Busy fall nights are the normal here at House Crunch Time, with a mix of kid activities, social events, and fitting in a busy work schedule. While it can be super easy to just grab something on the way home, I really do try to plan for a few homemade meals throughout the week. I’ve found myself turning to these recipes recently for very fast and tasty dinners.
Most of these recipes are 20 minutes or under to make (or can be shortened with a few shortcuts).
If you have a favorite on this list, be sure to leave a comment!
Also, reminder to subscribe to the Crunch Time Club, my free Substack where we talk about fast meals EVERY week.
California Roll Bowls
These rice bowls are stuffed with all the classic California Roll ingredients plus a few extras. Don't forget the spicy sriracha mayo sauce drizzled on top!
BBQ Chickpea Bowls
BBQ seasoned chickpeas cooked in a little butter and spices and topped in a bowl with savory and crunchy toppings! So good with some ranch drizzled on top and dinner is ready in 15 minutes!
Spinach Orzo Salad with Artichokes
A great light summer pasta featuring fresh spinach, marinated artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes, orzo pasta, and lots of pecorino cheese! This one is a little longer to make than 20 minutes but you could shorten the time by cooking the orzo in advance.
Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This fast one-pan chicken gnocchi skillet is one of my new go-to quick chicken dinners that is ready in just a few minutes and a hit with kids and adults alike.
Creamy Tortellini with Crispies
This simple weeknight pasta dish is really fast to make and has unbelievable flavors. Your family is gonna love it!
Weeknight Penne Puttanesca
A simple and flavor-packed classic Italian pasta dish that’s ready in just minutes! Some people don’t like the idea of pasta with canned tuna, but I personally love it and try to stretch my family’s tastebuds with it occasionally.
Spicy Coconut Chicken Wraps
These simple and flavorful chicken wraps can be made with poached chicken or a rotisserie chicken. Fast dinner or lunch!
Jar Scraps Peanut Butter Noodles
Next time you have a near-empty peanut butter jar, try out these delicious peanut butter noodles for lunch or dinner! The recipe has just a few ingredients and is ready in minutes! If you don’t have an empty Peanut Butter jar, just go with a few tablespoons and make the recipe with that.
Bean and Cheese Smashed Tacos
These bean and cheese crispy smashed tacos take just a few minutes to make and are some of my favorite tacos ever! Crispy cheese, jalapenos, and savory refried beans topped with fresh veggies!
Weeknight Shrimp Lo Mein
This shrimp lo mein recipe is a quick, delicious take on the classic Chinese-American dish. Make this it tonight, and it will be ready in around 20 minutes.
mikasabaggins
This list of fast meal ideas is fantastic—quick, simple, and versatile enough to keep weeknight dinners both tasty and Geometry Dash Wave stress-free, making it definitely worth bookmarking.