Last Minute Dinner Ideas: Quick & Easy Meal Solutions

Last minute dinner ideas are perfect for when you need a quick, tasty meal but don’t have time to plan ahead. Simple pasta dishes like spaghetti with marinara sauce or a quick garlic and olive oil pasta are always crowd-pleasers. Stir-fries are another great option, where you can toss together any available veggies and protein, like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, with soy sauce and serve over rice or noodles. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, consider making a one-pan dinner such as baked chicken with vegetables, sheet-pan fajitas, or a quick skillet stir-fry.

For a lighter option, throw together a vibrant salad with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, and a protein like grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas. Quesadillas, tacos, or wraps are quick and customizable—just load up tortillas with cheese, veggies, and whatever protein you have on hand. Breakfast-for-dinner is another fun idea, with scrambled eggs, pancakes, or a breakfast burrito coming together in no time. If you need something even quicker, a simple charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, fruits, and deli meats can make for a satisfying and effortless meal.

Last Minute Dinner Ideas

Here is a list of 100+ Last Minute Dinner Ideas that are quick, easy, and perfect for busy nights when you’re short on time:

1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
2. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
3. One-Pan Baked Chicken with Veggies
4. Stir-Fried Vegetables with Tofu
5. Sheet Pan Fajitas
6. Quesadillas with Cheese and Beans
7. Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
8. Instant Pot Beef Stew
9. Tofu Stir Fry
10. Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup
11. Baked Salmon with Rice
12. Chili with Ground Beef
13. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
14. Chicken Alfredo
15. Pesto Pasta with Roasted Vegetables
16. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
17. Fried Rice with Eggs and Veggies
18. Veggie Stir Fry with Rice Noodles
19. Chicken Shawarma Wraps
20. Breakfast Burrito
21. Taco Salad
22. Chicken and Rice Casserole
23. Shrimp Scampi
24. Grilled Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
25. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
26. Quick Beef Tacos
27. Egg Fried Rice
28. Pita Pockets with Falafel and Hummus
29. Turkey Burgers
30. Baked Ziti
31. Baked Potato with Toppings
32. Spaghetti Carbonara
33. Chicken Pesto Sandwich
34. Chicken Stir-Fry with Cashews
35. Beef Tacos with Avocado
36. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
37. Prawn and Vegetable Skewers
38. Taco Quesadillas
39. Veggie Frittata
40. Grilled Chicken Salad
41. Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches
42. Sweet Chili Chicken
43. Chicken Tortilla Soup
44. BBQ Chicken Wraps
45. Vegetable Samosas
46. Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese
47. Teriyaki Chicken with Rice
48. Baked Sweet Potatoes with Black Beans
49. Chicken Parmesan
50. Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce
51. Nachos with Ground Beef
52. Lemon Garlic Salmon with Asparagus
53. BLT Sandwiches
54. Chicken Stir Fry with Hoisin Sauce
55. Sausage and Peppers
56. Veggie Pasta Primavera
57. Shrimp Tacos
58. Chicken Enchiladas
59. Chicken Curry
60. Veggie Burgers
61. Lemon Pepper Chicken with Rice
62. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
63. French Toast with Fruit
64. BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
65. Mediterranean Salad with Grilled Chicken
66. Chicken and Waffles
67. Shrimp and Avocado Salad
68. Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken
69. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
70. Ramen with Veggies and Egg
71. Veggie-Packed Quiche
72. Simple Beef Stir Fry
73. Grilled Shrimp and Veggie Skewers
74. Shrimp and Grits
75. Grilled Veggie Wraps
76. Sautéed Fish with Couscous
77. Eggplant Parmesan
78. Chicken Tortilla Wraps
79. Roasted Chicken with Potatoes
80. Beef and Bean Chili
81. Pita Pizzas
82. Tofu Tacos with Avocado Salsa
83. Crockpot Chicken Stew
84. Vegan Tacos
85. Grilled Veggie Sandwiches
86. Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
87. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
88. Sweet Potato Gnocchi
89. Veggie Stir Fry with Teriyaki Sauce
90. Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce
91. Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
92. Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps
93. Roasted Salmon with Garlic and Lemon
94. Chicken and Rice Stir Fry
95. Avocado Toast with Eggs
96. Stuffed Bell Peppers
97. Meatball Subs
98. BBQ Veggie Skewers
99. Grilled Salmon with Rice Pilaf
100. Chicken Fried Rice
101. Beef or Veggie Stir Fry with Soy Sauce
102. Mediterranean Chicken Wraps
103. Falafel and Hummus Wraps
104. Instant Pot Beef and Veggie Soup
105. Egg Salad Sandwich
106. Veggie Buddha Bowl
107. Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry
108. Stuffed Zucchini Boats
109. Tofu Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce
110. Roasted Veggies and Couscous

These ideas can be quickly prepared with ingredients you might already have in your kitchen!

Here’s a step-by-step guide for cooking each of the listed dishes (Last Minute Dinner Ideas) , along with their requirements.

1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

• Ingredients:
  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 4 cloves garlic (sliced thin)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, saving 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until garlic turns golden (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add cooked spaghetti to the pan, tossing with garlic oil. If needed, add some pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan.

2. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Ingredients:
  • 8 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Instructions:
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a large pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp, salt, and pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Toss the cooked pasta into the pan and mix well.
  5. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley before serving.

3. One-Pan Baked Chicken with Veggies

• Ingredients:
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 cup baby carrots
  • 1 zucchini (sliced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Arrange chicken and veggies on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.

4. Stir-Fried Vegetables with Tofu

• Ingredients:
  • 1 block firm tofu (pressed and cubed)
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • Sesame seeds (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. In a pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
  3. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Return tofu to the pan, add soy sauce, and stir to combine. Serve with sesame seeds.

5. Sheet Pan Fajitas

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb chicken or beef (sliced)
  • 1 onion (sliced)
  • 2 bell peppers (sliced)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
  • Tortillas for serving
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss sliced chicken, onion, bell peppers, olive oil, and fajita seasoning on a sheet pan.
  3. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Serve with tortillas.

6. Quesadillas with Cheese and Beans

• Ingredients:
  • 2 flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1/2 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
  2. Place one tortilla in the pan, sprinkle with cheese and black beans, and top with another tortilla.
  3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted.
  4. Slice into wedges and serve with sour cream.

7. Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
  • 2 large flour tortillas
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Toss chicken, lettuce, and Caesar dressing in a bowl.
  2. Place the mixture on tortillas and wrap them up tightly.
  3. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

8. Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb beef stew meat
  • 4 carrots (chopped)
  • 3 potatoes (chopped)
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tbsp flour
• Instructions:
  1. Season beef with salt and pepper and sauté in the Instant Pot until browned.
  2. Add vegetables, broth, thyme, and flour. Stir well.
  3. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
  4. Release pressure and serve.

9. Tofu Stir Fry

• Ingredients:
  • 1 block firm tofu (pressed and cubed)
  • 2 cups mixed veggies (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• Instructions:
  1. Stir-fry tofu in sesame oil until golden and crisp.
  2. Add garlic, mixed vegetables, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Cook until veggies are tender.
  3. Serve over rice.

10. Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup

• Ingredients:
  • 2 slices bread
  • 2 slices cheddar cheese
  • 1 can tomato soup
  • 1 tbsp butter
• Instructions:
  1. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese between slices.
  2. Grill the sandwich in a pan over medium heat until golden and cheese is melted.
  3. Heat tomato soup in a pot and serve alongside the sandwich.

11. Baked Salmon with Rice

• Ingredients:
  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 1 cup rice (white or brown)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon (sliced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season salmon fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place lemon slices on top.
  3. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
  4. While the salmon bakes, cook rice according to package instructions.
  5. Serve salmon over rice, garnished with extra lemon slices if desired.

12. Chili with Ground Beef

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add onions and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer on low for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve with cornbread or cheese on top if desired.

13. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb beef (sliced thinly)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • Cooked rice (for serving)
• Instructions:
  1. In a hot pan, cook beef until browned, then set aside.
  2. In the same pan, sauté garlic for 1 minute, then add broccoli.
  3. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until broccoli is tender.
  4. Return beef to the pan and stir to combine. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and add it to the pan.
  5. Serve over rice.

14. Chicken Alfredo

• Ingredients:
  • 2 chicken breasts (grilled and sliced)
  • 1 lb fettuccine pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and add Parmesan cheese.
  4. Stir until the sauce thickens, then season with salt and pepper.
  5. Toss the cooked pasta and chicken slices into the sauce, and serve immediately.

15. Pesto Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

• Ingredients:
  • 8 oz pasta
  • 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 zucchini (sliced)
  • 1 bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss zucchini and bell pepper in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 20 minutes.
  3. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  4. Toss pasta with pesto sauce and roasted vegetables.
  5. Serve with extra Parmesan if desired.

16. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

• Ingredients:
  • 2 sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 small tortillas
  • Toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime, salsa
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
  3. Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave.
  4. Assemble tacos by adding roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and toppings.
  5. Serve with a squeeze of lime.

17. Fried Rice with Eggs and Veggies

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
  • 2 eggs (scrambled)
  • 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, etc.)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • Green onions for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat and cook garlic for 1 minute.
  2. Add vegetables and cook until tender.
  3. Push veggies to the side, then scramble eggs in the same pan.
  4. Add rice and soy sauce, and stir to combine.
  5. Garnish with green onions and serve.

18. Veggie Stir Fry with Rice Noodles

• Ingredients:
  • 1 package rice noodles
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp ginger (grated)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• Instructions:
  1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
  2. Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
  3. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Toss cooked noodles with soy sauce and veggies.
  5. Serve hot with sesame seeds for garnish.

19. Chicken Shawarma Wraps

• Ingredients:
  • 2 chicken breasts (sliced thin)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp shawarma seasoning
  • 4 pita or flatbreads
  • Toppings: cucumber, tomato, red onion, lettuce, tahini sauce
• Instructions:
  1. Marinate chicken slices with olive oil and shawarma seasoning for 20 minutes.
  2. Cook chicken in a hot pan for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Warm pitas or flatbreads.
  4. Assemble wraps with chicken and desired toppings.
  5. Serve with a drizzle of tahini sauce.

20. Breakfast Burrito

• Ingredients:
  • 2 large flour tortillas
  • 4 eggs (scrambled)
  • 1/2 cup cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1/4 cup cooked bacon or sausage (optional)
  • Salsa or sour cream (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Scramble eggs in a pan and cook until set.
  2. Warm tortillas and layer with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage.
  3. Roll up the tortillas tightly, folding in the sides.
  4. Serve with salsa or sour cream.