I’ve put together 37+ quick dinner ideas ready in 20 minutes or less and each one is made with simple ingredients and tons of flavor. These easy, family-friendly recipes include everything from skillet meals to one-pan favorites because even the busiest nights can end with a delicious, wholesome dinner.
One Pan Chicken Dinners
Fast, flavorful, and family-approved. These quick chicken recipes come together in just one one, pan or dish! Easy cleanup and big flavor make them perfect for weeknight dinner.
- Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry with Zucchini
- Cajun Chicken Skillet
- Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Chicken
- Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Chicken Pizzaiola
- Pan-seared Chicken Breasts with my Homemade Chicken Seasoning (salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme)
- Chicken Pomodoro
- Chicken with Mushroom Cream Sauce
- Easy Butter Chicken
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas – quick, easy, and healthy!
- Baked Chicken Cutlets
20 Minute Beef Recipes
From skillet beef stir fry’s to easy tacos and pasta dishes, these recipes make the most of ground beef or steak for a hearty meal in a hurry.
- Easy Beef and Broccoli – a family favorite dish
- Korean Ground Beef Skillet
- Ground Beef Nachos
- Beef Bulgogi Bowls – delicious using either white or brown rice
- Southwest Beef Fried Tacos
Easy Family-Friendly Meals
Wholesome comfort food that’s on the table in minutes! These easy pasta dishes use simple ingredients but deliver restaurant-level flavor – ideal for busy weeknights.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders – Maximize your stovetop by cooking garlic butter mushrooms or brown butter broccoli next to your lemon pepper chicken tenderloins.
- Ground Turkey Stir Fry
- Ranch Chicken Bites or Garlic Chicken Bites – one of my family’s all time favorite recipes
- Pork Fajitas
- Easy Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Ginger Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry
Quick Pasta Dinner
Wholesome comfort food that’s on the table in minutes! These easy pasta dishes use simple ingredients but deliver restaurant-level flavor – ideal for busy weeknights.
- Cheesy Ravioli Skillet
- Cheeseburger Pasta – a rich, creamy and hearty dish
- Marry Me Chicken and Tortellini
- Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
- Creamy Chorizo Pasta – blends bold soutwestern flavors with the comfort of classic pasta
- Spaghetti Marinara
Light & Healthy Options
Balanced dinners that don’t sacrifice flavor – think grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and low-carb meals that are ready before you can set the table.
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Chicken Salsa Soup
- Chicken Tenders Salad – or top with grilled chicken for a lighter option
- Chicken Cobb Salad
- Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps – can sub ground chicken for the ground beef
- Turkey Burger Sliders
- Pesto Chicken Salad – with celery, parmesan, pesto, and peas create the best textures
- Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad – perfect fall flavors for salads, sandwiches, and wraps
- Rotisserie Chicken Salad – having a rotisserie chicken in the fridge makes this a breeze to throw together; can sub tuna
Meatless 20-Minute Meals
Delicious vegetarian recipes that prove you don’t need meat for a satisfying dinner. Perfect for Meatless Monday or anyone craving something lighter.
- Easy Vegetable Fried Rice – the eggs are the protein
- Baked Bean Burritos – easy and so quick
- Creamy Pesto Tortellini
- Garlic Bread Pizza
- Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – full of flavor and loaded with chickpeas, zucchini, pepper, tomatoes and toped with feta cheese
If you’re looking for recipes that take 20 minutes or less, this list will be a keeper. If you need more quick dinner ideas, check out this list of 40+ Meals made in 30 Minutes or less!
If you have a go to recipe for nights when you are short on time, make sure and let me know in the comments!
What’s a good lazy dinner to make?
One pan recipes are perfect when you just can’t motivate yourself! Cook everything in one dish or pan and then clean up is even a breeze!
What are some quick dinner ideas to make for my family?
We have a huge list of 20 minute recipes that we’ve put together. Everything from one pan chicken or beef recipes to light and healthy.
15 Minute Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 4 ounces bacon cooked to crispy and crumbled, (about 4 slices)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix, (1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning)
- 2 large tortillas
- ½ tablespoon butter
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning.
- Mix until everything is completely combined and the mixture is creamy.
- Put ½ of the mixture in the center of each tortilla and spread the mixture on half of the tortilla to the edges. Gently fold the tortilla in half.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter in the skillet then add the quesadillas into the pan. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until the the tortilla is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the quesadillas from the heat and cut each one into 3 triangles. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- Chicken: If you have leftover turkey, try it in these quesadillas instead of chicken!
- Cheddar cheese: Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are both great substitutes for the cheddar.
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