When it comes to mealtime, many of us are guilty of sacrificing quality for speed. However, with a little creativity and some simple recipe ideas, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best quick 20-minute recipes that will satisfy your cravings without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
From protein-packed pasta dishes to flavorful stir-fries and skillet meals, we’ve got you covered with these speedy recipes that are perfect for busy nights when cooking seems like an impossible task. Whether you’re a meat-lover, a vegetarian, or a foodie looking for inspiration, there’s something on this list for everyone.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into our top 20 quick 20-minute recipes, each one designed to be prepared and cooked in under 20 minutes. From classic comfort foods to international flavors and healthy twists, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
A classic comfort food dish that’s quick, easy, and indulgent-free! This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce, served over al dente pasta.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and simmer for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Stir in lemon juice and reserved pasta water. Combine cooked pasta and garlic butter sauce. Top with cooked shrimp and garnish with parsley or basil.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Spicy Beef Stir-Fry
Get ready for a flavorful and spicy twist on a classic stir-fry! This recipe combines the bold flavors of beef, chili flakes, and ginger with crunchy vegetables and savory soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup bell pepper slices
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the chili flakes and cook for an additional minute.
5. Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables and stir in the soy sauce.
6. Add the broccoli and bell pepper and stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your Spicy Beef Stir-Fry!
Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this bright and flavorful Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet recipe, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 medium bell peppers, sliced
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the lemon juice, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine.
5. Add the onion and bell peppers. Cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegetable Fried Rice
This recipe is a simple and flavorful way to use up leftover vegetables and rice. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they’re tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
5. Mix the eggs with the vegetables.
6. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
7. Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables and soy sauce for about 2-3 minutes, until everything is well combined and heated through.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Transform ordinary avocados into a delightful Caprese-inspired treat with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe avocados
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit.
2. In a small bowl, mix together cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Stuff each avocado half with the Caprese mixture, dividing it evenly among the four avocados.
4. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a no-cook, assemble-and-serve delight.
One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
A classic Italian-inspired dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, linguine)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup vegetable broth
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add cherry tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in chopped basil leaves.
7. Add cooked pasta to the pot and toss with the tomato-basil sauce.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Teriyaki Salmon with Broccoli
This recipe combines the rich flavors of teriyaki sauce with the tender flake of salmon, served alongside a burst of freshness from steamed broccoli.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
5. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
6. Drizzle vegetable oil over the broccoli florets and season with salt and pepper.
7. Steam the broccoli until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
9. Serve the teriyaki salmon with steamed broccoli and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
Elevate your quesadilla game with this flavorful recipe that combines the richness of black beans, sweetness of corn, and crunch of cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: salsa, avocado, or sour cream for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together black beans, corn kernels, and olive oil.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese on half of the tortilla.
4. Spoon the bean and corn mixture on top of the cheese, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Wraps
These wraps are a perfect combination of flavors and textures, featuring tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy Greek yogurt. They’re quick to prepare and make for a satisfying lunch or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6-8 large tortilla wraps
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
2. Add the diced chicken breast and mix until coated.
3. Stir in chopped cucumber, red bell pepper, and parsley.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the chicken salad onto a tortilla wrap.
6. Roll up the wraps tightly and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and enjoy.
Avocado and Egg Toast
Start your day with a nutritious and flavorful twist on traditional toast. This Avocado and Egg Toast recipe combines the creaminess of avocado with the richness of a fried egg, all on top of crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of whole grain bread
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped herbs (such as parsley or chives)
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Fry an egg in a non-stick pan over medium heat until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your desired doneness.
3. Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toasted bread.
4. Place the fried egg on top of the avocado.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional toppings you like (such as red pepper flakes or chopped herbs).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Elevate your pasta game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the goodness of zucchini noodles, creamy pesto sauce, and a hint of garlic. This 10-minute meal is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto sauce (see below for simple recipe)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Pesto Sauce Recipe:
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your spiralizer or mandoline to create zucchini noodles.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes or until slightly tender.
3. Stir in the pesto sauce and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Honey Garlic Pork Chops
This recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavor of garlic to create a mouth-watering dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops, 1-inch thick
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and honey until well combined.
3. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
5. Remove pork chops from the skillet and brush both sides with the garlic-honey mixture.
6. Return pork chops to the skillet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with this simple yet impressive recipe, perfect for any gathering. Fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese fill the earthy caps of button mushrooms for a flavor combination that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 12 large button mushrooms
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, and garlic.
3. Wipe the mushroom caps clean with a damp cloth. Fill each cap with about 1 tablespoon of the spinach-feta mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Elevate your pizza game with this unique twist on a classic flatbread pizza! This BBQ chicken flatbread combines the flavors of tender grilled chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and crispy flatbread for a satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-made flatbread crust
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Grill or cook the chicken until cooked through. Slice into strips.
4. Roll out flatbread crust and spread with BBQ sauce, leaving a small border around edges.
5. Top flatbread with grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese, and cilantro leaves (if using).
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is crispy and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet
This hearty one-pot wonder combines succulent shrimp, savory sausage, and aromatic spices for a flavorful and filling meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet with a slotted spoon.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in the chicken broth and add the cooked sausage back into the skillet.
7. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Get ready to taste the Mediterranean coast with this fresh and flavorful salad! This recipe combines the simplicity of chickpeas with the boldness of Mediterranean spices, creating a delicious side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz)
– 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Drain the chickpeas and rinse them with cold water.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the chickpeas, red bell pepper, olives, and feta cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and stir to combine.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Quick Beef and Broccoli
Get a flavorful and nutritious meal on the table in no time with this simple recipe. With just a few ingredients and quick cooking times, you’ll be enjoying tender beef and crisp broccoli in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef strips and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet.
3. In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes, until softened.
4. Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
5. Return the beef strips to the skillet and stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using).
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops
Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops: A Bright and Savory Delight!
This recipe brings together the simplicity of scallops with the brightness of lemon, the pungency of garlic, and the richness of butter to create a dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse scallops and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
5. Place scallops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush both sides of the scallops with the lemon-garlic butter mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until scallops are opaque and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cheesy Taco Stuffed Peppers
Transform bell peppers into a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish with this easy recipe! Crunchy taco shells, savory ground beef, and melted cheese come together to create a mouthwatering main course.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup cooked taco seasoning
– 1 can (8 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds. Place in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Stir in taco seasoning and cream of mushroom soup.
5. Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture, then top with shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Easy Coconut Curry Noodles
This recipe serves up a flavorful and comforting meal with minimal effort. A creamy coconut curry sauce coats the noodles, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunchbox addition.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. noodles (such as soba or rice noodles)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup coconut curry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in coconut curry sauce and stir to combine with the onion mixture. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing to coat with the curry sauce.
5. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cook up a storm with these 20 quick and delicious recipes, all ready in under 20 minutes! From Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta to Honey Garlic Pork Chops, there’s something for everyone. Whip up Spicy Beef Stir-Fry or Vegetable Fried Rice for a flavorful and filling meal. Impress your friends with Caprese Stuffed Avocados or BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza. And don’t forget the veggie lovers – Pesto Zucchini Noodles and Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms are sure to please. Whether you’re a busy professional or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these recipes have got you covered!
