Not got much time to cook? Want to spend more time away from the kitchen? We've got the answer! These 20 minute dinners are just as tasty but are made in half the time! From pastas to stews and even some healthy takeaway alternatives, these recipes are all on the table in 20 minute
These speedy 20 minute dinners are perfect if you’re looking for something quick and easy to rustle up for the family at dinner time. From surprising risotto to easy pasta, we’ve got lots of delicious meals for you to try.
Not got much time to cook? Want to spend more time away from the kitchen? We’ve got the answer! These 20 minute dinners are just as tasty but are made in half the time! From stir-fry to stews and even some healthy takeaway alternatives, these recipes are all on the table in 20 minutes.
Dinner time doesn’t have to mean standing around in the kitchen for hours, not with these speedy meals. These 20 minute dinners can be prepared and cooked all in the space of 20 minutes. That means plenty of time for you to chill out, put your feet up with a nice glass of wine and enjoy some quality family time.
Click through to see all of our quick and easy 20 minute dinners. You’ll want to try them all…
First up is this delicious leek and pepper tagliatelle. This healthy pasta dish is made with plenty of veggies including leeks, peppers and is infused with garlic. This meal works out at only 300 calories per serving.
Get the recipe: Leek and pepper tagliatelle
Sticky Yakitori chicken
This Japanese classic is the perfect marriage of sweet, sour and sticky. If you prefer, you could use chicken thigh fillets instead of breast for a more inexpensive meal which still will taste great.
Tangy beef and mushroom noodles
Yes, this delicious noodle dish can be on your table in only 20 minutes! Packed with tender cuts of beef and soft, noodles tossed in plenty of mushrooms, there is plenty to love about this easy dish. This recipe serves 4 people but is simple to adjust quantities to suit your family.
Slimming World’s leek macaroni cheese
Not only does this tasty macaroni cheese take 20 mins to make, it's also a Slimming World reicpe which makes it even better. This flavour-packed pasta bake is infused with a hint of mustard, plenty of cheese and garnished with chives. It's the guilt-free version of a comfort food classic.
Sweet and sour sausage meatballs
Give your meatballs a new lease of life with this delicious sweet and sour sausage meatballs recipe. The meatballs are tender and bursting with flavour. Add handfuls carrot, peppers, pineapple and a drizzle or two of soy sauce and you've got one mouth-watering 20 minute dinner.
Cheesy chorizo quesadillas
These speedy cheesy chorizo quesadillas are a Mexican classic that can be on the table in just 20 mins. Serve these delicious parcels with guacamole, sour cream and hot salsa - if you dare!
Bacon and pea cheesy risotto
Sweet peas and salty cheese combine in this simple rice dish to make a tasty dinner in no time at all. Serve with a green salad for a healthy mid-week supper.
Cheesy pesto gnochhi
Gnocchi is a delicious alternative to pasta. Light and fluffy, it's the perfect thing to coat in full-flavoured basil pesto. As gnocchi takes minutes to cook, this dish can be made in well under 20 minutes.
Sweet chilli fish with broccoli
We love this tasty swordfish dish which uses a quick sweet chilli glaze to get loads of flavour onto the fish quickly. Served with bright and crunchy Tenderstem broccoli, this is a delicious dinner for warm evenings.
Polenta with saucy mushrooms
Polenta makes the perfect alternative to mashed potatoes if you combine it with milk and whip into a soft and smooth texture. In this recipe the polenta is topped with a simple garlic mushroom and chopped tomato combination.
Pan fried lamb with giant couscous
Lamb doesn't have to take ages to cook. This dish uses lamb neck to make a speedy dish with loads of flavour. Keeping the lamb pink will make sure it is soft, tender and a delicious option to serve with giant cous cous which will soak up the cooking juices well.
Sausages with red onion gravy and sweet potato mash
Give your usual sausage and mash a new lease of life with this delicious dinner idea. Sweet potatoes make a speedy, sweet and creamy mash that works perfectly with rich onion gravy and meaty sausages.
Get the recipe: Sausages with red onion gravy and sweet potato mash
Thai prawn curry noodles
Classic Thai flavours are used in this tasty broth to bring a bit of spice to your family meals. Serving four and taking under 20 minutes, these curried noodles combine juicy prawns, crunchy peppers and zingy spring onions for a delicious dinner.
Creamy salmon tagliatelle
If you like salmon then you're going to love this speedy supper which includes meaty chunks of this delicious fish. The crème fraîche, added at the last minute, brings everything together in a smooth sauce.
Chicken tagine with couscous
This speedy chicken tagine and couscous is a quick and healthy family dinner. Couscous requires no cooking on the hob, just pour on boiling water, cover and leave for a few minutes. Simple.
Mexican steak fajitas
Mexican steak fajitas are a fun dinner that the whole family can enjoy.
Simply cook up the filling and leave the assembly 'til the table!
Sweet and sour pork
Make your own Chinese meal in no time with this quick sweet and sour
pork recipe from Woman's Weekly. With pineapple, green beans and
tomatoes, this recipe is a healthier and cheaper alternative to fatty
takeaways.
Bacon squeak frittata
A fritatta is a fatter version of an omelette and usually packed with veg. This recipe takes the key ingredients for bubble and squeak so that you get the bacon and cabbage flavour in half the time. This fritatta gives your kids a dose of vegetables and will fill them up thanks to all that protein - a winner all round.
Garlic and herb lamb lollipops
If you're on a diet don't give up on delicious meals. These garlic and herb flavoured lamb chops are juicy, delicious and won't pile on the pounds.
Herby pork steaks
A tasty meat dish isn't off the menu just because you don't have much
time. This herby pork steak recipe allows you to have a meat-packed
dinner on the table in 20 mins.
Goat’s cheese saffron risotto with smoked salmon
This simple risotto is packed full of flavour. Goat's cheese, saffron and smoked salmon make a delicious quick risotto option.
Get the recipe: Goat's cheese saffron risotto with smoked salmon
Courgette and pesto pasta
Pesto can posh up your pasta in minutes. If it's your classic go-to meal when you're in a hurry then why not try adding a few extra bits to make it a bit more special. This easy recipe also counts towards your 5-a-day!
Quick chickpea and sweet potato curry
A chickpea and sweet potato curry is a healthier alternative to your regular meat curry and it's super quick. The kids will love the tangy curry taste and it will hide the fact they're eating veg.
Mushroom, leek and cheese omelette
Omelettes aren't just for breakfast. The speedy egg dish can be teamed with a variety of different fillings to make a tasty dinner like this mushroom, leek and cheese omelette.
Mediterranean chicken and potato stir-fry
A simple mix of chicken and potatoes is given a new twist with this Mediterranean chicken and potato stir-fry recipe. Six ingredients and 20 minutes is all you need to try this at home.
Gino D’Acampo’s eggs with broccoli
Eggs are a Godsend when it comes to quick cooking. Cook with aubergine, broccoli, tomatoes and olives in Gino D'Acampo's eggs with broccoli recipe for a healthy meal.
Salmon pasta with creme fraiche
Salmon pasta with creme fraiche is a light option for dinner in a hurry. Tinned salmon is very useful for a quick meal and is still packed with a healthy dose of omega-3.
Peanut chicken noodle salad
This crunchy fresh salad makes a quick meal at any time of the day. Using peanut butter in the dressing makes this quick and tasty with very little fuss.
Crushed potatoes with tuna and sweetcorn
Use up leftover potatoes and storecupboard staples in this crushed potatoes with tuna and sweetcorn recipe. It's ready in just 20 minutes and is only 59p a serving - great if you're in a rush or on a budget.
Easy beef stroganoff
Making a classic dish like stroganoff in just a couple of easy steps is bound to shave off some time in the kitchen. Our stronganoff gives you the same great taste - just in less time!
Stuffed peppers
Not got much time? Get stuffing! These stuffed peppers are filled with delicious couscous, sunblush tomatoes and mozzarella for a lively Mediterranean taste.