80+ Super-Quick Dinners That Are So Much Better Than Takeout
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80+ Super-Quick Dinners That Are So Much Better Than Takeout
Figuring out what to have for dinner each night can feel exhausting. All you probably want to do at the end of a long, busy day is slip into your coziest pants, fluffiest sweater, cuddle up on the couch to watch your favorite TV show, and order take-out from your go-to delivery restaurant. But that could lead to a hefty bill and a heavier meal than you want before bed. Instead, consider whipping up any one of these easy, quick dinner ideas. Each one is almost effortless to make, taking 30 minutes or less, and is guaranteed to satisfy your craving for comfort food after a grueling day.
And just because these dinner recipes are quick and easy doesn't mean they skimp on flavor or quality. Every one of them has been developed and tested by the Woman's Day Test Kitchen, ensuring they're all jam-packed with flavors and nutrients, without taking a ton of time to prep or cook. The ingredients are pretty basic (read: you probably have them in your kitchen right now), and the step-by-step instructions aren't super complicated either. From various types of pizza, to pork chops, to pastas, and tacos, these easy, quick dinner ideas are bound to please even the pickiest of eaters. With over 80 dinner recipes that take 30 minutes or less, you could have a new meal every night of the week for months before you get even close to finishing the whole list. So, get cooking!
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Charred Shrimp, Leek and Asparagus Skewers
These easy shrimp skewers make the perfect weeknight dinner.
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Hot Pepper and Onion Pizza
You can't go wrong with a slice of pepperoni or plain cheese pizza, but for those who want to bring a little heat and change it up, this hot pepper and onion pizza is the perfect dinner dish.
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- 4/86
Quick Chickpea and Kale Stew
The perfect one-pot meal for those chillier days.
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Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Grilled Asparagus and Scallions
Pasta is a great go-to when you are rushing to get a meal on the table, but that doesn't mean it can't be packed with some protein. Add grilled veggies and scallions to give classic spaghetti more flavor and nutrients.
Get the Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Grilled Asparagus and Scallions recipe.
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Mâche, Beet, and Orange Salad
A perfect blend of citrus and spice that elevates a simple salad and makes dinner time much more fun.
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Mustardy Potato Salad With Watercress
This hearty salad gives you a good serving of greens while being filling enough so you won't be hungry later on.
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Green Olive Shrimp Pasta
Pack some more nutrients into your pasta dish with this hearty recipe that contains olives and shrimp.
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Katsu Pork Cutlet
The perfect meal when you need a break from cooking up chicken or beef at dinner. This crispy pork cutlet pairs perfectly with a ginger-lime cabbage salad.
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Mushroom and Arugula Salad Pizza
A favorite for Pizza Fridays simply because you get the deliciousness of pizza while getting in some servings of leafy greens.
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Mexican Skirt Steak and Avocado Salad
The healthy fats from the avocado, the nutrients from the veggies, and the protein from the skirt steak makes this a must-have recipe.
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Creamy Chicken-and-Broccoli Pesto Bow Ties
Pasta is always a great go-to when you're looking for a quick meal, but this dish with tasty chicken and a delicious creamy pesto makes it taste super decadent.
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- 13/86
Spicy Salmon with Yogurt Sauce and Roasted Broccoli
An unbelievably flavorful version of the stereotypical healthy meal of salmon and broccoli — but this time with a zesty yogurt sauce.
Get the Spicy Salmon with Yogurt Sauce and Roasted Broccoli recipe.
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Spinach and Artichoke Pizza
A meal that is easy for mom to make and something the kids will love. Win-win!
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Vegetarian Fried Rice
The perfect quick dinner to make when you have some leftover plain rice that you're not too sure what to do with.
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White Bean and Tuna Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
This heart-healthy salad is packed with protein from eggs to tuna to beans.
Get the White Bean and Tuna Salad with Basil Vinaigrette recipe.
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Cheesy Baked Spinach and Feta Casserole
With two kinds of cheese and freshly grated nutmeg, this is a great quick meal that's perfect if you're serving a larger group.
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Cheesy Polenta & Mushroom Pizza
A great twist on traditional pizza that also happens to be gluten-free — ideal for anyone with food sensitivities.
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Salmon Niçoise Salad
Change up the usual Niçoise salad by using salmon instead of anchovies or tuna.
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Shrimp Puttanesca
Add some Mediterranean flare to your weekly meal rotation with this robustly flavored dish.
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Pork Chops and Garlicky Tomatoes with Parmesan Polenta
If you're looking for a hearty, savory dish that you can put together in almost no time at all, this pork chop should be your go-to.
Get the Pork Chops and Garlicky Tomatoes with Parmesan Polenta recipe.
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Sweet Potato Kale Frittata
Eggs are great for any meal, so you can pack up the leftovers from this frittata to have for breakfast or lunch the next day.
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Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles
Pasta is always a go-to for a quick dinner, and this shrimp scampi recipe proves that you don't need much time to produce a high-quality pasta dish. The spiralized zucchini lightens up the dish, making it a lower-carb option.
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Zesty Mini Crab Cakes
Crab cakes may seem complicated, but this straightforward recipe will have you whipping them up in no time. Throw these tangy cakes on top of some fresh greens, and you've got yourself a mighty fine dinner.
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Roasted Cauliflower and Red Chile Pizza
It can be hard to get the kids to eat veggies, but they'll happily gobble them down once you incorporate them into this pizza. This roasted cauliflower and red chile pizza is a real crowd-pleaser come dinner time.
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Smoky Chicken with Charred-Corn Salad
Nothing says southern comfort quite like some smoky chicken and roasted corn. The flavor combination of these two components will leave your taste buds singing.
Get the Smoky Chicken with Charred-Corn Salad recipe.
RELATED: 20 Simple Comfort Food Recipes for a Cozy Night at Home
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White Whine Mussels
Mussels may feel luxurious, but in reality, they're actually pretty easy to make. Throw some fries in the oven for a classic moules frites.
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Pasta with Marinated Cherry Tomato Sauce
Homemade pasta sauce always tastes so much better. And the simple ingredients used in this recipe lets the freshness of the dish shine.
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Curry-Poached Salmon with Peppers
If you've never tried poaching your salmon in coconut milk, now's the time to try it. The perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors in this dish will satisfy any curry-lover.
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Grilled Squash Garlic Bread
Adding ricotta and grilled veggies brings this classic dish up from an appetizer to a main course.
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Seafood Chowder Bread Bowls
You don't have to be on the coast to enjoy this creamy seafood chowder and bread bowl — and you don't have to set aside much time to make it either!
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Grilled Chicken Caesar Baguette
There's nothing easier to make than a sandwich, right? And this baguette, stuffed with fresh grilled chicken and homemade caesar dressing, is bursting with flavor.
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Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
Throw together some veggies, black beans, and shredded chicken on top of tortilla chips for an extremely easy weeknight dinner that's sure to be a hit for the whole family.
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Spaghetti with Grilled Green Beans and Mushrooms
This savory vegetarian-friendly dish is full of robust cremini mushrooms and fresh green beans. And best of all? It only takes 20 minutes to prepare.
Get the Spaghetti with Grilled Green Beans and Mushrooms recipe.
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Rice Noodle Salad
Clocking in at just 15 minutes, this rice noodle salad is the perfect choice if you're extremely tight on time and are looking for a lighter dinner option.
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Spinach and Cheese Pita Pizzas with Tomato Salad
To satisfy any pizza cravings while still getting in some veggies, try this crispy pita pizza and tomato salad.
Get the Spinach and Cheese Pita Pizzas with Tomato Salad recipe.
Related: 45 Mouthwatering Recipes for the Best Homemade Pizza
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Pasta with Easy Sausage Ragu
If you've had a hectic day of running around and need something hearty, this pasta dish will not disappoint. Sprinkle on some fresh parmesan, and you'll think you've been transported straight to Italy.
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Chicken with Roasted Plums and Almond Gremolata
Plums might not be the first thing you think of when you go to make dinner, but after trying this dish, they will be. Plus, this meal only takes 15 minutes to make.
Get the Chicken with Roasted Plums and Almond Gremolata recipe.
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Jerk Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple
It only takes 20 minutes to transport yourself to the islands with this insanely delicious jerk pork chops dish.
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Salmon with Creamy Feta Cucumbers
This yummy dish takes less than 10 ingredients and cost just $3.55 per serving.
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Chicken, Green Bean, and Bacon Pasta
Who needs meatballs when you have bacon?
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Smoky Beef Tacos
Make it a fun-filled taco night with delicious, smoky tacos that can be topped with diced pineapples, pickled jalapeños, and shredded cabbage.
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Orange-Garlic Chicken with Burst Tomatoes
Give this staple chicken dish a makeover with fresh orange juice and grape tomatoes.
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Kale and Chickpea Soup
A one-pot meal is the perfect for busy weeknights. Add all of the ingredients to your dutch oven, and, in less than 30 minutes, you'll have a rich, hearty soup at the ready.
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Spaghetti with Bacon and Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
This simple spaghetti recipe is loaded with protein-rich Brussels sprouts and crunchy bacon.
Get the Spaghetti with Bacon and Parmesan Brussels Sprouts recipe.
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Chicken Mole Tacos
Mole normally takes hours of tender, love, and care to cook, but with this shortcut recipe, you can have those delicious cinnamon and cocoa flavors in just minutes.
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Sweet Potato and Chorizo Pizza
Skip delivery — you can make your own pizza faster with this spicy veggie and chorizo combo.
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Steak and Cauliflower with Caper Relish
Spruce up a classic steak dish with this colorful, bursting-with-flavor relish.
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Scrambled Egg Tacos
Breakfast for dinner gets a tasty makeover when combined with taco night.
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Mediterranean Pita Pizzas
Turn pizza night into pita night with this easy, customizable recipe.
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Fish Chowder Sheet Pan Bake
Because there's nothing better than a fuss-free, one-dish dinner.
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Bistro Steak with Mustard Smashed Potatoes and Spinach
Steak and potatoes may be a classic, but this recipe cooks faster than the one at your local steakhouse.
Get the Bistro Steak with Mustard Smashed Potatoes and Spinach recipe.
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Pork Tenderloin Skewers with Herbed Couscous
Pork kebabs get an extra dose of the Mediterranean thanks to a side of mint, parsley, cucumber, and feta couscous.
Get the Pork Tenderloin Skewers with Herbed Couscous recipe.
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Mediterranean Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Greek yogurt is the key to this tangy chicken salad.
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Cheesy Shells and Greens
Consider these gooey shells, mixed with a healthy serving of spinach, as an elevated take on mac and cheese.
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Seared Steak and Potato Salad
Forget the grill — seared, medium-rare steak comes together just as perfectly on your stovetop.
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Balsamic Chicken with Apple, Lentil and Spinach Salad
Upgrade grilled chicken with a splash of balsamic vinegar and serve it over a bed of lentils, spinach, and green apples for a healthy, yet delicious dinner.
Get the Balsamic Chicken with Apple, Lentil and Spinach Salad recipe.
RELATED: 30+ Chicken Breast Recipes That Are Anything But Boring
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Fajita Chicken Roll-Ups
This 30-minute meal has all the flavor you love, without the dangerously hot fajita pan.
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Beer-Battered Cod and Roasted Potato Salad
Take fish and chips to the next level with this quick homemade meal.
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Ginger Meatball Soup with Bok Choy
This chicken meatball soup, with notes of spiced ginger, is perfect for preventing colds and delicious.
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Roasted Old Bay Shrimp Scampi
Over a bed of yummy mashed potatoes, tender shrimp and sweet corn make the perfect meal.
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Sesame Chicken and Chili Lime Slaw
Sesame-crusted chicken breasts pair perfectly with a zesty slaw.
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Sweet and Sour Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Chinese take-out has nothing on this sweet-and-sour pork recipe.
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Pizza Cubano
If you can't find the called-for Gruyere, try another Swiss-style cheese such as Gouda, Emmental, or fontina for that same creamy taste and melt.
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Sautéed Shrimp, Poblanos, and Corn with Creamy Rice
In the mood for seafood? This easy shrimp-and-rice combo is sure to satisfy.
Get the Sautéed Shrimp, Poblanos, and Corn with Creamy Rice recipe.
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Cod with Crispy Green Beans
Freshen up your dinner repertoire with pan-seared fish and pesto.
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- 67/86
Shrimp and Garlicky Tomatoes with Kale Couscous
Dinner cleanup has never been so easy, thanks to these foil wraps.
Get the Shrimp and Garlicky Tomatoes with Kale Couscous recipe.
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Sweet Potatoes with Shredded Salad
You can feel good about a baked potato when it's loaded with heart-healthy ingredients.
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Shrimp Rolls
These no-cook sandwiches taste like summer on bread.
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Peanut Butter Barbecue Pork Kebabs
Give pork skewers big flavor with this sweet and savory glaze.
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Grilled Pork Chops with Plum and Bok Choy
Juicy plums give much-needed sweetness to this savory summer dinner.
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Shrimp Salad with Crispy Chorizo and Almonds
Crispy bits of chorizo are better than croutons every day of the week.
Get the Shrimp Salad with Crispy Chorizo and Almonds recipe.
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- 73/86
Pineapple and Black Bean Fajitas
Mexican goes meatless with these sweet and smoky vegetarian fajitas.
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Fajita Salad with Charred Jalapeño Dressing
Spice up your dinner salad with hearty ingredients and a zesty dressing.
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Lemon Chicken and Pea Gemelli
Cream cheese makes a quick velvety sauce with less saturated fat than heavy cream.
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- 76/86
Roasted Salmon, Potatoes & Green Beans
This simple salmon dinner is fast, fresh, and filling.
Get the Roasted Salmon, Potatoes & Green Beans recipe.
RELATED: 24 Satisfying (and Super Easy) Salmon Recipes for Weeknight Dinners
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Shrimp Tacos with Mango and Black Bean Salsa
The kids will love this seafood version of taco night.
Get the Shrimp Tacos with Mango and Black Bean Salsa recipe.
- 78/86
Greek Turkey Burgers
Say hello to a refreshing, Mediterranean twist on burger night.
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- 79/86
Roasted Cod, Potatoes, and Chorizo
Fish and sausage are the unlikely pairing you're about to fall for thanks to this 30-minute meal.
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Sunny-Side Up Pizza
Sprinkling a pan with cornmeal gives the crust that crunchy pizza-parlor texture.
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Ginger Dumpling Soup
Ready in 20 minutes, this quick soup is tasty and has major health benefits, thanks to inflammation-fighting ginger.
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- 82/86
Spiced Mini Burgers with Spinach and Couscous
This healthy meal gets a burst of flavor from Middle Eastern spices.
Get the Spiced Mini Burgers with Spinach and Couscous recipe.
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Salmon Cakes and Cucumber Salad
Smoky salmon patties get a zesty kick from the spicy cucumber salad.
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Baked Chicken Cutlets with Pineapple Rice
Just say no to boring chicken dinners and use Asian-inspired ingredients, like ginger and cilantro, instead.
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Grilled Salmon with Greek Salad
Grilled salmon pairs perfectly with an herb salad and lemon tzatziki.
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Tortellini and Lemony Snow Peas
This simple, one-pot pasta is perfect for incredibly busy weeknights.
Get the Tortellini and Lemony Snow Peas recipe.
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Make dinner time stress free with these easy, 30-minute meals.