Hey Lykkers! Ever have those nights where you’re starving, the clock is ticking, and the last thing you want is to fuss over a complicated dinner? Yeah, me too. That’s why I’m sharing two of my favorite 30-minute meals that are not only quick but seriously delicious.
They’ll get you from “what’s for dinner?” to “this is amazing” in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Herby Chicken Meatball Pitas with Jalapeño Tzatziki
Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, herby chicken meatballs, perfectly spiced and nestled in a soft, warm pita. Add a dollop of creamy jalapeño tzatziki, just the right amount of cool and fiery, and you've got a dish that's as satisfying as it is mouthwatering. It’s a simple, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to impress—whether you're serving it for a casual dinner or bringing something fresh to the table for your next gathering.
You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ¼ cup each chopped fresh parsley and dill
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 to 6 pita breads
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup grated, drained cucumber
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (seeded if you want it milder)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the ground chicken, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs—bite-sized is perfect.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then brown the meatballs on all sides by turning them regularly for about 5 minutes. Afterward, place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for an additional 10 minutes until fully cooked.
4. While those bake, whisk together Greek yogurt, cucumber, jalapeño, and lemon juice. Add salt to taste. This is your fresh, creamy tzatziki sauce!
5. Warm up the pita breads, stuff them with meatballs, and top generously with your jalapeño tzatziki. Serve and enjoy immediately!
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
This pasta is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s creamy, garlicky, with just a little spice to keep things interesting. The name says it all—so good it might just make someone want to propose!
You’ll Need:
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 8 oz cooked pasta (whatever you like!)
- Salt and pepper
Steps to make it
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant—about a minute.
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, roughly 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Add cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until sauce thickens and gets silky smooth.
5. Return shrimp to the pan, add your cooked pasta, and toss everything to coat it in that luscious sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle fresh basil over the top, and serve piping hot.
There you have it! Two quick, tasty dinners you can throw together after a long day. If you want a shopping list or some tips to prep ahead and save even more time, just say the word. Let’s make weeknight dinners easy and delicious, Lykkers!
