19 quick dinners (Because who really has an hour to spare?)

Photo of author

| Published:

Quick dinners are the heroes of the weeknight kitchen battle, swooping in to save your evening when the thought of spending an hour over the stove is about as appealing as a traffic jam on a Monday morning. We all want to feed ourselves and our families well without watching the clock tick away precious minutes. So, here’s a lineup of 19 quick dinner recipes that get straight to the point: less time cooking, more time living.

Close-up of a creamy macaroni salad with tuna and a sprinkle of paprika and chopped parsley in a white bowl.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

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

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are the ultimate solution for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Ready in about 25 minutes, these pork chops are coated with a thin layer of mayonnaise before they’re coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mix, making them juicy inside and crispy outside. This recipe makes sure you get crispy pork chops without needing to fry them. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone who needs a straightforward, no-stress dinner option. It’s especially helpful on busy weeknights, serving a delicious meal that everyone in the family will enjoy without taking up too much of your evening.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

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.

When you’re tight on time but still want something hearty, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a lifesaver. Ready in just 25 minutes, this salad combines the creamy flavor of Caesar dressing with the freshness of romaine lettuce and tomatoes, topped with the crisp texture of croutons for that refreshing and hearty meal. It’s perfect for those days when you need a fast meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Plus, it’s cost-effective and great for prepping in advance, allowing you to have a delicious option ready whenever you need it, saving you both time and money.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a powerhouse for those evenings when you want a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines the rich flavors of sausage with fresh vegetables, all cooked together on a single sheet pan and requires just 30 minutes from start to finish. The high heat used during cooking caramelizes the veggies and sausage, creating crispy edges and a tender interior. After a few minutes in the oven, you have a meal that’s bursting with flavor and color. It’s a great choice for a busy night, minimizing cleanup and maximizing satisfaction.
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.

The Spinach Chicken Bake combines simplicity with comfort. Mix chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, pop it in the oven, and in 30 minutes, you have a creamy, comforting bake that’s ready to serve. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it a great choice for a filling and hearty dinner after a long day. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a substantial meal without the lengthy preparation or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is a hearty, flavorful dinner that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. It features cabbage, a versatile vegetable that absorbs flavors well, paired with crispy sausage. This one-pan meal is straightforward — just cook chopped sausage, cabbage, onion, and garlic together. It’s a practical choice for a busy night and serves a filling meal that cuts down on dishes and keeps your evening routine smooth and stress-free. Plus, it’s a convenient and budget-friendly recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making them a perfect dinner option when time is short. In just 20 minutes, you can have juicy, golden-brown chicken bites tossed and coated in garlic and butter sauce. This dish is perfect for a busy night when you want a meal that’s simple yet delicious. It’s also a great way to impress your family with something that seems fancy but is actually very easy to make, allowing you to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your evening.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a great choice for a quick and flavorful meal. This dish combines shrimp, fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and a hint of garlic, all ready to serve in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want to whip up something special without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner option or a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on taste, this shrimp dish has got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuna Macaroni Salad

A bowl of creamy macaroni salad garnished with herbs and sprinkled with paprika.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a great go-to for a quick, budget-friendly meal. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s a straightforward mix of elbow macaroni, canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and a few other ingredients you probably already have. It’s also perfect for meal prep or to take along to your next gathering. Feel free to play around with the recipe to make it your own.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Quick and hearty, the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is perfect for those who want a delicious meal without the long prep time. This dish features a generous mix of frozen broccoli and cauliflower enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce with crispy bacon bits, all topped with fresh green onions. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great way to incorporate vegetables into your dinner routine in a way that everyone will love. This casserole is a stress-free solution for a nutritious meal during busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a lifesaver on hectic days. It blends Italian sausage, cream cheese, pureed and diced tomatoes, and heavy cream into a rich, hearty meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for when you’re craving something comforting but don’t have hours to spend cooking. This soup is not only filling but also packed with bold flavors, making it a hit for both weeknight dinners and when you need a quick, filling meal to serve to guests who drop by unexpectedly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is a gorgeous mix of flavors and colors with minimal effort. Season chicken with fajita spices, add cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, and bake. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick dinner that’s both easy and filling. This dish transforms your evening meal into a festive occasion without the need for complicated preparations, perfect for busy families needing a quick and flavorful dinner solution after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

With only 30 minutes from start to finish, Creamy Dijon Chicken is a great choice for a quick and delicious dinner. It features tender chicken breasts coated in a smooth, creamy Dijon mustard sauce with spinach and bits of bacon for that balance of flavors that can brighten up your mealtime. This dish is perfect for those days when you’re pressed for time but still want a meal that feels gourmet. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers big on taste and comfort, making your dinner routine a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken makes dinner quick and delicious, featuring juicy chicken thighs in a creamy sauce of heavy cream and chicken broth enriched with spices and sun-dried tomatoes that bring a pop of flavor. It’s ready in 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but crave a meal that’s out of the ordinary. This dish not only satisfies hunger quickly but also adds a touch of elegance to your dining table, so you can enjoy a lovely dinner any night of the week without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet, combining ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheese, and mushrooms into a hearty meal. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top and broil until golden, adding a deliciously melted cheese layer. This dish is a great solution for busy evenings, serving a filling dinner that doesn’t take much time or effort. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a good meal but would rather spend less time cooking and more time with family or relaxing after a long day.
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.

Ready in just 30 minutes, Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a straightforward one-pan meal that features tender chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce of chicken stock and heavy cream. It’s a great choice for anyone needing a quick, filling meal that feels a bit special without the long prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish makes sure you can have a comforting meal on the table swiftly, helping you wind down without stress.
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 features ground beef, cauliflower rice, fresh spinach, and cheddar cheese, which together create a hearty, protein-rich dish that’s also low on carbs. This rich, flavorful casserole is ready in no time — it takes only 30 minutes from start to finish. This quick and easy dish is perfect for those evenings when you’re pressed for time but still want a meal that feels homemade and hearty. It saves you time and energy, making it easier to enjoy your evening without the hassle of a complicated dinner prep.
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.

Canned Chicken Patties are a quick and versatile dinner option that’s ready in just 20 minutes. These patties are made with canned chicken, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, a choice of ground sunflower seed meal or almond flour, and a mix of spices, including garlic and onion powders. Whether served as a simple entree with a side or as part of a hearty sandwich, these patties are a perfect solution for a hurried mealtime. This recipe is especially valuable for those days when you’re short on time but still want a thoughtfully prepared meal. It’s a practical choice that keeps dinner easy and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This simple recipe allows you to whip up some Creamy Garlic Chicken in just 30 minutes. It features chicken breasts seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, cooked until golden in avocado oil. The chicken is combined with a creamy sauce of chicken stock and heavy cream, finished with grated Parmesan. It’s a great option for those seeking a comforting meal without the time commitment usually involved in cooking creamy, flavorful dishes. This quick-cooking recipe means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal and relaxing.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Lemon Garlic Scallops are a breeze to make and are on your table in less than 30 minutes, making them a great pick for when you’re pressed for time. You’ll get a delicious sear on the scallops and a punch of flavor from the garlic and lemon without the long prep work. Serve on their own or with your favorite side dish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.