15 Delicious Dishes with 15 Minutes of Prep

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When life gets busy, quick and easy meal prep is a lifesaver. This collection of 15 recipes, all requiring 15 minutes or less of prep time, is perfect for those who want delicious meals without the hassle. From comforting classics like Traditional Homemade Meatloaf and Smothered Chicken to flavorful dishes like Broccoli, Lemon, and Shrimp Risotto and Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken, these recipes are as convenient as they are tasty. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal, these quick-prep recipes have you covered. Let’s get started!

Chicken & Asparagus

A bowl of Chicken and Asparagus in a cream sauce.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is a match made in flavor heaven! Tender chicken and fresh asparagus come together in a luxurious garlicky sauce that’s so delicious, leftovers are a distant dream.

Get The Recipe: Chicken & Asparagus

Shrimp Alfredo

A close-up of a plate of Shrimp Alfredo Pasta. The pasta appears to be coated in a creamy white sauce, and the shrimp are large and pink, garnished with a sprinkle of herbs. A fork rests on the plate's rim.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe unlocks the secrets of a restaurant-quality meal at home. Juicy shrimp are tossed with fettuccine pasta and a delightful creamy garlic sauce, surprisingly easy to prepare yet guaranteed to impress. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that delivers both elegance and ease.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

A sliced meatloaf on a serving dish.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Traditional Homemade Meatloaf recipe is moist, tender, and flavorful. Once you try it, you’ll cherish this recipe forever!

Get The Recipe: Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

Lemon Orzo Soup

A comfort bowl of soup featuring orzo pasta, shredded chicken, and sliced carrots, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. A spoon rests on the side, and the dish is placed on a white marble surface.Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Enjoy a fresh and zesty Lemon Orzo Soup packed with tender chicken, veggies, and pasta—it’s comfort food in a bowl! The best part is, it can be made stove top or in the slow cooker.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Orzo Soup

Slow Cooker Italian Pulled Pork

A white bowl full of Italian Pulled Pork.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Italian pulled pork isn’t just for sandwiches! While it shines on a toasted bun, shred it up and add it to pasta dishes, stuff it into tacos, or serve it over polenta for endless flavor combinations.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Pulled Pork

Smothered Chicken

A close-up of a plate with grilled chicken, caramelized onions, and white rice, garnished with chopped herbs. A spoon is drizzling a golden-brown sauce over the chicken, creating a savory and appetizing presentation. This easy chicken dinner idea is sure to impress every time on your marble-like surface.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This smothered chicken recipe is super easy to make, whether you use the stove or a slow cooker. It’s all about those tender chicken thighs swimming in a tasty gravy that’s just right for comfort food lovers!

Get The Recipe: Smothered Chicken

Pork Burgers

a pork burger topped with Caramelized OnionsImage Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Want a burger that’s bursting with flavor? Try these amazing Pork Burgers! Grill ’em up for a smoky twist, sear them on the stove for a quick fix, or toss them in your favorite appliance—these versatile patties are down for whatever your hunger throws their way.

Get The Recipe: Pork Burgers

Weeknight Paella

A plate of bright yellow saffron rice topped with chorizo and shrimp.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This one-pot, simple Paella recipe uses Shrimp, Chorizo, and savory saffron rice. It’s a wonderful, easy meal that is full of flavor. 

Get The Recipe: Weeknight Paella

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

A bowl of creamy penne pasta with pieces of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, topped with a sprinkle of grated cheese. A gold fork rests inside the bowl, ready for eating.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is all about convenience and flavor! Juicy chicken and sun-dried tomatoes bathe in a luxurious cream sauce, coming together in a 30-minute masterpiece. It’s a weeknight dinner win that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

Broccoli, Lemon, and Shrimp Risotto

a dish of a dish of Shrimp Risotto with Broccoli.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Don’t let the word “risotto” intimidate you! This Easy Lemon Shrimp Risotto is a weeknight wonder that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Risotto

Red Pesto Sauce

A close up photo of a plate of angel hair pasta with pesto sauce sprinkled with grated cheese and chopped parsleyImage Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Skip the store-bought stuff! This Red Pesto sauce comes together in minutes, exploding with flavor and ready to elevate any dish.

Get The Recipe: Red Pesto Sauce

One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

A skillet filled with beef stroganoff features wide egg noodles, ground beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce—a true comfort food recipe. Chopped parsley is sprinkled on top, with a wooden spoon resting in the dish, inviting you to dive into its soothing flavors.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This super easy one-skillet ground beef stroganoff is creamy, tasty, and just right for those busy weeknights. Whip it up in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients!

Get The Recipe: One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

Healthy Fried Chicken

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ditch the deep fryer! This low-fat recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful coating on baked chicken, making it a healthy alternative you won’t miss.

Get The Recipe: Healthy Fried Chicken

Italian Sausage Meatballs

Meatballs in sauce being served with a spoon.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Hankering for comfort food but short on time? These Italian sausage meatballs come to the rescue! Super easy to prepare, they simmer in a delicious homemade tomato sauce, creating a perfect weeknight meal that’s ready in no time.

Get The Recipe: Italian Sausage Meatballs

Turkey Tenderloin

The image shows a succulent turkey tenderloin that has been cooked and sliced, garnished with rosemary and lemon slices, and served with a glistening sauce.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whether you choose to make it in the oven or slow cooker, this recipe makes succulent turkey tenderloin that’s bursting with flavor. With a simple brine, a savory sauce, and aromatic herbs, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

Get The Recipe: Turkey Tenderloin

Browse More Easy Recipes

A plate with a pork chop crowned with sliced mushrooms and gravy, garnished with herbs. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and broccoli, this family favorite is sure to be one of those incredible recipes you'll want to make again. A fork and knife are placed beside the steak.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Discover a variety of easy weeknight dinner ideas, from casseroles and stir-fries to pastas and slow-cooker meals. Save time in the kitchen while serving up dishes your family will love!

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