Quick & Delicious: 7 Recipes You Can Make in Under 30 Minutes

When you’re short on time but still craving something delicious, quick and easy recipes are a lifesaver. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the family, these seven recipes will help you whip up a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. From breakfast to dinner, these dishes are not only fast but also packed with flavor.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

This creamy, flavorful pasta is perfect for seafood lovers and can be made in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 200g (7 oz) pasta of choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• 250g (9 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and cooked through.
5. Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix to coat.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

2. Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu

A healthy, vegan-friendly dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. You can use any vegetables you have on hand!

Ingredients:

• 200g (7 oz) firm tofu, cubed
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and sauté until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add olive oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Add tofu back into the skillet, then drizzle with soy sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired and serve over rice or noodles.

3. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

This fresh and light salad is a perfect side or light meal that comes together in just 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 ball of fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange the sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a platter.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately as a refreshing starter or side dish.

4. Chicken Quesadillas

A quick, cheesy, and satisfying Tex-Mex dish that you can make with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 flour tortillas
• ½ cup salsa
• ½ cup sour cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with a handful of both cheeses, followed by the shredded chicken.
3. Top with another tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping once until both sides are golden and the cheese is melted.
4. Remove from heat, cut into wedges, and serve with salsa and sour cream.

5. Spicy Chickpea Salad

Packed with protein and fiber, this vibrant salad is a great option for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve chilled or at room temperature.

6. Mango Chicken Salad

This tropical-inspired salad combines juicy chicken with sweet mango and crunchy veggies. It’s fresh, light, and perfect for warmer months.

Ingredients:

• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 mango, peeled and sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 cups mixed salad greens
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss together the salad greens, mango, avocado, cucumber, and bell pepper.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Top with sliced grilled chicken.
4. Toss gently and serve immediately.

7. Egg Fried Rice

A classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for using up leftover rice. It’s a one-pan meal that’s both easy and tasty.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and green onions, sautéing for 1-2 minutes.
2. Push the garlic and onions to one side of the pan, then pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble until fully cooked.
3. Add the peas and carrots to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Add the cold rice and soy sauce. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, making sure everything is evenly mixed and heated.
5. Drizzle with sesame oil and serve.