42 Fast Supper Recipes That'll Be Ready In 45 Minutes Or Less
You'll have dinner on the table in no time.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Weeknights can be tight, without a moment to spare. Enter the Southern Living Test Kitchen: We've rounded up the best recipes for an easy dinner, whether you're in the mood for a simple salad, hearty pasta, or new twist on a burger.
These handpicked weeknight suppers take anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes, tops, and saving time doesn't just mean skimping on variety. These super simple supper recipes include a range of methods and styles from Chicken Scallopini and Ham Carbonara to Sheet Pan Jambalaya and Bourbon Glazed Salmon.
So get cookin' and have dinner on the table in no time. Dig in, y'all!
Ham Carbonara With Peas
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Use leftover ham to make this carbonara with peas faster and easier.
Chicken Scallopini
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Chicken scallopini is ready for even your craziest weeknights. It takes 30 minutes and is made in just one skillet. Just take the word of our Test Kitchen: "We call this dish 'Old Faithful' at our house, because every single person in our home loves it. It never fails us!"
Total Time: 30 minutes
Shrimp Alfredo
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Just eight ingredients and 45 minutes are needed to create this simple yet elegant pasta dinner.
Total Time: 45 minutes
Lemon Chicken Pasta
Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Add this creamy lemon chicken pasta to your weeknight rotation! Crispy panko-crusted chicken sits on a bed of tender linguine that's tossed with a luscious lemon-cream sauce and silky zucchini rounds.
Shrimp Orzo Salad
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Prissy Lee
In just 25 minutes, you can have one of the most interesting dinners you've ever made on the table. This shrimp orzo salad, inspired by a Greek salad, is filled with briny, salty, and punchy flavors from feta, shallots, fresh dill, and a tangy, bright dressing made with sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
Breaded Pork Chops
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
These easy breaded pork chops are sure to be a family favorite. They're ready in just 30 minutes, and the mustard-cream sauce is decadent and zesty.
Buttered Noodles
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
We love the nostalgia of buttered noodles. There's just something so comforting about how pasta, butter, cheese, salt, and pepper all come togetherโand they're ready in no time at all.
Salmon Patties
Jessica Furniss
Salmon patties (AKA salmon cakes or croquettes) are one of the quickest and easiest things we can whip up from pantry staples. Simple and straightforward without being boring, salmon patties require minimal prep and can be on the table in minutes.
Bourbon Glazed
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Paired with a simple side salad, this speedy weeknight supper is ready in 20 minutes, but it's elegant enough to be on the table for date night.
Quick Turkey Chili
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Most of these ingredients are pantry and fridge staples, which means making this 20-minute turkey chili is easy on a last-minute kind of night.
Pork Chops with Dijon-Buttermilk Sauce
Our Test Kitchen's recommendation? Give your old pork chop recipe the night off and try this new, elevated take on the weeknight staple. "I will NEVER cook pork chops any other way," wrote one five-star reviewer. "Pork turned out amazing and the fragrance of the sauce had the whole household asking when they could dig in!" wrote another.
Total Time: 30 Minutes
One-Pan Garlic-Butter Shrimp with Orzo
An elegant dinner that comes together in 30 minutes and one pan? Sign us up! White wine, garlic, and lemon are classic flavors that pair beautifully with shrimp.
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Garlic Butter Chicken
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
This garlicky, buttery pan sauce over chicken cutlets is ready in just 30 minutes. Serve with asparagus, a fresh tomato-cucumber salad, or simple roasted potatoes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Stovetop Macaroni And Cheese
Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
While baked macaroni and cheese is always a popular preparation method, this stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe is perhaps even easier.
Meatball Casserole
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If you're looking for a hearty, comforting, and easy weeknight dinner, look no further than this meatball casserole. With only a few minutes of prep time, this tomato-rich pasta dish does most of the work baking in the oven so you can focus on other things.
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
With the help of your multi-cooker, chili doesn't have to take all day to make.
Total Time: 45 minutes
Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls
This recipe turns the classic supper sandwich into a delicious one-dish casserole you can serve right out of the skillet.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Orange-Rosemary Roast Chicken
Savory and sweet flavors come together on one sheet pan for a flavor-packed dinner in just 45 minutes.
Total Time: 45 minutes
Sheet Pan Fajitas
Transform basic ingredients like chicken breasts, onion, bell peppers, and spices into dinner in just 20 minutes using one pan. Pro tip: Line the sheet pan with aluminum foil for quick cleanup.
Total Time: 20 minutes
Beefy Nacho Casserole
We recommend using a chunky salsa that's not too watery for this casserole recipe.
Total Time: 45 minutes
Instant Pot Chili Mac
Chili meets mac and cheese in this 30-minute dinner recipe for a filling meal that both kids and adults will love.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Chicken-and-Broccoli Skillet Pasta
This recipe calls for egg noodles, but in a pinch you can use whatever type of pasta you already have on hand in your kitchen.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Baked Ziti With Meatballs
Store-bought sauce and frozen meatballs combine with fresh spinach, mushrooms, and orange juice for a warm meal you can get on the table even on the busiest weeknights.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Supreme Pizza
Instead of reaching for the phone, follow this recipe for a supremely delicious homemade pizza.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Beef Tamale Pie
This cheesy beef casserole that's topped with a layer of cornbread will become a staple on your weeknight dinner menu.
Total Time: 40 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Casserole
This recipe offers the flavor of the classic game day dishes like wings or dip in a form that's filling enough to be dinner.
Total Time: 45 Minutes
One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Every component of this pasta dish, the sauce, chicken, and even the noodles, comes together in just one pot.
Total Time: 45 minutes
Cast-Iron Skillet Burgers
If you don't have time to fire up the grill, you can still serve up great burgers with the help of your trusty cast-iron skillet.
Total Time: 35 minutes
Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
A stir fry is an easy way to serve a filling dinner that's packed with veggies and flavor, no matter how short on time you may be.
Total Time: 20 minutes
Chicken Scallopini
This recipe is great served over linguine, spaghetti, or whatever noodles you have in your pantry.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Shrimp-And-Herb Rice Bowls
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Seasoned shrimp and herby rice are a wonderfully easy dinner.
Total Time: 45 minutes
Fried Pork Chops with Peas and Potatoes
This quick recipe is a less fatty version of the Southern classic, and isn't it pretty?
Total Time: 30 minutes
Skillet Shrimp Chilaquiles
This skillet dinner feels indulgent, but shrimp and fresh avocado lighten it up.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Fresh Salmon Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing
You've had crab cakes, but have you tried homemade salmon cakes? They're easy, light, and taste amazing.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Crab-and-Bacon Linguine
This pretty pasta is easier than it looks to make, but your secret is safe with us.
Total Time: 45 minutes
Shrimp Cobb Salad with Bacon Dressing
This gorgeous, colorful salad had us at "bacon dressing."
Total Time: 25 minutes
Burrito Bowls
Let each family member customize individual burrito bowls for the easiest weeknight dinner ever.
Total Time: 10 minutes
Pasta with Burst Tomatoes and Mascarpone
This beautiful pasta dish is perfect for spring and summer. Serve as an easy meatless meal or top with grilled shrimp or chicken.
Total Time: 25 minutes
Honey-Soy-Glazed Salmon with Veggies and Oranges
You're less than a sitcom away from this light, flavorful dinner that you'll make over and over again.
Total Time: 25 minutes
Quick Chicken Noodle Bowls
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
These light, bright chicken bowls are topped off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Total Time: 45 minutes
Hamburger Steak With Sweet Onion-Mushroom Gravy
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey
If you want to make extras, these patties can be prepped and frozen for up to three months, so you'll have a nice dinner for the next busy weeknight.
Total Time: 35 minutes
Shrimp with Honey-Garlic Sauce
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley
With this recipe, our Test Kitchen says, "It's all in the sauce," so you might want to double up. Add a bit of spice by stirring 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or ? teaspoon diced jalape?o chile in the pan along with the garlic.
Total Time: 15 Minutes
Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Tangy Honey Barbecue Sauce
Our Test Kitchen's goal with this delicious recipe was to put a healthier spin on the classic but sugary BBQ chicken sandwich, and they knocked it out of the park. The only thing this recipe is missing is a side of Grilled Sweet Potato Fries.
Total Time: 25 Minutes
Southern Cobb Salad with Cornbread Croutons
We Southern-ified the classic Cobb salad with homemade cornbread croutons and black-eyed peas. This flavorful dish is super-fast when you have leftover cornbread on hand already.
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Fire-Roasted Tomato-and-Beef Ragรน
Not only is this flavorful pasta sauce quick enough to make on a weeknight, but the recipe includes easy freezing and reheating instructions for future busy nights, so go ahead and make a double batch.
Total Time: 40 Minutes
Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Herb Sauce
Steak dinner doesn't have to be a dressy affairโour Test Kitchen made it weeknight friendly with a more affordable cut of flank steak and your cast-iron skillet.
Total Time: 35 Minutes
Maple-Chipotle Air Fryer Pork Chops
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Ranking; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
The meat is juicy and tender, the rub is spicy and flavorful, and the sauce is sweet and tangy. This recipe comes together in 45 minutes and serves 2โperfect for date night.
Total Time: 45 Minutes
Ravioli Lasagna
This comforting, kid-friendly recipe makes use of a few of our favorite store-bought shortcuts: jarred marinara sauce and refrigerated ravioli.
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Creamy Chicken Sausage-and-Kale Soup
Our Test Kitchen developed this fast soup recipe as a creamy, flavorful upgrade to classic chicken noodle soup. Hearty kale adds a vitamin boost for those feeling under the weather.
Total Time: 35 Minutes
Sausage-Stuffed Squash
Delicata squash will quickly become your favorite find from the fall farmers' market. If you have leftover cornbread, throw it in this yummy filling and dinner is ready in no time.
Total Time: 45 Minutes
Lightened-Up Chicken-Broccoli Casserole
Casseroles get a bad reputation for being full of unhealthy ingredients. This skillet version of the classic chicken-broccoli combination proves that comfort food can still taste fresh.
Total Time: 40 Minutes
Seared Scallops with Lemon-Herb Rice
Enjoy a five-star date night at home with this beautiful recipe that will make any night feel fancy. Don't skip patting the scallops dryโthis is essential in getting a proper sear on them.
Total Time: 45 Minutes
Instant Pot Baked Ziti
This easy, cheesy pasta dish comes together in your multi-cooker for a meal that the whole family will love. Grab a bag of salad and call it done!
Total Time: 35 Minutes
Sheet Pan Jambalaya
Jambalaya traditionalists, we know this is not the recipe for you. But if you want a dose of Creole cuisine in a flash on a weeknight, we've got your back. Even one five-star reviewer admitted: "We have to give this an anonymous 'love' in that we live in south Louisiana."
Total Time: 35 Minutes
All-In-One Spaghetti Recipe
Instead of reaching for jarred pasta sauce when you're serving spaghetti for dinner, give this homemade sauce a try.
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Southern Cobb Salad With Cornbread Croutons
Black eyed peas and cornbread croutons Southern up this classic salad. For a little protein, you could add grilled chicken or steak to make it extra filling.
Total Time: 10 Minutes
One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
One pot? Love it. Chicken fajita? Love it. Cheesy pasta? Love it. On the table in 35 minutes? Love it. There's nothing your family won't love about this easy dinner, y'all.
Total Time: 35 Minutes
Grilled Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
These few-bite lettuce wraps manage to pack in so much flavor. If you're looking for an easy recipe to add to your meal prep routine, every element of these lettuce wraps can be prepared and chilled a day in advance.
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Baked Caprese Chicken With Green Beans and Corn
Hello, sheet pan beauty! This recipe was a hit with our Test Kitchen pros and readers. "Absolutely loved it, so many flavors dancing on your taste buds," wrote one five-star reviewer. "Definitely making again!" wrote another.
Total Time: 35 Minutes
Cheesy Lasagna Soup
Pasta-loving families will slurp this cheesy, comforting soup right up. A tip from the Test Kitchen: Skip the no-boil pasta for this soupโit will overcook and turn mushy.
Total Time: 25 Minutes
Chicken Lombardy
What's better than dusting off a beloved vintage recipe at suppertime? This reader-submitted meal from 1982 is still gracing our dinner tables decades later, and for good reason.
Total Time: 45 Minutes
Fried Chicken Salad with Basil-Buttermilk Dressing
That 10-minute time limit is no typo, y'all! Store-bought chicken tenders and mixed greens get dressed up with a quick, homemade dressing that you'll make again and again.
Total Time: 10 Minutes
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