27 extra easy dinners to help you take it easy tonight (finally!)

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Extra easy dinners are just what you need when you’re feeling worn out and looking for something simple to whip up without any hassle. You deserve a moment to breathe, and these recipes are here to help you relax tonight — because after a long day, the last thing you need is to stress over dinner.

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

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.

The Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil brings together shrimp, baby red potatoes, corn, andouille sausage, and a squeeze of lemon, all roasted on one sheet pan. Everything is seasoned with Old Bay for that classic, comforting flavor. It’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a meal that feels hearty but is easy to pull together. There’s no need for extra sides, so you save time on prep and cleanup. Plus, it reheats well, giving you another simple meal for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

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.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is as simple as it sounds. You take your favorite sausages, zucchini, broccoli, and mini peppers, pop them on a sheet pan, and bake until everything’s cooked and flavorful. It’s a great way to make a complete meal with minimal effort, and there’s almost no cleanup. You can even switch up the veggies based on what’s in your fridge, making this dish flexible for any night of the week. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for when you want to enjoy dinner without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a quick, comforting dish that’s rich in flavor. Sausage, Parmesan, and cream cheese come together in a creamy broth. It’s ready in 30 minutes, which makes it a go-to for evenings when you’re short on time but still want something filling. You can use whatever leftovers you have in the fridge to make it even easier. This soup is a practical choice for those cold nights when you want something comforting without spending all night in the kitchen.
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.

With Fajita Baked Chicken, you get all the flavors of fajitas in a simple baked dish. Chicken, sweet peppers, cream cheese, and mozzarella come together in a cheesy, delicious bake that’s ready in just 30 minutes. You can let the oven do most of the work while you take a break. It’s a great way to serve up something the whole family will love without staying in the kitchen all evening.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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 make and packed with flavor. The chicken is seared to perfection, then tossed in garlic and butter, creating a rich taste that works well with just about anything — pasta, veggies, or even on their own. The recipe takes only 20 minutes, making it a great option for those nights when you need something fast. There’s minimal prep and cleanup, which means more time to relax after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

The Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole combines broccoli and cauliflower with melted cheese and crispy bacon, all baked together in one dish. It’s a great way to add vegetables to your meal without sacrificing flavor. The cheese adds a creamy texture, and the bacon brings a little crunch. It’s a simple, filling dish for when you want something hearty without a lot of prep.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This Cabbage and Sausage dish is the kind of meal that keeps things simple when you need it most. Everything goes into one pan, making clean-up easy, and the flavors from the sausage make the cabbage really delicious. You can swap out sausages depending on what’s in your fridge, so there’s no need to stress over specific ingredients. It’s a hearty, filling meal that’s perfect for a busy evening. You’ll appreciate how this meal keeps things low-key when you just need a break.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a simple, one-pan meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, and cheddar come together for a comforting and hearty dish. It’s a great way to make something quick without feeling like you’re cutting corners. This meal also keeps well in the fridge, so you can save the leftovers for another night. It’s one of those easy dinners that helps you unwind and enjoy the evening without worrying about tomorrow’s meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

When you’re running low on time and energy, the Spinach Chicken Bake comes to the rescue. It combines chicken, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella into a creamy, comforting dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This bake is perfect for when you need something easy and filling after a long day. Plus, it reheats well, so any leftovers will make tomorrow’s meal simple, too. It’s a great way to have a home-cooked meal using simple ingredients and even simpler steps.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is the answer when you need a fresh, crunchy side dish that’s quick to put together. It’s light, refreshing, and the dill dressing adds a great flavor without much effort. Ready in about 30 minutes, this salad goes well with grilled chicken or fish. It’s perfect for when you’re looking for something light and easy to add to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bell Pepper Sandwich

Bell pepper sandwich cut in half on a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re looking for something quick and a little different, the Bell Pepper Sandwich is a great choice. Instead of bread, you use crisp bell peppers and then fill them with cream cheese, turkey, bacon, avocado, and cucumber. It takes just 10 minutes to put together and gives you a nice mix of textures — perfect for when you need something light but filling after a long day, without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken turns an everyday chicken breast into something special in just 30 minutes. The creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce is rich and flavorful, and it’s perfect served over pasta or rice. The chicken stays tender, and the sauce makes every bite delicious. This recipe is great for when you want a home-cooked meal without the extra work. You’ll get a rich, flavorful dish with minimal effort, making it an easy option for busy nights when you still want something nice to eat.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

The Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken fits the bill when you need a comforting meal that doesn’t take much time. The chicken thighs cook quickly, soaking up the rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. It’s ready in 30 minutes and tastes like you spent way more time on it. Make this on those nights when you want something simple and comforting that doesn’t take forever to cook.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

In FDL library.
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon is a great option when you want pasta night without all the carbs. You use asparagus strips instead of regular pasta, topped with a creamy Alfredo sauce and crispy bacon. It’s a lighter alternative to pasta but still hits the spot with all the flavors you love from a creamy Alfredo dish. And it’s ready in 30 minutes, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen all evening!
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are a great way to add excitement to dinner without much effort. The ground turkey is seasoned with curry spices, and the creamy coconut sauce adds just the right balance of heat and sweetness. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for when you want something easy but flavorful. The meatballs reheat well, so leftovers are no problem. It’s a simple way to change up your dinner routine without needing extra time or energy.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

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 is great for when you need something comforting and easy after a long day. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have seasoned chicken thighs cooked in a creamy sauce with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. The mushrooms add richness, while the sun-dried tomatoes brighten things up. Pair it with pasta or salad to complete the meal without adding any extra work. It’s one of those simple dinners that helps you relax and enjoy the evening without stress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

Lemon Garlic Scallops make dinner feel special, even when time is short. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re cooked with simple, fresh ingredients like lemon, garlic, and herbs. The flavors are light but punchy, and it all comes together quickly. It’s a great option for when you want something that feels a little fancy without the stress of a complicated recipe. Serve with a salad or pasta, and you’ve got a complete meal!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

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.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a great choice when you want something hearty but easy. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a casserole packed with beef, spinach, and cauliflower rice, all topped with melted cheddar. It’s filling without being heavy, and the spinach adds a bit of freshness. This dish is also perfect for anyone cutting back on carbs. It’s quick to make, and any leftovers taste just as great the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a quick and comforting dish for busy nights. Ready in just 30 minutes, this version swaps traditional risotto rice for cauliflower rice, making it lighter and faster to prepare. The mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor, and the cream and Parmesan add a touch of indulgence. This dish is a great option when you want something a little special but still easy on those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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 one-pan meal that’s full of flavor but light and fresh. Shrimp cook quickly in a garlic sauce, with a little extra kick from red pepper flakes and smoked paprika. Fresh grape tomatoes and spinach round out the dish, adding brightness and color. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this is one of those simple dinners that helps you feel good about what you’re eating while keeping things easy.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats is a quick, light and refreshing meal. Cucumber halves are filled with a mix of chicken, bacon, cheese, and homemade ranch seasoning. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and easy to make, perfect for days when you want something fast and light. This recipe is great for nights when you don’t want to spend much time preparing dinner but still want something fresh and filling. With dinner sorted in minutes, you can take a break sooner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Creamy Dijon Chicken is perfect for those nights when you want something rich and flavorful without a lot of effort. Tender chicken thighs cook in a tangy Dijon mustard sauce, with spinach and bacon adding great depth to the dish. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and comes together in one pan, so cleanup is quick and easy. The mustard brings a mild kick, but nothing too overpowering. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you need a comforting, delicious meal that doesn’t leave you with extra dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Canned Chicken Patties are a great option when you need dinner fast but still want something filling and delicious. Made from canned chicken, eggs, Parmesan, and a few spices, these patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They come together in just 20 minutes, which makes them perfect for busy families or nights when you don’t feel like spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve them with veggies, low-carb bread, or on their own — they’re flexible enough for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a great dish for when you want a simple but flavorful dinner. The cabbage stays crisp, and the bacon adds just enough richness. It’s all done in less than 30 minutes, and since you only need one pan, cleanup is a breeze. Whether you make it as a main dish or a side, it’s a quick, easy option that won’t overwhelm you after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Green Chile Chicken

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green Chile Chicken is your go-to for a fast, flavorful meal. It takes just 20 minutes and is perfect for using up leftover chicken. The green chiles bring a mild kick without being too spicy, so it’s great for a variety of tastes. This dish is easy to throw together but tastes like you spent more time on it than you did. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, it’s a reliable choice for a no-stress dinner.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

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.

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is a dinner that feels special but doesn’t require much effort. The chicken is tender, and the creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the mild flavor of the artichoke hearts. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and is a great choice for when you want something a little different but still easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce.
Keto Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Keto Chicken Nuggets are the perfect dinner for when you need something quick and kid-friendly. These nuggets bake up in just 30 minutes and are coated in pork rinds for that crispy texture. They’re great with dipping sauces or added to a salad if you want to switch it up a bit. Easy to make and fun to eat, they’re a great choice for when you want to keep dinner simple but still crave something filling.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

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