15-Minute Dinners for Busy Weeknights
Category: Quick Meals
When life gets hectic, cooking a full meal can feel like an impossible task. But who says quick can’t be delicious? At Yum Fast, we believe you can create mouthwatering dinners in just 15 minutes or less — no fancy skills or complicated ingredients needed. Whether you’re feeding your family, cooking for one, or just want to skip the stress, these five easy recipes are your go-to solution.
1. Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ready in: 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
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1 cup penne or fusilli pasta
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1 chicken breast, sliced thinly
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup cream or milk
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¼ cup grated Parmesan
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
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Boil pasta according to package instructions (about 8–10 mins).
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While pasta cooks, heat oil in a skillet and sauté garlic.
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Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until done (5–6 mins).
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Add cream and Parmesan, stir well.
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Drain pasta and toss into the sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve!
2. One-Pan Veggie Stir-Fry
Ready in: 12 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1 bell pepper, sliced
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1 carrot, julienned
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 teaspoon honey
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Cooked rice or noodles to serve
Instructions:
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Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok.
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Add vegetables and stir-fry for 5–6 minutes until just tender.
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Mix soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder. Pour over veggies.
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Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring well.
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Serve hot over rice or noodles.
3. Speedy Shrimp Tacos
Ready in: 13 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
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200g shrimp (peeled & deveined)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon cumin
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Salt to taste
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4 small tortillas
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1 cup shredded lettuce
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½ avocado, sliced
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Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
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Heat oil in a pan, add shrimp, spices, and a pinch of salt.
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Cook for 4–5 minutes until pink and cooked through.
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Warm tortillas in a dry pan.
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Assemble tacos with lettuce, shrimp, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
4. Cheesy Egg Fried Rice
Ready in: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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2 eggs, beaten
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1½ cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
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¼ cup shredded cheese
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 green onion, chopped
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Pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Heat oil in a pan and scramble eggs until just set.
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Add rice and stir-fry with eggs for 2–3 minutes.
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Add soy sauce, cheese, green onions, and stir until cheese melts.
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Sprinkle pepper and serve immediately.
5. Turkey & Spinach Quesadillas
Ready in: 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
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4 small tortillas
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1 cup cooked ground turkey (or chicken)
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1 handful baby spinach
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½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salsa or sour cream to serve
Instructions:
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Heat a skillet with a little oil.
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On half of each tortilla, layer turkey, spinach, and cheese.
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Fold over and cook each side until golden and crispy.
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Slice and serve with your favorite dip.
Final Tip:
Keep a few staples like pre-cooked rice, frozen veggies, canned beans, tortillas, and shredded cheese in your kitchen. They’re lifesavers for quick dinners on the fly.
Conclusion
Fast food doesn’t have to mean takeout! With just 15 minutes and a few simple ingredients, you can serve up dinners that are tasty, healthy, and satisfying. Bookmark this list, mix and match, and let Yum Fast make your weeknights stress-free and full of flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I prep any of these meals ahead of time?
Yes! Chop veggies, cook rice, or marinate proteins in advance to make dinner even faster.
2. Are these meals suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Most of them are kid-approved and easy to modify for picky eaters.
3. Can I make these recipes vegetarian?
Yes — swap meats for tofu, beans, or extra veggies.
4. Do I need special equipment?
No. A pan, pot, and basic utensils are enough for all these recipes.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.