Ever have those nights where you’re starving, but the idea of spending an hour in the kitchen sounds like the worst thing ever? Same. That’s why I put together this list of 21 cheap dinner ideas you can whip up in 20 minutes or less. They’re budget-friendly, super easy, and perfect for those “what the heck do I make tonight?” kind of evenings. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, there’s something here you’ll love. Let’s keep dinner stress-free, quick, and delicious.
1. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
If you want dinner that’s fast, crispy, and actually tastes amazing—this one’s for you. These air fryer chicken thighs come out super juicy on the inside with that perfect golden crisp on the outside. Just season, toss ’em in the air fryer, and boom—dinner’s ready in 20 minutes. Serve with a quick side salad or some rice, and you’re good to go.
2. Crispy Air Fryer Country Fried Steak Recipe
This crispy air fryer country fried steak is the kind of dinner that feels fancy but takes barely any effort. If you’re using thin cuts of steak, it cooks up in about 15 minutes—no need to stand over a hot pan. It’s crunchy, golden, and totally hits the spot, especially with some mashed potatoes or veggies on the side. Super easy. Super satisfying.
3. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Craving something crispy and cheesy but short on time? Air fryer chicken parmesan is a total go-to. It’s golden, crunchy, and cooks up in about 15–20 minutes—no frying required. Just top with marinara and mozzarella, and you’ve got a quick, comforting dinner that feels like way more effort than it actually was.
4. Air Fryer Chuck Steak with Garlic Herb Butter
Sometimes you just want a good steak without firing up the grill. That’s where this air fryer chuck steak comes in. It cooks up super quick, especially if you’re working with thinner cuts. Add a little garlic herb butter on top, and it feels like a fancy steakhouse dinner—without the price tag or the wait.
5. Easy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta
Need a quick dinner that everyone will actually eat? This chicken and broccoli pasta is a solid go-to. It’s creamy, comforting, and comes together in no time—perfect for busy nights. Plus, it’s got some veggies snuck in, so you can feel a little better about pasta night.
6. Mini Baked Chicken Tacos
Mini tacos that are big on flavor? Yes, please. These baked chicken tacos come together in about 20 minutes and are perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. Just grab some street taco tortillas, toss in seasoned chicken and cheese, and bake until crispy. So easy, so satisfying—and a total family favorite.
7. Enchilada Skillet
Dinner doesn’t get much easier than this enchilada skillet. It’s all the bold, cheesy flavors you love—but without the fuss of rolling up tortillas. Just toss everything in one pan and let it all come together in about 20 minutes. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for when you want something quick that still feels like a real meal.
8. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine
Looking for something quick but fancy-ish? This creamy Tuscan shrimp linguine is rich, flavorful, and ready in about 20 minutes. Juicy shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach come together in a garlicky cream sauce that feels restaurant-level—but it's way easier (and cheaper) to make at home. Total weeknight win.
9. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ready to whip up something quick but fancy? This garlic butter shrimp pasta is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The buttery garlic sauce pairs perfectly with tender shrimp and pasta—and the best part? It’s ready in about 20 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner that feels special without the effort.
10. Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta
If you’re in the mood for something fresh, creamy, and totally satisfying—this lemon garlic pasta is it. Wide pappardelle noodles get tossed in a buttery, garlicky, lemony cream sauce that comes together while the pasta boils. Just a handful of simple ingredients, but the flavor? So good. It’s the perfect quick dinner when you want something light but still comforting.
11. One Pot Broccoli Parmesan Orzo
Dinner just got way easier. This one pot broccoli parmesan orzo is bright, creamy, and packed with flavor—all in just 20 minutes. You get tender broccoli, lemony goodness, and bite-sized orzo pasta all coated in a silky parmesan sauce. Top it with toasted parmesan breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. It’s a super satisfying vegetarian dinner that feels like comfort food without the heaviness.
12. Spicy Coconut Curry Ramen
Turn up the heat with this spicy coconut curry ramen! It’s a quick and easy way to upgrade your noodle game—creamy coconut broth, bold curry flavor, and just the right amount of spice. Everything comes together fast, making it perfect for when you want something warm, comforting, and a little exciting. Bonus: it tastes even better the next day.
13. Honey Garlic Chicken
This honey garlic chicken is one of those go-to meals that never disappoints. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a garlicky glaze that clings to every bite. The best part? It cooks up in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but low effort. Great with rice, noodles, or even tucked into lettuce wraps.
14. One-Pan Taco Zucchini Skillet
This taco zucchini skillet is perfect when you want something quick, filling, and full of flavor. With seasoned ground beef, fresh zucchini, and melted cheese all in one pan, it’s a no-fuss dinner that’s easy to throw together and even easier to clean up. Tastes like a taco, but with a lighter twist.
15. Healthy Korean Beef Bowls
These Korean beef bowls are a cleaner twist on the classic—no soy, no sugar, just simple ingredients and bold flavor. Ground beef is cooked with easy pantry spices and paired with a super simple homemade sauce. Serve it over rice, lettuce, or even cauliflower rice for a weeknight dinner that’s fast, filling, and totally flexible.
16. Spaghetti Carbonara
You can’t go wrong with a bowl of spaghetti carbonara. It’s rich, comforting, and made with just a few simple ingredients—eggs, parmesan, black pepper, and crispy bacon or pancetta. No cream needed here! Just toss everything together while the pasta’s hot, and you’ve got a creamy, satisfying dinner that feels way fancier than it is.
17. Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta
This Mediterranean shrimp pasta is light, zesty, and packed with flavor. Juicy shrimp, cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, and herbs all tossed with pasta for a dish that tastes like summer in a bowl. It’s fresh, vibrant, and comes together without a lot of fuss—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that doesn’t feel boring.
18. Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
If you’re a pickle lover, this one’s for you. This crispy dill pickle parmesan chicken is juicy, tangy, and packed with bold flavor. The pickle juice tenderizes the chicken, while the parmesan adds a perfectly crunchy coating. It’s a fun twist on breaded chicken that’s anything but boring—and super easy to make, too.
19. Pesto Butter Salmon
This pesto butter salmon is the kind of dinner that looks fancy but takes barely any effort. The combo of rich butter and herby pesto melts right over the salmon, making it super flavorful and juicy. Pop it in the oven or air fryer, and dinner’s basically done. Serve it with rice, pasta, or roasted veggies for an easy, feel-good meal.
20. Air Fryer Pork Chops
These air fryer pork chops are everything you want in a quick dinner—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with flavor. Just season them up, pop them in the air fryer, and let it do the work. No oil splatter, no babysitting the stove—just a simple, satisfying meal that comes together fast. Perfect with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes.
21. Orange Glazed Salmon
This orange glazed salmon is the perfect mix of fresh, citrusy, and just a little sweet. The sticky orange glaze adds tons of flavor without a ton of effort—just brush it on and let the oven (or air fryer) do the work. It’s a simple way to make salmon feel a little extra special, and it pairs perfectly with rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or just trying to avoid another expensive takeout night, these quick and cheap dinner ideas have you covered. It doesn’t take a ton of time or money to make something delicious and satisfying. Keep a few of these in your weekly rotation, and dinner will feel a whole lot easier (and tastier). Happy cooking!