Recipes You Can Make In 30 Minutes Or Less

Ever have those days that are so hectic and busy, it feels like there's no way you could possibly get dinner on the table? We feel you. And while it could seem that the only option is calling for takeout or delivery, we have a much better idea in mind. Consider this list your saving grace. Each of the below recipes takes just 30 minutes or less to prepare from start to finish.

Seem too good to be true? Trust us — it isn't. Of course, you'll need to have a well-stocked pantry to make these recipe ideas a reality, but choosing a handful ahead of time and grocery shopping with them in mind means that a delicious, well-balanced dinner is never more than a half-hour away. And since cooking dinner at home gives you the control, it's a healthier, less expensive alternative you're sure to love.

The only downside? Your favorite pizza place might be wondering what happened to you.

Curries often simmer for hours to blend all the beautiful flavors, but that's not the case when it comes to our easy chickpea curry recipe. Pantry staples like canned chickpeas, canned coconut milk, and spices unite with frozen veggies, onion, and garlic. Simmered together, they make a luscious curry that's delicious on its own or atop fresh rice. Start cooking the rice once the curry reaches a simmer, and everything will be ready to serve just 30 minutes later.

Deep-frying might not seem like a task you can achieve in under 30 minutes, but since shrimp cook through in just a few minutes, it's totally doable — which is just what this coconut shrimp recipe proves. To make this dish, shrimp are tossed in a breadcrumb and dried coconut topping and then fried until golden brown perfection. Serve with store-bought sweet chili sauce and a side of cilantro-lime rice, and dig in!

Cooking can be a great way to "travel" without ever leaving your hometown, and this Po Boy recipe will transport you to one of America's culinary capitals: New Orleans. Don't be scared off by the long ingredients list, because this hearty sandwich is surprisingly simple to prepare.

You'll start things off by mixing together a quick remoulade sauce. Then, you'll toss the shrimp with loads of seasonings. A quick deep fry, and they're ready to be piled on hoagie rolls and enjoyed.

Takeout is a go-to on nights when you just don't have the time to cook, but let us let you in on a little secret: It's easy to make a slightly healthier version of takeout staples right at home.

Take this fried rice recipe, for example. It's made with leftover rice (which you can sub for barley, quinoa, or farro for a healthy spin) and chicken breast, and flavored with garlic, ginger, and onion. Mixed frozen veggies and a few scrambled eggs make this dish a complete meal in and of itself — no takeout menu required.

In the mood for bar food? Look no further than our mozzarella sticks. They're easy to whip up at home, and when you consider how much money you spend on them at the bar, you'll be so glad you have a go-to recipe on deck.

For perfectly gooey mozzarella sticks, the steps are simple. First, bread your cold mozzarella with a generous amount of breadcrumbs. After they sit in the freezer, deep-fry them in vegetable oil. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce (store-bought is totally fine), and these are ready to enjoy.

Egg drop soup is a Chinese takeout staple that's super simple to make at home. Store-bought chicken broth means that all you really need to do is stir in the cornstarch-thickened eggs, which lend body to the soup. Add veggies to this base to make it even heartier, upgrading this lovely appetizer to the status of main course. We bet this recipe will become a new family favorite.

There's a reason we grew up on sloppy joes: This deliciously messy sandwich couldn't be easier or quicker to make. And in this version, no cans are required.

Start things off by cooking your beef until it's nicely browned and caramelized. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and season with pantry staples like ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. A hint of brown sugar helps bring out the nostalgic sweetness of this sandwich. Pile on rolls, and dig in — with paper towels handy!

Think Italian-American classic fettuccine Alfredo is tough to make at home? Think again! This rich, creamy sauce comes together in just eight minutes. By the time the pasta is cooked, it's just a question of tossing it all together and serving.

Now, this sauce is rich. It's a combo of cream, butter, parmesan, and an egg yolk, all spiced with a dash of nutmeg and black pepper. If you want to balance things out, we recommend a simple green salad dressed with your favorite vinaigrette recipe. Can you say yum?

Got some friends popping by at the last minute? We've got the perfect quick and easy savory asparagus tart recipe to impress them. 

To make it, asparagus is layered over frozen puff pastry that's been brushed with a hearty helping of herb-and-garlic Boursin cheese. The built-in seasonings make this tart rich and aromatic. After just 15 minutes in the oven, it emerges bubbly, browned, and ready to enjoy on its own or with a glass of white wine.

We eat with our eyes first, so it's no wonder why this pistachio-crusted salmon is so popular. With its juxtaposition of the bright green of the pistachios and the rich pink of the fish, it's a feast for the eyes as well as for the palate.

To perfect this salmon, you'll first brush it with an herb-scented honey-mustard glaze. Pat with crushed pistachios, and bake in a hot oven for just 12 to 15 minutes. Dinner is served!

You can compete with the very best Italian restaurants thanks to this super easy chicken piccata recipe. Since the chicken breasts are butterflied (you can ask your butcher to do this for you), they cook through in just 15 minutes. The heavenly lemon-butter sauce means this meal is ideally served atop a starch like mashed potatoes or rice. If you're really short on time, try orzo, which will be ready in about eight minutes.

Pasta is a go-to on busy weeknights, and this chicken fajita pasta ticks all the boxes — it's balanced, flavorful, and quick to prepare! The hearty dish is made with a combo of sautéed bell peppers and chicken. Jazzed up with taco seasoning and simmered with cream, the meat and veggies are tossed with penne pasta and loads of shredded cheese. No one will believe you when you say it took under 30 minutes to make this meal.