[PHOTOS] 13 Satisfyingly Delicious Dinner Preparations That Are Faster Than Take-Out

This salad is a less obvious use for frozen tortellini, and perfect for picnics when combined with summer vegetables and a simple Dijon vinaigrette. [Recipe here](http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/07/tortellini-pasta-salad-recipe.html)

seriouseats.com

There is no age limit on loving grilled sandwiches for dinner (or is there?). Besides, who doesn't love nothing more than grilled sandwiches or plain toasts with canned soup for dinner? [Recipe here](http://www.fussfreecooking.com/recipe-categories/sugary-treats/cornflakes-crusted-grilled-peanut-butter-jelly-sandwich/)

fussfreecooking.com

Smokey kielbasa steals the show in this hearty home-style all-in-one meal. This is perfect on those cold late fall and early winter nights. [Recipe here](http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/potato-kielbasa-skillet)

tasteofhome.com

Success is all in how you build it. It's essential to layer cheese directly next to the bread on both sides. As it melts, it fuses with the bread and acts as a barrier from sogginess. Next comes pear, so it has the chance to get fully warm, and finally the arugula, which will just wilt. [Recipe here](http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/01/pear-arugula-and-brie-panini-recipe.html)

seriouseats.com

This hearty omelet cooks in the oven, meaning you can throw together the simple side salad while it bakes. [Recipe here](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/spanish-omelet-potatoes-chorizo-10000001728851/index.html)

realsimple.com

Spread pesto on pizza dough, add seasoned zucchini rounds, add cheese. [Recipe here](http://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Zucchini-Pizza-with-Fresh-Mozzarella-and-Basil-Pesto.pdf)

camillestyles.com

For a change of pace, substitute your favorite barbecue sauce for the marinara. [Recipe here](http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/beef-stuffed-zucchini)

tasteofhome.com

In this quick and healthy meal, the sweet bursts of the grape tomatoes and fragrant basil bring to mind a summer picnic. [Recipe here](http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/12/dinner-tonight-garlic-shrimp-with-basil-tomatoes.html)

seriouseats.com

Baste the salmon with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper while cooking to add a sweet and spicy glaze. [Recipe here](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/spicy-salmon-bok-choy-rice-00100000095870/index.html)

realsimple.com

It's easy enough to make a basic fried rice—the kind with soy sauce, an egg and whatever vegetables are around. The main change in this dish is switching out the soy sauce for fish sauce, which adds a funky depth. [Recipe here](http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/12/thai-style-fried-rice-recipe.html)

seriouseats.com

Craving Indian food? Throw together this satisfying dish, which uses a rotisserie chicken to save time. [Recipe here](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/chicken-curry-hurry-10000001586856/index.html)

realsimple.com

These traditional pork chops have a wonderful home-cooked flavor. The breading makes them crispy outside and tender and juicy inside. Why not treat your family to them tonight? [Recipe here](http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/breaded-pork-chops)

tasteofhome.com

This breakfast-for-dinner takes spinach and wilts it down with cream, mustard, and thyme. It becomes the base for a simple fried egg, but the final flourish—homemade bread crumbs baked with mustard and mustard seeds—is what really makes it special. [Recipe here](http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/02/dinner-tonight-fried-eggs-with-mustard-creame.html)

seriouseats.com