Got an impromptu guest? Have no fear! Cook them up one of these easy company dinners that can be on the table in 30 minutes or less.
47 Quick Dinners for Surprise Guests
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
Tortellini Carbonara
Bacon, cream and Parmesan cheese make a classic pasta sauce that’s absolutely heavenly. It’s a delightful option for company! —Cathy Croyle, Davidsville, Pennsylvania
1/46
2/46
Pork Chops with Parmesan Sauce
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender skillet chops make a speedy weeknight meal. These ones are finished with a creamy and flavorful Parmesan sauce. Here’s a new family favorite! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/4 cup sauce: 244 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
3/46
Dill Sauce for Salmon
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. Plus, the sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon flavor. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked salmon with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 418 calories, 33g fat (11g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
4/46
Beef and Mushrooms with Smashed Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was inspired to make this recipe after I couldn't stop thinking of a similar dish served in my elementary school cafeteria more than 50 years ago! I like that it's quick to make, and my husband and grandchildren love it. —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 517 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein.
5/46
Cauliflower & Tofu Curry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cauliflower, garbanzo beans and tofu are each subtle on their own, but together they make an awesome base for curry. We have this recipe weekly because one of us is always craving it. —Patrick McGilvray, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 338 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 528mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
6/46
Salmon Linguine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Extra Pesto Grilled Salmon gives this creamy pasta toss a luxurious taste and texture. We love it as is, but you could easily sub in any veggies you have on hand for the broccoli. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 802 calories, 55g fat (30g saturated fat), 207mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 36g protein.
7/46
Parmesan Chicken with Lemon Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like the challenge of inventing recipes with ingredients I have on hand. This easy-peasy meal fits the bill. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with 3/4 cup rice: 500 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 623mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein.
8/46
Rosemary Lamb Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My father loves lamb, so I make this rosemary lamb chop recipe whenever he visits. It's the perfect main course for holidays or get-togethers. —Kristina Mitchell, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 lamb chops: 231 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchange: 4 lean meat.
9/46
Honey Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver. —Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup stir-fry: 249 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
10/46
Fettuccine Carbonara
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When a man at church found out how much my family likes fettuccine, he shared his Italian grandmother's carbonara recipe with us. I've made it my own over the last 25 years. Grated Parmesan cheese works just as well as Romano. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without additional cheese): 495 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 162mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
11/46
Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I see Meyer lemons in the store, I know it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 182 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
12/46
Deconstructed Pear Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll be tempted to eat this main dish right out of the pan but try to resist. These chops are sure to wow guests at the dinner table. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3/4 cup stuffing mixture: 603 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 1094mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 38g protein.
13/46
Creole Shrimp & Sausage
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Add diversity to weeknight meals and get a taste of low-country cuisine with this simple take on a Louisiana Creole classic that uses bulgur instead of rice. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups sausage mixture with 1/2 cup bulgur: 510 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1287mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 15g fiber), 30g protein.
14/46
Saucy Thai Beef Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This stir-fry has been a family favorite for some time. I like to double the recipe and add extra vegetables. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 536 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 795mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein.
15/46
Sausage and Mushroom Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In Rome, we dined near the Pantheon. The amazing restaurant is now history, but its memory lives on in this tasty pasta with mushrooms and sausage. —Barbara Roozrokh, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup meat mixture with 1 cup pasta: 570 calories, 37g fat (19g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
16/46
Chinese Pepper Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bell peppers, mushrooms and ginger provide the bulk of the flavor in this stir-fry that’s not too saucy. Hot rice makes it even better. —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups beef mixture: 241 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
17/46
Meatball Pizza
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 320 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
18/46
Curry Shrimp Linguine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Curry, cilantro and coconut milk make this dish an exciting change of pace. It's also good with Thai rice noodles or spaghetti. —Jana Rippee, Casa Grande, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 406 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
19/46
Herb Grilled Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have a huge herb garden and love using herbs in almost everything I cook. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we eat a lot of wild-caught salmon, so I use fresh herbs in this moist and delicious grilled recipe. On cooler days, bake it instead. —Michelle Glassmeyer Wunsch, Bothell, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked salmon: 325 calories, 25g fat (7g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
20/46
Thai Red Curry Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I recreated a favorite red curry chicken dish from a restaurant, and now I cook it almost weekly for my family. On a busy night, frozen stir-fry veggies really speed things up. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois
21/46
Italian Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Flavor-packed sausage and sun-dried tomatoes are sure to liven up any simple pasta dish. I have a feeling that once you've tried it, it'll become a family favorite!—Dawn Singleton, Eighty Four, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 617 calories, 33g fat (13g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
22/46
Shrimp Fajitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve lost 50 pounds recently and my husband, Jere, has lost 65. We’re always looking for tasty ways to keep the weight off. I think working moms would love it as much as we do because it's so quick and easy. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 fajitas with 1/4 cup sour cream mixture and 2 tablespoons salsa: 418 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 147mg cholesterol, 962mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
23/46
Cashew Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it's easy to prepare. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture: 349 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 starch.
24/46
Gnocchi with White Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s one of those no-fuss recipes you can toss together and cook in one skillet. Ideal for a busy weeknight, it’s also good with crumbled Italian chicken sausage if you need to please meat lovers. —Julianne Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 307 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 789mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein.
25/46
Vegetarian Pad Thai
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 339 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
26/46
Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My creamy chicken tastes like a five-star restaurant dish but takes only minutes and few ingredients to make. Use fresh rosemary. Trust me. —Sarah Campbell, Terre Haute, IN
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons sauce: 361 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
27/46
Southwestern Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 508 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 683mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 43g protein.
28/46
Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The name may sound fancy, but this pasta dish is comforting and simple to prepare. Add a mixed green salad to make it a complete meal for any occasion. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 475 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 813mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
29/46
Beef Lo Mein
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like a good stir-fry, this dish will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 358 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
30/46
Turkey Curry with Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have leftover turkey and a hankering for non-holiday food, I make turkey curry with carrots, cauliflower and mango chutney to spoon over rice. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup turkey mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 363 calories, 9g fat (7g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 787mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
31/46
Easy Fish Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish, I came up with this crispy, crunchy fish tacos recipe. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 350 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 632mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
32/46
Whole Grain Chow Mein
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids are picky eaters, but teriyaki and hoisin sauces work wonders with them. They love the meatballs, and I swap the noodles for whole grain pasta. —Kelly Shippey, Orange, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 305 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 758mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
33/46
Thai Beef Stir-Fry
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A distinctive peanut sauce complements this colorful combination of tender sirloin strips, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli and mushrooms. I like to dish it up over spaghetti, but you could use fried noodles instead. —Janice Fehr,
Austin, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 586 calories, 32g fat (6g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 974mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 5g fiber), 42g protein.
34/46
Lemon Baked Cod
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the first fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-only eaters. The tangy lemon gives the cod fish some oomph. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 232 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
35/46
Chimichurri Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Steak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked steak with 3 tablespoons sauce: 336 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
36/46
Tortellini with Asparagus & Lemon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a terrific warm-weather dish, loaded with fresh flavors. I make mine meatless, but some sliced grilled chicken on top would be awesome, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 594 calories, 28g fat (15g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
37/46
Beef with Broccoli
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I’m looking for a fast entree, I turn to this beef and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce made with garlic and ginger. —Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 313 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 816mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
38/46
Saucy Pork Chop Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Skillet pork chops make easy comfort food. We have them with a salad and fruit. If you've got fresh green beans or steamed broccoli, go for it. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
39/46
Spinach-Artichoke Rigatoni
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love pasta and so does my family, but they are not so keen on their veggies. This a one-pot meal that gets us all eating our spinach. —Yvonne Starlin, Hermitage, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 448 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 1224mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
40/46
Ravioli with Snap Peas & Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with the toasty texture and flavor of hazelnuts, this pasta makes an easy, earthy weeknight dinner. I serve it with an herb and lettuce salad and white wine. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 347 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
41/46
Maple-Pecan Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings (1-1/4 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
For a standout holiday dinner, start with this change-of-pace entree. Begin by simmering the chops in apple juice, then drizzle with sweet maple syrup and top with crunchy pecans. —Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 5 tablespoons sauce: 657 calories, 41g fat (10g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.
42/46
Easy Orange Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy these tangy nuggets so many ways—over noodles or rice, in sandwiches, even on top of lettuce and cabbage. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 450 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1294mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
43/46
Shrimp Asparagus Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’ve all heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. It is easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 488 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
44/46
Grilled Ribeye with Garlic Blue Cheese Mustard Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple steak gets a big flavor boost from two of my favorites: mustard and blue cheese. My husband and I make this recipe to celebrate our anniversary each year! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 steak with 3 tablespoons sauce: 547 calories, 39g fat (17g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 1088mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.
45/46
Sea Scallops and Fettuccine
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This luscious and lemony pasta dish is so easy, it's become one of our weekly meal mainstays. But it's also elegant enough to serve to guests. —Donna Thompson, Laramie, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 421 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
46/46
Beef Stroganoff
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe for beef Stroganoff with round steak is one I spotted in a local hospital auxiliary cookbook. When I gave it a try, my husband loved it! And I've had lots of compliments every time I've served it. –Brenda Read, Burns Lake, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 325 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 722mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
