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Dinner in a Flash: 7 Recipes for 15-Minute Dinners

Short on time? These seven recipes for 15-minute dinners will have food on the table fast — and with big flavor too.

School, work, soccer, swim, farmers markets, deadlines, homework, rinse and repeat. In a few short weeks, my kids will be back in school — and you know what that means: our busy schedule gets even busier. Like other parents, I am always on the hunt for fast ways to feed my family without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. That’s what I love about these seven recipes: They are quick and easy recipes with big flavor.

Score one for this mama.

15 Minute Dinners

Surf, turf and everything in between — Can you believe these meals can all be made in just 15-minutes?

One Pot Farmers Market Pasta

One Pot Farmers Market Pasta

Have you see all the recipes popping up for one pot pastas? Basically you toss all your pasta ingredients — in this case, veggies, tomatoes, pasta and wine — in a pot, bring to a boil and in less than 15 minutes it’s ready to be dressed with a little grated cheese and enjoyed. In the world of easy, this has perfect written all over it.

Get the recipe for One Pot Farmers Market Pasta on The View from Great Island.

5 Minute Wonton Soup

5-Minute-Wonton-Soup-Recipe-The-Lemon-Bowl

Almost homemade soup ready in a mere five minutes? That makes this working mom’s heart absolutely sing. Liz from The Lemon Bowl puts the fresh touch on this soup which uses premade wontons (like Liz, I love the chicken cilantro ones from Trader Joe’s and Costco). It’s a quick and easy recipe — and just YUM.

Get the recipe for 5 Minute Wonton Soup on The Lemon Bowl.

Baked Shrimp in Lemon Garlic Sauce

Baked Shrimp in Lemon Garlic Sauce

Some foods just aren’t safe around my kids and shrimp is among them (can you blame them?!?). Those foods are totally golden in my eyes — I love seeing my kids enjoy good food. These Baked Shrimp in Lemon Garlic Sauce? They’d be devoured faster than you can say, “Wait for me!” Can’t wait to try them with them.

Get the recipe for Baked Shrimp in Lemon Garlic Sauce on In Good Taste.

Spicy Jerk Turkey Melts

Spicy Jerk Turkey Melts Game Day Food

Cheesy open face sandwiches are manna for a less-than-perfect day. This one is piled high with turkey, avocado, tomatoes and cheese. Better yet, the spicy turkey is a nice contrast to the creamy avocado and bright tomatoes. It’s perfection on a slice of bread.

Get the recipe for Spicy Jerk Turkey Melts on Sarah’s Cucina Bella.

Seared Salmon with Tzatziki Sauce

Seared Salmon with Tzatziki Sauce

Salmon is a fabulous protein for so many reasons — from the Omega-3s its packed with to the super fast cooking time (and the fact that my kids love it doesn’t hurt either). This quick and easy recipe pairs a lightly dressed seared salmon with Greek tzatziki sauce. Whip up a quick salad and your meal is ready to go.

Get the recipe for Seared Salmon with Tzatziki Sauce on An Edible Mosaic.

Chicken Burrito Bowls with Hatch Chile Rice

Chicken-Burrito-Bowls-with-Hatch-Chile-Rice-4

When it comes to easy dinners, rice bowls are one of my absolute favorites. And this one? With a flavorful rice made with hatch chiles as the base you just can’t go wrong. Top it with all your favorites (and don’t forget the avocado!).

Get the recipe for Chicken Burrito Bowls with Hatch Chile Rice on Home Cooking Memories.

Steak and Watermelon Salad with Olives, Feta and Basil

Steak and Watermelon Salad with Olives Feta Basil

Briny feta cheese and kalamata olives combine with sweet watermelon, cool cucumbers, bright basil and meaty steak in this inventive salad. It’s quick and easy to toss together — and combination of flavors is totally worth a try.

Get the recipe for Steak and Watermelon Salad with Olives, Feta and Basil on Sweetnicks.

Want more? Last year, I wrote Fast, Faster, Fastest Ideas for Busy Night Dinners. It’s filled with tips and recipe ideas for getting dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes.

Now, spill! What’s your favorite ultra-fast dinner?

Rebecca {foodie with family}

Tuesday 19th of August 2014

I'm ALWAYS short on time. Thanks for the great list of ideas. They look delicious!

Brenda@Sugar-Free Mom

Tuesday 19th of August 2014

They all looks so fancy and pretty I'm shocked it took only 15 minutes to make them each!

Samantha

Tuesday 19th of August 2014

These 15 min dinners are just what I need right now... SO BUSY this time of year!

Renee - Kudos Kitchen

Tuesday 19th of August 2014

These are some wonderful suggestions for fast and easy meals!

Jessica (Savory Experiments)

Tuesday 19th of August 2014

I'm always on the lookout for quick and speedy meals! I love the shrimp, can't wait to try!