30-Minute Weeknight Wonders: Quick Dinners That Deliver

Jenny deRemer

Apr 03, 2025

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Dinner in a rush? No worries, these 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner Recipes will have you covered in a flash! Kick things off with the zesty Lemon and Garlic Shrimp Pasta or the bold flavors of Kimchi Pizza if you’re feeling adventurous. Need comfort food? Gouda Mac and Cheese and Baked Buffalo Chicken Meatballs will hit the spot, while Keto Beef and Broccoli keeps things light but satisfying. If you’re craving something hearty, dive into Beef Carbonara or Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff. And for the kiddos (or yourself!), crispy Chicken Nuggets and juicy Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls will make dinner a breeze. So, whether you’re in the mood for a comforting classic or a bold new flavor, these recipes deliver it all—quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!

Table of Contents

Lemon and Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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A close-up of spaghetti topped with golden, seasoned shrimp, garnished with parsley and lemon slices. Rich and savory dish.
Image Credit: Well Fed Baker

Lemon and Garlic Shrimp Pasta will become your new weeknight go-to—tender pasta drenched in a creamy, citrusy lemon garlic butter sauce!

To learn more: Lemon and Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Kimchi Pizza

A wooden pizza platter with slices of topped pizza featuring greens and cheese, alongside a bowl of kimchi and chili flakes on the side.
Image Credit: In The Kitch

Kimchi Pizza is a bold fusion of tangy kimchi, savory veggies, melty cheese, and marinara—bringing a whole new twist to classic pizza!

To learn more: Kimchi Pizza

Baked Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Fried dough topped with two golden balls, drizzled with yogurt, hot sauce, and garnished with sliced green onions.
Image Credit: Flavorful Eats

Baked Buffalo Chicken Meatballs combine ground chicken, creamy blue cheese crumbles, and tangy Buffalo sauce—perfectly baked for a flavorful, spicy bite!

To learn more: Baked Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Keto Beef and Broccoli

A close-up of a bowl filled with beef, mixed vegetables, and rice, garnished with chopped green onions in a savory sauce.
Image Credit: How 2 Do Keto

Keto Beef and Broccoli is Instant Pot perfection—low-carb, grain-free, and a delicious take on the classic Chinese take-out favorite!

To learn more: Keto Beef and Broccoli

Baked Salmon With Greek Salsa

Grilled salmon topped with a fresh vegetable salsa, served with lemon wedges, alongside a side of cheese and olive oil.
Image Credit: Xoxo Bella

Baked Salmon with Greek Salsa is quick, easy, and packed with flavor—perfectly cooked, flaky salmon topped with fresh, zesty Greek salsa for a delightful meal!

To learn more: Baked Salmon With Greek Salsa

Beef Carbonara

A plate of spaghetti topped with ground meat, garnished with fresh basil leaves, alongside a black fork on a textured surface.
Image Credit: Chocolates & Chai

Beef Carbonara gives a pork-free twist to the classic Italian dish—tender beef in a creamy, comforting sauce, ready in 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner!

To learn more: Beef Carbonara

Gouda Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese topped with black pepper and grated cheese, surrounded by additional bowls and a grater.
Image Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight

Gouda Mac and Cheese is ultra-creamy and rich—homemade mac and cheese ready in just 30 minutes for a quick, indulgent treat!

To learn more: Gouda Mac and Cheese

Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

A close-up of a cheesy hamburger slider, with a soft bun, juicy beef patty, and crispy potato wedges in the background.
Image Credit: Fantabulosity

Cheeseburger Sliders use sweet Hawaiian buns and a nifty trick to whip up 12 sliders fast—smoker lovers, try smoked cheeseburger sliders for an extra twist!

To learn more: Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

Easy 30-Minute Beefaroni

A close-up of baked macaroni and cheese topped with melted cheddar, featuring curly pasta in a rich tomato sauce, and a slice of bread.
Image Credit: Rose Bakes

Beefaroni is a nostalgic classic, and this Creamy Cheesy Beefaroni takes it up a notch—rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor!

To learn more: Easy 30-Minute Beefaroni

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Creamy fettuccine with broccoli, garnished with parsley and black pepper, served on a light-colored plate beside fresh herbs.
Image Credit: Tessie’s Table

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo hits all the marks—tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy Parmesan sauce make it a special yet easy weeknight dinner!

To learn more: Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff

A plate of creamy chicken in sauce topped with green chunks, accompanied by fresh salad on the side, set against a dark background.
Image Credit: Krumpli

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff is a rich, flavorful dish with sour cream, brandy, mustard, and paprika—quick, easy, and utterly delicious!

To learn more: Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff

Crunchy Baked Chicken Nuggets

A hand dips a crispy golden chicken tender into a small bowl of sauce, surrounded by more chicken pieces on a baking tray.
Image Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight

Crunchy Baked Chicken Nuggets feature a crispy cornflake coating, giving you the perfect balance of crunchy outside and tender inside!

To learn more: Crunchy Baked Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

A close-up of creamy bowtie pasta mixed with vibrant green broccoli, showcasing a delicious and colorful dish.
Image Credit: Get Inspired Everyday

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a family favorite—tender chicken and broccoli make it a complete meal, with extra veggie sides for added goodness!

To learn more: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Crispy Panko Chicken

Crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken, sliced and garnished with fresh parsley, served on a green plate with lemon wedges.
Image Credit: The Fast Recipe

Crispy Panko Chicken features tender chicken breasts coated in a golden, crunchy breading that’s simply irresistible—every bite is pure bliss!

To learn more: Crispy Panko Chicken

Cottage Cheese Butter Chicken

A close-up of spicy chicken curry garnished with fresh cilantro, served over fluffy white rice in a bowl.
Image Credit: Cottage Cheese Recipes

Butter Chicken gets an Indian twist with whipped cottage cheese in the sauce—creamy, flavorful, and the perfect match for rice or naan! Cottage cheese lovers, this one’s for you!

To learn more: Cottage Cheese Butter Chicken

Crispy Baked Panko Chicken

Crispy, golden-breaded chicken breasts sliced and garnished with parsley, served on a white plate alongside a small bowl of dipping sauce.
Image Credit: Well Fed Baker

Baked Panko Chicken is ready in just 30 minutes—tender inside, crispy outside, and packed with flavor from Italian seasoning, panko, and Parmesan!

To learn more: Crispy Baked Panko Chicken

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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