Dinner Wins in 1 Hour or Less

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Whip up dinner without the stress with these 1-hour-or-less recipes that prove fast food doesn’t have to mean boring. From creamy chicken cutlets and pan-seared pork chops to indulgent pasta casseroles, vibrant seafood, and even crispy baked fries, each dish is packed with flavor and ready before the clock strikes “hangry.” Perfect for weeknights, last-minute guests, or any time you want a delicious meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.

Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

A metal pan with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in a cream sauce, garnished with basil leaves, on a marble countertop.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Elevate your weeknight dinners with these Chicken Cutlets in Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. This easy, one-pan recipe combines juicy chicken with a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, all ready in under an hour. Garnish with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese for a restaurant-worthy meal at home!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

Stuffed Deviled Crab: A South Carolina Lowcountry Classic

deviled stuffed crabs being basted with butter and with a lemon
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Stuffed Deviled Crab recipe is a Lowcountry classic that’s perfect for any special occasion. A rich and flavorful crab meat stuffing with a hint of spice, this dish will transport you to the South Carolina coast. Serve in ramekins or crab tins for an elegant presentation.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Deviled Crab: A South Carolina Lowcountry Classic

A Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

spaghetti in a casserole dish
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and versatile dish that can be customized to your liking! Load it up with your favorite proteins or keep it meatless for a simple yet satisfying meal. It’s the perfect way to enjoy ‘pure pasta comfort’ any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: A Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

15 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

a platter with rice and Honey Garlic Chicken
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is the perfect easy and flavorful weeknight dinner! Made with chicken breasts and thighs in a crave-worthy honey garlic sauce, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: 15 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

Pan Seared Pork Chops with Maple Roasted Pears

a white platter, with pork chops
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Maple Roasted Pears are the perfect fall comfort food. Juicy pork chops are nestled among sweet, maple-kissed pears for a comforting Southern classic. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Pork Chops with Maple Roasted Pears

Best Creamy And Easy Squash Casserole

close up of easy squash casserole
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This easy squash casserole is the perfect side dish for any holiday or gathering. With yellow squash, carrots, onion, and herbs, this dish is sure to please a crowd. It’s so good, you’ll want to double or triple the recipe!
Get the Recipe: Best Creamy And Easy Squash Casserole

Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

sour cream noodle bake close up
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole is comfort food at its finest! With layers of beefy pasta goodness, sour cream, and a generous helping of cheese, this bake is sure to be a family favorite. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a potluck with friends.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop

Pasta Rosemary Beurre Blanc And Bronzed Sea Scallop
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This elegant pasta dish features delicate capellini tossed in a rich and flavorful Beurre Blanc sauce, a classic French butter sauce. Topped with perfectly bronzed sea scallops, this Capellini Beurre Blanc is sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Capellini Beurre Blanc with Bronzed Sea Scallop

Shredded Brussels Sprout and Bacon Pizza

overhead horizontal photo of Shredded Brussels Sprout and Bacon Pizza
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Shredded Brussels Sprout and Bacon Pizza is a unique and delicious way to enjoy your greens! The combination of savory bacon, sweet honey, and balsamic vinegar, with a base of delicious cheese, makes this pizza irresistible. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Shredded Brussels Sprout and Bacon Pizza

Chicken and Rice Soup (One Pot Dinner Recipe!)

bowl of chicken and rice soup with spoon scooping a bite
Photo credit: Sugar Spun Run

This Chicken and Rice Soup recipe is a hearty and satisfying one-pot meal that’s ready in under an hour. It’s not too rich like many other recipes, making it a perfect comforting dish for a chilly evening. Serve it up for an easy and delicious dinner!
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup (One Pot Dinner Recipe!)

Honey Salmon with Ginger Scallion Sauce

Presenting a delicious Honey Salmon with Ginger Scallion Sauce
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

This Honey Salmon with Ginger Scallion Sauce is a delightful and quick gluten-free main dish, ready in just 30 minutes! Honey-roasted salmon is elevated with a vibrant, sizzling ginger scallion sauce and served over rice with a refreshing squeeze of lime. It’s an easy way to get a delicious Chinese-inspired dinner on the table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Honey Salmon with Ginger Scallion Sauce

Lemon Pasta

Lemon pasta recipe
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

Ready in just 20 minutes, this Lemon Pasta recipe is a bright and zesty dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Using simple ingredients like garlic, Parmesan, and lemon juice, it’s a flavorful vegetarian option that’s sure to satisfy. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for an extra touch of freshness.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pasta

Lentil Pasta

Lentil pasta in bowl with fork
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

Looking for a hearty and delicious vegetarian meal? This lentil pasta recipe is easy to make with pantry staples like dried lentils and tomato sauce. Top it off with parmesan cheese or vegan parmesan and fresh parsley for the perfect dish.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Pasta

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups

a plate with a chicken lasagna roll up and a fork
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

Looking for a twist on traditional lasagna? These Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun and delicious alternative! Using rotisserie chicken and store-bought Alfredo sauce, this recipe is both easy and satisfying, plus it features a three-cheese blend!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups

Cherry Tomato Pasta Alla Vodka

Cherry Tomato Pasta Alla Vodka | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Cherry Tomato Pasta Alla Vodka is a colorful and creamy twist on a classic Italian dish, perfect for a quick and easy summer meal. The recipe features fresh cherry tomatoes, a touch of spice, and a creamy vodka sauce that will leave you wanting more. It’s also a one-pot recipe, which makes clean-up a breeze!
Get the Recipe: Cherry Tomato Pasta Alla Vodka

Tuna Stack

Up-close image of one of the Tuna Stacks on a tray, ready to be eaten
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

These Tuna Stacks are quick, easy, and full of flavor! Using a measuring cup to assemble them makes this no-bake recipe weeknight-friendly. With layers of rice, mango, tuna and avocado, these stacks are a healthy and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Stack

Baked Parmesan Fingerling Potato Fries

Baked Parmesan Fingerling Potato Fries stacked high in a cup.
Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

These Baked Parmesan Fingerling Potato Fries are a crowd-pleasing side, snack, or appetizer. Fingerling potatoes are tossed with olive oil, melted butter, herbs, and parmesan cheese then baked to crispy perfection. Serve these flavorful fries at your next barbecue, game day gathering, or as a simple side dish.
Get the Recipe: Baked Parmesan Fingerling Potato Fries

Creamy Butter Baked Chicken

Sliced baked chicken breast with a golden-brown cheese and herb crust, alongside a creamy sauce.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Creamy Butter Baked Chicken recipe is sure to be a family favorite! This easy one-pan meal features tender chicken breasts baked in a rich and flavorful butter cream sauce. Serve it with your favorite sides like rice, potatoes, or asparagus for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butter Baked Chicken

Easy Steak Au Poivre with Cognac Cream

Three seared steaks in a cast iron skillet with creamy peppercorn sauce, black peppercorns, and fresh herbs on the side.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This classic Steak Au Poivre is a rich and flavorful way to elevate your steak night. The sauce is made with peppercorn-encrusted beef drippings, Cognac, and heavy cream for a truly decadent experience. Serve over your favorite cut of beef for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Steak Au Poivre with Cognac Cream

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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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