When you need dinner on the table fast, these five quick dinner recipes use simple ingredients you can grab at Kmart (or any supermarket) and cook in under 30 minutes. Each one is designed for busy weeknights, using pantry staples and minimal cleanup. From a creamy one-pan pasta to a zesty sheet-pan chicken, these meals prove that fast doesn’t mean boring.
Ingredients
- For the One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb / 680 g)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed (about 8 oz / 225 g)
- For the 15-Minute Beef & Broccoli: 1 lb (450 g) flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (45 ml)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (25 g)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (30 ml)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 head)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
- For the Creamy Tomato Tortellini: 1 (20 oz / 570 g) package cheese tortellini
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- For the Sheet-Pan Sausage & Veggies: 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the 20-Minute Shrimp Stir-Fry: 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (30 ml)
- 1 tbsp honey (15 ml)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (5 ml)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (30 ml)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snow peas (about 4 oz / 115 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden, about 4 minutes per side. Add garlic, lemon juice, zest, and broth. Scrape up any browned bits. Add green beans. Cover and simmer until chicken reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as checked with a food thermometer, about 10 minutes. Serve chicken with beans and pan sauce.
- 15-Minute Beef & Broccoli: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add beef in a single layer and sear until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove beef. Add broccoli and garlic, stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add the sauce and 1/4 cup water, bring to a simmer. Return beef to the pan and cook until sauce thickens and beef is cooked through (ground beef to 160°F / 71°C, but whole cuts like flank steak to 145°F / 63°C with a 3-minute rest). Serve hot.
- Creamy Tomato Tortellini: Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes. Add cooked tortellini and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
- Sheet-Pan Sausage & Veggies: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). On a large baking sheet, toss sausage, peppers, onion, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway, until sausage is browned and veggies are tender. Serve warm.
- 20-Minute Shrimp Stir-Fry: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp. Add bell pepper, snow peas, garlic, and ginger; stir-fry for 3 minutes. Return shrimp to the pan, add sauce, and toss until everything is coated and heated through. Serve over rice or noodles.
Tips
- Substitutions: For the chicken, use boneless thighs instead of breasts (adjust cooking time). For beef & broccoli, swap flank steak for sirloin or use chicken. For the tortellini, use spinach or three-cheese tortellini, or substitute half-and-half for heavy cream (it will be lighter). For the sausage, use chicken or turkey sausage. For the shrimp, use chicken or tofu (cook tofu until golden).
- Storage: All these dishes can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot (165°F / 74°C for leftovers).
- Common mistakes: Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing meat—it will steam instead of brown. For the sheet-pan, ensure veggies are in a single layer for even roasting. For the shrimp, don’t overcook—they become rubbery.
- Make it faster: Prep all veggies and sauces ahead of time. Use pre-cut vegetables from the store. For the tortellini, use frozen tortellini and cook directly in the sauce (add 1/2 cup water).
Serving Suggestions
Serve these dishes with a simple side salad, crusty bread, or steamed rice. For the chicken and sausage, roasted potatoes or a green salad work well. For the tortellini, a side of garlic bread is perfect. For the stir-fries, serve over jasmine rice or noodles.
Variations
- Add more veggies: Throw in mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to any of these dishes.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a diced jalapeño to the beef, shrimp, or tortellini.
- Switch the protein: Use pork chops instead of chicken, ground turkey instead of beef, or chickpeas instead of shrimp.
- Change the sauce: For the chicken, try a honey-mustard or BBQ glaze. For the shrimp, use teriyaki or sweet chili sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For the chicken and sausage, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain texture. Always reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for 15 minutes. Pat dry before cooking.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, the beef & broccoli and shrimp stir-fry can be made a day ahead. The chicken and sausage are best fresh but can be reheated. The tortellini is best served immediately.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? Use half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of butter. The sauce will be thinner.
Can I freeze these? Yes, all dishes freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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