You know how it is ? you get home from work, you’re tired and hungry, and need something tasty and quick to cook for two. These simple recipes are all ready in 40 minutes or less, so you can spend more time relaxing after a long day instead of slaving over a stovetop. With options for beef, chicken, and veggies, you’re sure to find a dinner for everyone to love.
Simple Lemon Herb Chicken
Photo by TTV78
Ready in 25 minutes: This simple pan-fried lemon and herb chicken breast is a tasty quick meal. Serve with some salad, or whatever vegetables you can forage from your fridge/freezer.
Baked Macaroni Cheese
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Ready in 40 minutes: Comfort food at its best. This five-ingredient recipe is particularly easy to make.
Filet Mignon with Rich Balsamic Glaze
Photo by Ani
Ready in 20 minutes: An impressive dinner for two, all you need is a side of potatoes and green beans to round out the plates.
Egg Curry
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Ready in 35 minutes: Raid the spice drawer to make this simple Indian egg curry.
Chef John's BLT Pasta
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Ready in 40 minutes: Your favorite BLT favor combo, but with pasta.
Stir-Fry Chicken and Vegetables
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Ready in 40 minutes: This recipe does require a lot of different vegetables, but you easily use what you have and cut it down to one or two veggies.
Lo Mein Noodles
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Ready in 40 minutes: This noodle dish is hearty and delicious. Add some grilled chicken or beef to make it even more satisfying.
Quick and Easy Chicken Piquant
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Ready in 25 minutes: If you're lucky enough to have pickles, capers, and chicken in the fridge, this tangy dinner could be yours.
Mexican Shakshuka
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Ready in 30 minutes: Eggs save the day again in this Mexican-inspired dish. Serve with some bread or tortillas.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
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Ready in 32 minutes: Some red pepper flakes, and a healthy dose of garlic make this pasta dish taste restaurant-quality.
Chana Masala (Savory Indian Chick Peas)
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Ready in 30 minutes: A can of chickpeas is the primary protein in this super satisfying vegetarian curry.
Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce
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Ready in 30 minutes: "This recipe is not only easy but does not require many items. I added a clove of garlic to the boiling wine sauce and used salted butter because I felt it needed more zing. I didn't measure the lemon. It was very simple and really good. Will go into my rotation," reviewer nskiddo21 says.
Salmon Fillets with Spinach for Two
Photo by Bibi
Ready in 35 minutes: Here's a quick, healthy salmon dinner for two that's as easy as it is elegant. "Frozen spinach and garden vegetable cream cheese combine with salmon fillets!" says Bibi." This is easy to double, if you need 4 servings. Created for a regular oven, this recipe is easily prepared in an air fryer by reducing the temperature by 25 degrees and reducing the time by five minutes. Be sure to monitor for doneness, because overcooking will dry out the salmon."
Italian White Bean Chicken
Photo by SunnyByrd
Ready in 40 minutes: Home cook Jacque Andrade Metzler added a pound of pasta to stretch the meal. "I think my husband went back for thirds," she says. "I didn't have fresh basil, so I used Italian seasoning instead. I also added a little salt to taste."
Pork Fried Rice
Photo by KGora
Ready in 30 minutes: Reviewers consider this recipe an excellent use for leftovers, whether that's leftover pork chops, turkey (as a sub for pork), or rice.
Delicious Black Bean Burritos
Photo by CookinBug
Ready in 25 minutes: This vegetarian-friendly dinner will be your new go-to when Tex-Mex is what you’re craving. Serve with a side of Spanish rice.
Garlic Chicken Fried Brown Rice
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Ready in 35 minutes: "Leftover brown rice is reborn in this chicken fried rice with peppers and onions. Black pepper, paprika, or dried parsley may be used to season after this is cooked," says recipe creator Joyce.
Pork Tenderloin Diablo
Photo by France C
Ready in 40 minutes: "How can you go wrong with pork and mustard? This recipe just puts it over the top. One of our favorites, and part of the regular rotation," says reviewer aputler.
Chef John's Cashew Chicken
Photo by brittany_huddleston
Ready in 30 minutes: "This is a fantastic way to use up some leftover grilled chicken breasts. This will work with any kind of cooked chicken, but leftover grilled chicken has that little bit of smokiness that adds something special to this quick recipe. Serve over hot cooked rice," Chef John says.
Bucatini All'Amatriciana
Photo by Buckwheat Queen
Ready in 40 minutes: Make a stunning Italian dinner at home with this delicious pasta recipe. Salty pancetta, rich tomatoes, and tangy pecorino cheese combine for a world of flavors.
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)
Photo by dm11
Ready in 25 minutes: Featuring flavorful Thai ingredients like fish sauce, shallots, and green chiles, this chicken and rice dish is sure to become a household favorite.
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