10 Easy Meals You Can Make in Under 20 Minutes

Life’s busy. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just trying to get dinner on the table fast, having a go-to list of easy meals makes all the difference. These recipes are quick, tasty, and take 20 minutes or less from start to finish.

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice

This dish is quick, flavorful, and perfect for seafood lovers. The garlic butter gives the shrimp a rich, savory taste, and it’s all ready in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink (3–4 minutes).
4. Drizzle lemon juice over the shrimp, stir, and remove from heat.
5. Serve over warm rice.

Quick Egg Fried Rice

A tasty way to use leftover rice. This one-pan meal is quick, satisfying, and totally customizable.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cold cooked rice
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Scramble eggs in a pan, then set aside.
2. Add oil to the same pan and sauté vegetables for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add rice and break up any clumps.
4. Stir in soy sauce and scrambled eggs.
5. Top with green onions and serve.

Cheesy Spinach Quesadillas

Melty cheese and fresh spinach in a crispy tortilla. It’s a great meatless meal that kids and adults love.

Ingredients:

• 2 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 tsp olive oil or butter

Instructions:

1. Heat oil or butter in a skillet.
2. Place one tortilla in the pan, add cheese and spinach, then top with the second tortilla.
3. Cook until the bottom is golden, flip, and cook the other side.
4. Slice and serve with salsa or sour cream.

15-Minute Chickpea Coconut Curry

This creamy, mildly spicy curry is perfect for a quick vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a saucepan. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft.
2. Stir in curry powder, then add chickpeas and coconut milk.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt.
4. Serve with rice or naan.

Read also: 10 Healthy Eating Aesthetics to Elevate Your Meals

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

A light and fresh low-carb meal that comes together fast and tastes amazing.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, spiralized
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Cherry tomatoes (optional)
• Grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
2. Stir in pesto and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Top with tomatoes and Parmesan.

One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

All the flavor of your favorite pasta, made with minimal cleanup and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh basil
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package. Drain and return to pot.
2. Stir in olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and chopped basil.
3. Toss and top with Parmesan before serving.

Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Low-carb and full of flavor, these wraps are great for light, protein-packed meals.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb ground turkey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Lettuce leaves

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey in a skillet, then add garlic and carrots.
2. Stir in soy sauce and cook for 2 more minutes.
3. Spoon into washed lettuce leaves and serve.

Avocado Toast with Eggs

Creamy avocado and a perfectly cooked egg on toast—it’s simple, healthy, and totally satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 eggs
• Salt, pepper, chili flakes

Instructions:

1. Toast the bread.
2. Mash avocado with a pinch of salt.
3. Spread avocado on toast and top with fried or poached eggs.
4. Add chili flakes if desired.

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Wraps

A light and creamy chicken salad made with protein-rich Greek yogurt.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• Tortillas or pita

Instructions:

1. Mix chicken, yogurt, mustard, and celery in a bowl.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Spoon into wraps and serve.

Microwave Mug Omelet

A fast, single-serve meal that’s perfect for busy mornings or a quick dinner fix.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp milk
• Diced veggies (bell pepper, onion, spinach)
• Shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix eggs, milk, and veggies in a large mug.
2. Microwave for 1.5 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3. Sprinkle cheese on top and serve warm.

Conclusion

Cooking at home doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. With just a handful of ingredients and a few smart techniques, you can prepare delicious, nourishing meals in 20 minutes or less. Whether you’re rushing to feed the family, cooking solo, or trying to eat healthier without spending hours in the kitchen, these easy meals prove that simplicity and flavor can go hand in hand.

Try one tonight and see how effortless a home-cooked meal can truly be. Keep this list bookmarked—you’ll want to revisit it often!

Disclaimer

Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making changes to your diet, especially if you have food allergies, dietary restrictions, or health conditions. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.