13 Quick Emergency Dinners When You Have No Time to Cook

Life gets crazy and dinner plans fall apart. We’ve all been there when the clock hits 6 PM and you’re staring at an empty kitchen wondering what to make.

These emergency dinner recipes save the day with simple ingredients and lightning-fast cooking times that get food on your table fast.

01. Quick Microwave Teriyaki Chicken

Tender chicken glazed with homemade teriyaki sauce made in your microwave. This protein-packed dish delivers amazing flavor without any stovetop cooking required.

Ingredients: 1 pound boneless chicken breast (cut into strips), ¼ cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 2 cups cooked rice for serving.

How To Make Quick Microwave Teriyaki Chicken

1. Place chicken strips in a microwave-safe dish and drizzle with vegetable oil. Toss to coat evenly, then microwave on high for 3 minutes to start the cooking process.

2. Mix soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and garlic powder in a small bowl until sugar dissolves completely. This creates your homemade teriyaki sauce that tastes better than store-bought.

3. Pour sauce over partially cooked chicken and stir well to coat every piece. Microwave for another 4-5 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and sauce becomes glossy and thick.

4. Let stand for 2 minutes to allow sauce to thicken further. Serve immediately over warm rice or use as filling for wraps and sandwiches.

02. Fast Asian Beef with Snow Peas

Crisp snow peas and tender beef strips in a savory stir-fry sauce. Keep these pantry ingredients on hand for a restaurant-quality meal in minutes.

Ingredients: 1 pound beef sirloin (sliced thin), 1 pound fresh snow peas, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated), 2 green onions (chopped).

How To Make Fast Asian Beef with Snow Peas

1. Toss sliced beef with cornstarch in a bowl until evenly coated. This creates a light coating that helps the meat stay tender and allows the sauce to cling perfectly.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until smoking. Add beef in a single layer and cook without stirring for 2 minutes to develop a nice sear.

3. Stir beef and add garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add snow peas and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.

4. Pour soy sauce over everything and toss for 1 minute until sauce coats the beef and vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately over rice.

03. Simple Linguine with White Clam Sauce

Classic Italian pasta featuring tender clams in a garlicky white wine sauce. This pantry-friendly meal transforms basic ingredients into an elegant dinner that’s ready surprisingly fast.

Ingredients: 1 pound linguine pasta, 3 cans chopped clams with juice, 6 cloves garlic (minced), ½ cup white wine, ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped), red pepper flakes to taste, salt and black pepper.

How To Make Simple Linguine with White Clam Sauce

1. Cook linguine in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid helps create the perfect sauce consistency.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.

3. Add white wine and let it bubble for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Pour in clam juice from the cans and simmer for 3-4 minutes to concentrate the flavors.

4. Add drained pasta to the skillet along with the clams and fresh parsley. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately in warmed bowls with extra parsley and red pepper flakes on the side.

04. Easy Sicilian Spaghetti

Traditional Italian pasta with garlic, olive oil, and simple seasonings that transform basic spaghetti into something magical. This authentic recipe proves that the best dishes often have the fewest ingredients.

Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti, ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, 8 cloves garlic (thinly sliced), ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ cup fresh parsley (chopped), 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated), salt and black pepper to taste.

How To Make Easy Sicilian Spaghetti

1. Cook spaghetti in abundantly salted boiling water until al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions suggest. Reserve 1½ cups of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced garlic and cook slowly for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until garlic turns golden but not dark brown.

3. Add red pepper flakes to the garlic oil and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat temporarily to prevent the garlic from burning while you finish the pasta.

4. Add drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the garlic oil. Return to medium heat and toss vigorously, adding pasta water gradually until the noodles are glossy and well-coated.

5. Remove from heat and add fresh parsley and half the Parmesan cheese. Toss one final time, season with salt and pepper, then serve with remaining cheese on top.

05. Quick Vegetarian Chickpea Tacos

Protein-packed meatless tacos featuring seasoned chickpeas and fresh toppings. These healthy tacos come together in minutes using pantry staples and taste incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients: 2 cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 8 small corn tortillas, 1 cup shredded lettuce, 1 cup diced tomatoes, ½ cup shredded cheese, sour cream for serving.

How To Make Quick Vegetarian Chickpea Tacos

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add drained chickpeas and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to get slightly crispy on the outside.

2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chickpeas and stir well to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, adding 2-3 tablespoons of water if the seasoning seems too dry.

3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in damp paper towels and microwaving for 30 seconds, or heat them directly over a gas flame for a few seconds per side.

4. Fill each warm tortilla with seasoned chickpeas, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately while the chickpeas are still warm.

06. Simple Lemon Pepper Cod

Flaky white fish seasoned with bright lemon and black pepper, then pan-seared to perfection. This foolproof recipe makes even non-fish eaters fall in love with seafood.

Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each), 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons black pepper (freshly ground), 1 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons capers (optional), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved).

How To Make Simple Lemon Pepper Cod

1. Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let fish sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to absorb the seasonings.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Gently place cod fillets in the pan and cook without moving them for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.

3. Carefully flip fish using a thin spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temperature.

4. Add cherry tomatoes and capers to the pan around the fish during the last minute of cooking. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over everything and serve immediately while the fish is hot and flaky.

07. Crispy Broiled Tilapia Parmesan

Mild tilapia fillets topped with a creamy, cheesy coating and broiled until golden. This kid-friendly recipe converts even the pickiest eaters into fish lovers with its crispy, flavorful topping.

Ingredients: 4 tilapia fillets, ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper to taste, lemon wedges for serving.

How To Make Crispy Broiled Tilapia Parmesan

1. Preheat your broiler and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Pat tilapia fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper, then arrange on the prepared baking sheet.

2. Mix mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl until well combined. This creamy mixture creates an incredibly flavorful and protective coating.

3. Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the top of each fillet, covering the entire surface. The coating should be thick enough to protect the delicate fish from the intense broiler heat.

4. Broil for 6-8 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly, and fish flakes easily with a fork. Watch carefully during the last few minutes to prevent burning.

5. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving with fresh lemon wedges. The coating will be very hot, so allow it to cool slightly for the best texture.

08. Zesty Chicken Avocado Cups

Creamy avocado halves filled with seasoned chicken and fresh vegetables. These protein-packed cups make a complete meal that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying in just minutes.

Ingredients: 3 large ripe avocados, 2 cans chicken breast (drained), ¼ cup red onion (diced), ¼ cup cilantro (chopped), 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon chili powder, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Zesty Chicken Avocado Cups

1. Cut avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pits. Scoop out some flesh from the center of each half to create a deeper well, saving the scooped avocado for the filling.

2. Mash the reserved avocado flesh in a mixing bowl with lime juice to prevent browning. Add drained chicken, diced red onion, cilantro, cumin, and chili powder, mixing gently to combine.

3. Season the chicken mixture with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting lime juice and spices as needed. The mixture should be flavorful and slightly chunky, not smooth like guacamole.

4. Brush the avocado cups with a little lime juice to prevent browning, then fill each half generously with the chicken mixture. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

09. Pan-Seared Simple Salmon

Fresh salmon fillets seasoned with pantry spices and cooked in butter until perfectly flaky. This restaurant-quality dish uses minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor every single time.

Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), 3 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, fresh dill for garnish.

How To Make Pan-Seared Simple Salmon

1. Remove salmon from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat fillets completely dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foaming. The butter should sizzle but not turn brown, which indicates the perfect temperature for cooking fish.

3. Place salmon fillets skin-side up in the hot butter and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms. The fish should release easily when it’s ready to flip.

4. Carefully flip salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fish flakes easily and reaches 145°F internal temperature. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and garnish with dill before serving immediately.

10. Creative Waffle Maker Pizzas

Individual pizzas made in your waffle maker using store-bought dough and simple toppings. This fun cooking method creates perfectly crispy crusts with those signature waffle pockets that hold extra sauce and cheese.

Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought), ½ cup pizza sauce, 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded), ¼ cup pepperoni slices, 2 tablespoons olive oil, Italian seasoning to taste, cooking spray for waffle maker.

How To Make Creative Waffle Maker Pizzas

1. Preheat your waffle maker and spray both sides generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Divide pizza dough into 4-6 portions depending on the size of your waffle maker.

2. Roll each dough portion into a circle slightly smaller than your waffle maker plates. The dough will spread when pressed, so don’t make it too large initially.

3. Place one dough circle on the waffle maker and close the lid gently. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy, creating the perfect pizza crust base.

4. Carefully remove the waffle crust and immediately top with pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. The hot crust will help melt the cheese slightly even before the final cooking step.

5. Return topped pizza to the waffle maker for 1-2 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

11. Spicy Asian Ramen Bowl

Instant ramen noodles elevated with a homemade peanut sauce and fresh garnishes. This pantry-friendly meal transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-style dish with incredible depth of flavor.

Ingredients: 2 packages ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets), 3 tablespoons peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon chili-garlic sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 green onions (chopped), ¼ cup roasted peanuts (chopped).

How To Make Spicy Asian Ramen Bowl

1. Cook ramen noodles according to package directions but discard the seasoning packets. Drain noodles and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from getting mushy.

2. Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, chili-garlic sauce, and sesame oil in a large bowl until smooth. Add 2-3 tablespoons of hot water if needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.

3. Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and toss well until every strand is coated. The sauce should cling to the noodles without being too thick or too thin.

4. Divide noodles between serving bowls and top with chopped green onions and roasted peanuts. Serve immediately while the noodles are still warm for the best texture and flavor experience.

12. Shrimp and Peanut Butter Noodles

Tender shrimp and crisp broccoli tossed with noodles in a creamy peanut sauce. This sweet and salty combination creates an addictive dish that’s ready in under 15 minutes using simple ingredients.

Ingredients: 8 ounces linguine noodles, 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined), 3 cups broccoli florets, ¼ cup peanut butter, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, ¼ cup roasted peanuts (chopped).

How To Make Shrimp and Peanut Butter Noodles

1. Cook linguine according to package directions, adding broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 3 minutes of cooking time. This ensures both the pasta and vegetables finish at the same time.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through, about 4 minutes total.

3. Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, and honey together in a small bowl until smooth. Add 3-4 tablespoons of hot pasta water to thin the sauce to a creamy, pourable consistency.

4. Drain pasta and broccoli, then add them to the skillet with the cooked shrimp. Pour peanut sauce over everything and toss for 1-2 minutes until well coated.

5. Serve immediately in bowls topped with chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch and flavor. The contrast of textures makes this dish absolutely irresistible.

13. One-Pan Skillet Burrito Bowl

Seasoned ground beef with beans and salsa cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. This customizable bowl lets everyone add their favorite toppings for a personalized Mexican-inspired dinner that’s ready fast.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1 packet fajita seasoning, 1 can pinto beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup salsa, 2 cups cooked brown rice, 1 cup shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, shredded lettuce for toppings.

How To Make One-Pan Skillet Burrito Bowl

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes until meat is no longer pink and has developed some crispy edges.

2. Drain excess fat from the skillet, then sprinkle fajita seasoning over the beef. Stir well to coat evenly and cook for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant and toasted.

3. Add drained pinto beans and salsa to the skillet with the seasoned beef. Stir everything together and simmer for 3-4 minutes until heated through and flavors meld together.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salsa if you prefer extra moisture or heat. The mixture should be flavorful and slightly saucy but not soupy.

5. Serve over warm brown rice in bowls and let everyone customize with their favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and fresh lettuce for crunch.

Final Thoughts

These emergency dinner recipes prove that delicious meals don’t require hours of preparation or fancy ingredients from specialty stores.

Keep these simple recipes in your back pocket for those hectic days when you need good food fast.