30 Weeknight Dinner Ideas For People With Literally No Time (2024)

Make a big batch of this fried rice and you've got lunch for the next day, too. Plus, fried rice is easy to customize — you can change it up by adding extra veggies or cuts of meat if you don't have any bacon on-hand.

Recipe:Bacon and Egg Fried Rice

In just a few minutes, you can have sweet and zesty glazed salmon fillets with a side of lemon and garlic broccoli. Make a double batch, this meal keeps well in the fridge for another day.

Recipe: Maple-Glazed Salmon

All of your favorite Italian flavors are chopped together in this hearty salad. Full of tender and bitter greens, hearty protein from salami and chickpeas, and flavor boosters like Provolone, pepperoncinis, and a garlicky vinaigrette, it’s satisfying enough to stand alone.

Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

Who said fast can't be fancy? Sear up quick-cooking scallops, then make an easy pan sauce flavored with shallots, garlic, capers, and white wine. Serve with a simple side salad for a meal that's sure to impress.

Recipe: Scallops with Caper Pan Sauce

In just a couple minutes more than it takes to boil the pasta, you can make a rich and buttery cacio e pepe sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles. Sauté up some spinach while the pasta cooks to get your greens in on the side.

Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

The addition of crispy bacon and creamy avocado makes a main dish out of classic Caesar salad.

Recipe: Bacon Avocado Caesar Salad

This isn't just any tuna melt — the oil-packed tuna stays moist and succulent, while celery and sweet pickle relish provide a tangy crunch. Don't skimp on the cheese for the ultimate melty sandwich.

Recipe: Tuna Melt

Quick-cooking ramen noodles are tossed with a savory homemade sesame garlic sauce for a quick and easy dinner.

Recipe: Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles

This no-cook dish is packed with flavor, thanks to the spicy, creamy peanut sauce. Add some chicken or shrimp for more protein if you'd like!

Recipe: 5-Ingredient Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce

What if you could have creamy homemade mac & cheese in less time than it takes to make the boxed version? This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes, thanks to the Instant Pot.

Recipe:

This makes use of smart staples — frozen wontons, mixed veggies — and combines them in the most delicious way.

Recipe:15-Minute Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup

This recipe uses thick garlic toast as the base, but you could also easily swap in French bread or anything similar.

Recipe:Easiest Garlic Bread Pizza

Fried rice is the OG easy dinner — and this veggie-forward version removes the most time-consuming aspect: cooking the protein.

Recipe:Veggie Fried Rice

Quick, easy, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Red curry paste can be found in the international section of most grocery stores in either cans or jars — but if you can't find it, you can also make your own.

Recipe: Thai Red Curry Ramen

Serve this chicken over rice, quinoa, or all by itself for a quick dinner that requires practically no clean up.

Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon Pepper Chicken

This flavorful beef is made entirely in one pan and takes no time at all. Serve it over cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

Recipe: Easy Korean Beef Rice Bowls

Zucchini noodles can be found in the produce section of most well-stocked grocery stores. If unavailable, just slice your zucchini into planks and cut into thin matchsticks.

Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Pasta

Using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own helps this summery salad come together in just 10 minutes.

Recipe: Chicken Cucumber Avocado Salad

These slightly spicy noodles can be made in less time than it would take to place an order for delivery.

Recipe: Spicy Peanut Udon Noodles

Load these quesadillas up with your favorite pizza toppings for the ultimate last-minute dinner.

Recipe: Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas