Have you ever had to improvise a last-minute dinner in just 10 minutes, maybe because a friend surprised you and you had no idea what to prepare? Or perhaps you were short on time before heading out but still wanted to enjoy a good meal?
In these moments, 10 minutes (or a little more) seem to fly by, and you realize how little time it actually is to cook something delicious. After all, in ten minutes, you can barely get water boiling for pasta—unless you live high up in the mountains! But don’t worry: with some organization and a few tricks, a quick dinner recipe is absolutely possible, and it can be just as delicious. The key is to optimize your time, choose the right dish, and multitask during preparation. Here’s how.
It Takes 33 Minutes to Cook Dinner – What If You Have Less?
When time is a luxury, every minute in the kitchen counts. A recent study found that, on average, we spend 33 minutes a day preparing dinner—but when unexpected guests arrive, that time shrinks drastically. That’s why knowing what to cook quickly can save you precious time.
Forget about recipes that require long cooking times, marinades, or dough rising—there’s no way to make them work in just 10 minutes. Instead, focus on dishes that highlight fresh, simple ingredients. Think of meals that are more about assembling than cooking, like pasta with a quick sauce, a fresh and colorful salad, or a seasoned carpaccio.
Even an egg can become the star of the show when paired with the right sides. The golden rule? Use high-quality, easy-to-find ingredients that require minimal cooking. And if you want to add an extra touch, play around with herbs and spices—they bring tons of flavor without wasting time.
A quick dinner? Pasta Is always the answer
Pasta is the perfect choice when time is tight: it’s versatile, fast, and works with endless variations. With just ten minutes (or okay, maybe 15), stick to easy dinner recipes with bold flavors. While the water boils, prepare the sauce: a simple sauté of garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes turns spaghetti into an irresistible dish.
Looking for something lighter? Toss fresh cherry tomatoes in a pan with olive oil and basil while the pasta cooks. Want something with more kick? A little extra chili adds character. The secret is time management: while the pasta is in the pot, the sauce should already be ready. In just 10 minutes, you can serve a dish that tastes like home—simple, satisfying, and impressive enough for a surprise guest (or just for yourself!).
A salad can be surprisingly delicious
A well-made salad can be the perfect solution for a last-minute dinner in 10 minutes. The key is choosing fresh ingredients with balanced flavors. A Caesar Salad is a great example: crunchy lettuce, grilled chicken, croutons, and a creamy Parmesan dressing come together in no time.
Want something fancier? Try a salad with smoked salmon, avocado, and cherry tomatoes—a unique and tasty combination. Here too, 10 minutes should be enough (and if it takes 15, that’s still quick!).
Or go for the simplicity of a Caprese salad: ripe tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil. The important thing is to play with colors and textures, making the dish not just fast but also visually inviting. With the right ingredients, a salad can go from a boring side dish to the star of the evening.
From 10 to 5 minutes: Pinsa to the rescue!
When it comes to a quick and delicious dinner, pinsa is unbeatable. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, making it ideal for those nights when time is short, but you still want something flavorful. With just 5 minutes in the oven, you can have a fantastic meal that works as a main dish or a side to something more elaborate.
As we often say, pinsa stands out because it’s soft inside, crispy outside, light, balanced, and incredibly tasty. It wouldn’t have made a name for itself in the pizza world if it didn’t have a unique personality! With just a few toppings, you can turn it into a gourmet dish—try it with stracciatella cheese and prosciutto or with fresh cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and basil for a last-minute dinner that’s both quick and budget-friendly.
Pinsa isn’t just the star of the meal; it’s also the perfect companion. Pair it with salmon or beef tartare, serve it with a Caesar Salad, or cut it into slices and top with sauces and cold cuts for a creative appetizer. Since it requires almost no prep time, you can focus on the details while still delivering a restaurant-worthy result.
What about a Tartare?
Speaking of tartare—it’s fresh, light, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it a top choice for a quick dinner recipe. The tuna tartare is a must: fresh diced tuna, dressed with olive oil, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. If you want a stronger flavor, go for beef tartare, seasoned with olive oil, pepper, and finely chopped onion.
Salmon also works wonderfully, especially when paired with avocado and a squeeze of lemon. With tartare, time is on your side: no cooking required, just a quick assembly that lets your creativity shine.
