Recipe ideas for 30 minute dinners

Recipes for 30 minute dinners are lifesavers. If you’re like most people you live a busy life with a hectic schedule, and the last thing you want to do is prepare a time-consuming meal when you get home.

Short of ordering takeout food or heating up leftovers, the question of what to make yet again is staring you in the face most nights, and you keep coming up blank. It’s not that you can’t think of anything to make that will be quick and easy, it’s just that you’re over your usual fail-safe recipes that are looking a bit played out. For some fresh, new ideas on 30 minute dinners, read on.

Fish tacos

It doesn’t get much quicker or easier than fish. No matter how you cook it, it only takes minutes to prepare. For 30 minute dinners using fish why not make fish tacos with corn tortillas and Spanish rice? All you’ll need is:

• 1 lb. of fresh fish
• 1 doz. corn tortillas
• Salt, pepper
• Olive oil
• Avocado
• Cabbage and salsa
• A bag of Spanish rice
• Some cilantro and lime

Instructions:

First, begin preparing your rice. Next, slice your cabbage and avocado into thin slices. While the rice is cooking soak your fish fillets in cold water for one minute, and then pat them dry with paper towel. Heat 2 tsps. of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan on medium-high heat, then place fish in skillet.

The average cooking time depends largely on the thickness of your fillets. Thinner fillets should only take one minute per side to cook. Thicker fillets may take a couple of minutes per side. Be sure you don’t overcook them. Once it’s done, remove from pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Now all you have to do is assemble your tacos and heap a few spoonful’s of rice on your plate and you’re done! You’ve created a healthy meal that easily qualifies as one of those easy 30 minute dinners.

Tortellini with Alfredo sauce

Are you in the mood for something out of the ordinary? Then try this super easy recipe for 30 minute dinners that’s made all in one pan with minimum fuss and maximum taste. You’ll need:

• A bag of frozen tortellini
• 24-oz jar of Alfredo sauce
• 1/2 lb. of cubed or diced ham
• 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)

Instructions:

You can buy a ham steak and cut it up, or find bags of already cubed ham in the meat aisle at your grocery store. The broccoli florets can be purchased fresh or frozen. Into a large cooking pot, pour in the tortellini, add ham, cover everything in Alfredo sauce, stir, and put a lid on it.

Place pot on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, and bring to a simmer, do not scorch! Test tortellini occasionally for doneness. After they’re cooked through add the broccoli and stir and continue to cook for another 5 or 10 minutes.

Broccoli should be tender but still firm. Season with black pepper and serve with garlic bread. This delicious meal serves four and easily falls within the 30 minute dinner’s category.