• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Jersey Girl Cooks
  • About
  • Recipes
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes

    25 Easy Last Minute Dinner Recipe Ideas

    First Published: May 10, 2022 . Last Modified: May 10, 2022 lisa10 Comments This post may contain affiliate links

    These easy last minute dinners come together quickly, using ingredients you probably have on hand and let you easily swap out for more convenient ingredients. The end of the day should be a time to relax, and the last thing you want to do is find yourself stressing over wondering what to make for dinner. You'll love these meat, chicken, vegetarian and seafood dinner ideas perfect for busy weeknights.

    Photos pf last minute dinner ideas with text overlay.

    As a busy mom, there are few things more frustrating for me than nearing the end of a long day of work and hearing that familiar grumble of hunger, only to realize you didn't set out something for dinner. I'll admit I don't always plan dinner and at 4 pm I'm thinking about what to cook and I need easy dinner ideas. It's even more stressful when the kids are asking "what's for dinner tonight?" and they want a meal sooner than later.

    If you want to get dinner on the table quickly, I have plenty of easy last minute dinner ideas for you. Many of the dinners in this recipe roundup are fast dinner ideas and ready in under 30 minutes. They also don't need many ingredients. So if you are in a bind, check out this list of quick meal ideas and get cooking. They are great for week night cooking and the whole family will run to the dinner table when they smell the food cooking.

    Meat Dinner Ideas

    Best Steak Tacos.

    1. Best Steak Tacos

    Tacos are always a big hit. When they are filled with juicy, mouthwatering steak and topped with salsa, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese or to each diners liking you can't go wrong. Best of all, these steak tacos are on the table in just 20 minutes and are a super easy idea for dinner.

    You can also swap out the steak and make easy Mexican ground beef to fill the tacos instead.

    Tenderloin Beef Tips with Mushrooms on a plate.

    2. Tenderloin Beef Tips and Mushrooms

    Beefy and earthy tenderloin beef tips with mushrooms is like enjoying a steakhouse dinner at home. Enjoy a premium cut of beef without paying the premium price. This is my go-to for a quick and satisfying meal anytime I'm craving steak. It's also one of my favorite last-minute dinner ideas for entertaining spontaneous dinner guests.

    Lamb chops on a plate.

    3. Air Fryer Lamb Chops

    Air fryer lamb chops lets you enjoy gourmet flavor in about 15 minutes. Loin chops are less expensive than rib chops and you can quickly marinate them while you change out of your work clothes then air fry to perfection. This is a super easy dinner recipe that is also great for an at home date night.

    Chicken Dinner Ideas

    A plate of chicken cutlets caprese.

    4. Caprese Chicken Cutlets

    Chicken cutlets cook fast and the breading makes these fresh and delicious. They are lightly pan fried in butter and olive oil then topped with fresh tomato, fresh basil and mozzarella cheese and drizzled with balsamic glaze. This chicken recipe will make you feel like you are eating in an Italian restaurant rather than having a week night home cooked meal.

    Chicken parmesan in a pan.

    5. Skillet Chicken Parmesan

    Made in a single skillet, this chicken parmesan is juicy, topped with melty cheese and smothered with my favorite marinara sauce. Serve it with boiled pasta or grab some of your favorite hoagie rolls for a quick chicken parmesan sandwich.

    Chicken fajita tacos for dinner.

    6. Chicken Fajita Skillet Tacos

    This Mexican meal is easy to prepare and brings together the flavors you love in both tacos and fajitas. Tender strips of boneless chicken breasts are tossed with onions and bell peppers then wrapped in a tortilla. You might have everything you need on hand for this easy meal.

    air fryer chicken legs

    7. Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Delicious and crispy air fryer chicken legs only require 3 ingredients and there are only 3 simple steps to make these delicious drumsticks. Just season, air fry, test for doneness and serve. Perfect for easy last minute week night dinners.

    Vegetarian Dinner Ideas

    Serving a frittata for dinner with plates and orange juice.

    8. Spinach Mushroom Frittata with Goat Cheese

    Breakfast for dinner is always a winner. Combine a few eggs with veggies and cheese from the fridge in this easily customizable frittata recipe. Serve this crustless egg bake on its own or add a few strips of bacon and fruit salad to make it a full meal.

    a plate of pasta.

    9. Angel Hair Pasta with Blush Sauce

    Blush sauce is a creamy tomato sauce made from canned crushed tomatoes, garlic, dried seasonings and a splash of half and half. Serve it over angel hair pasta or whatever type of pasta noodles you have on hand. This quick meal is made with pantry staples.

    A delicious plate of Pasta with Kale and White Beans.

    10. Pasta with White Beans and Kale

    This healthy meal is also a budget-friendly meal that tastes great and is vegan to boot. Whether you eat a plant based diet all the time or are trying to do it more often, this one-pan dish is a great way to reduce your meat consumption and it only takes 30 minutes to make. You could also make this a gluten free meal by using gluten-free pasta.

    Bowl of Vegetarian Penne Pasta.

    11. Vegetarian Penne Pasta

    Grab a jar of sundried tomatoes, a can of artichokes, frozen peas and a box of pasta from the store on your way home from work for an easy dinner that cooks in just 20 minutes. Lighter than marinara pasta dishes, this vegetarian pasta is delicious and filling. Top with some fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese for even extra flavor. This is also a perfect make-ahead meal that can easily be reheated in the microwave.

    Fish and Seafood Dinner Ideas

    A plate of salmon with a side salad.

    12. Air Fryer Cajun Salmon

    Flaky fish in 15 minutes is completely doable thanks to the air fryer. Cajun seasoning is all you need to make salmon that's incredibly tasty. Add a salad and baked sweet potatoes to make a full meal. It's a quick dinner but also one of my favorite healthy recipes.

    a plate of shrimp scampi.

    13. Healthier Shrimp Scampi

    Succulent shrimp are flavored with broth and lemon juice instead of loads of butter for a healthy and simple weeknight dinner. Serve over spaghetti for a delicious meal in just 20 minutes. I keep frozen shrimp in my freezer at all times so I can make this meal with just a few other pantry ingredients.

    Fish taco bowls are a super easy dinner.

    14. Baja Fish Taco Bowls

    Baja Fish Taco Bowls are the perfect choice for easy last minute dinners when you have all the ingredients you need except for taco shells or tortillas. This easy idea for dinner can easily be customized with mixins and ingredients you have on hand.

    Cod Fish Piccata cooks in less than 20 minutes.

    15. Cod Fish Piccata

    Pick up a few white fish fillets at the grocery store on the way home from work to make this lovely Fish Piccata with artichokes. It's one of my favorite last-minute dinners. The buttery, lemony white wine sauce and the briney flavor of the capers complement each other beautifully in this light dish that comes together quickly. It's a delicious way to get more fish into your diet. White rice is a great idea to serve on the side as it will soak up the delicious sauce of this easy dish.

    More Easy Last Minute Dinner Ideas

    Here are more easy recipes to make an easy weeknight dinner or have a last minute weekend dinner that the entire family will enjoy. All it takes are some simple ingredients from your local grocery store to have a delicious family dinner tonight or even that special date night at home. Good food does not have to be complicated!

    • Cheese Tortellini with Sausage and Mushrooms
    • Scallop Fried Rice
    • Fried Leftover Spaghetti
    • Air Fryer BBQ Shrimp
    • Spaghetti with Turkey Bolognese
    • Cheesy Shredded Chicken Enchiladas from Maple and Mango
    • Super Simple Salmon Bites from The Fresh Family Kitchen
    • Creamy Sausage and Potatoes from Thrifty Frugal Mom
    • Vegetable Stir Fry with Noodles from Cook It Real Good
    • Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes from Easy Budget Recipes

    Thanks for stopping by! Subscribe to Jersey Girl Cooks if you would like more recipes and cooking tips sent to your email. You can also order my Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners and follow me on social media - Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

    « Easy Basic Pan Fried Meatballs
    The Best Homemade Tartar Sauce »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Heather

      September 20, 2022 at 3:29 pm

      I'm 7 months pregnant so last minute dinners are what I'm all about right now! Going to try I think all of these...starting with those steak tacos for sure.

      Reply
    2. Helene

      September 22, 2022 at 5:57 am

      Thank you for this roundup. This time of year, I’m always so busy, so it’s very helpful. I will probably start with the air fryer cajun salmon.

      Reply
    3. megane

      September 22, 2022 at 7:45 pm

      So many great rcipes to choose from. This will keep me busy for a while.

      Reply
    4. Tammy

      September 23, 2022 at 11:57 am

      So many delicious recipes to try! Perfect for busy weeknights or easy weekends and the leftovers are the best too! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    5. Dennis

      September 24, 2022 at 4:21 pm

      Thanks for all the great dinner ideas! I love them all and can't wait to start making them in my kitchen

      Reply
    6. Cathleen

      September 24, 2022 at 8:56 pm

      I was just Googling this today so I am so happy I found this article!! I bookmarked 5 of them already for the week ahead 🙂

      Reply
    7. Tristin

      September 24, 2022 at 11:18 pm

      I am definitely going to be hitting up this list of last minute dinners again and again!

      Reply
    8. Adriana

      September 25, 2022 at 2:44 pm

      Wow, so many good dishes to choose from! I love the Healthier Shrimp Scampi and the Cod Fish Piccata can't wait to try them!

      Reply
    9. Amy Casey

      September 25, 2022 at 9:44 pm

      Such a great list of quick dinners. Our family loved the blush pasta recipe. Dinner was delicious and ready in no time at all.

      Reply
    10. Enri Lemoine

      September 25, 2022 at 10:19 pm

      What a great selection of recipes. I'm pinning this post to have it handy. Too many good ideas! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Lisa

    I love creating recipes and cooking for my family and friends. It's great to bring everyone to my kitchen to talk, laugh and eat. I also like to spread my love for cooking to others. So grab an apron and let's do it together. I promise my recipes will be easy and delicious!

    More about me

    Jersey Girl Cooks is a participant in affiliate programs including the Amazon Associates program. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in my website with no extra cost to you, the consumer.

    Footer

    freebie!

    Subscribe for Your Free eBook: 5 Pantry Friendly Dinners

    Subscribe for free!
    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions

    Contact

    • Media Kit
    • FAQ

    Copyright © 2024 Jersey Girl Cooks • As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. • Powered by Feast+

    GDPR Privacy Policy