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21 Recipes That Only Take 15 Minutes To Make

Whether you’re short on time or just want something low-effort and satisfying, this collection has you covered. From flavorful mains to fresh sides and quick desserts, these 15-minute recipes are great for busy weeknights, last-minute meals, or when you just want to keep things simple.

You’ll find air fryer favorites, quick stir-fries, no-cook salads, and comfort food classics—all using easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep. Most dishes are flexible enough to pair with whatever else you’re cooking or stand alone as a full meal.

So if you’re looking to cut time, not flavor, scroll through and pick something easy to try tonight. These recipes are proof that fast can still be delicious.

Imperial Palace Egg Drop Soup

Imperial Palace Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This easy egg drop soup recipe comes together in just 15 minutes with silky egg ribbons and savory broth. A quick, comforting starter that tastes like it came from your favorite Chinese restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Imperial Palace Egg Drop Soup

Perfectly Tender Boiled Carrots: A 15-Minute Side Dish Anyone Can Master

Perfectly Tender Boiled Carrots: A 15-Minute Side Dish Anyone Can Master. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These boiled carrots are tender, slightly sweet, and simple to make. They’re a no-fuss side dish you can serve with almost anything—and they’re ready in just 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Tender Boiled Carrots: A 15-Minute Side Dish Anyone Can Master

15-Minute Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

15-Minute Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This quick air fryer recipe gives you juicy, flavorful BBQ chicken in no time. Great for busy nights when you want that smoky, saucy flavor without firing up the grill.
Get the Recipe: 15-Minute Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Peas and Carrots with Fresh Herbs

Peas and Carrots with Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Stetted.

Buttery peas and carrots get a boost from fresh herbs in this simple side dish. It’s fast, colorful, and ready in 15 minutes—perfect for rounding out any meal.
Get the Recipe: Peas and Carrots with Fresh Herbs

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Food Fun and Faraway Places.

These garlicky shrimp are coated in a savory-sweet sauce and cook up in minutes. Inspired by Hawaiian shrimp trucks, this dish makes a quick and flavorful dinner or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Tasty Tofu Bok Choy Stir Fry (15-minute Side Dish)

Tasty Tofu Bok Choy Stir Fry (15-minute Side Dish). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This tofu and bok choy stir fry is a light, flavorful side that’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s a great plant-based option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Tofu Bok Choy Stir Fry (15-minute Side Dish)

Classic Three Bean Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes)

Classic Three Bean Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes). Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A quick toss of canned beans, tangy dressing, and chopped veggies makes this colorful salad perfect for potlucks, lunches, or cookouts. No cooking needed.
Get the Recipe: Classic Three Bean Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes)

Shrimp Scampi without Wine

Shrimp Scampi without Wine. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

This shrimp scampi skips the wine but keeps all the buttery, garlicky flavor. It’s on the table in under 15 minutes and pairs well with pasta or crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi without Wine

Perfect Boiled Shrimp: The 15-Minute Foolproof Method

Perfect Boiled Shrimp: The 15-Minute Foolproof Method. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Boiling shrimp doesn’t get easier than this. Quick, flavorful, and foolproof, this method gives you perfect shrimp every time—ideal for salads, appetizers, or shrimp cocktails.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Boiled Shrimp: The 15-Minute Foolproof Method

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

This creamy chili uses just five ingredients, including chicken, white beans, and green chilies. It’s a fast, satisfying dinner you can make with pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

Parmesan Asparagus

Parmesan Asparagus. Photo credit: Stetted.

Fresh asparagus gets roasted or sautéed with Parmesan in just 15 minutes. It’s a great way to add a quick and tasty veggie side to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Asparagus

Making Pizza with Crescent Rolls

Making Pizza with Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Use crescent dough as a quick pizza crust and top it with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. This shortcut dinner is on the table in just 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Making Pizza with Crescent Rolls

Pan Seared Chicken Cutlets

Pan Seared Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

These chicken cutlets are seasoned and pan-seared until golden and juicy. They cook fast and pair well with any side, making them perfect for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Chicken Cutlets

{15 Minute} Light Taco Soup

{15 Minute} Light Taco Soup. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This quick taco-inspired soup is full of flavor but lighter than the usual version. Made in just 15 minutes, it’s a cozy, satisfying meal without the heaviness.
Get the Recipe: {15 Minute} Light Taco Soup

Light Berry Angel Food Cake {15 Minute Dessert}

Light Berry Angel Food Cake {15 Minute Dessert}. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Top store-bought angel food cake with fresh berries for an easy, light dessert that comes together in minutes. Great for last-minute guests or a sweet treat after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Light Berry Angel Food Cake {15 Minute Dessert}

Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles

Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

These quick Korean-style noodles are tossed with beef, veggies, and a sweet-salty sauce. They’re naturally gluten-free and ready in 15 minutes—perfect for a fast dinner.
Get the Recipe: Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles

Grilled Green Beans

Grilled Green Beans. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Toss green beans on the grill for a smoky, crisp-tender side dish. Seasoned with garlic soy sauce and done in about 15 minutes, they’re great with any grilled meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Green Beans

Chinese Chicken Zoodles

Chinese Chicken Zoodles. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

These chicken zoodles come together in one pan with a flavorful Asian-style sauce. It’s a low-carb, high-flavor meal that’s perfect when you need something quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Zoodles

Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

These sweet potatoes roast up crispy on the outside and tender inside in just 15 minutes. Coated in Parmesan and herbs, they make an easy, flavor-packed side dish.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Brats

Air Fryer Brats. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Cooking brats in the air fryer gives you juicy sausages with minimal cleanup. Perfect for a fast lunch or dinner, they’re ready in under 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats

Yummy Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl – 15 Minute Meal

Yummy Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl – 15 Minute Meal. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This one-pan meal has all the flavor of an egg roll without the wrapper. Ground pork, shredded veggies, and savory seasoning make this a fast and filling dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Yummy Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl – 15 Minute Meal