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18 Speedy Dinner Ideas Courtesy of the RICARDO Staff

Busy evenings call for quick, delicious dinners. The 18 weeknight recipes below, as recommended by members of the RICARDO team, are ready in just 30 minutes or less.

1. Tofu with Peanut Sauce

Peanut chicken takes on a vegetarian twist in this skillet tofu recipe that’s enjoyed regularly by Loyalty and Relationship Marketing Specialist Alexandra. She’s simply fallen for the luscious, creamy peanut sauce that coats the protein, as will you! It’s a delicious dish that’s bursting with flavour.

2. Air Fryer Miso-Glazed Salmon Bites

Accountant Lynda swears by this air fryer salmon recipe. The glaze is made of miso, soy sauce, honey and garlic and gives the fish a touch of Asian flavours. Pair with a zucchini and carrot salad topped with a tangy sesame dressing, and you’ve got a quick and easy dinner to add to your rotation.

3. Udon Noodles with Spicy Beef and Tamari

We know you’re always looking for new ways to use ground beef. Go beyond meatloaf and burger patties with this delicious (and deliciously spicy!) noodle recipe, approved by Art Director Cristine. It’s topped with quick pickled red onion and cucumber for added crunch and a punch of flavour.

4. Sumac Chicken with Marinated Cucumbers

The chicken breast here is coated in a sumac and harissa marinade so, once cooked, you’re left with a wonderfully spicy, tangy and citrusy piece of meat. Paired with a side of marinated cucumber, our Director of Business Development and Strategic Initiatives Béatrice finds it fresh and quick to make on a weeknight.

5. Mushroom and Almond Rigatoni

This cozy vegetarian pasta pairs earthy mushrooms with crunchy almonds for texture and depth. Multiplatform Editor Vicki finds it simple and satisfying, and appreciates that it can be ready in a flash.

6. Sun-Dried Tomato and Lemon Baked Fish

Craving a Mediterranean-inspired dish that tastes like the sea and will transport you somewhere warm and sunny? This recipe has boundless flavour and the freshness of citrus; Project Manager Marisol definitely enjoys cooking it for her family on busy weeknights.

7. Quick Chicken and Couscous

How can anyone resist this simple dinner idea? Hearty and delicious, this recipe is a go-to in Standardization Chef Danielle’s home. Bonus: It also tastes great for lunch the next day!

8. Pork, Corn and Cheddar Gemelli

Quick, comforting and enjoyed by our Art Director Geneviève, this pork, corn and cheddar pasta dish delivers creamy richness and a burst of flavour in every bite.

9. Quick and Easy Butter Chicken

This quick, easy butter chicken recipe uses a pantry staple, condensed tomato soup, for a rich and tangy dish. It may not be authentic, but our Studio and Traffic Coordinator Josianne vouches that it’s undeniably delicious.

10. Spicy Salmon Tartare and Corn Salad with Pita Chips

Fresh, bold and ready fast, Editor Marie-Pier likes to make this salmon tartare with a kick on weeknights. She also saves time on the recipe by assembling the tartare as the chips bake in the oven. 

11. Pasta with Italian Sausage and Saffron

A dish that will titillate your taste buds and be a hit with everyone? This sausage pasta is a favourite of Digital Content Creator, Jeff. You’ll find an ingredient that’s pretty unusual in a pasta recipe: golden raisins. They bring sweetness and a refined touch to this 30-minute dish.

12. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

For Graphic Designer Etienne, this pasta recipe is a lovely option that’s easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious. It’s especially appreciated as his son (who can be a bit picky) is also a fan. It’s creamy, crunchy and tastes even better the next day. 

13. Egg Roll in a Bowl (Cabbage Noodles with Ginger Pork)

There are certain recipes that we just don’t get tired of. Such is the case with this one that our Editor Charline-Ève loves to make again and again. It’s the great taste of egg rolls reinvented as a weeknight meal that’s prepared in a fraction of the time. With its play on textures, thanks to the braised cabbage and the crispy noodles, and the ground pork flavoured with ginger and soy sauce, you know dinner’s going to be delicious.

14. Sheet-Pan Udon Noodles with Chicken and Curried Onions

Just because it’s a weeknight doesn’t mean dinner has to be boring. This sheet-pan recipe is an absolute hit with our Photographer, Jean-Michel. Simply coat the onions in a curry mix and then bake in the oven with udon noodles. With the addition of store-bought rotisserie chicken, radishes, cilantro and pickled ginger, you’ve got a festival of flavours even on a Monday night.

15. Tex-Mex Beef Macaroni

Among the favourite weeknight recipes of Martine, our Project Manager, is this one. With cheddar cheese, sour cream and avocado, it calls to the whole family. Extremely easy to make, quick and delicious, who could ask for anything more?

16. Tostadas with Fried Egg and Barbecue Sauce

For a winning kid-friendly recipe, at the home of Anouk, Account Director of Creative Solutions, this vegetarian dish is on weeknight rotation. With its generous amount of vegetables tossed in barbecue sauce and served on a corn tostada, good times are guaranteed at the dinner table.

17. Spaghetti with Tuna and Mushrooms

For Customer Service Advisor Marjolaine, this pasta recipe is a winning weeknight meal. Mushrooms, shallots, milk, canned tuna and cream come together to create this delicious dish. The only downside is that there’s rarely ever any left over for next day’s lunch!

18. Tofu and Cashew Stir-Fry

Tofu and cashews make their way into this simple and delicious weeknight meal that garners raves from Account Director Florence. With its sweet-and-sour sauce made from chili sauce and mirin, as well as the addition of ginger and fresh cilantro, it’s a must on busy weeknights.

Want some more 30-minute meal ideas? Be sure to consult our wide selection of recipes: