21 Recipes For When Dinner Needs To Be Ready Like Now

ByMandy Applegate

Stuck with the dinner dilemma and the clock ticking louder than usual? Here comes the cavalry with 21 recipes meant for such crunch times. These aren’t just quick fixes; they’re crowd-pleasers that’ll make everyone think you’ve been prepping since lunch. Dig into these go-to options and have dinner sorted out faster than anyone could ask, “What’s for dinner?”

Four tortilla pizzas on a wooden cutting board.
Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you’re looking for comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, Penne Alla Vodka is your go-to. It comes together quickly, filling your kitchen with aromas that promise a delicious meal. It turns an ordinary evening into something special. Ideal for busy nights when you need comfort on a plate fast.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving a burger but sticking to something more plant-based? 25 Minute Black Bean Burger is your fast track to a delicious meal. They’re hearty, filling, and ready before you know it. Perfect for when you’re watching the clock and your diet.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

In need of a dinner that’s as refreshing as it is quick to prepare? Best Lemon Pasta brings a light, flavorful twist to your evening. It’s fast to make and even faster to disappear from the plate. A foolproof choice for when time is of the essence but you still want something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza with melted cheese and basil.
Neapolitan Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who knew you could have an authentic Italian experience right at home, and without waiting for delivery? With Neapolitan Pizza, you’re just minutes away from a slice of Naples. It’s quick, simple, and utterly delicious. Perfect for any night pizza craving strikes.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Vegetable Stir Fry

Colorful vegetable stir-fry with mushrooms, peppers, and black seeds.
Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For those evenings when you’re low on time but still want to keep it healthy, Vegetable Stir Fry has got you covered. It uses whatever veggies you have on hand and cooks up in a flash. It’s quick, healthy, and versatile. Just what you need for a speedy dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

A close-up of a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup garnished with croutons, a sprig of mint, and grated cheese.
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving something warm and comforting but don’t have much time? Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup is here to save your evening. It’s quick to make and even quicker to please. Just the thing for when you need a cozy meal without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

Easy Burrito

Someone stacking veggie burritos.
Easy Burrito. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Feel like having Mexican tonight but don’t want to deal with a lot of prep? Easy Burrito wraps dinner up in a quick and tasty package. Fill it with whatever you have handy for a quick meal solution. Perfect for turning any night into a fiesta without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

French Bread Pizza

Four slices of French bread pizza with tomatoes and cheese on a cutting board.
French Bread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Got a loaf of French bread and not sure what to do? French Bread Pizza transforms it into a mouth-watering meal in minutes. It’s a quick, customizable solution to pizza night. Fun to make and even more fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: French Bread Pizza

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Got a craving for something light and full of veggies? Pasta Primavera is your ticket to a quick and healthy meal. It’s packed with whatever vegetables you like and comes together in a snap. Just what you need for a busy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Egg Bites

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Got a short time before dinner? No worries! Egg Bites can be whipped up quickly. They’re perfect for when you want something light yet filling. Plus, they’re versatile enough to add whatever flavors you’re in the mood for.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Easy Flatbread Pizza

Two slices of pizza with tomatoes and herbs.
Easy Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Got flatbread and in a pizza mood? Easy Flatbread Pizza has got your back. No dough stretching required, and you’ll have dinner out faster than you can choose a movie to watch. Innovate with toppings or keep it super simple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza

Chickpea Nuggets

A plate of chickpea nuggets with a bowl of sauce.
Chickpea Nuggets. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Kids asking what’s for dinner again? Chickpea Nuggets are the quick and hassle-free answer. They cook up in no time and are a hit with everyone – even with kids-alike. Who knew legumes could be this fun and easy to enjoy?
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Nuggets

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Italian walnut sauce pasta served on black and white plates, accompanied by a wooden board with shelled and unshelled walnuts, a jar of walnut sauce, and a fork twirling pasta on the side.
Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crave an unconventional pasta dish but need it pronto? Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta offers a unique twist to your pasta night. Skip the tomato-based sauces and enjoy the rich taste of walnuts instead. Ready before the family can ask, “When’s dinner?”
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Margherita Pizza

Someone helping themselves to a slice of Margherita pizza.
Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Seek a slice of simplicity with a classic flair? Margherita Pizza is your saving grace, bringing just the right balance of fresh flavors. It’s minimalistic yet packed with everything that makes pizza great. Have it ready faster than you can say ‘Mamma Mia!’ and enjoy every bite.
Get the Recipe: Margherita Pizza

Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)

A Thai omelet with jasmine rice in a bowl.
Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow). Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fancy a bit of Thai flavor but with almost no time to cook? Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow) comes together at the speed of light. This dish will wrap your dinner in a fluffy, flavorful embrace. It’s as speedy as it is scrumptious.
Get the Recipe: Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)

Spaghetti Marinara

Fork twirling spaghetti marinara with rich tomato sauce.
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want to keep dinner classic yet have it ready yesterday? Spaghetti Marinara doesn’t mess around. Twirl your fork into this timeless dish that’s as fast as it is pleasing. From pot to plate in the time it takes to say “Buon appetito!”
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Trying to balance greens with something universally loved? Pizza Salad is the perfect mix of fresh and flavorful in one dish. It’s as speedy as it is satisfying, making dinner easy and fun. Now you can toss up a salad and still enjoy the taste of pizza!
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Hash Browns

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Need a side dish that doubles as comfort food? Hash Browns are the crispy, golden answer to any meal. Hot, crunchy, and ready in a snap, they bring the perfect mix of texture and flavor. Ideal for when you want something familiar, satisfying, and quick.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Waffles

Freshly made waffles on a plate with strawberries.
Waffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Can’t decide between breakfast for dinner or something sweet? Waffles make the choice simple with their light, crispy texture and endless possibilities. They’re quick to make, fun to eat, and perfect for any time of day. Dress them up or keep them simple, depending on your evening mood.
Get the Recipe: Waffles

Cacio e Pepe

Close-up of cooked spaghetti with cracked black pepper and a fork partially visible.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ever get that urge for something cheesy and peppery all at once? Cacio e Pepe is the classic dish you can make in a flash. It’s simple, straightforward, and utterly comforting after a long day. Even better, it requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Tortilla Pizza

Four tortilla pizzas on a wooden cutting board.
Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Got tortillas and not sure what to do with them? Tortilla Pizza is a fast and creative way to enjoy a crispy, flavorful meal. The thin base cooks quickly, making it perfect for a last-minute craving. Experiment with toppings to create a personalized treat in no time.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

A vegetarian for over 45 years, Mandy has taught herself to be creative in the kitchen, using traditional appliances and air fryers. Traveling extensively, Mandy loves learning and adapting vegetarian recipes from across the world.

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