27 pin-worthy recipes that make cooking fun again

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Ready to dive into some pin-worthy recipes that make cooking fun again? You’ve hit the jackpot. These recipes are all about bringing joy back to your kitchen, without making you sweat over complicated steps. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive weekend treats, there’s something here to spark a little excitement in your cooking routine. Dust off that apron, and let’s turn meal prep into something you actually look forward to.

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan dish makes cooking exciting again. In just 40 minutes, you’ll have chicken thighs with crispy skin, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce. It’s a filling and impressive meal that’s perfect for any night. Serve it with some garlic bread or a side of pasta to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

A dish of seasoned shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage slices, and potato chunks garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is a flavor-packed, filling dinner that’s easy to prepare and ready in under an hour. With baby red potatoes, corn, andouille sausage, shrimp, and lemon slices all seasoned with Old Bay, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or for a nice weekend dinner. The leftovers are just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

This dish is a great way to make cooking fun again. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a low-carb, one-pan meal. The chicken is cooked with a creamy mushroom sauce that’s straightforward to prepare and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

This dish is a great way to make cooking fun again. Ready in just 30 minutes and made in one pan, it features shrimp, tomatoes, spinach, and coconut milk. Every bite is packed with flavor, making it an impressive yet straightforward meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Grilled chicken pieces with a glossy glaze, garnished with chopped herbs, served on a beige plate.
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken combines sweet and spicy flavors, making it great for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. Ready in just 40 minutes, the chicken is marinated in a homemade hot honey sauce, grilled, and brushed with extra sauce. The hot honey sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, and the chicken stays juicy even when reheated—perfect for leftovers or packed lunches.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry with rice in a bowl with a fork.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe makes weeknight dinners exciting again. It’s a one-pan dish featuring sausages and vegetables cooked in a rich and creamy curry sauce. Perfect for a family meal, it’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Reuben Bowls

Sautéed red and white cabbage in a pan, topped with melted cheese and a drizzle of pink sauce, with a serving spoon.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Reuben Bowls are a quick and easy meal, ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for dinner or a make-ahead lunch, they feature browned deli corned beef, coleslaw or shredded cabbage, sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and a drizzle of homemade Thousand Island dressing (or store-bought if you prefer).
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Baked Ravioli

A white plate with a portion of baked ravioli topped with a red tomato sauce and garnished with chopped herbs. A silver fork is positioned on the left side of the plate.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s like lasagna but with a lot less effort. Using frozen cheese ravioli cuts down on prep time, and layers of marinara sauce and melted cheeses create a satisfying meal that comes together in just 1 hour.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This casserole makes cooking exciting again, whether for a weeknight dinner or a holiday side. Just steam some frozen broccoli and cauliflower, mix them with a creamy cheese sauce and bacon, and bake until bubbly. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a great dish for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

In FDL library.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish makes cooking fun again with its rich flavors and quick prep. In just 30 minutes, you can have a nutrient-packed, high-protein meal ready to go. The homemade curry paste, made with curry powder, fresh ginger, and coconut milk, pairs perfectly with salmon and bok choy. Plus, it all comes together in one pan and even freezes well.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A spoonful of soup in a white pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is a great way to make cooking fun again. You can have it ready in just 30 minutes, all in one pot. With Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream, it turns into a rich and creamy meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

These scallops are perfect for your next at-home date night. They’re ready in less than 30 minutes and made in one pan. The lemon and garlic bring out the best in the scallops, making them a great choice for a special meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

In FDL library.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These meatballs bring excitement back to your weeknight dinners. Made with ground turkey, coconut aminos, canned coconut milk, curry powder, and red curry paste, they’re full of rich flavor. Best of all, you can have them ready to serve in just 30 minutes, making them a great choice for any night.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This chicken bake is perfect for weeknight family dinners. Ready in just 30 minutes, it features chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella. It’s a great way to make cooking fun again and enjoy a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

This dish is a great way to make cooking fun again. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this one-pan meal. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, then topped with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, fresh spinach, and crumbled bacon. It’s a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick weeknight meal, this one-pan skillet dish makes cooking exciting again. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. It’s an easy way to enjoy a great dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is a great way to make cooking fun again. It’s like Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana but low-carb and gluten-free, with radishes instead of potatoes. Even if you’re not into low-carb, you’ll love the flavor. Ready in just 1 hour, it’s a hearty and tasty option.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe makes cooking exciting with tender chicken thighs in a creamy sauce with artichokes and lemon juice. It’s packed with flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is a great way to make cooking fun again. Ready in just 45 minutes and made in one pot, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and leisurely weekends. Its easy steps make it a hit for cooks of all skill levels.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This dish makes cooking fun again. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this one-pan meal. Chicken breasts are cooked on the stovetop in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole is a great go-to for weeknight dinners. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy enough for beginner cooks—no need to stuff vegetables. Ready in just 45 minutes, it makes a filling and flavorful family meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

A bowl of chicken pot pie soup being scooped with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pot recipe makes cooking a breeze. Hearty, creamy, and cozy, it’s easy to whip up with straightforward ingredients. In just 1 hour, you’ll have a comforting family dinner on the table. Pair it with some crusty bread or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pot soup makes cooking fun again. In just a few steps, you’ll have a creamy and flavorful bowl ready in 1 hour. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s easy enough for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe brings excitement back to cooking. Cubed butternut squash and cauliflower florets are oven-baked with red onion, bacon, and wilted spinach. Tossed in a homemade dressing and then garnished with sour cream, it’s perfect for a filling and healthy dinner or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup brings excitement back to your dinner routine. Extra easy to make, it comes together in one pot in just 40 minutes. It’s nutrient-dense and filling, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

These chicken bites bring excitement back to cooking. Cooked to perfection on the stovetop, they yield juicy, tender pieces in a buttery garlic sauce. This easy recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a great choice for any night.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pot soup is perfect for busy evenings. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s easy to whip up and great for getting some extra fiber and veggies into your diet.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

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