15 Speedy Family Dinners That Didn’t Come To Play, They Came to Save the Day

Tired of the dinner rush? These 15 speedy family dinners didn’t come into play—they came to save the day. Created to be simple yet satisfying, they make meal prep a cinch and dinner time something to look forward to. Get ready to impress without the stress and enjoy more relaxed evenings with the family.

A piece of Cuban sandwich casserole on a plate with potato chips.
Cuban Sandwich Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those seeking a refreshing meal, Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts combines sweetness and crunch in every bite. Juicy chicken pieces meld with the tartness of cranberries and the earthy touch of walnuts, creating a balanced dish. Ideal as a light lunch or a wholesome side, it’s quick to prepare. Its simplicity and nutritional value make it a smart choice for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tacos Dorados are here to bring a twist to taco night with their crispy shells and delicious fillings. Stuffed with mouthwatering ingredients and fried to perfection, they offer a satisfying crunch. This dish is a festive addition to any dinner table, inviting everyone to customize their plate. Ready in no time, it’s a fun meal that gets everyone involved in the preparation process.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for a dish that impresses without the stress, Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is your answer. This recipe achieves a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender, encasing a melty heart of cheese and ham. Not only is it healthier thanks to the air fryer, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Serve this up when you’re in the mood for an effortless yet fancy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a celebration of vibrant colors and flavors that come alive in just minutes. Tossed with juicy shrimp, it captures the essence of the Mediterranean diet. This salad is perfect for a light dinner or a nutritious lunch that can be enjoyed any day. Its ease of preparation ensures you spend more time enjoying and less time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Offer a deliciously tangy lemon-caper sauce that complements the succulent chicken breast, making a meal that’s as invigorating as it is satisfying with Chicken Piccata. Ideal for a quick yet elegant dinner, it proves simplicity can be extraordinary. It’s a dish that brings the family together, promising minimal effort for maximum pleasure. Let this recipe be a go-to for when you need a quick fix that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform leftover brisket into a vibrant and flavorful Brisket Fried Rice, a dish that promises minimal waste and maximum taste. By combining hearty brisket with the comforting familiarity of fried rice, this meal offers both comfort and novelty. It serves as an ingenious weeknight dinner that deliciously repurposes leftovers. Quick to whip up, it ensures a hearty meal is never far from reach.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

2 Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a black plate.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Bring the essence of Italian summer to your table with a Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Juicy grilled chicken is layered with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, then drizzled with balsamic glaze for a hint of sweetness. This sandwich is not just a meal but a picturesque experience in every bite. It’s ideally enjoyed on a sunny day, making for a refreshing break from the routine.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who can’t decide between meat and pasta, Steak & Pasta Salad offers the best of both worlds. Tender slices of steak combine with al dente pasta in a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing. It’s a versatile meal that pairs well with various occasions, be it a dinner party or a simple family meal. This recipe is evidence that you can serve up sophistication in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Chicken Stir Fry is your shortcut to a vibrant and nutritious dinner, loaded with colorful vegetables and tender chicken strips. It’s a versatile dish that allows you to empty your fridge and still end up with something amazing. This stir fry can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight warrior. It’s the practical solution for a nutritious meal in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

A bowl of pasta with cherry tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and garlic.
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When simplicity meets flavor, you get Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. This dish highlights the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, simmered to perfection and tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s an effortlessly elegant meal that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye. Serve it when you crave something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp is a light and flavorful option that takes you to the shores of the Mediterranean with every bite. Grilled to perfection and marinated in herbs, it’s a protein-packed dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Ideal for a quick dinner or al fresco dining, it embodies the simplicity and freshness of Mediterranean cooking. Its quick preparation time ensures a gourmet meal doesn’t have to be time-consuming.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Embrace the heartiness of Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe, a one-pan wonder that’s as comforting as it is convenient. The pillowy gnocchi pairs beautifully with the spicy sausage and bitter touch of broccoli rabe, creating a well-rounded dish. Perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence but compromise on flavor is not an option. It’s a testament to the magic of Italian cooking, made quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas are a creative twist on traditional Mexican cuisine, merging the spicy and sweet flavors of Al Pastor with the cheesy goodness of quesadillas. This fusion results in a meal that’s endlessly customizable and always delicious. Quick to prepare, they make for an interactive family dinner or a social snack. Each bite is a mini fiesta, proving fast food can be both homemade and extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

A piece of Cuban sandwich casserole on a plate with potato chips.
Cuban Sandwich Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Experience the flavors of Cuba with Cuban Sandwich Casserole, a deconstructed take on the classic sandwich. Layers of ham, cheese, pickles, and mustard meld together under a crispy topping, creating a dish that’s both familiar and novel. It’s the ideal dish for feeding a crowd or repurposing leftover ingredients. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it offers a hassle-free route to a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Immerse yourself in the coastal flavors of Mexico with Baja Fish Tacos, featuring lightly battered fish tucked into soft tortillas and topped with a crisp slaw. This dish is a refreshing option for any day of the week, combining simple ingredients for an explosion of flavor. Ready in minutes, it’s a quick vacation on a plate. Its ease and quickness prove that flavorful dinners don’t require all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

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