Food and Recipes Quick and Easy Dinners Fast Supper Recipes That'll Be Ready In 45 Minutes Or Less By Mary Shannon Wells Mary Shannon Wells Mary Shannon is a Digital Editor and has been on the Southern Living team since 2017. She helps run the brand's social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok, where she's happily behind the scenes. When she's not ruffling feathers with an etiquette poll via Instagram Stories, she's writing content for the website and assisting in various print projects like gift guides and home stories. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on December 8, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley When you have free time on the weekends, it can be fun to try challenging or time-consuming recipes. We've got these 7-hour lamb shanks on our to-make list, as well as these Slow-Cooker Carne Asada Tacos. When we have the time, we'll let our slow cookers run all day to develop big flavor in humble proteins like chicken. On weeknights, though, there is not a moment to spare. Enter the Southern Living Test Kitchen. With these speedy supper recipes, you can get a wholesome meal on the table without sacrificing a second of spare time. These are 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. With one-dish meals like Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetables, Cast-Iron Pork Cacciatore, and Honey-Soy Glazed Salmon, even cleanup is a breeze with these fast weeknight dinners. These handpicked weeknight ideas will be on the table between 10 and 45 minutes. Dig in, y'all! 01 of 71 Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Photographer: Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley With the help of your multi-cooker, chili doesn't have to take all day to make.Total Time: 45 minutes Get The Recipe 02 of 71 Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck 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 Get The Recipe 03 of 71 Orange-Rosemary Roast Chicken Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Savory and sweet flavors come together on one sheet pan for a flavor-packed dinner in just 45 minutes. Total Time: 45 minutes Get The Recipe 04 of 71 Chicken-Bell Pepper Tacos Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry Just 20 minutes stand between you and a delicious taco night at home. Total Time: 20 minutes Get The Recipe 05 of 71 Beefy Nacho Casserole Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck We recommend using a chunky salsa that's not too watery for this casserole recipe. Total Time: 45 minutes Get The Recipe 06 of 71 Instant Pot Chili Mac Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel 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 Get The Recipe 07 of 71 Sheet Pan Fajitas Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin 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 Get The Recipe 08 of 71 Chicken-and-Broccoli Skillet Pasta Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall 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 Get The Recipe 09 of 71 Baked Ziti With Meatballs Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall 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 Get The Recipe 10 of 71 Pork Chops with Spring Onions, Farro, and Asparagus Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall This recipe will help you serve up protein, whole grains, and vegetables all in one dish. Total Time: 35 minutes Get The Recipe 11 of 71 Supreme Pizza Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland Instead of reaching for the phone, follow this recipe for a supremely delicious homemade pizza.Total Time: 30 minutes Get The Recipe 12 of 71 Buffalo Chicken Casserole Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis 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 Get The Recipe 13 of 71 Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland Your multi-cooker will help you get warm, comforting chicken noodle soup on the table in less than 45 minutes.Total Time: 40 minutes Get The Recipe 14 of 71 Shrimp Alfredo Micah A. Leal Just eight ingredients and 45 minutes are needed to create this simple yet elegant pasta dinner. Total Time: 45 minutes Get The Recipe 15 of 71 Beef Tamale Pie Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall 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 Get The Recipe 16 of 71 One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Every component of this pasta dish, the sauce, chicken, and even the noodles, comes together in just one pot.Total Time: 45 minutes Get The Recipe 17 of 71 Cast-Iron Skillet Burgers photographer: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer 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 Get The Recipe 18 of 71 Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero 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 Get The Recipe 19 of 71 Chicken Scallopini Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis, Food Styling: Rishon Hanners This recipe is great served over linguine, spaghetti, or whatever noodles you have in your pantry. Total Time: 30 minutes Get The Recipe 20 of 71 One-Pan Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall This budget-friendly chicken thigh dinner comes together in one pan for easy cleanup.Total Time: 45 minutes Get The Recipe 21 of 71 Easy Taco Casserole Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayliss We can turn anything into a dinner casserole and tacos are no exception. Total Time: 30 minutes Get The Recipe 22 of 71 Sheet Pan Hanger Steak and Vegetables Victor Protasio; Prop Styling; Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Steak night for the whole family is made easy with the help of your trusty sheet pan. Total Time: 45 minutes Get The Recipe 23 of 71 Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis, Food Styling: Rishon Hanners While it may not be the exact recipe Mama used, this recipe for chicken and dumplings will allow you enjoy the classic meal in under 45 minutes. Total Time: 40 minutes Get The Recipe 24 of 71 Honey-Mustard Baked Salmon with Vegetables Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos Choose fish cuts that are similar in size so it will all cook evenly. Total Time: 30 minutes Get The Recipe 25 of 71 Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetables with Rice Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Sheet pans work weeknight miracles, and this wholesome meal is proof. Total Time: 25 minutes Get The Recipe 26 of 71 White Bean, Fennel, and Italian Sausage Soup with Parmesan Toasts Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Soups don't have to come from the slow cooker to have tons of flavor, and this one is filling, too. Total Time: 45 minutes Get The Recipe 27 of 71 Fried Pork Chops with Peas and Potatoes Greg DuPree This quick recipe is a less fatty version of the Southern classic, and isn't it pretty? Total Time: 30 minutes Get The Recipe 28 of 71 Skillet Shrimp Chilaquiles Stephen DeVries This skillet dinner feels indulgent, but shrimp and fresh avocado lighten it up. Total Time: 30 minutes Get The Recipe 29 of 71 Fresh Salmon Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox You've had crab cakes, but have you tried homemade salmon cakes? They're easy, light, and taste amazing. Total Time: 30 minutes Get The Recipe 30 of 71 Crab-and-Bacon Linguine Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox This pretty pasta is easier than it looks to make, but your secret is safe with us. Total Time: 45 minutes Get The Recipe 31 of 71 Shrimp Cobb Salad with Bacon Dressing Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox This gorgeous, colorful salad had us at "bacon dressing." Total Time: 25 minutes Get The Recipe 32 of 71 Burrito Bowls Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Let each family member customize individual burrito bowls for the easiest weeknight dinner ever. Total Time: 10 minutes Get The Recipe 33 of 71 Pasta with Burst Tomatoes and Mascarpone Hector Sanchez This beautiful pasta dish is perfect for spring and summer. Serve as an easy meatless meal, buy ravioli with a meat and cheese filling, or top with grilled shrimp or chicken. Total Time: 15 minutes Get The Recipe 34 of 71 Honey-Soy-Glazed Salmon with Veggies and Oranges Alison Miksch You're less than a sitcom away from this light, flavorful dinner that you'll make over and over again. Total Time: 25 minutes Get The Recipe 35 of 71 Cast-Iron Pork Cacciatore Stephen DeVries, Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox This meal looks company worthy, but since it's on the table so fast, you can feel luxurious any night of the week. Total Time: 30 minutes Get The Recipe 36 of 71 Quick Chicken Noodle Bowls Jennifer Davick These light, bright chicken bowls are topped off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Total Time: 45 minutes Get The Recipe 37 of 71 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 Get The Recipe 38 of 71 Creamy Salmon Fettuccini and Spring Vegetables Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Welcome spring with a fresh and elegant pasta supper that our Test Kitchen says would pair beautifully with a cold glass of Pinot Grigio. Cheers! Total Time: 35 Minutes Get The Recipe 39 of 71 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 ½ teaspoon diced jalapeño chile in the pan along with the garlic. Total Time: 15 Minutes Get The Recipe 40 of 71 Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Tangy Honey Barbecue Sauce Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis 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 Get The Recipe 41 of 71 Southern Cobb Salad with Cornbread Croutons Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis 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 Get The Recipe 42 of 71 Fire-Roasted Tomato-and-Beef Ragù Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis 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 Get The Recipe 43 of 71 Grilled Shrimp and Squash Skewers With Herbed Couscous Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas Summer nights call for the grill, and this light meal is a lovely way to celebrate the season. Plus, the entire meal can be prepped ahead of time. Total Time: 35 Minutes Get The Recipe 44 of 71 Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Herb Sauce Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley Steak dinner doesn't have to be a dressy affair—our Test Kitchen made it weeknight friendly with a more affordable cut of flank steak and your cast-iron skillet. Total Time: 35 Minutes Get The Recipe 45 of 71 Shepherd's Pie with Scalloped Potatoes and Pesto Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Instead of mashed potatoes, this pretty, springy version of shepherd's pie includes a scalloped potato topping and plenty of fresh veggies in the filling. Total Time: 45 Minutes Get The Recipe 46 of 71 Chipotle-Maple Chicken Thighs with Candied Acorn Squash Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely This dinner recipe is beautiful enough for a supper party but comes together right on one sheet pan. Total Time: 45 Minutes Get The Recipe 47 of 71 Sesame Shrimp Stir-Fry Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Shrimp always makes for a super-fast supper, and this recipe was made with busy cooks in mind: You can freeze it for up to six months for nights when you need something fresh and healthy on the fly. Total Time: 20 Minutes Get The Recipe 48 of 71 Chicken-and-Quinoa Salad with Pepper Jelly Dressing Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Pepper jelly is our Test Kitchen's secret to salad dressing that your guests might just want to bottle up and take home. We used store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on this recipe that's ideal for quick weekday lunches. Total Time: 15 Minutes Get The Recipe 49 of 71 Ravioli Lasagna Photographer: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Kelly; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee 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 Get The Recipe 50 of 71 Creamy Chicken Sausage-and-Kale Soup Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely 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 Get The Recipe 51 of 71 Sausage-Stuffed Squash Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Melissa Gray; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller 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 Get The Recipe 52 of 71 Lightened-Up Chicken-Broccoli Casserole Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis 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 Get The Recipe 53 of 71 Seared Scallops with Lemon-Herb Rice Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis 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 dry—this is essential in getting a proper sear on them. Total Time: 45 Minutes Get The Recipe 54 of 71 Instant Pot Baked Ziti Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Christine Kelly Food Stylist: Ali Ramee 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 Get The Recipe 55 of 71 Grilled Pork-and-Peach Salad With Honey-Mustard Dressing Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas During summer in the South, you don't need much more than your grill and a little fresh produce to put together a delicious, gorgeous supper. The flavors in this salad are perfectly balanced. Total Time: 45 Minutes Get The Recipe 56 of 71 Baked Sheet Pan Salmon With Potatoes and Tomatoes Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner Who doesn't love a sheet pan dinner? This colorful meal is full of good-for-you ingredients. A tip from the Test Kitchen: Putting the salmon fillets in the center of the pan ensures they'll cook more evenly. Total Time: 40 Minutes Get The Recipe 57 of 71 Chicken-Parmesan Meatballs Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely If you love chicken parm, allow us to introduce you to your new favorite weeknight meal. You can serve these meatballs countless ways, whether on a hoagie, over cooked spaghetti or zucchini noodles, or atop a slice of warm garlic bread. Total Time: 35 Minutes Get The Recipe 58 of 71 Sheet Pan Jambalaya Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner 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 Get The Recipe 59 of 71 Spaghetti with Meatless Ragù Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Meatless Monday will be the kids' favorite night at the supper table once you introduce this recipe. The best part? You won't waste a second chopping veggies. Our Test Kitchen's genius solution is pulsing them in the food processor instead. Total Time: 30 Minutes Get The Recipe 60 of 71 Southern-Style Grilled Cobb Salad Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas This bright salad is bursting with the fresh flavors of a Southern summer. Grilled chicken adds protein to make it filling, but you could easily leave it off to go meatless or swap or grilled shrimp or steak to mix it up. Total Time: 35 Minutes Get The Recipe 61 of 71 One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Loren Wood; Prop Styling: Christine Keely 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 Get The Recipe 62 of 71 Grilled Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner 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 Get The Recipe 63 of 71 Baked Caprese Chicken With Green Beans and Corn Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner 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 Get The Recipe 64 of 71 Cheesy Lasagna Soup Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Pasta-loving families will slurp this cheesy, comforting soup right up. A tip from the Test Kitchen: Skip the no-boil pasta for this soup—it will overcook and turn mushy. Total Time: 25 Minutes Get The Recipe 65 of 71 Chicken Lombardy Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners Prop Stylist: Christina Daley 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 Get The Recipe 66 of 71 Shrimp Cake Sandwiches Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Skip burger night for something a little lighter—these shrimp cake sandwiches are an ideal easy beach meal to prepare on vacation. Total Time: 35 Minutes Get The Recipe 67 of 71 Rigatoni With Grilled Veggies and Mozzarella Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas This summery pasta makes fresh tomatoes and eggplant the star of the show. If you have leftovers, it's also delicious as a cold pasta salad to pack for lunch the next day. Total Time: 40 Minutes Get The Recipe 68 of 71 Fried Chicken Salad with Basil-Buttermilk Dressing Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis 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 Get The Recipe 69 of 71 Chicken Thighs with Tomato-Caper Sauce Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley Instead of pasta or rice, this tomato sauce was created to be served over a Southern favorite, hot grits. Crispy chicken thighs are a nice changeup from the red meat that usually accompanies tomato sauce. Total Time: 45 Minutes Get The Recipe 70 of 71 One-Pan Garlic-Butter Shrimp with Orzo Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis 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 Get The Recipe 71 of 71 Pork Chops with Dijon-Buttermilk Sauce Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley 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 Get The Recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit