Top 5 Quick Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights
We've tested hundreds of recipes to bring you only the top 5. Each one is ready in 45 minutes or less, perfected for taste, simplicity, and family appeal.
What are the best quick dinner recipes?
The best quick dinner recipes are ready in under 45 minutes and use simple ingredients you probably already have. Our top 5 dinner recipes average just 28 minutes to make. Each recipe is designed to be delicious, satisfying, and family-friendly.
These recipes are optimized for ease of preparation, taking an average of just 28 minutes to prepare. Our curated collection delivers exceptional results without sacrificing taste.
The top 5 recipes
Each recipe has been carefully selected and tested to deliver maximum protein with minimum effort.
20-Minute Shrimp Stir-Fry
Easy Beef Tacos
Garlic Butter Salmon
Flaky salmon fillets glazed with a rich garlic butter sauce. Elegant enough for date night, easy enough for any weeknight.
Quick Pasta Primavera
A rainbow of fresh vegetables tossed with pasta in a light garlic parmesan sauce. Vegetarian comfort food in 30 minutes.
Recipe comparison
Compare protein content, prep time, and difficulty across all 5 recipes to find your perfect match.
| Recipe | Protein | Calories | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken | 32g | 420 kcal | 45 min | Easy |
| 220-Minute Shrimp Stir-Fry | 26g | 280 kcal | 20 min | Easy |
| 3Easy Beef Tacos | 24g | 380 kcal | 25 min | Easy |
| 4Garlic Butter Salmon | 34g | 380 kcal | 20 min | Easy |
| 5Quick Pasta Primavera | 14g | 340 kcal | 30 min | Easy |
| Average / Total | 26g avg | 360 avg | 28 min avg | - |
How we select the top 5 recipes
Not every recipe makes the cut. We evaluate hundreds of high-protein recipes using strict criteria to ensure you get only the best. Here's what it takes to earn a spot in our top 5:
Protein threshold
Minimum 30g of protein per serving from quality sources like chicken, fish, eggs, or legumes.
Kitchen tested
Each recipe is made at least 3 times by our team to verify taste, consistency, and ease of preparation.
Accessible ingredients
All ingredients must be available at regular grocery stores. No exotic or hard-to-find items.
Time efficient
Must be completable in under 45 minutes. Our recipes average just {avgTime} minutes total.
Collection statistics
Quality over quantity
Tested & verified
Every recipe is made at least 3 times in our kitchen before it makes the cut.
Quick & easy
Most recipes ready in under 30 minutes with ingredients you already have.
Nutrition focused
Complete macros for every recipe to help you hit your daily goals.
Turn these recipes into your weekly meal plan
Heumin creates personalized meal plans based on your protein goals. Get smart shopping lists, nutrition tracking, and never wonder what to cook again.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about high-protein recipes and nutrition for muscle building.
What can I make for dinner quickly?
How can I make dinner faster?
What should I make for dinner tonight?
What are easy meals to cook for beginners?
How do I plan weekly dinners?
Ready to make your first recipe?
Our most popular recipe is ready in just 45 minutes and packs 32g of protein per serving.
Try One-Pan Lemon Herb