/
1x
Advertisement
Recipes

Fast Recipes: 14 Easy Dinners In Under 20 Minutes

Don't fear the busy weeknight, conquer it with one of these in-a-flash, super fast recipes. You got this.

Fast Recipes: 14 Easy Dinners In Under 20 Minutes

Photo: Maya Visnyei

Weeknights can be hectic, and getting dinner on the table can feel like a race against the clock. We've rounded up a collection of speedy and simple recipes perfect for those busy evenings.

From kid-approved pasta dishes and easy stir-fries to clever uses for rotisserie chicken and pantry staples, these meals prove that you don't need hours in the kitchen to create something everyone will love. Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas and hello to stress-free, tasty weeknight wins.

Greek Pasta Salad

plate of pasta with olives, tomatoes and cucumber Photo: Jodi Pudge

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

Rotisserie Chicken Gyro

plate of pitas filled with shredded chicken, tomatoes and cucumbers Photo: Maya Visnyei

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

Advertisement

Capellini with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach

cast iron pan with spaghetti, tomatoes and spinach Photo: Maya Visnyei

Sometimes 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

Pantry Salad

plate of chickpea salad Photo: Roberto Caruso

Protein-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

Turkish Lamb Chops

grilled lamb chops with chopped mint Photo: Jodi Pudge

This 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

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

chicken cutlet breaded with salad Photo: Ryan Szulc

This 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

Advertisement

Asian Noodles with Peanut Sauce

plate with noodles and tofu Photo: Maya Visnyei

Veggies 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

One-Pot Mac and Cheese

thermos with mac and cheese with peas

Step 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

Mushroom Quesadilla

Cheesy quesadillas on white board Photo: Roberto Caruso

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

Vegetarian Pasta Carbonara

plate of pasta with peas and cheese Photo: Maya Visnyei

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 

Advertisement

Quick Shrimp Fried Rice

Fast Recipes: 14 Easy Dinners In Under 20 Minutes Photo: Jodi Pudge

The 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

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

plate of rice noodles topped with saucy beef and broccoli Photo: Jodi Pudge

It 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

Braised Beef Tacos

corn tortilla with braised beef, avocado and lettuce Photo: Maya Visnyei

Our recipe calls for leftover beef ragoutbut 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

Shrimp and Red Pepper Stir-Fry

shrimp stir-fry

Shake 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

Advertisement
This article was originally published on Nov 10, 2017

Modern parenting, made easier

Expert tips, stories and support straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Copy link