18 quick suppers for when you’re one email away from losing it

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When you’re teetering on the edge and one email away from a meltdown, quick suppers are your best friend. These recipes are great for those nights when the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. Short on time and patience? No problem. These meals come together fast, so you can get back to what’s important — like binge-watching your favorite show or finally tackling that overflowing inbox.

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fresh Corn Salad

A bowl of fresh salad featuring corn, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and crumbled cheese, mixed with herbs.
Fresh Corn Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fresh Corn Salad is packed with fresh veggies and a zesty lime dressing, and it comes together in just 40 minutes, with only 25 minutes of active prep and cooking time. Dice cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, English cucumber, red onion, and basil. Boil the corn, cut off the kernels, and mix everything with the lime dressing. For extra flavor, add chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and crumbled feta or cotija cheese. Chill for 15 minutes, and you’re good to go. Perfect for when you want a light and quick supper.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Salad

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Shake and Bake Pork Chops are your go-to for a no-nonsense dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. They’re ready in just 25 minutes. This method involves coating the pork chops in mayonnaise and seasoned breadcrumbs, and they turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s perfect for busy evenings when time is short, but you still crave a solid, hearty meal. Easy to prepare and clean up, this dish lets you maximize your downtime and minimize kitchen stress.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Dive into the comforting flavors of a Reuben sandwich with these quick and easy Reuben Bowls, ready in 30 minutes. Start with browning some corned beef, then toss it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, mix in some tangy sauerkraut, and top with melting Swiss cheese. This bowl is a straightforward, mess-free meal that captures all your favorite traditional flavors. It’s a great choice for a fast dinner that leaves you more time to unwind, making your evening routine a little easier.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh and light dinner option that comes together in just 25 minutes. Using simple ingredients like rotini pasta, shredded chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and Caesar dressing, this salad combines simplicity with taste. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re swamped but need a meal that feels complete and refreshing. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s a practical choice for busy nights. You can enjoy your meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Tuna Macaroni Salad

A close-up image of a bowl of tuna pasta salad garnished with herbs and sprinkled with spices.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a quick, delicious dish ready in 40 minutes, combining elbow macaroni with canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, creamy mayo, and a touch of Dijon mustard for extra flavor. This straightforward and adaptable salad allows you to toss in additional ingredients like celery or pickles to tailor it to your taste. It’s a great choice for those jam-packed evenings when you need a meal that’s easy to make, filling, and keeps dinner prep to a minimum.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a quick and straightforward dinner option that includes sausages and a mix of broccoli, mini peppers, and zucchini. All you need to do is place them on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 30 minutes. The high heat ensures the veggies and sausages get those perfect crispy edges while keeping the inside tender. This meal is great for those evenings when you’re running low on time and energy but still want a meal that feels complete and delicious. With minimal cleanup, it’s the right choice for a stress-free evening.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Spinach Chicken Bake is your go-to for a comforting meal without the long prep time. It takes 30 minutes to cook chicken thighs, marinated in garlic and herbs, under a creamy layer of spinach and cheese. The flavors of the chicken combine perfectly with the cream cheese and mozzarella, creating a dish that’s as filling as it is flavorful. This dish is a great option for busy parents who must whip up something quick yet substantial. It allows for a peaceful evening without the dread of a time-consuming cleanup. You can enjoy your meal and have time left over to unwind.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, whip up a Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole that’s both nourishing and comforting. This dish mixes steamed broccoli and cauliflower with a creamy mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese, all topped with crispy bacon for added texture and flavor. It’s the perfect quick-fix meal for evenings when you want comfort without complexity, giving a delicious way to get your veggies in while pleasing your hunger with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a simple yet impressive dish, ready in only 20 minutes. Small pieces of chicken are pan-fried and then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, creating a flavor-packed meal that’s quick to make. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast and delicious without compromising taste. Serve these chicken bites with steamed veggies or rice for a complete meal. It’s perfect when your day has been non-stop, and you need a quick, filling dinner that won’t keep you in the kitchen for long.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy chicken dish garnished with herbs and black pepper.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re looking for a comforting and quick meal, this Creamy Garlic Chicken is the answer. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan meal features chicken breasts seasoned with garlic, cooked until golden, and then simmered in a creamy sauce made from heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese. The result is a rich flavor dish with a velvety texture, perfect for a relaxing evening meal. It’s especially suited when you’re short on time but want a dinner that’s more than just fast food. The quick clean-up means more time to do what you love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

A fork in a bowl of food.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cabbage and Sausage dish is a quick, comforting meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes using just one pan. The hearty flavors of the sausage pair perfectly with the mild, sweet notes of the cabbage, creating a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare. This dish is time-efficient and budget-friendly, making it a great choice for families watching their spending. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re too tired over dinner but still want a meal that feels like home cooking. This recipe shows you don’t need to sacrifice quality for convenience.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a quick solution when time isn’t on your side, but you still want a special meal. Ready in 30 minutes using just one pan, this recipe features tender chicken thighs enveloped in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce with spinach and bacon bits, adding a punch of flavor. It’s a great choice for a last-minute dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste. This dish helps you manage your time effectively, giving a quick yet delicious meal that keeps kitchen time minimal and enjoyment high.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Italian Sausage Soup is a robust, flavor-rich meal ready in just 30 minutes. Cook Italian sausage in a pot to unleash its full flavor, then mix it with onions, tomatoes, and Parmesan for a creamy, tomato-based soup that tastes as it simmered for hours. This soup is a great quick supper solution that doesn’t compromise flavor or warmth. It’s particularly good for those chilly evenings when you need something to fill you up fast without spending the whole night in the kitchen. This meal is smart for anyone wanting to minimize their kitchen time while still enjoying a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re one email away from losing it, this Fajita Baked Chicken recipe is just what you need to keep dinner simple and stress-free. Ready in 30 minutes, it combines juicy chicken seasoned with fajita spices and layered with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and melty mozzarella. It’s baked until everything is perfectly golden and bubbly. This dish is quick to prepare and leaves you with little cleanup, making your evening smoother. Serve this with a side of rice or a fresh salad to round out a meal that’s comforting and easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet perfectly match your busy schedule. This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, featuring hearty ground beef browned in avocado oil, mixed with steamed cauliflower rice, onions, and mushrooms in a creamy, rich sauce. It’s practical for a filling dinner without the long prep time. This skillet meal saves time and cuts down on dishes, helping you maximize your evening relaxation. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense meal that delivers both taste and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe is designed for those evenings when you’re overwhelmed and need a comforting meal quickly. In just 30 minutes, it brings together tender chicken thighs and a creamy mushroom sauce for a hearty dinner. The simple ingredients and one-pan method ensure a stress-free cooking experience, perfect for a quick supper after a long day. This dish gives both the comfort of a home-cooked meal and the convenience needed on busy nights, making it a perfect choice when time and energy are in short supply.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is ready in 30 minutes, making it a prime pick for a fast and hearty dinner. This casserole combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese, all seasoned with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick. It’s a great option for those nights when cooking feels like the last thing you want to do, but you still crave something comforting and substantial. This dish will help streamline your evening routine, allowing more unwinding time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

On those nights when even cooking seems daunting, Canned Chicken Patties come to the rescue. They take only 20 minutes to prepare and are made from canned chicken mixed with Parmesan cheese and your choice of almond flour or sunflower seed meal, seasoned with herbs and spices. This simple, quick recipe is perfect for turning around a hectic day without spending much time or effort in the kitchen. It’s a great meal solution for when you’re nearing your limit but still need to put dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

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