5 Easy Weeknight Dinners You Can Make in Under 30 Minutes – Quick Recipes by Chef Scott Biffin

1. 5 Easy Weeknight Dinners Delicious, home-cooked meals ready in under 30 minutes

2. Why Quick Dinners Matter The Challenge The Solution Between work, family commitments, and other responsibilities, many of us rely on takeout or pre-packaged meals. But you don't need hours in the kitchen to enjoy delicious, satisfying dinners. With the right recipes, staple ingredients, and clever cooking hacks, you can prepare nutritious meals in under 30 minutes. These five recipes are designed to please the entire family without kitchen chaos.

3. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon and Asparagus 01 Sauté Garlic Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. 02 Cook Shrimp Add 1 lb shrimp, season with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. 03 Add Asparagus Toss in asparagus with remaining butter. Sauté 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. 04 Finish & Serve Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Serve with rice, quinoa, or salad. Ready in less than 20 minutes – restaurant-quality flavor with fresh ingredients and quick techniques.

4. One-Pan Chicken Fajitas Ingredients • 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced thin • Red, yellow, and green bell peppers • 1 medium onion, sliced • Chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder Quick Steps Cook seasoned chicken 5–6 minutes until browned. Add peppers and onion, sauté 5–7 minutes. Serve with warm tortillas and toppings. Pro Tip: Prep vegetables ahead or use pre-sliced chicken for even faster cooking.

5. Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Cook Pasta Boil 8 oz pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Sauté Vegetables Cook garlic and mushrooms until golden. Add spinach until wilted. Create Sauce Add cream and Parmesan. Adjust consistency with pasta water as needed. Combine & Serve Toss pasta with sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Perfect for nights when you crave something rich and satisfying. Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

6. Teriyaki Salmon Bowls The Perfect Balance Cooking Method Omega-3-rich salmon combined with quick-cooking rice and fresh vegetables creates a complete, nutritious meal in one bowl. Cook salmon 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with teriyaki sauce Steam broccoli and carrots until tender Teriyaki Sauce: Mix soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and grated ginger for an authentic flavor. Serve over rice with vegetables, sauce, and sesame seeds Use microwave-steamed vegetables when pressed for time.

7. Quick Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Start with Aromatics Heat vegetable oil in wok. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Brown the Beef Add 1 lb thinly sliced sirloin. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until browned. Add Vegetables Toss in broccoli with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Finish & Plate Stir-fry 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Serve with rice or noodles. Chef's Secret: Marinate beef in soy sauce and cornstarch for 15–20 minutes for extra tenderness and flavor.

8. Time-Saving Tips for Weeknight Success Prep Ahead One-Pan Wonders Frozen Vegetables Chop vegetables or marinate proteins in advance. Pre-cook grains like rice or quinoa for the week. Use sheet pan or skillet recipes to reduce cooking and cleanup time significantly. Frozen veggies are convenient, nutritious, and quick to cook. Fresh isn't always necessary. Time-Saving Gadgets Simplify Sauces Instant pots, air fryers, and microwaves can drastically reduce cooking time. Premade sauces or quick homemade mixes can elevate dishes without extra work.

9. Your Weeknight Dinner Toolkit Garlic Butter Shrimp 1 Restaurant-quality seafood in under 20 minutes with lemon and asparagus. One-Pan Chicken Fajitas 2 Colorful, flavorful, and easy cleanup with bell peppers and onions. Creamy Spinach Pasta 3 Rich and comforting with mushrooms, spinach, and Parmesan. Teriyaki Salmon Bowls 4 Healthy omega-3s with rice and steamed vegetables in one bowl. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry 5 Classic Asian flavors ready in minutes with simple ingredients.

10. Skip the Takeout Weeknight dinners don't have to be stressful. With planning, staple ingredients, and quick-cooking techniques, you can enjoy meals that are both delicious and nutritious. These five recipes cater to all tastes and dietary preferences, whether cooking for one or feeding the whole family. Even small tips from experts like Chef Scott Biffin can make a huge difference in efficiency and flavor. "Next week, instead of ordering takeout, try one of these recipes and see how enjoyable weeknight cooking can be. With meals like these, you'll wonder why you ever thought dinner had to be complicated."