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15 Easy 30-Minute Meals for Busy Weeknights

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When time is tight and everyone's hungry, these easy 30-minute meals come to the rescue. Each recipe is simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for those nights when you want a home-cooked dinner without the hassle.

From cozy pastas to air fryer favorites, these dishes prove that weeknight dinners can be fast, delicious, and totally stress-free.

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken with cilantro and fresh lemons on the side,
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

This Instant Pot lemon chicken is a simple and delicious classic meal that is ready in 30 minutes. With just the right amount of fresh citrus flavor, it's a great dish year round.

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Ham Tetrazzini

A bowl of Ham Tetrazzini, with peas, diced ham, and parsley elegantly garnished on top.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

This ham tetrazzini is creamy, hearty, and easy to make, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Tender pasta, savory ham, and a rich sauce come together for a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

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Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos

4 chicken tacos garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and diced avocados on a white plate.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

These Instant Pot salsa verde chicken tacos are a family favorite that blend Tex-Mex flavor with easy weeknight cooking. The tender shredded chicken is simmered in a mild green salsa with a touch of honey for just the right balance of sweet and heat.

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One Pot Lasagna Soup

A white bowl of One Pot Lasagna Soup topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese, next to fresh tomatoes, garlic.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

This one pot lasagna soup has all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a cozy, easy-to-make soup. It's rich, cheesy, and ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

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Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Instant Pot Chinese beef and broccoli in a bowl sitting on a white towel with black and gray spots.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

Instant pot beef and broccoli is a delicious beef stir fry recipe that cooks up quickly in the Instant Pot. A perfect quick weekday meal, just dump everything into your pressure cooker and dinner will be ready in minutes.

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Chow Mein with Sauce

A white bowl with a red coral design filled with chow mein with sauce and cabbage sits on a black napkin, with red chopsticks.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

When you need a quick and flavorful meal, this chow mein with sauce hits the spot. The noodles are tossed in a savory mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, creating that perfect balance of flavor.

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Instant Pot Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo

Blue bowl filled with shrimp and diced sausage gumbo.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

This Instant Pot shrimp and sausage gumbo is packed with rich, savory flavor and vibrant ingredients. It's a hearty, comforting dish that comes together quickly, giving you all the depth of traditional gumbo with a fraction of the effort.

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Hot Honey Chicken

Hot honey chicken breast with broccoli and roasted potatoes on a blue plate.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

This hot honey chicken recipe will surely delight your taste buds and may even be your new favorite way to enjoy chicken that packs a punch.

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Baked Panko Pork Chops

A bright red plate with baked panko pork chops and potatoes on it.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

Relish the crispy goodness of this delectable baked panko pork chops recipe that is a simple yet mouthwatering oven-baked recipe that's very easy to make.

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Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins 

A plate of chicken tenders with a hand dipping one of the tenders in a white bowl of BBQ sauce.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

These air fryer chicken tenderloins are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside making them a family favorite. If you’re looking for an easy and delicious dinner, this recipe should definitely be added to your meal rotation.

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Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi

Cooked shrimp served on a bed of white rice and garnished with chopped herbs on a white platter.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

This Instant Pot shrimp scampi will become one of your favorite quick and easy meals. You can serve it over rice, noodles or alongside your favorite side dish.

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Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

A plate of chicken taquitos topped with green sauce and jalapeños next to chips, salsa, jalapeños, cilantro, and an avocado.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

Air fryer chicken taquitos are crispy on the outside and filled with flavorful chicken. These homemade taquitos are perfect for lunch, dinner or even a snack.

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Air Fryer Lasagna Rolls

Plate of lasagna rolls next to a fork and a black and white checkered napkin on a wooden table.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

These air fryer lasagna rolls are the perfect easy weeknight dinner. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they're ready in under 30 minutes. 

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Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice

White bowl filled with fried rice with brown chopsticks.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

This air fryer chicken fried rice is a flavorful take-out at home recipe that is simple to make and faster than ordering delivery. Plus, it's a healthier alternative to restaurant-style fried rice. 

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Air Fryer Hot Pockets

Two whole hot pockets and one half of one sliced open on an off white plate with a linen napkin behind it.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

Air fryer hot pockets are so easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients. These are perfect for a quick and easy snack or meal.

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Want More Family-Friendly Recipes and Tips?

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Meet Corinne

Hi! I'm Corinne, a busy mom of four and the creator of Wondermom Wannabe. I've spent years helping moms like you simplify life with quick meal solutions and easy family tips. Wondermom Wannabe started as a place to share practical tips for home and family life, and it's grown into a resource where you can find inspiration to make every day a little easier. Learn more about me here.

Corinne Schmitt

Corinne Schmitt

Hi, I'm Corinne! I'm the mom behind Wondermom Wannabe, helping busy moms simplify life with easy meals, fun family activities, and stress-free organization. As a mom of five, I know how overwhelming it can be—so I share practical, real-life tips to make things easier!

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