30 Minutes to Zero Regrets

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Feeling like you’ve hit the “I don’t have time for this” button on dinner? Well, have no fear, because these 30-minute recipes will have you back in the kitchen and impressing like a pro in no time. Craving something spicy? Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas or Quick Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are your answer, and they’ll bring the heat without all the hassle. Or, if you’re in the mood for something a little fancier, try Pan Seared Pork Chops with Maple Roasted Pears—it’s fancy without the sweat! Looking to get cheesy? Boursin Cheese Pasta will hit the spot, while Rasta Pasta adds a bit of Caribbean flair. And don’t even get us started on Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Pasta—if this doesn’t win you over, we’re not sure what will. So, grab your apron (or don’t, no judgment) and let’s get cooking!

Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas

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A cast iron skillet with hot beef fajitas and seared vegetables alongside bowls of lime wedges, tomatoes, and tortillas.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas are your new go-to for quick, flavorful 30-minute dinners. The thinly sliced beef cooks in a flash and pairs perfectly with sautéed peppers and onions. Wrap it all up in a warm tortilla for a colorful, crowd-pleasing meal in no time!
Get the Recipe: Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas

Pan Seared Pork Chops with Maple Roasted Pears

A white ceramic platter with roasted pork chops garnished with mustard seeds and surrounded by caramelized, quartered pears. The platter sits on a rustic wooden table, accompanied by a cream-colored cloth napkin and a wooden-handled fork.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Pan Seared Pork Chops with Maple Roasted Pears is a show-stopping 30-minute dinner that feels way fancier than it is. The perfectly seared pork chops paired with sweet, savory roasted pears are a match made in flavor heaven. Quick, delicious, and effortlessly impressive—dinner just got a whole lot easier!
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Pork Chops with Maple Roasted Pears

Boursin Cheese Pasta

A plate of pasta with a creamy sauce topped with fresh basil leaves on a white plate. A fork rests on the edge of the plate. Another plate with pasta and a small bowl of basil are nearby. A beige napkin is partially visible in the background.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

Boursin Cheese Pasta takes the TikTok trend to a whole new level—creamy, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes! This recipe gives you all the rich, indulgent flavor without the wait. Trust me, your taste buds will be thanking you!
Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Pasta

Rasta Pasta

A plate of penne pasta mixed with sliced bell peppers and pieces of meat, garnished with chopped green onions, served on a scalloped-edge plate. Surrounding the plate are a glass of water with lime, small bowls of green onions and red pepper flakes, and utensils.
Photo credit: xoxoBella

Rasta Pasta is a vibrant 30-minute dinner that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the islands. The creamy, Caribbean-spiced sauce pairs perfectly with colorful bell peppers and tender pasta for a meal that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. Quick, exciting, and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect way to spice up your dinner routine!
Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A green cast iron pot filled with a cooked dish of ground meat, cabbage, rice, and tomatoes, garnished with chopped herbs. The pot is placed on a white table next to a white plate and a brown cloth napkin.
Photo credit: xoxoBella

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are the no-fuss version of a classic, bringing all the cozy flavors without the rolling drama. This 30-minute dinner is hearty, comforting, and ready in a flash—perfect for when you’re craving a home-cooked meal on a busy weeknight!
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Creamy Dijon Pork Chops

A black frying pan filled with creamy spinach and chicken breasts covered in white sauce sits on a marble countertop. Fresh garlic, green herbs, and a spoon with seasoning are placed around the pan.
Photo credit: The Short Order Cook

Creamy Dijon Pork Chops are a tangy, savory delight that’ll elevate your 30-minute dinner game. The rich Dijon mustard sauce perfectly complements the tender pork chops, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. Quick, easy, and totally satisfying—pair with veggies or potatoes for the perfect meal!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Pork Chops

Summer Shrimp Scampi

A top-down view of a skillet filled with cooked shrimp, cherry tomatoes, corn, and fresh basil. Surrounding the skillet are a bowl of grated cheese, a lemon wedge, two forks, dry pasta, and scattered cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
Photo credit: Valerie’s Kitchen

Summer Shrimp Scampi is a light, zesty 30-minute dinner that brings all the sunshine to your plate. Shrimp cooked in a garlic and lemon butter sauce—what’s not to love? It’s the perfect dish for warm evenings, and with pasta or crusty bread on the side, you’ll be soaking up every bite of summer flavor!
Get the Recipe: Summer Shrimp Scampi

Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops

A plate with a serving of mashed potatoes topped with a piece of meat, covered in a mushroom and herb gravy. Fresh chopped parsley is sprinkled over the dish. In the background, leafy green herbs and part of a blue bowl are slightly visible.
Photo credit: Valerie’s Kitchen

Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops are a comforting, 30-minute dinner that’s perfect for busy nights. The rich, creamy mushroom sauce pairs beautifully with tender pork chops for a meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice, and you’ve got a cozy, family-friendly feast!
Get the Recipe: Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops

Lemon Basil Butter Pasta

A pot filled with spaghetti coated in a green pesto sauce, garnished with a slice of lemon and sprinkled with black pepper. A basil leaf is placed beside the pot on a white surface.
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

Lemon Basil Butter Pasta is a 30-minute miracle that only requires 6 simple ingredients to make. Buttery, zesty, and full of fresh basil, this dish is light yet packed with flavor—perfect for a quick and easy dinner!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Basil Butter Pasta

Quick Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe

A tray of chicken fajitas featuring seasoned and cooked strips of chicken mixed with sautéed yellow and green bell peppers and onions. Garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Soft tortilla wraps and a side of sour cream are placed next to the fajitas.
Photo credit: Borrowed Bites

Quick Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are the ultimate 30-minute dinner hack! With chicken and veggies cooking together on one pan, cleanup is a breeze and flavor is through the roof. Wrap it all up in tortillas with your favorite toppings for a fun, stress-free meal!
Get the Recipe: Quick Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A skillet filled with creamy chicken pasta, garnished with fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Rigatoni noodles, tender chicken pieces, and a creamy sauce are visible. Fresh basil and cheese are sprinkled on top. A white dish towel and pasta pieces are nearby.
Photo credit: xoxoBella

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a 30-minute dinner that’s both indulgent and effortless. Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a burst of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and spinach—this dish is a weeknight winner that’ll make you feel like a gourmet chef, without the fuss!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

A creamy chicken, spinach, and carrot soup in a green pot, garnished with parsley. A wooden spoon rests inside the pot. Surrounding the pot are pieces of toasted bread, fresh parsley, a cutting board, and a white cloth.
Photo credit: xoxoBella

Easy Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate 30-minute comfort food for busy nights. With tender dumplings, savory chicken, and just a few simple ingredients, this dish tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but it’s ready in a flash. Perfect for making your family feel cozy without the extra effort!
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Creamy Garlic Pork Tenderloin

A skillet filled with pork chops smothered in creamy garlic sauce. Whole garlic cloves and chopped parsley garnish the sauce. A metal spoon rests in the sauce, ready to serve.
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

Creamy Garlic Pork Tenderloin is a 30-minute meal that turns busy weeknights into something special. The rich garlic cream sauce, made with simple ingredients, elevates the tender pork to a whole new level of deliciousness. Quick, easy, and ridiculously tasty—this dish is a weeknight winner!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Pork Tenderloin

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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