30-Minute Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Need a delicious dinner on the table fast? These 30-minute meals are perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but you still want something tasty and satisfying. From quick stir-fries to flavorful pasta dishes, you’ll have dinner ready in no time!

1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the chicken breasts, potatoes, and green beans on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle olive oil over everything and sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Place lemon slices on top of the chicken.
5. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are tender.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve!

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2. Quick Beef Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and vegetables. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch mixture.
5. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
6. Serve over rice and enjoy!

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3. Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the chicken strips over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Add the pesto sauce, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until everything is combined and heated through.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh basil and serve.

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4. One-Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Flour tortillas for serving
• Fresh lime for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp, bell pepper, and onion with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
4. Serve in warm tortillas with a squeeze of lime juice.

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5. One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 8 oz (225g) spaghetti
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Remove excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the uncooked spaghetti and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese before serving.

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These quick and easy 30-minute dinner recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast, delicious, and satisfying. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without the stress.