyei
Say hello to this simple and savoury dish. It’s great for kids who prefer their veggies raw and can be served warm or cold. Get the recipe: Greek Pasta Salad
Zero judgement for picking up a ready-made chicken from the deli—in fact, you get bonus points for the quick thinking! Shred it up and stuff it in a warm pita with crisp veggies, Greek yogurt and cheese. We want this for dinner every night. Get the recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Gyro
Photo: Maya VisnyeiSometimes simplicity is the key to deliciousness, and this recipe just can’t be beat. The most time-consuming bit is boiling the pasta. But remember, the thinner the noodle, the quicker it cooks. Get the recipe: Capellini with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach
Photo: Maya VisnyeiProtein-packed and great leftover, this chickpea salad isn’t a bore. Make it tonight with whatever’s wilting away in the fridge and serve with crusty bread. Get the recipe: Pantry Salad
Photo: Roberto CarusoThis may look fancy, but 20 little minutes is all you need. Kids approve of the built-in handle, making it a fun finger food. Get the recipe: Turkish Lamb Chops
Get the recipe: Super Quick Macaroni With Tomato Basil Sauce & Cheese
Photo courtesy of BarillaThis cheesy chicken is satisfying and such a cinch. Thin cutlets need just two minutes to cook per side—quicker even than your green side salad takes to make. Get the recipe: Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Photo: Ryan SzulcVeggies are friend not foe in this speedy noodle dish. We’ve yet to meet a kid who doesn’t love to slurp—and curls of zucchini and carrot are up for the task. If there are allergies in your family, swap the peanut butter for soy nut, almond or sesame seed butter. Get the recipe: Asian Noodles with Peanut Sauce
Photo: Maya VisnyeiStep aside boxed mac, the cheese is practically oozing out of this one-pot wonder. Throw in some frozen peas and you, my friend, have a complete meal. Get the recipe: One-Pot Mac and Cheese
Meatless Monday called and would like to report that this simple quesadilla is packed with all the good textures like meaty mushrooms and stringy melted cheese. Get the recipe: Mushroom Quesadilla
Fifteen minutes yeilds a plate of perfectly creamy but not-too-heavy restraurant-style pasta. Just sit with that for a second. Get the recipe: Vegetarian Pasta Carbonara
Photo: Maya VisnyeiThe best argument for cooking way more rice than you need for one meal: leftover rice. With it, you can whip up this egg, shrimp and veg dish in less time than delivery takes. Get the recipe: Quick Shrimp Fried Rice
Photo: Jodi PudgeIt should come as no surprise that stir-fry is king on the quick-and-easy roster. This single-veg dish keeps prep time to a minimum. Get the recipe: Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Photo: Jodi PudgeOur recipe calls for leftover beef ragout, but you can use whatever meat you’ve got in a taco. Try shredded chicken or, if you’re feeling really fancy, a frozen fish stick will do the trick. Get the recipe: Braised Beef Tacos
Photo: Maya VisnyeiShake things up with a quick shrimp and rice fry. It’s got chunks of juicy pineapple and sweet red pepper, because sweet with savoury is never a bad idea. Get the recipe: Shrimp and Red Pepper Stir-Fry
Read more: 8 forgot-about-dinner dinner recipes 9 easy make-ahead breakfast recipes 10 quick weeknight dinners
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Amy is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work can also be found in publications like Chatelaine, Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail.