In today’s fast-paced world, the convenience of takeout often wins over home cooking. However, with the right recipes in hand, you can prepare a delicious and nutritious meal in less time than it takes for your delivery to arrive.

Here are 15 quick dinner recipes that are easy and incredibly tasty, that will make you reconsider ordering your next dinner for takeout.

1. Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

Basic Ingredients: Spaghetti, Garlic, Red pepper flakes, Olive oil, Parsley, and Salt.

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

A classic Italian dish that champions simplicity and flavor. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio turns everyday pantry staples into a culinary masterpiece. In just the time it takes to boil pasta, you can prepare a garlic-infused oil that delicately coats each spaghetti strand, transforming this humble dish into a gourmet experience and making it one of the best quick dinner recipes.

2. Quick Chicken Stir Fry

Basic Ingredients: Chicken breast, Mixed vegetables, Soy sauce, Sesame oil, Ginger, and Garlic.

Estimated Time: 25 minutes

This stir fry brings the best of both worlds: taste and speed. Loaded with colorful veggies and juicy chicken, this stir fry is perfect for a busy weeknights. The simple marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger adds an Asian flair that rivals nearly any takeout joint.

3. Fish Tacos

Basic Ingredients: White fish fillets, Flour tortillas, Slaw mix, Lime, Avocado, Sour cream, and Salt.

Estimated Time: 20 minutes

Fish tacos offer a refreshing taste of the seaside right in your kitchen. Use a mild white fish, some fresh slaw, and a squeeze of lime for a zesty dinner that’s ready faster than you can say ‘taco night.’ Finish them off with a dollop of creamy avocado or sour cream for a quick gourmet experience.

4. Rapid Ramen Upgrade

Basic Ingredients: Instant ramen, Egg, Spinach, Green onions, Sliced pork or tofu, and Soy sauce.

Estimated Time: 10 minutes

Ramen is a staple in many college diets, and with a few upgrades, you can transform it from a dorm room dinner to a gourmet feast. A soft-boiled egg, spinach, green onions, and thinly sliced pork elevate the simple ramen pack into a balanced and satisfying dinner. This is creativity and convenience at its best.

5. Shrimp Scampi

Basic Ingredients: Shrimp, Garlic, Lemon, Parsley, Butter, Olive oil, Salt, Pepper, and White wine (optional).

Estimated Time: 25 minutes

This super fast Shrimp Scampi is a delicious dish that’s ready in no time. Sauté shrimp with garlic and finish with a zesty sauce made from lemon juice, parsley, and butter. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

6. Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Basic Ingredients: Pasta, Chicken breast, Heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Garlic, Butter, and Salt.

Estimated Time: 25 minutes

A rich and creamy classic that comes together in no time. Sauté chicken breast, then create a simple Alfredo sauce with heavy cream, Parmesan, and garlic. Toss with pasta for a comforting meal that’s quicker than takeout.

7. Five-Ingredient Cheeseburgers

Basic Ingredients: Ground beef, Cheese slices, Burger buns, Lettuce, and Tomatoes.

Estimated Time: 20 minutes

These five-ingredient cheeseburgers are simple yet satisfying. Shape the ground beef into patties, cook until your preferred level of done, then add a slice of your favorite cheese. Serve on a bun with fresh lettuce and tomato for a quick and classic dinner. Try a burger with a twist with our Greek Feta Burger recipe!

8. Pan-Seared Salmon

Basic Ingredients: Salmon fillets, Olive Oil, Lemon, Fresh dill, Salt, and Pepper.

Estimated Time: 20 minutes

This quick dinner recipe offers a hearty, healthy option. While salmon might initially sound complicated, salmon actually cooks very quickly making it a great option for a quick dinner. A simple pan-seared salmon with a zesty lemon-dill sauce can be ready in under 20 minutes. Pair it with some quick-cooking veggies like asparagus or green beans for a well-rounded meal that leaves you feeling satisfied. Looking for a fun salmon recipe? Try our Tuscan Butter Salmon recipe!

9. Sizzling Steak Fajitas

Basic Ingredients: Steak, Bell peppers, Onion, Tortillas, Lime, Fajita seasoning, Salt, and Pepper.

Estimated Time: 20 Minutes

These Sizzling Steak Fajitas are a flavorful and fast dinner option. Sauté thinly sliced steak with colorful bell peppers and onions, then serve in warm tortillas with a squeeze of lime.

10. Five-Ingredient Fried Rice

Basic Ingredients: Cooked rice, Frozen mixed vegetables, Eggs, Soy sauce, and Sesame oil.

Estimated Time: 15 minutes

This Five-Ingredient Fried Rice is a tasty way to turn leftover rice into a quick dinner recipe. Simply fry rice with mixed vegetables, scramble in some eggs, and finish with soy sauce and sesame oil. Check out our recipe for Better Than Takeout Fried Rice!

11. Quick Lemon Pepper Chicken

Basic Ingredients: Chicken breasts, Lemon, Black pepper, Olive oil, and Salt.

Estimated Time: 20 minutes

This quick and easy chicken dish is a zesty and flavorful option for a quick dinner. Simply season chicken breasts with lemon zest, black pepper, and salt, then pan-fry until golden and cooked through. It’s a quick and easy dinner that delivers big on flavor, and leaves plenty for leftovers

12. Greek Pita Pizzas

Basic Ingredients: Pita bread, Tomatoes, Olives, Feta cheese, Tzatziki sauce, Cucumber, and Red onion.

Estimated Time: 15 minutes

These Greek Pita Pizzas are an easy, Mediterranean-inspired twist on the classic pizza. Top pita bread with tomatoes, olives, and feta, then bake until warm. Serve with a drizzle of tzatziki sauce for a unique and fast dinner.

13. Caprese Chicken

Basic Ingredients: Chicken breast, Tomatoes, Mozzarella cheese, Basil, Balsamic glaze, Olive oil, Salt, and Pepper.

Estimated Time: 20 minutes

This Quick Caprese Chicken is a deliciously light and flavorful dinner option. Sauté chicken breasts and top with slices of tomato and mozzarella, then broil until the cheese is melty and bubbly. Finish with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

14. Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas

Basic Ingredients: Tortillas, Chicken breast, Cheese, Bell peppers, Avocado, and Salsa.

Estimated Time: 15 minutes

Quesadillas are a crowd pleaser and are quite easy to make. Fill tortillas with grilled chicken, melty cheese, and bell peppers, then grill until golden. Serve with avocado and salsa for a delicious dinner that’s ready in no time.

15. Chicken and Noodle Soup

Basic Ingredients: Chicken breasts, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Egg noodles, Chicken broth, Parsley, Salt, and Pepper.

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

Chicken and Noodle Soup is the perfect quick comfort food. Cook chicken with carrots, celery, and onion, then add chicken broth and egg noodles. Simmer until the noodles are tender and the soup is fragrant, for a warm and hearty dinner.

To sum it up

We hope these quick dinner recipes inspire you to put the takeout menu aside and try your hand at these simple, delicious meals. From the comforting chicken and noodle soup to the chicken stir fry, these recipes prove that a homemade meal doesn’t have to be time-consuming.

Craving something sweet after your quick and easy dinner? Browse through our easy dessert recipes, to find your next sweet treat.

Find yourself with a little more time? Check out all of the recipe categories for more delicious options!