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Skillet cacio e pepe tortellini with wilted greens -

A real game-changer for a weeknight meal. It's the convenience of store-bought tortellini that meets the peppery, cheesy magic of cacio e pepe, all in under 30 minutes. The wilted greens add a touch of sophistication and a healthy twist. It's like bringing a bit of Italy to your kitchen without the fuss.

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Salmon with brown sugar glaze -

Have you tried this yet? It’s a sweet spot for anyone looking to impress at the dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. The glaze caramelizes beautifully on the salmon, creating a dish that tastes like it took much longer than it actually did. Plus, salmon cooks quickly, making it a weeknight wonder.

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Mapo tofu -

Mapo tofu brings the heat and flavor of Sichuan to your dining table in no time. This dish is all about that bold, spicy sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a mouth-numbing delight. It's a one-pot wonder that leaves you with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. Perfect for spicing up your dinner routine!

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Easy fish tacos -

Easy fish tacos are a no-brainer for a quick and flavorful meal. The simplicity of pan-seared fish with the crunch of red cabbage slaw and the creamy fish taco sauce is a triple threat. It's a laid-back, mix-and-match kind of meal that invites you to customize your taco just the way you like it.

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Creamy chicken florentine -

With creamy chicken florentine, you're diving into comfort food territory without the wait. It's the creamy spinach sauce that really sings, turning ordinary chicken into a dish you'll want to lick off your plate. And it's versatile! Serve it with whatever you've got on hand, be it pasta, rice, or a loaf of crusty bread.

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Garam masala fish sticks -

Think of them as the grown-up version of a childhood favorite. The garam masala adds an unexpected twist, elevating the humble fish stick into something special. Plus, they bake up crispy in the oven or air fryer in no time, making for a fuss-free cleanup.

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Easy Vegetable Pizzas -

Using naan bread as the base is such a clever hack. It skips the dough-making process entirely, and the result is a crispy, flavorful pizza loaded with veggies. It's a canvas for creativity, and since the naan cooks quickly, dinner can be on the table in the blink of an eye.

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Sheet pan shrimp and asparagus -

The beauty of sheet pan shrimp and asparagus lies in its simplicity. It's a toss-it-all-on-a-pan-and-forget-about-it kind of meal that feels gourmet. Garlic butter ties everything together, and since shrimp cooks in minutes, you're not stuck in the kitchen all evening.

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Lemon pepper chicken breasts -

Lemon pepper chicken breasts are all about that zesty, buttery sauce. It's a dish that punches way above its weight in terms of flavor vs. effort. Plus, chicken breasts cook quickly, making this a perfect candidate for your after-work cooking sprint.

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Chopped cheese -

The chopped cheese sandwich is NYC street food at its finest, and it's ridiculously easy to make. It's hearty, filling, and customizable with your favorite toppings. Think of it as the laid-back cousin of the cheesesteak that doesn't skimp on flavor.

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Microwave red curry poached salmon -

Now this is a revelation for anyone skeptical about using the microwave for "real cooking." It's astonishingly simple and infuses the salmon with vibrant flavors in minutes. Perfect for when you want something a little exotic without any complicated steps.

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Sheet pan gnocchi with zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers -

Sheet pan gnocchi with zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers throws the rulebook out the window. Who knew you could roast gnocchi right out of the package? This dish is a colorful veggie bonanza that turns slightly crispy in the oven, making it a texture and flavor party.

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Hot ham and cheese sliders -

Hot ham and cheese sliders are the ultimate comfort food, transformed into a bite-sized feast. They're great for feeding a crowd or just indulging yourself. The oven does the work of melding all the flavors together, making it a hands-off hero for busy nights.

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Kai jeow (Thai omelet) -

Kai jeow (Thai omelet) is your quick escape to Thailand on a plate. Fast, fluffy, and packed with flavor, it’s a reminder that simplicity often leads to the most delicious outcomes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, making it a smart choice for a no-waste kitchen.

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Vegetarian biscuits and gravy -

Vegetarian biscuits and gravy bring a classic comfort dish to the table with a twist. It's hard to believe that you can achieve such creamy, savory goodness in just 30 minutes. It’s a hearty meal that’ll make you forget all about the meat.

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Baked tilapia in lemon butter sauce -

The simplicity of baked tilapia in lemon butter sauce is deceptive. This dish packs a punch with its bright, buttery flavor, and because tilapia cooks so quickly, it's a breeze to make. It’s a light yet satisfying meal that proves fast food can be healthy.

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Matar paneer -

Matar paneer is a vegetarian dream, combining paneer cheese and peas in a tomato-based sauce. It’s a comforting, mildly spiced dish that comes together quickly, offering a taste of India without the need for hours of simmering.

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Vegetarian tortellini soup -

Vegetarian tortellini soup is like a hug in a bowl. Using store-bought tortellini, it's a shortcut to a rich, satisfying soup that tastes like it took all day to make. It’s the perfect example of how a few well-chosen ingredients can create a meal that’s both quick and comforting.

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Turmeric fried rice with eggs and kale -

Turmeric fried rice with eggs and kale takes yesterday’s leftover rice and turns it into today’s antioxidant-rich dinner. The turmeric not only adds a beautiful golden hue but also brings its health benefits to the table, while the egg on top makes it a complete meal.

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Creamy miso mushroom pasta -

Creamy miso mushroom pasta is where umami meets comfort in a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to pull together. The miso paste is the secret weapon, adding depth to the creamy sauce that clings to each strand of pasta. Mushrooms bring their meaty texture, making this a vegetarian dish that even meat lovers will crave.

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Harissa grilled shrimp with orzo -

Harissa grilled shrimp with orzo might sound like a weekend project, but it's astonishingly weekday-friendly. The harissa gives the shrimp a smoky, spicy kick, while the lemony orzo base can be whipped up in the time it takes to grill the shrimp. It's a vibrant dish that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

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BLT wraps -

BLT wraps take the classic sandwich and roll it into an even more convenient form. The addition of a quick chive mayo elevates it from simple to sublime. It’s the perfect example of how taking an extra minute to whip up a special sauce can transform the ordinary into something memorable.

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Chicken salad with tahini dressing -

Chicken salad with tahini dressing is a refreshing change from the mayo-heavy versions. The tahini dressing adds a nutty, creamy flavor without the heaviness, and the crunch of fresh veggies paired with tender chicken makes this salad a balanced meal. It's proof that salads can be just as satisfying as any hot dish.

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Easy avocado and black bean quesadillas -

For those nights when you're craving something hearty but healthy, easy avocado and black bean quesadillas are the answer. The creamy avocado contrasts beautifully with the hearty black beans, and the whole thing is held together by melty cheese. It's a quick, satisfying meal that feels like a treat.

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Easy chicken skillet enchiladas -

Easy chicken skillet enchiladas bring all the flavor of traditional enchiladas without the fuss of rolling and baking. A skillet and some clever layering get you to a bubbly, delicious dinner in no time, proving that some shortcuts are definitely worth taking.

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Grilled cheese sandwich with mozzarella, red peppers, and arugula -

A grown-up take on the childhood classic. The mozzarella melts beautifully, the roasted red peppers add sweetness, and the arugula brings a peppery bite. It’s a quick meal that’s sophisticated enough for adult tastes but still has that comforting grilled cheese vibe.

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Shrimp scampi -

Shrimp scampi is all about minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Garlic, butter, lemon, and shrimp come together in a symphony of flavors that feel special enough for a date night but easy enough for a Tuesday. It’s a dish that reminds you that quick meals can still be elegant.

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Tuna patties -

Tuna patties are the perfect example of pantry cooking turned gourmet. With ingredients you likely have on hand, these patties come together in a flash and offer a delightful crispiness and flavor. They’re a testament to the magic that happens when simplicity meets ingenuity.

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Chicken, mushrooms, and tomatoes with port wine -

Chicken, mushrooms, and tomatoes with port wine is a one-skillet wonder that feels like a bistro dish. The port wine adds a richness to the sauce that belies the quick cooking time. It’s dishes like this that make you realize gourmet doesn’t have to mean complicated.

Sources: (Simply Recipes)

See also: Effortless eats: simple and delicious 3-ingredient recipes

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Weeknight dinners you can make in 30 minutes -

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