Some nights, cooking dinner feels like a bit of a mission, doesn’t it? You’re tired, the kids are hungry, and the last thing you want is to spend ages in the kitchen. That’s where these 42 Easy 30 minute dinner ideas come in—proper home-cooked meals, made fast, with no hassle.
To make it easy, I’ve split all of the 42 easy 30-minute dinners into handy categories—like one-pot meals, fakeaway recipes, and quick pasta dishes, with meat, fish and veggies options—so you can jump straight to whatever suits you best.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Scatty Mum.
These recipes are family-friendly, great for busy weeknights, and perfect for when you just need to get something tasty on the table—fast.
So, if you’re after quick, stress-free dinners that don’t involve juggling a million ingredients, you’re in the right place! Theres also a whole load of 30 minute Summer recipes here too.
Want to organise your favourite meals into a weekly meal planner? Download my FREE version below!
Jump to:
🥘 One Pan Wonders
1. One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo
This One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo will quickly become a family favourite! Made with simple, fresh ingredients, this easy weeknight dinner is ready in just 30 minutes!
Full Recipe
2. Chicken Curry With Peppers
This boneless chicken curry with peppers combines tender chicken breast with fragrant spices and bell peppers. Perfect for a mid-week dinner as it can be on the table in under 30 minutes! Naturally gluten and dairy free.
Full Recipe
3. One Pot Chicken and Chickpea Curry
This easy chicken and chickpea curry recipe is a delicious meal, full of lean proteins and veggies. This flavorful dish has a creamy coconut base and aromatic spices that will make your whole house smell amazing. With just a touch of sweetness, this well-balanced curry is rich and mildly spicy making it perfect for the whole family.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: wellfedbaker.com
4. One Pot Chicken Cacciatore with Rice
This One-Pot Chicken Cacciatore with Rice gives a classic dish a fresh twist! It’s an easy, flavorful dinner ready in 20 minutes.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: blessthismeal.com
5. Creamy Spinach Gnocchi Recipe
This a creamy spinach gnocchi recipe that‘s impossible to resist. A delicious one-pot meal ready in about 15 minutes, the perfect weeknight dish for the family yet fancy enough for guests.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: thefastrecipe.com
🍝 Quick Pasta Dishes
6. Creamy Gochujang Pasta
Whip up this deliciously Creamy Gochujang Pasta in just 15 minutes! This makes it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying midweek dinner on those hectic evenings! Adjust the spice level to your liking to make it suitable for the whole family!
Full Recipe
7. Egg-Free & Dairy-Free Meatballs
Quick & easy to prepare, these Egg-Free & Dairy-Free Meatballs are a perfect choice for a hassle-free weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
Full Recipe
8. Creamy Prawn And Chorizo Pasta
This quick & easy Creamy Prawn and Chorizo Pasta combines smoky chorizo with plump & succulent king prawns tossed together in a creamy tomato sauce. On the table in under 30 minutes!
Full Recipe
9. Spicy Nduja & Tomato Pasta
Looking for a new twist to your traditional pasta dish? Try out this Spicy Nduja & Tomato Pasta to add some heat and depth to your next dinner. On the table in just 30 minutes!
Full Recipe
10. Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta
This Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl! Ready in just 20 minutes, it's the perfect choice for a quick and tasty midweek meal.
Full Recipe
11. Pasta With Chicken Sausages, Tomato & Brie
This hearty pasta with chicken sausages, sweet summer tomatoes, and creamy brie recipe is ready in under 30 minutes
Full Recipe
Photo credit: nutfreewok.com
🍚 Rice & Noodles
12. Easy Chicken & Shrimp Fried Rice
Why not make this Easy Chicken & Shrimp Fried Rice tonight instead of ordering a takeaway? Plump juicy shrimp & tender chicken are mixed with veggies, scrambled egg & rice to make a delicious one-pan meal, on the table in just 30 minutes!
Full Recipe
13. Chicken noodle stir fry with broccoli
This easy kids chicken noodle stir fry with broccoli is a great way of sneaking vegetables into your child’s dinner! My version is dairy free, egg free and nut free but read on to find out how it can be easily adapted to suit different allergens.
Full Recipe
14. Hot Dog Fried Rice
Wondering how to use up those leftover hot dogs? This hot dog fried rice will become your new go-to dish. On the table in under 20 minutes, it's perfect for a weeknight family meal.
Full Recipe
15. Quick Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Quick and easy Mongolian ground beef noodles, perfect for a 15-minute dinner with sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors. A family favorite!
Full Recipe
16. Keema Rice
Tasty lamb mince is mixed with rice, vegetables and aromatic spices to make this delicious Keema Rice. On the table in under 30 minutes its perfect for a midweek family meal.
Full Recipe
17. Creamy Chicken and Noodles
This Chicken and Noodles Recipe is comfort food at it’s finest! Made in one pot and ready in just 30 minutes for the best Weeknight Dinner.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: simplymadeeats.com
🍗 Meat & Poultry
18.Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are deliciously tender and juicy! They make the perfect filling for a shish kebab and are ready in just 30 minutes! No air fryer? You can easily cook these under the grill too!
Full Recipe
19. Mediterranean Chicken, Cucumber and Tomato Salad
A nutritious and filling Mediterranean chicken, cucumber and tomato salad with feta cheese that’s high in both protein and fibre.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: moderatelymessyrd.com
20. Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup
Discover the perfect blend of flavors in our delightful Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup – it’s like a fiesta in every spoonful!
Full Recipe
Photo credit: thecookinchicks.com
21. Lamb Keema Curry
The delicious world of Lamb Keema Curry! Versatile & comforting. Discover why it’s an Indian cuisine favorite. 🍛🌶️
Full Recipe
Photo credit: madcreationshub.com
22. Easy Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff
Creamy chicken and mushroom stroganoff with a sour cream sauce featuring a hint of brandy, mustard and paprika that’s quick and easy to cook.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: krumpli.co.uk
🐟 Fish
23. Air Fryer Sea Bass
Healthy, yet absolutely delicious, this air fryer sea bass is crispy on the outside yet soft and flaky in the middle. Ready in under 10 minutes, it is perfect for a quick weekday family meal!
Full Recipe
24. Tuna Spaghetti Bolognese
Looking for a healthier twist on a classic? Then this quick and tasty tuna spaghetti bolognese is a nutritious and tasty alternative
Full Recipe
Photo credit: wholeheartykitchen.co.uk
25. Lemon Garlic Salmon with Tomatoes
Elevate your dinner game with this Lemon Garlic Salmon recipe with just a handful of ingredients. Ready in just 15 minutes!
Full Recipe
Photo credit: kitchensavouries.com
26. Mediterranean Baked White Fish
Enjoy this easy Mediterranean Baked White Fish, packed with fresh flavors from lemon, garlic, and herbs. A quick, healthy dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Full Recipe
Photo credit: basicswithbails.com
27. Marry Me Salmon
This dreamy Marry Me Salmon recipe delivers gourmet quality in 30 minutes! Try this creamy, easy one-pan dish for any occasion.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: maesmenu.com
🍔 Family-Friendly Comfort Food
28. Puff Pastry Pizza (GF)
Check out this delicious puff pastry pizza recipe that's quick, easy, bursting with flavour and is gluten-free too! You will love the crispy crust & can personalise it with all your favourite toppings. Whether you're making it for a cosy weeknight dinner or a party appetiser, it's ready in just 25 minutes!
Full Recipe
29. Chicken Soup with Butternut Squash
This low-carb and keto-friendly Chicken Soup with Butternut Squash is a comforting, high-protein meal that’s perfect for cold weather!
Full Recipe
Photo credit: likehotketo.com
30. Tasty Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Try these Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe for an easy and tasty dinner! Packed with classic flavors and served on grilled Texas toast, they’re perfect for busy families.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: ourhomemadeeasy.com
31. Best Easy Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Make
This easy Frittata recipe combines veggies with creamy eggs for a high-protein, satisfying meal. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s one of the best vegetable frittata recipes to try.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: cheerfulcook.com
🍕 Fakeaways
32. Stir-Fried Beef With Ginger and Spring Onion
Make your own Chinese takeaway with this Stir-Fried Beef With Ginger & Spring Onion! Speedy, delicious & allergy-friendly, it's on the table in just 20 minutes!
Full Recipe
33. Five Guys Copycat Burger Recipe
This Five Guys Copycat Burger Recipe tastes just like the real thing! Melted gooey cheese in between two beef patties on the famous soft sesame bun. The best news is it’s also peanut oil free!
Full Recipe
34. Salmon Katsu Curry
This Salmon Katsu Curry is a twist on the Japanese classic! Crispy salmon is paired with an aromatic, smooth curry sauce, ideal for a delicious meal to be enjoyed with family or friends. My version is also egg and dairy free!
Full Recipe
35. Quick Beef and Broccoli
Quick, easy and full of flavor. This Quick Beef and Broccoli takes your favorite take-out and turns it into an easy weeknight meal.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: simplyscratchmade.com
36. Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
These Air Fryer Fish Tacos are ready start to finish in about 15 minutes. Toss a simple Cilantro Lime Slaw together while the fish air fries.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: lemonsandzest.com
37. Shrimp Chow Mein - Pan Fried Noodles
This recipe uses spaghetti to create tasty Shrimp Chow Mein, also known as pan-fried noodles. Quick, easy, and packed with flavour, it’s a one-pot meal everyone will enjoy!
Full Recipe
Photo credit: cookingwithlei.com
38. Meatball Sub Sandwiches
Everyone loves a delicious sandwich and with simple ingredients, these cheesy easy Meatball Sub Sandwiches are no exception.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: dutchovendaddy.com
🥕 Veggie Options
39. Quick Vegetable Hash
This vegetable hash recipe is a quick and easy vegetarian dinner made with black beans and vegetables. Enjoy your comfort food cooked in one skillet.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: butteredveg.com
40. Curried Butter Beans
Quick and easy, these delicious curried butter beans can be whipped up in 20 minutes using canned beans. Sweet from the onions, full of umami from the tomato sauce, and aromatics from the curry spices, this is a truly satisfying bite.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: givemethevitamins.com
41. Crispy Gochujang Tofu
This gochujang tofu is perfect for weeknight dinners! It’s ideal for a quick, budget-friendly recipe that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: greenheartlove.com
42. Easy Thai Jackfruit Curry
Explore the exotic flavors of this Easy Thai Jackfruit Curry with red pepper. This IS delicious, aromatic, and satisfying plant-based meal.
Full Recipe
Photo credit: dishingoutplants.com
Let me know in the comments below which recipes you're going to try first!
Need some help with meal planning? Then download my FREE ultimate weekly meal planner below!
Comments
No Comments