1. What to make for dinner in 15 minutes?

You have so many options! The key is to focus on quick-cooking components. Think skillet meals like our Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus, quick tacos with canned beans, pasta with no-cook sauces like pesto , or simple stir-fries. Omelets, scrambles, and loaded quesadillas are also fantastic 15-minute meals that are perfect for a quick and lazy dinner.

2. Is it normal to eat a meal in 15 minutes?

While it's common in our fast-paced world, health experts generally advise taking a bit more time to eat mindfully. The "15-minute" part of these meals refers to the preparation and cooking time . We encourage you to take a full 20-30 minutes to sit down, savor your food, and digest properly. The beauty of a 15-minute prep time is that it gives you more time back to actually enjoy the meal you just made.

3. What are the quickest dinners to make?

The absolute quickest dinners often involve minimal cooking. Think loaded salads with rotisserie chicken, hearty sandwiches on whole-grain bread, or "snack plates" with hummus, pita, cheese, and fresh veggies. For cooked meals, anything that uses a single pan and quick-cooking proteins (like shrimp, fish, or ground meat) or plant-based proteins (beans, tofu) will be among the fastest. Our Black Bean & Corn Salsa Tacos are a prime example.

4. What is a quick lazy dinner?

A quick lazy dinner is all about maximum flavor for minimum effort. Our 5-Ingredient Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta is the poster child for this concept. Other great ideas include a "kitchen sink" frittata using leftover veggies and cheese, a quesadilla with canned beans and cheese, or upgrading a simple can of soup with a swirl of pesto, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and some crusty bread.

15-Minute Meals: 5 Easy Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Name: the Speedy Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus Skillet recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Ingredient; Quantity; Notes; Large Shrimp; 1 lb; Peeled & deveined; Asparagus; 1 bunch; Trimmed & cut into 2-inch pieces; Garlic; 4-5 cloves; Finely minced or pressed; Olive Oil; 2 tbsp; Extra virgin; Lemon; 1; For juice and zest; Red Pepper Flakes; 1/4 tsp; Adjust to your spice preference; Salt & Black Pepper; To taste; Freshly ground is best; Fresh Parsley; 2 tbsp; Optional, for garnish

Description

A top-down, vibrant, high-resolution photo of the finished garlic shrimp and asparagus skillet. The shrimp are pink and perfectly cooked, nestled amongst bright green, crisp-tender asparagus spears. The dish is glistening with a light lemon-garlic sauce and garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. A lemon wedge sits on the side of the pan. The lighting is bright and natural, emphasizing the freshness of the ingredients. This dish is the definition of elegance and speed—a perfect, healthy 15-minute meal that feels a little bit fancy.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Large Shrimp	1 lb	Peeled & deveined
Asparagus	1 bunch	Trimmed & cut into 2-inch pieces
Garlic	4-5 cloves	Finely minced or pressed
Olive Oil	2 tbsp	Extra virgin
Lemon	1	For juice and zest
Red Pepper Flakes	1/4 tsp	Adjust to your spice preference
Salt & Black Pepper	To taste	Freshly ground is best
Fresh Parsley	2 tbsp	Optional, for garnish

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Instructions

Prep the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, ensure your shrimp are patted dry with a paper towel—this is crucial for getting a good sear.
Cook the Asparagus: Add the trimmed asparagus pieces to the hot skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still have a slight crispness.
Bloom the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
Sear the Shrimp: Push the asparagus to one side of the pan and add the shrimp in a single, even layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes per side. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
Bring It All Together: Stir the shrimp and asparagus together. Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze the juice of half the lemon over the entire dish and add the lemon zest. Season generously with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pro Tips: Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. High heat is your friend for a quick sear. For a richer flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after cooking the garlic.
Serving Suggestions: Fantastic on its own for a low-carb meal. Serve over instant couscous or with a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Lunch & Dinner
Method: Sauté, Skillet
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of the recipe)
Calories: 235 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 280mg (will vary based on salt added)
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 170mg