30-Minute Recipes That Feed a Crowd

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding time to cook a meal for a large group of people can feel like a daunting task. However, with the right recipes up your sleeve, feeding a crowd can be not only manageable but also enjoyable! Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck with friends, or a last-minute get-together, these quick and delicious recipes will save the day. Get ready to whip up meals that will have everyone asking for seconds, all in just 30 minutes!

1. One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta

Simplify your cooking and clean-up with this flavorful one-pan wonder. Tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and onions cooked with pasta in a creamy, spicy sauce—what’s not to love? Top with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a fiesta of flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups penne pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, sauté chicken until browned. Add bell peppers and onions, cooking until slightly softened.
2. Stir in penne pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

2. Quick and Easy Beef Stir-Fry

This colorful and flavorful beef stir-fry is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in no time. Tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce make for a satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (assorted colors), sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger to make the sauce.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add sliced beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.
3. Add bell peppers and broccoli to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

3. Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup

Warm, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying, this creamy tomato basil tortellini soup is sure to be a hit with a hungry crowd. Packed with cheesy tortellini, tangy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, it’s a bowl of goodness that’s ready in a flash.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cheese tortellini
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, garlic, and oregano. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to package instructions until tender, usually about 7-9 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream and fresh basil, simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil leaves. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic knots.

4. Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken and Veggies

For a fuss-free meal with minimal clean-up, look no further than this sheet pan BBQ chicken and veggies. Juicy chicken thighs, colorful bell peppers, and sweet corn are roasted to perfection in a tangy barbecue sauce, all on one pan!

Ingredients:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 bell peppers (assorted colors), sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place chicken thighs on the baking sheet and brush with barbecue sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss bell peppers, red onion, and corn with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Arrange the vegetables around the chicken thighs on the baking sheet.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this simple and delicious sheet pan meal!

5. Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry

If you’re looking for a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this shrimp and asparagus stir-fry is the perfect choice. Succulent shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a zesty sauce come together in a flash for a nutritious and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes to make the sauce.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
4. Add asparagus to the skillet and continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and asparagus, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly. 6. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. This vibrant and flavorful stir-fry is perfect with steamed rice or noodles.

6. Mouthwatering Taco Salad

Who says salads can’t be satisfying for a crowd? This taco salad is a hearty and delicious option that comes together in minutes. Packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips, it’s a fiesta in a bowl!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup salsa
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add taco seasoning to the beef according to package instructions. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
3. In a large serving bowl, layer shredded lettuce, seasoned beef, cherry tomatoes, red onion, diced avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, and crushed tortilla chips.
4. Drizzle sour cream and salsa over the top of the salad.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving. Toss gently to combine all the flavors, and dig into this satisfying taco salad!

7. Speedy Vegetable Pad Thai

Craving the flavors of Thai takeout but short on time? This vegetable pad Thai is here to save the day! Loaded with colorful veggies, tender rice noodles, and a tangy-sweet sauce, it’s a quick and easy dish that will impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup snap peas
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
• Lime wedges and fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add sliced bell pepper, julienned carrot, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked through.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and fish sauce (if using). Pour the sauce over the vegetables and eggs in the skillet.
6. Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat in the sauce.
7. Cook for an additional minute until heated through.
8. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top.
9. Serve hot with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for squeezing and garnish. Enjoy this delightful and speedy vegetable pad Thai!

8. Cheesy Broccoli and Ham Casserole

A comforting casserole is always a hit when feeding a crowd, and this cheesy broccoli and ham version is no exception. Creamy, cheesy sauce coats tender broccoli and savory ham, all baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound broccoli florets
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice or cooked pasta (optional)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If using, add cooked rice or pasta as well.
3. Mix everything until well combined, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
4. In a small bowl, mix together breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Let it cool slightly before serving. This cheesy broccoli and ham casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

9. Quick and Easy Beef Tacos

Tacos are a classic crowd-pleaser, and these quick and easy beef tacos are no exception. Flavorful ground beef seasoned to perfection, piled high into crispy taco shells, and topped with all your favorite fixings—it’s a dinner win for everyone!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 12 crispy taco shells
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add taco seasoning to the beef according to package instructions. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
3. Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
4. Fill each taco shell with seasoned ground beef.
5. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onions, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving. These quick and easy beef tacos are sure to be a hit at any gathering!

10. Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pasta

For a comforting and satisfying pasta dish that’s ready in a flash, try this creamy mushroom and spinach pasta. Rich and creamy sauce coats tender pasta, earthy mushrooms, and nutrient-packed spinach for a meal that’s both indulgent and wholesome.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
5. Pour in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), adjusting to taste.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
9. Cook for another minute to heat through.
10. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This creamy mushroom and spinach pasta is a comforting crowd-pleaser!

Feeding a crowd doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming, especially when you have these 30-minute recipes at your fingertips! From hearty pasta dishes to flavorful stir-fries and satisfying salads, these recipes are designed to please a hungry group without keeping you tied to the kitchen for hours.

With simple ingredients and quick cooking times, you can whip up a delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a casual gathering with friends, a family dinner, or a potluck event, these recipes are versatile enough to suit any occasion.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a crowd-pleasing meal in a hurry, turn to these easy 30-minute recipes. They’re guaranteed to make cooking for a group a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your guests and savor the flavors of these delightful dishes. Happy cooking!