14 Easy 10 Minute Recipes When Time Is Short: Quick and Delicious Meals for Busy Days

14 Easy 10 Minute Recipes When Time Is Short: Quick and Delicious Meals for Busy Days

By Sara Taylor

14 Easy 10 Minute Recipes When Time Is Short: Quick and Delicious Meals for Busy Days

By Sara Taylor
•
Updated
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Recipes

There are some days where dinner has to be ready as quickly as you can ref a sibling squabble. These 14 recipes take 10 minutes or less to prepare. No special skills are needed and there's no need for elaborate prep. Keep them on hand for the nights when you need something quick and delicious.

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1) Avocado Toast with Poached Egg

avocado toast topped with a poached egg and a runny yolk in a wide horizontal shot, on a white plate over a wooden kitchen table with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Just like the simple black dress, it's the classic option. It works every time and is totally dependable.

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avocado toast topped with a poached egg and a runny yolk in a wide horizontal shot, on a white plate over a wooden kitchen table with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Avocado Toast with Poached Egg

Smashed avocado on toast with a poached egg.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 slices crusty bread
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Toast the bread until golden and crisp.
  2. Bring a small pot of water to a gentle simmer and add the vinegar.
  3. Crack each egg into the water and poach 3 minutes for runny yolks.
  4. Mash the avocado with the lemon juice and salt, then spread onto the toast.
  5. Top each toast with a poached egg and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Notes

Swirl the simmering water before adding eggs for neat poached shapes.

2) Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

a caprese salad with layered tomato and mozzarella slices, fresh basil, and a balsamic drizzle in a wide horizontal shot, on a white platter over a wooden table, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Looks like you actually put in some effort, but all it takes is three simple ingredients! How easy is that!

a caprese salad with layered tomato and mozzarella slices, fresh basil, and a balsamic drizzle in a wide horizontal shot, on a white platter over a wooden table, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Layered fresh mozzarella, sweet balsamic drizzle, fresh basil, and juicy, ripe tomatoes.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ripe tomatoes sliced
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
  • 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into even rounds.
  2. Arrange them alternating on a platter, tucking basil leaves between.
  3. Drizzle the olive oil over the top.
  4. Finish with the balsamic glaze in a zigzag.
  5. Season with salt and pepper just before serving.

Notes

Room-temperature mozzarella tastes far creamier than cold.

3) Greek Yogurt Parfait with Granola

layered yogurt parfaits with granola, fresh berries, and a honey drizzle in tall glasses in a wide horizontal shot, on a wooden table with scattered berries, bright morning light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Breakfast snack or dessert – this can do it all.

layered yogurt parfaits with granola, fresh berries, and a honey drizzle in tall glasses in a wide horizontal shot, on a wooden table with scattered berries, bright morning light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Greek Yogurt Parfait with Granola

Creme yogurt with some crackling granola on top and added honey plus fresh strawberries.
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Prep Time 7 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup granola
  • 1 cup mixed berries
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Stir the vanilla into the yogurt.
  2. Spoon a layer of yogurt into each glass.
  3. Add a layer of granola, then a layer of berries.
  4. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full.
  5. Drizzle honey over the top and serve right away.

Notes

Add the granola just before eating so it stays crunchy.

4) Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel

an open-faced bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon, red onion, capers, and dill in a wide horizontal shot, on a plate over a wooden table with lemon wedges nearby, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Bring the deli counter atmosphere into your kitchen.

an open-faced bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon, red onion, capers, and dill in a wide horizontal shot, on a plate over a wooden table with lemon wedges nearby, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel

Cream cheese and silky smoked salmon on a toasted bagel with a spread of cream cheese.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 bagels halved
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 4 oz smoked salmon
  • 0.25 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp capers
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill
  • 0.5 lemon cut into wedges

Method
 

  1. Toast the bagel halves until golden.
  2. Spread a thick layer of cream cheese on each half.
  3. Drape the smoked salmon over the cream cheese.
  4. Top with thin red onion, capers, and fresh dill.
  5. Serve with a lemon wedge for squeezing.

Notes

A squeeze of lemon brightens the whole bite.

5) Quick Vegetable Stir Fry

a colorful vegetable stir fry glistening in a savory glaze in a wide horizontal shot, in a dark skillet on a stovetop with a wooden spoon resting nearby, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Just take everything out of the crisper drawer and voilà, you have dinner. It always does the trick.

a colorful vegetable stir fry glistening in a savory glaze in a wide horizontal shot, in a dark skillet on a stovetop with a wooden spoon resting nearby, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Quick Vegetable Stir Fry

Mixed vegetables with a crisp texture that are sautéed in a fast and simple soy sauce and garlic.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups mixed vegetables chopped
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Method
 

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
  2. Add the garlic and ginger and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toss in the mixed vegetables and stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Stir together the soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil, then pour over the veggies.
  5. Toss to coat and cook one more minute before serving.

Notes

Cut everything roughly the same size so it cooks evenly.

6) Lemon Garlic Shrimp

garlicky buttered shrimp glistening with lemon and flecked with parsley in a wide horizontal shot, in a skillet on a wooden surface with lemon wedges nearby, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

As long as it's good enough for your guests and quick enough to put it together on a Tuesday.

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garlicky buttered shrimp glistening with lemon and flecked with parsley in a wide horizontal shot, in a skillet on a wooden surface with lemon wedges nearby, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Shrimp is plump, buttery, and garlicky and is finished off with sauteed lemon and parsley.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 30 seconds.
  3. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until pink.
  4. Stir in the lemon juice and salt and toss to coat.
  5. Sprinkle with parsley and serve right away.

Notes

Don't overcook the shrimp; they're done the moment they curl and turn pink.

7) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

a twirl of glossy spaghetti tossed with golden garlic, chili flakes, and parsley in a wide horizontal shot, in a shallow bowl on a wooden table with grated parmesan nearby, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pasta made from pantry items that exceed expectations.

a twirl of glossy spaghetti tossed with golden garlic, chili flakes, and parsley in a wide horizontal shot, in a shallow bowl on a wooden table with grated parmesan nearby, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Silky spaghetti is combined with garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and parsley.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 0.33 cup olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated

Method
 

  1. Boil the spaghetti in salted water until just shy of al dente, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. While it cooks, warm the olive oil and sliced garlic over low heat until golden.
  3. Add the red pepper flakes and a splash of pasta water to the oil.
  4. Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the salt, adding pasta water until silky.
  5. Finish with parsley and parmesan and serve hot.

Notes

Keep the heat low so the garlic turns golden, not bitter.

8) Chicken Quesadilla

a golden chicken quesadilla cut into wedges with melty cheese stretching in a wide horizontal shot, on a plate with a bowl of salsa over a wooden table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

They are crunchy and have lots of cheese, so they will be ready before the kids finish setting the table.

a golden chicken quesadilla cut into wedges with melty cheese stretching in a wide horizontal shot, on a plate with a bowl of salsa over a wooden table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Quesadilla

Grilled golden tortilla filled with cheesy chicken.
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Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large tortillas
  • 1 cup cooked chicken shredded
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 0.25 cup bell pepper diced
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 0.25 cup salsa

Method
 

  1. Toss the shredded chicken with the chili powder.
  2. Melt half the butter in a skillet over medium heat and lay in one tortilla.
  3. Sprinkle half the cheese, then the chicken and bell pepper, then the rest of the cheese, and top with the second tortilla.
  4. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until golden, then flip and cook the other side.
  5. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa.

Notes

Press gently with a spatula so the cheese glues everything together.

9) Hummus and Veggie Wrap

a sliced veggie hummus wrap showing colorful layers of vegetables in a wide horizontal shot, on a board over a wooden table with extra veggies scattered nearby, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Lunch ideas that you don't have to cook that will definitely last you until dinner.

a sliced veggie hummus wrap showing colorful layers of vegetables in a wide horizontal shot, on a board over a wooden table with extra veggies scattered nearby, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Hummus and Veggie Wrap

Soft tortilla wraps with fluffy hummus and a medley of crisp vegetables.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large tortillas
  • 0.5 cup hummus
  • 1 cup spinach leaves
  • 0.5 cucumber sliced
  • 0.5 bell pepper sliced
  • 0.5 carrot shredded
  • 0.25 cup feta cheese crumbled

Method
 

  1. Spread a thick layer of hummus over each tortilla.
  2. Layer the spinach, cucumber, bell pepper, and carrot down the center.
  3. Sprinkle the feta over the veggies.
  4. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly.
  5. Slice in half on the diagonal and serve.

Notes

Pat the cucumber dry so the wrap doesn't get soggy.

10) Banana and Peanut Butter Smoothie

two creamy banana peanut butter smoothies in tall glasses in a wide horizontal shot, on a wooden table with a banana and a jar of peanut butter nearby, bright morning light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Easy breakfast you can drink with one hand while you wrangle the other kid.

two creamy banana peanut butter smoothies in tall glasses in a wide horizontal shot, on a wooden table with a banana and a jar of peanut butter nearby, bright morning light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Banana and Peanut Butter Smoothie

Smoothies made with peanut butter and bananas are thick and very satisfying!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1.5 cups milk
  • 1 cup ice
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Add the bananas, peanut butter, and milk to a blender.
  2. Drop in the ice, honey, and vanilla.
  3. Blend on high until completely smooth.
  4. Taste and add a splash more milk if it's too thick.
  5. Pour into glasses and serve cold.

Notes

Use frozen banana for an extra-thick, milkshake texture.

11) Margarita Pizza on Naan Bread

a naan flatbread pizza with melted mozzarella, tomato slices, and fresh basil in a wide horizontal shot, on a wooden board over a kitchen counter, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Skip the dough drama and get straight to the good stuff on pizza night!

a naan flatbread pizza with melted mozzarella, tomato slices, and fresh basil in a wide horizontal shot, on a wooden board over a kitchen counter, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Margarita Pizza on Naan Bread

Baked until bubbly, the naan crust has a fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce topping.
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Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 naan flatbreads
  • 0.5 cup tomato sauce
  • 6 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
  • 1 tomato sliced
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 450F and place the naan on a baking sheet.
  2. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over each naan.
  3. Top with mozzarella and tomato slices.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
  5. Bake 5 to 6 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then scatter basil on top.

Notes

Tear the basil on after baking so it stays fresh and green.

12) Tomato Basil Soup

a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup with a swirl of cream and a basil leaf in a wide horizontal shot, on a wooden table beside a grilled cheese, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

It can be enjoyed in a bowl and goes well with any grilled cheese.

a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup with a swirl of cream and a basil leaf in a wide horizontal shot, on a wooden table beside a grilled cheese, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Tomato Basil Soup

Cream and fresh basil are used to enhance the flavors of this velvety soup. The soup also contains garlic and tomatoes which are simmered.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Warm the olive oil in a pot and saute the garlic 30 seconds.
  2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
  3. Simmer 5 minutes, then stir in the basil and salt.
  4. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
  5. Stir in the cream and warm through before serving.

Notes

A swirl of extra cream and a basil leaf make it look fancy.

13) Mug Brownie

a gooey chocolate mug brownie with melty chocolate chips and a spoon in a wide horizontal shot, in a ceramic mug on a wooden table with a scoop of ice cream beside it, warm cozy light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

We can solve your dessert emergencies in less time than it takes you to find your TV remote!

a gooey chocolate mug brownie with melty chocolate chips and a spoon in a wide horizontal shot, in a ceramic mug on a wooden table with a scoop of ice cream beside it, warm cozy light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Mug Brownie

Mug Microwave Chocolate Brownie Single Serve.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 0.125 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp chocolate chips

Method
 

  1. Whisk the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt together in a microwave-safe mug.
  2. Stir in the milk and oil until smooth with no dry pockets.
  3. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  4. Microwave 60 to 90 seconds until the top is set but the center is still soft.
  5. Let it cool a minute, then dig in with a spoon.

Notes

Stop microwaving the moment the top looks set or it'll dry out.

14) Mini Tortilla Pizzas

four mini tortilla pizzas with melted cheese, pepperoni, and bell pepper in a wide horizontal shot, on a baking sheet over a kitchen counter, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

I get a five minute break since my kids actually help me with this recipe.

four mini tortilla pizzas with melted cheese, pepperoni, and bell pepper in a wide horizontal shot, on a baking sheet over a kitchen counter, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Mini Tortilla Pizzas

Crispy small tortillas with sauces, cheese, and other toppings for personal pizzas.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 small tortillas
  • 0.5 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 16 slices pepperoni
  • 0.25 cup bell pepper diced
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 425F and place the tortillas on a baking sheet.
  2. Spread pizza sauce over each tortilla.
  3. Sprinkle with mozzarella and add pepperoni and bell pepper.
  4. Dust with oregano.
  5. Bake 4 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges crisp up.

Notes

Let kids build their own with their favorite toppings.
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