Life can get busy, and sometimes dinner needs to happen quickly.
These 15 last minute dinner recipes are designed to be fast, easy, and flavorful.
They require minimal prep and ingredients, making them perfect for hectic weeknights.
From one-pan meals to quick pasta dishes, each recipe is designed to save time without sacrificing taste.
With these recipes, you can enjoy a delicious, satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.
They prove that convenience and flavor can go hand in hand, even on the busiest evenings.
15 Quick Last Minute Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Last minute dinners don’t have to be boring or repetitive.
These 15 recipes provide a variety of meals that are quick, easy, and delicious.
They rely on simple ingredients, minimal prep, and smart cooking techniques to save time.
With these ideas, you can enjoy stress-free dinners without compromising on taste.
Fast, flavorful, and satisfying meals are possible, even on your busiest nights.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This garlic butter shrimp pasta is quick, indulgent, and bursting with flavor.
Juicy shrimp are sautéed in garlic and butter, then tossed with cooked pasta and fresh parsley.
The dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
A hint of lemon brightens the flavors, creating a comforting yet light dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter or dairy-free alternative
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, 2–3 minutes per side.
- Toss shrimp with pasta, lemon juice, and parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
This pasta is quick, flavorful, and satisfying.
Garlic butter enhances the shrimp while lemon adds brightness.
It is perfect for busy weeknights or a fast, indulgent dinner.
10-Minute Chicken Stir-Fry
This 10-minute chicken stir-fry is colorful, nutritious, and full of vibrant flavors.
Tender chicken pieces are cooked with bell peppers, snap peas, and a tangy sauce.
The meal is ready in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for last minute dinners.
Serve over rice or noodles for a balanced, filling dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ginger, grated
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and sauté until almost cooked through.
- Add garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and snap peas.
- Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil and cook for 2–3 more minutes.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
This stir-fry is quick, fresh, and flavorful.
The combination of vegetables and chicken is colorful and nutritious.
It is perfect for busy evenings when time is short.
One-Pan Lemon Herb Salmon
This one-pan lemon herb salmon is fast, elegant, and packed with flavor.
Salmon fillets are roasted with lemon slices, garlic, and herbs, alongside a medley of vegetables.
Everything cooks together on one sheet pan in under 25 minutes.
It’s a light, wholesome dinner perfect for weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange salmon and vegetables on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until salmon is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot with a side of your choice.
This salmon is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Lemon and herbs add brightness and aroma.
It is perfect for a quick, elegant last minute dinner.
Veggie-Packed Quesadillas
These veggie-packed quesadillas are quick, satisfying, and loaded with fresh vegetables.
Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and onions are sautéed and folded into gluten-free or regular tortillas.
The quesadillas cook in under 10 minutes, making them perfect for last minute dinners.
Serve with salsa or guacamole for a fast, delicious, and family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 4 tortillas
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup dairy-free cheese or regular cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach until tender.
- Place vegetables and cheese on one half of each tortilla.
- Fold the tortilla and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve with salsa or guacamole.
These quesadillas are quick, cheesy, and flavorful.
Vegetables provide nutrition and color while cheese adds richness.
They are perfect for last minute dinners or impromptu family meals.
Spicy Chickpea and Tomato Skillet
This spicy chickpea and tomato skillet is hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Canned chickpeas are simmered with diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices for a warming, protein-packed meal.
It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
Serve with rice, quinoa, or warm bread for a satisfying and nourishing dish.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
This skillet is spicy, hearty, and satisfying.
Chickpeas provide protein while tomatoes add richness and depth.
It is perfect for last minute dinners or quick, nourishing meals.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
This teriyaki chicken stir-fry is quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Juicy chicken is cooked with colorful vegetables and coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
It comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for last minute dinners.
Serve over rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté chicken until almost cooked through.
- Add garlic, ginger, broccoli, and bell pepper, and cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in teriyaki sauce and cook until vegetables are tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
This stir-fry is fast, savory, and satisfying.
Teriyaki sauce adds a rich, sweet flavor that complements chicken and vegetables.
It is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or last minute meals.
Caprese Avocado Toast
This Caprese avocado toast is fresh, light, and ready in just 10 minutes.
Ripe avocado is mashed and topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
It’s naturally vegetarian, gluten-free with your choice of bread, and perfect for a last minute dinner or snack.
The combination of creamy avocado and sweet balsamic makes each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of gluten-free or regular bread
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast bread slices to your preference.
- Mash avocado and spread evenly over each slice.
- Top with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
This toast is fresh, colorful, and satisfying.
Avocado provides creaminess while tomatoes and basil add freshness.
It is perfect for quick, last minute dinners or light meals.
Quick Beef and Veggie Skillet
This quick beef and veggie skillet is hearty, savory, and comes together in under 20 minutes.
Ground beef is cooked with onions, bell peppers, and zucchini in a simple seasoning blend.
The dish is naturally gluten-free and perfect for a fast, filling dinner.
Serve on its own or with rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté onion until translucent.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in bell pepper, zucchini, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot.
This skillet is hearty, savory, and filling.
Beef provides protein while vegetables add nutrition and color.
It is perfect for last minute dinners or quick family meals.
Spicy Sausage and Pepper Skillet
This spicy sausage and pepper skillet is flavorful, colorful, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Italian sausage is cooked with bell peppers and onions, creating a fast, satisfying dinner.
It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free if using appropriate sausage, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a complete, hearty dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook sausage slices until browned and cooked through.
- Add bell peppers and onions, sautéing until tender-crisp.
- Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with bread.
This skillet is spicy, savory, and satisfying.
Sausage and peppers create bold flavors and a colorful presentation.
It is perfect for last minute, hearty weeknight dinners.
Lemon Garlic Tilapia with Spinach
This lemon garlic tilapia with spinach is light, flavorful, and ready in under 15 minutes.
Tilapia fillets are pan-seared with garlic and lemon, served over a bed of sautéed spinach.
It’s a naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and healthy option for a last minute dinner.
The combination of tender fish and bright citrus makes it a refreshing, quick meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tilapia fillets
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add tilapia fillets and cook 3–4 minutes per side until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- In another pan, sauté spinach with remaining olive oil until wilted.
- Serve tilapia over spinach and drizzle with lemon juice.
This dish is light, fresh, and quick to prepare.
Tilapia provides protein while spinach adds nutrition and color.
It is perfect for last minute, healthy weeknight dinners
Teriyaki Tofu Bowl
This teriyaki tofu bowl is quick, flavorful, and perfect for a last minute vegetarian dinner.
Crispy tofu is sautéed and coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
Serve with steamed rice and a mix of colorful vegetables for a balanced, nutritious meal.
The dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Press tofu to remove excess moisture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté tofu cubes until golden and crispy.
- Add garlic, broccoli, and bell pepper, cooking for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in teriyaki sauce and sesame oil until evenly coated.
- Serve hot over rice.
This tofu bowl is crispy, flavorful, and satisfying.
The teriyaki sauce enhances the tofu while vegetables add freshness.
It is perfect for last minute vegetarian dinners or quick meals.
15-Minute Shrimp Tacos
These 15-minute shrimp tacos are fast, fresh, and bursting with flavor.
Shrimp is sautéed with chili and lime, then served in corn tortillas with cabbage slaw.
The dish is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it perfect for a quick, healthy dinner.
A drizzle of avocado crema or salsa adds creaminess and balance.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 4–6 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: avocado slices or salsa
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Toss shrimp with chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Warm tortillas in a separate skillet.
- Assemble tacos with shrimp, cabbage, and optional avocado or salsa.
- Serve immediately.
These tacos are fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.
Shrimp provides protein while cabbage adds crunch and freshness.
They are perfect for fast, last minute dinners or quick weeknight meals.
Quick Chicken Fajita Skillet
This quick chicken fajita skillet is colorful, spicy, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Chicken strips are sautéed with bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning for a vibrant dinner.
Serve with tortillas, rice, or over a salad for a filling meal.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights and comes together with minimal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas or rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add bell peppers, onion, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot with tortillas or rice.
This fajita skillet is spicy, colorful, and flavorful.
Chicken and vegetables combine for a satisfying, protein-packed dinner.
It is perfect for last minute meals or quick weeknight dinners.
Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet
This Mediterranean chickpea skillet is hearty, flavorful, and ready in just 15 minutes.
Chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, olives, and spinach are sautéed with olive oil and garlic for a satisfying vegetarian dinner.
Serve with rice, quinoa, or gluten-free bread for a complete meal.
The dish is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfect for a quick, healthy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ¼ cup olives, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and smoked paprika, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and olives and cook until spinach wilts.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
This skillet is hearty, colorful, and satisfying.
Chickpeas provide protein while vegetables add freshness and flavor.
It is perfect for quick, last minute vegetarian dinners
20-Minute Beef and Broccoli
This 20-minute beef and broccoli is savory, tender, and perfect for last minute dinners.
Thinly sliced beef is stir-fried with crisp broccoli in a quick soy-ginger sauce.
Serve with rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.
The dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté beef until browned.
- Add garlic, ginger, and broccoli, and cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil and cook until broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Serve hot over rice.
This beef and broccoli is savory, tender, and flavorful.
Beef provides protein while broccoli adds nutrition and crunch.
It is perfect for last minute dinners or fast weeknight meals.
