Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes : Top 20. Quick & Delicious. Fast and Tasty. Dinner in a Flash. Easy Weeknight Dinners. Quick Fix. 20 Weeknight Meals Ready in 15 Minutes.
Having 15-minute weeknight dinner recipes handy is a lifesaver for busy evenings. These quick meals allow you to whip up something delicious and nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.
They help reduce the temptation to order takeout, saving you money and promoting healthier eating habits. Quick recipes also mean less time spent cooking and more time to relax or spend with family.
They’re perfect for those nights when you’re tired but still want a homemade meal. Additionally, having a repertoire of fast recipes ensures you’re always prepared to handle unexpected busy days. Ultimately, they make weeknight dinners stress-free and enjoyable.
As you know, weeknights can be hectic, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a delicious dinner! Here are 20 quick and easy dinner ideas that you can whip up in under 15 minutes. Let’s make weeknight cooking fun and stress-free!
Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes
1. Garlic Shrimp Pasta
![Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes : Top 20](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post.jpg)
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, salt, and pepper; cook until pink.
- Toss shrimp and garlic with the cooked pasta.
- Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and parmesan cheese.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
2. Chicken Quesadillas
![Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes : Top 20](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-1.jpg)
- Heat a tortilla in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add shredded cooked chicken and cheese on one half.
- Fold the tortilla over and cook until the cheese melts.
- Flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
- Cut into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
3. Caprese Salad
![Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes : Top 20](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-2.jpg)
- Slice fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
- Arrange on a plate alternating slices.
- Add fresh basil leaves on top.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
4. Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli (Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes)
![Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes : Top 20](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-3.jpg)
- Thinly slice beef and broccoli florets.
- Stir-fry beef in a hot pan with oil until browned.
- Add broccoli and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and a splash of water; stir well.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
5. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps (or sandwich!)
![Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes : Top 20](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-5.jpg)
- Mix canned tuna with mayo, diced celery, and onions.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Spoon the tuna mixture into large lettuce leaves.
- Roll up the leaves and secure them with toothpicks.
- Serve with a side of fresh veggies.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
6. Veggie Omelette
![Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes : Top 20](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-6.jpg)
- Whisk eggs with a splash of milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour into a hot non-stick skillet.
- Add chopped veggies (like bell peppers, onions, and spinach).
- Cook until the eggs are set.
- Fold the omelette in half and serve.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
7. BBQ Chicken Flatbread
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-7.jpg)
- Spread BBQ sauce on a pre-made flatbread.
- Top with cooked chicken, red onions, and cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese melts.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Slice and enjoy!
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
8. Avocado Toast
![Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes : Top 20](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-8.jpg)
- Toast slices of your favorite bread.
- Mash ripe avocados with salt, pepper, and lime juice.
- Spread avocado on the toasted bread.
- Top with cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Sprinkle with chili flakes for an extra kick.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
9. Salmon with Lemon Butter (Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes)
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-9.jpg)
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Sear in a hot pan with butter until cooked through.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
10. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-10.jpg)
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Sauté minced garlic in olive oil until golden.
- Add red pepper flakes and cooked spaghetti.
- Toss to coat the pasta with the garlic oil.
- Top with parmesan cheese and parsley.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
11. Chicken Caesar Wraps
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-11.jpg)
- Toss cooked chicken with Caesar dressing and lettuce.
- Add grated parmesan cheese.
- Place the mixture on a tortilla.
- Roll up the tortilla tightly.
- Slice in half and serve.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
12. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
![Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes : Top 20](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-12.jpg)
- Butter slices of bread and add cheese between them.
- Grill in a hot pan until golden brown and the cheese melts.
- Heat up canned tomato soup according to instructions.
- Serve the grilled cheese with the hot soup.
- Enjoy dipping the sandwich into the soup.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
13. Turkey and Swiss Sliders (Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes)
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-13.jpg)
- Slice mini rolls in half.
- Layer with turkey slices, Swiss cheese, and a dollop of mustard.
- Place the top half of the rolls back on.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese melts.
- Serve warm.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
14. Egg Fried Rice
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-14.jpg)
- Cook rice and let it cool.
- Sauté diced onions and carrots in oil.
- Add the rice and stir-fry for a few minutes.
- Push the rice to one side and scramble an egg in the pan.
- Mix the egg into the rice and season with soy sauce.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
15. Taco Salad
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-15.jpg)
- Brown ground beef in a skillet.
- Mix in taco seasoning.
- Layer lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and the cooked beef in a bowl.
- Add a dollop of sour cream and salsa.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
16. Caprese Chicken (Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes)
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-16.jpg)
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear in a hot pan with olive oil until cooked through.
- Top with slices of mozzarella and tomatoes.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Serve with a side of fresh basil.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
17. Garlic Butter Shrimp
![Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes : Top 20](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-17.jpg)
- Melt butter in a hot pan.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
18. Margarita Pizza
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-18.jpg)
- Spread tomato sauce on a pre-made pizza crust.
- Top with fresh mozzarella slices and basil leaves.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese melts.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Slice and serve.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
19. BLT Sandwich
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-19.jpg)
- Cook bacon until crispy.
- Toast slices of bread.
- Layer bacon, lettuce, and tomato on the bread.
- Add a smear of mayo.
- Close the sandwich and cut it in half.
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-divider-single-line-front-2024-jul-1.png)
20. Pesto Pasta (Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes)
![](https://www.peppermintandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Weeknight-Dinner-Ideas-Under-15-Minutes-Top-20-in-post-20.jpg)
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain and toss with store-bought pesto sauce.
- Add cherry tomatoes and grated parmesan.
- Mix well.
- Serve warm or cold.
Weeknight Dinner Ideas Under 15 Minutes
There you have it—20 quick and easy dinner ideas that are perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy these delicious recipes and make dinner time a breeze!