Do you wish your meals could all be ready to eat at the snap of your fingers? Same, friend. While I can’t magically make a heaping bowl of pasta or a skillet of chicken appear on your table, I can offer something that’s almost as good: 56 fast dinner ideas that you can make in 20 minutes or less. My favorites range from spicy shrimp tacos with mango salsa to easy cauliflower curry.
56 Fast Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes or Less
For nights when you just can't even
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Published Apr 29, 2024
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pot, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients
Since you most likely have all the ingredients in your pantry at this moment, you can consider dinner already made. Even picky kids will ask for seconds of this simple, citrusy staple.
2. Pan-Seared Fish with Pomegranate Salsa
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
Hello, colorful, fresh, elegant dinner. You’re a sight for sore eyes. Any firm white fish will do, but cod or halibut are among the most approachable.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly
Zucchini noodles are the ultimate fast-and-healthy dinner ingredient. You don’t even have to cook them, but if you do, they take practically no time at all. Make it even quicker by using pre-spiralized zoodles.
4. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein, beginner-friendly
Don’t save them just for taco Tuesdays. These easy, tropical handhelds deserve a place at the table every night of the week. Prepare the mango salsa ahead to save time before dinner.
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, low carb, beginner-friendly
Almost no cleanup and only 230 calories per serving? We know what we’re making tonight…and tomorrow night, for that matter. Pair it with white rice or noodles if you aren't watching your carb intake.
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy, high protein
Nothing against our favorite takeout spot, but it *definitely* takes longer than 15 minutes to get our order. Our simplified spin on pad Thai is on the table faster than you can say "for delivery, please."
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: low carb, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly
When you want dinner ready at lightning speeds, shrimp will get you there. This tasty shellfish only takes about three minutes to cook—really. Use store-bought zoodles to save even more time.
8. Cacio e Pepe
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
If you keep only one pasta recipe in your back pocket, make it this Italian classic. With just six ingredients, you’ll have it memorized (and on the table) in no time.
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Dinner’s ready in 12 minutes? You're not dreaming. The meal will be even heartier if you pair it with leftover grains or potatoes.
10. Lo Mein
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, <30 minutes
The secret to this fast dinner idea is the method in which it's prepared. Stir frying all the ingredients at super-high heat helps everything cook up in a flash.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, gluten free, <30 minutes
Rich, creamy, spicy and totally vegan, this masterpiece only needs 20 minutes to cook to decadent perfection. File this one under “Ingenious.”
12. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pot, kid-friendly, vegetarian
We’re suckers for a one-pot pasta. You just throw everything in and boom: a masterpiece. Instead of cooking the pasta and sauce separately, they're cooked together at once for maximum efficiency.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly special occasion-worthy
This is the slightly grown-up version of a childhood favorite, but it’s still easy-peasy to whip up when a craving strikes. Gochujang and kimchi infuse spice and acid into every bite.
14. Shrimp Fajitas
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, high protein
The most difficult thing you have to do is marinate the shrimp. (Thanks, Coterie member Gaby Dalkin.) As long as you're working on the other components while they sit, the recipe is painless.
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, vegetarian
Sure, you could reach for the jarred marinara. (There’s nothing wrong with that.) But before you do, consider that this beauty takes the same amount of effort for twice the payoff.
16. Chicken and Snap Pea Stir Fry
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, low carb, <30 minutes
If you really, really don’t feel like cooking, you should make this protein-packed essential. It’s easier and healthier than ordering in, but just as satisfying—promise.
17. Healthy Moroccan Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, beginner-friendly, <30 minutes
Coterie member Monique Volz knows that you don’t have to trade nutrition for convenience. Use shredded, store-bought rotisserie chicken to keep from cooking it yourself.
18. Pad See Ew
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, <30 minutes
We have just one question: Can we make this every night? The sauce is a mix of potent pantry staples, including dark and light soy sauces, Chinese cooking wine and oyster sauce.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: low carb, high protein, <30 minutes
Delicious egg roll filling, meet diet-friendly bowls. By ditching the greasy wrapper, you save on time, fat and carbs. (But we wouldn't blame you for crumbling some wonton strips on top for crunch.)
20. Avocado and Black Bean Pasta Salad
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, vegetarian
We always thought of pasta salad as a little lackluster...until we added avocado. Skip the jalapeño if you have spice-averse kids at your table.
21. Thin Crust Pizza with Arugula and Hot Honey
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly, <30 minutes
Introducing the only way we want to eat pizza from now on: with spicy-sweet honey, a pile of peppery greens and gooey cheese, all on a crispy tortilla crust. Add prosciutto on top if pepperoni alone isn't cutting it.
22. Tomato Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Herbs
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, gluten free
A juicy plate of tomatoes, cheese and herbs that comes together in ten? Don’t mind if we do. Char the halloumi indoors on a grill pan if the weather isn't nice enough to barbecue.
23. Tofu Stir Fry
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, vegan, <30 minutes
Pack up the leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch (if there are any leftovers, that is). Not only is it vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, but it's also pretty low in carbs, thanks to cauliflower rice.
24. Chipotle-Lime Salmon Tostadas
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein, beginner-friendly
The only thing that takes less time than making these zesty, crunchy tostadas is eating them. Store-bought tostadas, guacamole and salsa make this fast dinner idea a breeze to assemble.
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, high protein, crowd-pleaser
These sliders have a secret: They start with a store-bought rotisserie chicken. (Bet you can’t eat just one.) Better yet, they're only seven ingredients away.
26. Citrus, Shrimp and Quinoa Salad with Feta
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly
With a plate as gorgeous as this, your mealtime rut is officially in the past. Chalk it up to the fresh citrus. (P.S., it’ll even keep in the fridge for two days.)
27. Indian Salad Bowl with Crunchy Chickpeas
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, gluten free, beginner-friendly
These spicy, crispy chickpeas are absolutely transformative. You'll want to put them on every salad you ever eat from here on out—you've been warned.
28. Loaded Sesame-Ginger Salmon Salad
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, dairy free, <30 minutes
Bottled dressing? We’ve never heard of her. This omega-packed meal is effortless to whip up, thanks to an easy ginger vinaigrette that’s made entirely in your blender.
29. Ramen Carbonara
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly
Just when you thought you’d never have a crush on a bowl of noodles, here you are. It might have something to do with the fresh corn and basil garnish...or the bacon.
30. Waffle Breakfast Sandwich with Chorizo
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients
Brinner—aka breakfast for dinner—is always a good idea. And if it takes, like, two seconds to make? Even better. The key is having the waffles made in advance (or using frozen ones).
31. Korean Beef Bowl
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, <30 minutes
Brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil are here to save dinner, along with a pound of modest ground beef. Serve it with cucumber salad, kimchi and steamed white rice.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
Seven pantry staples turned into crispy, citrusy bliss. This fast dinner idea pairs with just about any side: roasted potatoes, buttered noodles, rice pilaf and dressed greens, for starters.
33. Spicy Shrimp with Pesto Noodles
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly
Pesto is a way more flexible recipe than you may think. This one calls for kale, spinach and almonds. Toss the zoodles in the pesto right before serving so they don't get too soggy before hitting the table.
34. Gazpacho with Cucumber, Red Pepper and Basil
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: no cook, <10 ingredients, vegan
All you need to pull this summer sweetheart off is a food processor or blender. Feel free to substitute yellow or green tomatoes for red if you feel so inclined.
35. Burrata Salad with Stone Fruit and Asparagus
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly, vegetarian
This beauty is practically no-cook. All you'll need to use the stove for is blanching the asparagus and sugar snap peas for about 30 seconds. The rest is all assembly.
36. Mediterranean Couscous with Tuna and Pepperoncini
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy, high protein
Don't let its fancy appearance fool you: This fast dinner idea is as easy as boiling water and opening a can. Finish your plate with a flourish of fresh parsley and a spritz of lemon.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian
Admit it: You've been looking for an excuse to flambé. Just be sure to remove the pan from the heat before adding whiskey or you might risk burning off your eyebrows—and keep a lid nearby in case you need to snuff out any lingering flames.
38. Mezze Plate with Toasted Za'atar Pita Bread
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly, high protein
The only "cooking" required for this giant plate of snacks is toasting the bread. The rest is adding ready-to-eat ingredients to your heart's content. In the words of Ina Garten, how easy is that?
39. PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, low carb, <30 minutes
This copycat recipe is pretty enough to serve to company, but easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. The secret to its sweet, savory flavor? Hoisin sauce.
40. Avocado Pasta
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Yeah, the pasta is delicious as is. But trust us—you'll want to gild the lily with a runny egg for rich umami flavor and protein. Finish each plate with lime and cilantro.
41. Seared Scallops with Green Peas, Mint and Shallots
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, <30 minutes, high protein
Think you have to spend all night at the stove to make a fancy dinner? Nope. This fast dinner idea only requires seven ingredients and 20 minutes to come together.
42. Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
Ten minutes prep, ten more in the pressure cooker. Et voilà. Canned staples (corn! black beans! green chiles!) bulk up the burritos in a flash.
43. Cucumber-Avocado Blender Soup
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
The crusty Asiago baguette really seals the deal, and it's worth turning on your oven for. The soup requires no cooking at all and comes together in your blender for maximum convenience.
44. Pork Scallopini with Lemon, Capers and Radicchio
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Because you're tired of chicken breast. This fast dinner idea is equal parts briny, citrusy and hearty. Pair it with your go-to grain to make it even more satiating.
45. Artichoke Garden Flatbread Pizza
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, <30 minutes, vegetarian
Store-bought flatbread makes this Mediterranean miracle attainable in just 15 minutes. Even the toppings don't require any cooking—the pie just needs to be warmed through.
46. Aran Goyoaga’s Niçoise Salad
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein, low sugar
Yep, we'll be bringing this to every picnic we ever attend. Fried capers and dill modernize the old-school French salad without too much extra effort.
47. Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Blue Cheese and Celery
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, high protein
Oh, rotisserie chicken. Is there anything you can't do? Since the filling is pre-cooked, you'll only need to warm the tortillas to make them pliable before wrapping.
48. Avocado Basil Pesto Zucchini Noodles
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
Avocado is a stellar addition for pesto, since it turns the sauce buttery and rich without overpowering the other ingredients. Pre-spiralized zoodles will make this fast dinner idea even easier.
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: low carb, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
This veggie-filled, fast dinner idea delivers cauliflower, carrot and edamame in a savory package. Want to make it vegan? Substitute scrambled tofu for eggs.
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
Because bacon, cheese and garlic will never steer you wrong. Sub traditional guanciale or pancetta for bacon if you find some at the supermarket.
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <30 minutes, vegetarian
Quesadillas have saved dinnertime more times than we can count, and these are filled with beans, roasted red peppers and pickled jalapeños. Add chicken or ground beef for a protein boost.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian
Starring baby bella mushrooms, garlic and red onion. Top the burgers with cheese, fresh arugula, spicy mayo or even kettle-cooked potato chips.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein, beginner-friendly
Mind your drooling, but the grits are packed with butter, cheddar and Parmesan. The recipe doesn't technically call for heavy cream...but we won't tell if you add it anyway.
54. Macaroni and Cheese in a Mug
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, one pot, vegetarian
This dinner for one is better than having company. Best of all, it only dirties one mug and requires seven simple ingredients to come together.
55. 15-Minute Herb-Crumbed Fish
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, high protein, special occasion-worthy
This sheet pan gem is the epitome of foolproof fare. Blitz the herb crumble in a blender or food processor, coat the fish and bake until tender—ta-da. Double the topping to store in the freezer for future last-minute meals.
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, beginner-friendly
Last night's noodles deserve a revival. Eggs (and a whole lot of Parmesan cheese) bring them back to life after hours in the fridge. Spaghetti, fettuccine and bucatini are ideal, but you can use penne, elbows or ziti in a pinch, too.
