“I have a bunch of extra time today, so maybe I’ll spend a couple of hours in the kitchen,”
said no busy person ever.
There are plenty of excuses for not cooking at home, but topping the list is lack of time. Between earning a paycheck, tackling the never-ending laundry, driving the non-drivers to wherever they need to be and tending to the constantly unfurling list of to-dos, finding a window in which you can shop for, prep, cook and serve a healthy meal that everyone will actually eat can seem like a recipe for frustration. Time is precious, so might as well order takeout, right?
But wait! What if we told you there are plenty of easy, hassle-free weeknight meals that can go from the pantry to the table in less time than it would take for the Uber Eats driver to reach your door?
Still skeptical? These 20 simple, speedy recipes come together beautifully (and deliciously) in 20 minutes or less.
20-Minute Easy Chicken Marsala: Chances are you already have all of the ingredients for this perfect chicken dish in your kitchen at this very second.
Image courtesy of Seasoned Mom
15-Minute Honey-Garlic Chicken: With just five ingredients and an addictively delicious sauce, it’s a quick, easy and satisfying way to avoid the takeout trap.
Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table
Pesto Baked Salmon with Veggies: It’s hard to believe such little prep work results in such a treat for the eyes and the palate.
Image courtesy of Fannetastic Food
15-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: It’s even faster, fresher and more flavorful than Chinese takeout.
Image courtesy of Gimme Delicious
20-Minute Moroccan Chickpea Soup: A savory vegan comfort food that’s packed with rich and delicious flavors.
Image courtesy of Gimme Some Oven
20-Minute Tofu Stir-Fry: Brimming with veggies, protein and fiber to fuel your body after a long day.
Image courtesy of Minimalist Baker
Instant Pot French Lentil Soup: This plant-based recipe is so rich and satisfying that no one will even miss the meat.
Image courtesy of Foraged Dish
Smoky Scrambled Eggs: With so many ways to serve—English muffin, bagel, tortilla or just with a fork—it feels like a different dish every time.
Image courtesy of The Cooking Jar
20-Minute Tuscan Pasta: With a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and grilled chicken, it will become a family favorite in no time.
Image courtesy of Six Sisters Stuff
20-Minute Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos: Put a fresh (and fast) spin on your next Taco Tuesday.
Image courtesy of The Seasoned Mom
Vegetable Quinoa Fried Rice: Ready in just 20 minutes, this colorful and flavorful dish is a veggie lover’s paradise.
Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table
Aunt Bee’s 20-Minute Hawaiian Haystacks: Finally: A customizable, kid-friendly dish that has plenty to offer the adults, too.
Image courtesy of The Seasoned Mom
20-Minute Bacon-Honey-Mustard Rice Bowls: Packed with tender broccoli, tangy chicken and loads of flavor, it makes a perfect healthy weeknight dinner.
Image courtesy of Simply Sissom
20-Minute Pan-Seared Fish With Pomegranate Salsa: Bursting with zesty, sweet and savory flavors, this bright and healthy dish is sure to please your whole crew.
Image courtesy of Gimme Some Oven
Tangy Tempeh Salad: High in protein, flavor and versatility, this dish is about to change the way you think about salads.
Image courtesy of Hurry the Food Up
Quick Chicken Curry: Flavorful, satisfying Indian dinner in just 15 minutes? Sign us up!
Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table
Instant Pot Moroccan Stew: This one-pot wonder has it all: chicken, chickpeas, quinoa, sweet potatoes and a spice blend inspired by the flavors of northern Africa.
Image courtesy of Foraged Dish
20-Minute Keto Pizza: Even if you’re not doing Keto, this crispy, low-carb alternative is a smart way to indulge in pizza.
Image courtesy of Gimme Delicious
20-Minute Chicken Tostadas: Use the Instant Pot, slow cooker or stovetop for super simple yet satisfying tacos.
Image courtesy of A Pinch of Healthy
20-Minute No-Egg Pancakes: A healthier way to do “breakfast for dinner.”
Image courtesy of Hurry the Food Up