25+ Easy Last Minute Dinner Ideas So Simple, Your Kitchen Has You Covered!

These easy last minute dinner ideas are faster than deliveries! Choose from meals that prove quick recipes don’t compromise on flavor.

Change the way you imagine “fast food!”

With recipes like baked salmon and teriyaki pineapple bowl, these last-minute dinner recipes prove you can skip the delivery tonight because your kitchen has your back.

With simple ingredients and simpler prep work, you might even get excited when surprise guests knock at your door, knowing you can make them these dishes!

Viral Marry Me Chicken TikTok Recipe

Who knew you could make a last-minute dish so good, you might get proposed to? But regardless of your romantic life, you shouldn’t miss out on this viral Marry Me chicken. It features the perfect pair: juicy chicken and creamy pasta, all done in a single skillet.

Get The Recipe: Viral Marry Me Chicken TikTok Recipe

Easy Nut-Free Cauliflower Vegan Alfredo Sauce

Nothing beats a quick sauce that you’ll just pour over freshly cooked pasta for last-minute dinners. It’s an effortless meal that tastes special! And if you’ve been craving pasta Alfredo, this 30-minute vegan sauce will hit the spot.

Get The Recipe: Easy Nut-Free Cauliflower Vegan Alfredo Sauce

Best 3 Bean Vegetarian Chili Recipe

You can meal-prep this three-bean chili for a hearty frozen dinner that just waits to be reheated. And since it’s a one-pot dish, clean-up couldn’t be easier!

Get The Recipe: Best 3 Bean Vegetarian Chili Recipe

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

This innovative dish will simplify your dinner routine. It’s a deconstructed version of the beloved appetizer!

Main ingredients include ground chicken, coleslaw mix, carrots, and a tantalizing sauce that ties everything together.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Shrimp Sushi Bowl

Here’s a quick and delightful alternative to traditional sushi. It features shrimp, avocado, and cucumbers on a bed of seasoned sushi rice.

Serve it chilled, garnished with sesame seeds and nori strips. You can also pair it with wasabi for a complete sushi experience.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Sushi Bowl

Baked Salmon With Mayonnaise

Try this baked salmon for a heart-healthy and fuss-free meal.

The salmon comes out perfectly moist and flaky, thanks to a simple mayonnaise-based topping that enhances its natural flavors. Serve it fresh from the oven with a crisp green salad.

Get The Recipe: Baked Salmon With Mayonnaise

Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl

This chicken teriyaki pineapple bowl marries the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple with succulent teriyaki-glazed chicken.

To make it, you’ll need soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and other simple ingredients. It’s so delicious and refreshing.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl

Hot Girl Summer Salad

Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this salad. It’s a colorful mix of fruits and veggies drizzled with a zesty dressing.

It also includes cucumbers, sunflower kernels, green bell peppers, red wine vinegar, and hard-boiled eggs.

Get The Recipe: Hot Girl Summer Salad

TikTok Ramen

Thinking of jumping on the latest food trend? This TikTok ramen elevates the humble noodle packet with added flavors and textures.

The addition of garlic, egg, and butter transforms the dish into a creamy, comforting bowl of goodness.

Get The Recipe: TikTok Ramen

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Planning to prepare spaghetti? Cut down on cooking time without sacrificing flavor.

This version is a one-pot wonder featuring tender meatballs, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and rich tomato sauce. Serve it with garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Vegan Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Made with plant-based chicken, this recipe offers a cruelty-free alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.

You can do this in just 15 minutes. Serve these sandwiches on whole-grain bread with a side of sweet potato fries for a hearty meal.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Summer Cold Green Bean Salad

This green bean salad is a fresh and vibrant side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal.

You only need a few simple ingredients such as balsamic vinegar, black-eyed peas, squash, and mixed greens. Feel free to add chickpeas, quinoa, or other protein sources.

Get The Recipe: Summer Cold Green Bean Salad

Salmon Frittata with Sweet Potatoes

This dish is perfect for breakfast or dinner!

It showcases the colorful blend of omega-rich salmon and the earthy flavor of sweet potatoes, all encased in a fluffy egg mixture. It’s seasoned with herbs and spices for an extra flavor kick.

Get The Recipe: Salmon Frittata with Sweet Potatoes

Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak

This classic comfort food features savory beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom gravy.

The beef is tender and flavorful, mixed with breadcrumbs and spices before being pan-fried to perfection. Serve this hearty dish with mashed potatoes.

Get The Recipe: Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak

Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

Looking for quick, low-carb dinner recipes? These nuggets offer a crispy, cheesy outer layer with tender chicken inside.

They’re a healthier twist on a classic favorite, using grated Parmesan cheese and almond flour for the breading.

Get The Recipe: Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

Fried Fish and Cheese Grits

Elevate your brunch or dinner with this Southern-inspired dish. It includes lightly breaded and fried fish fillets on a bed of creamy, cheese-infused grits.

Serve the fish atop the grits, garnished with parsley or a squeeze of lemon for an added zing.

Get The Recipe: Fried Fish and Cheese Grits

Steak Quesadillas

These savory treats are filled with tender, juicy slices of steak, melted cheese, and a hint of spicy jalapeño, all grilled between tortillas to crispy perfection.

Pair them with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for dipping.

Get The Recipe: Steak Quesadillas

Puerto Rican Picadillo

Discover the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico with this classic Picadillo recipe. It’s a savory ground beef dish cooked with tomatoes, olives, capers, and a blend of spices.

Pair it with white rice or use it as a filling for tacos or empanadas.

Get The Recipe: Puerto Rican Picadillo

Thai Drunken Noodles

Thai dishes are packed with flavor!

This one features stir-fried wide rice noodles with veggies and a choice of protein, all tossed in a savory sauce with just the right amount of heat. The noodles are so chewy and satisfying!

Get The Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

15-Minute Chickpea Tacos

These chickpea tacos are a quick and nutritious meal perfect for busy evenings.

To whip up this meal, simply cook the chickpeas with your chosen spices until fragrant. Then, load them into tacos and garnish with your favorite toppings.

Get The Recipe: 15-Minute Chickpea Tacos

Leftover Pulled Pork Macaroni & Cheese Casserole

This macaroni and cheese casserole includes pulled pork, cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, and BBQ sauce.

Just mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pulled pork, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top, and bake until it’s bubbly and golden brown.

Get The Recipe: Leftover Pulled Pork Macaroni & Cheese Casserole

Focaccia Pizza

Turn your kitchen into an Italian pizzeria with this recipe. It uses fluffy focaccia bread as the base.

Top it with your favorite pizza sauce, mozzarella, and any toppings you love – the thicker crust is perfect for holding a variety of ingredients.

Get The Recipe: Focaccia Pizza

Salmon Cakes

These quick and easy salmon cakes are perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner. They’re made from canned salmon, breadcrumbs, and spices.

They’re pan-fried until the outside is crispy and golden brown, but the inside remains moist and flaky.

Get The Recipe: Salmon Cakes

Ground Beef and Cabbage

This ground beef and cabbage dish is surprisingly easy to make. It comes together in less than 30 minutes!

It features cabbage and ground beef cooked together in a single skillet. Serve it up hot and season it with your favorite spices.

Get The Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage

Ground Pork Stir Fry

This stir fry dish is sweet, tangy, and a little spicy. The pork gets wonderfully browned and crispy, providing a nice contrast to the crisp veggies.

Start by browning the ground pork, add your favorite stir-fry vegetables and pour over the sauce.

Get The Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Buffalo Shrimp

Craving a zesty twist on seafood? Just toss juicy shrimp in tangy buffalo sauce and bake until perfectly tender with a kick of heat.

Serve them atop a crisp salad stuffed into soft tacos or alongside crunchy veggies.

Get The Recipe: Buffalo Shrimp

Open Faced Tuna Melt with Bacon

This amazing recipe will transform your tuna melt experience. It layers savory tuna salad and crispy bacon on a slice of toasted bread and then crowned with melted cheese.

Tweak the recipe and add more bacon if you want to.

Get The Recipe: Open Faced Tuna Melt with Bacon

Stracciatella Soup

This dish combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and egg in a clear broth for a comforting and easy meal.

The soup’s silky texture pairs wonderfully with the crunch of spring veggies. Serve this heartwarming soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

Get The Recipe: Stracciatella Soup with Chicken and Spring Vegetables

Simple ingredients can turn into something awesome with just a little effort! Start with basics like pasta, rice, and canned beans.

You can also add some canned tomatoes and various spices to give your dishes that extra zing.

Fresh veggies like spinach, carrots, and bell peppers are great to have, too. It’s all about mixing and matching what you have to create something delicious.

25+ Healthy 30 Minute Meals That Leave No Time for Excuses!

These healthy 30 minute meals prove cooking healthy doesn’t have to take forever! Made from wholesome ingredients with minimal effort, your busy lifestyle is no longer an excuse.

Read it here: 25+ Healthy 30 Minute Meals That Leave No Time for Excuses!

25 Comforting 15 Minute Dinners to Whip Up in a Flash

Craving homemade meals but short on time? These 15 minute dinners will make your life easier and tastier, from salads and pasta to tacos and rice meals.

Read it here: 25 Comforting 15 Minute Dinners to Whip Up in a Flash

25 Epic 20 Minute Meals That Deliver Big Flavors

Who says fast food can’t be homemade? These 20 minute meals include delicious options, from pasta and soups to salads and sandwiches.

Read it here: 25 Epic 20 Minute Meals That Deliver Big Flavors