Most nights, spending an hour making dinner isn’t feasible. Don’t worry: These 30-minute dinner ideas simplify meal planning, with many requiring less than 15 minutes of prep! The best part? Several of these dishes are fancy enough for entertaining, making dinner parties or get-togethers a breeze.

30-Minute Dinner Ideas

1. Salt and Pepper Chicken

Make your favorite Chinese takeout at home with this quick and easy recipe. Chinese five-spice powder adds incredible depth and flavor to the chicken.

2. Soba Noodle Salad with Chili-Glazed Shrimp

On a busy night, skip the takeout and try this flavorful noodle dish instead. The dressing, made with peanut butter, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, and chili-garlic sauce, adds a delicious twist. Swap the peanut butter for cashew or almond butter for a different flavor or texture.

3. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Crispy Pancetta and Fried Eggs

This warm and comforting salad comes together in one pan and utilizes pre-shredded Brussels sprouts to save time. Opt for Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the Caesar-style dressing for a protein boost.

4. Shrimp Tacos with Caramelized Pineapple

Shrimp is a fantastic option for quick meals, cooking in minutes. Paired with caramelized pineapple, these tacos are a sweet and savory treat.

5. Green Olive and Rosemary Lamb Chops

This dish is not only tasty but speedy, with lamb chops broiled in just eight minutes. Served alongside rosemary-olive bulgur wheat and a smashed cucumber salad, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

6. Shrimp and Artichoke Scampi

Pasta is a weeknight favorite, and artichokes elevate this shrimp scampi into a complete one-dish meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying.

7. Sheet Pan Sausages and Veggies

A fuss-free dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes. Just toss sausage and chopped veggies onto a sheet pan and let the oven do the rest.

8. Antipasto Salad

No cooking is required for this hearty salad. Simply chop and combine your favorite antipasto ingredients for a delicious meal in under 15 minutes.

9. Easy Green Shakshuka

A twist on traditional shakshuka, this version features artichokes, spinach, salsa verde, and avocado. Feel free to swap in other veggies like kale or zucchini for variety.

10. Pasta With Zucchini and Goat Cheese

Summer zucchini is put to good use in this quick pasta dish. Lemon zest adds brightness, while creamy goat cheese ties it all together.

11. Carbonara Pizza

Turn classic carbonara into a pizza! Pre-made pizza dough paired with traditional carbonara ingredients makes for a decadent, delicious twist on a classic pie.

12. Tofu Fried Rice

This take on fried rice includes Indian-inspired flavors like ginger and turmeric. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies and makes for a wholesome, quick meal.

13. Fast Italian Fish Stew

Top a tomato-bean stew with a fresh fish filet and a sprinkle of herbs for a quick yet hearty dinner perfect for a weeknight.

14. Spicy Dumpling Soup

Frozen dumplings and chili crisp make this soup a spicy, flavorful option for a fast and comforting meal.

15. Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

Sheet pan dinners simplify both prep and cleanup. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this chicken and sweet potato dish is perfect for busy nights.

16. Linguine With Cherry Tomato Sauce

Fresh cherry tomatoes and basil make this homemade pasta sauce shine. Skip the jarred sauce and enjoy this fresh, flavorful meal in minutes.

17. Miso Noodle Soup

This noodle soup features miso, wilted spinach, and crispy tofu for added texture. It’s a comforting, nutrient-packed dish that’s ready in no time.

18. Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs With Salsa Verde

This Mexican-inspired dish combines crispy chicken thighs with flavorful salsa verde and cotija cheese for a vibrant, tasty meal.

19. Fancy Tomato Sandwiches

For those nights when time is short, a 15-minute tomato sandwich delivers both taste and satisfaction. Serve with fruit juice or a light salad for a complete meal.

20. Eggplant and Tomato Masala With Chickpeas

Vegetarian meals don’t have to skimp on flavor. This spicy Indian-style dish brings the heat and makes a great meatless dinner option.

21. Grilled Halloumi Salad

Grilled halloumi is the star of this Mediterranean-style salad, which comes together quickly for a light, yet satisfying meal.

22. Southwestern Beef Chili With Corn

This beef chili is ready in under 30 minutes. For make-ahead convenience, double the recipe and freeze a batch for later.

23. Grilled Turkey Zucchini Burgers

Turkey burgers can often turn out dry, but shredded zucchini solves that problem by adding moisture and extra nutrients. These burgers are sure to become a family favorite.

24. Speedy Pork Banh Mi

A sweet-tart marinade and quick roast bring pork to perfection in this take on the classic Vietnamese sandwich. Customize with cilantro or omit it for those who aren’t fans.