6 mouthwatering Southern dishes that can be made in 30 minutes or less

Cooktop Cove: 6 mouthwatering Southern dishes that can be made in 30 minutes or less

By Angela Brown

The school year is in full swing and between after-school activities, homework and prepping for the holidays, finding time to make dinner is a drag. But, these 30-minute meals are quick, easy and tasty. Most of the dishes only need one pan too!

If you're fretting about serving soup and sandwiches (again), check out one of these simple recipes and spruce up your family dinner with a new flavor.

1. Stovetop mac and cheese
Many people assume that the boxed-style macaroni and cheese is easier and just as good. Boy, are they wrong. Get the full recipe here.

2. White chicken chili (h/t The Blond Cook)
The secret to saving time with this dish is to grab a rotisserie chicken (or use leftover chicken from another meal). The combination of cumin, garlic, paprika, and chili powder makes my mouth water.

3. Easy spicy cajun shrimp (h/t Julia's Album)
This tasty seafood dish would be great with a bed or rice or with a salad. The Cajun seasoning adds a kick (as does the cayenne sauce), but you can skip the cayenne sauce if you want something a little tamer.

4. Smoked sausage potato soup (h/t Aunt Bee's Recipes)
Sausage is a great go-to on busy nights because the meat defrosts and cooks quickly. Add some potatoes, cheese, veggies, and spices, and you have a simple southern soup that's quick and tasty. Serve with a thick piece of bread for the perfect finish.

5. 30-minute creole jambalaya (h/t A Dish of Daily Life)
Jambalaya is one of those meals you just assume has to simmer for hours and hours. And while that may be the case for some recipes, this one is a quick and dirty version of the traditional southern dish. This is an excellent option for impressing guests or filling cold tummies on a cold day.

6. One-pot spicy southern sausage rice (h/t The Wanderlust Kitchen)
When the grocery supply is dwindling, and you don't feel like grabbing takeout, this dish can save your night. This one-pot, 30-minute wonder might just turn into a hectic-night staple. You can adjust this recipe to make it as spicy (or not) as you like.