We love these 25 recipes that are made in 30 minutes or less

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These 25 recipes that are made in 30 minutes or less are ones we love to whip up. They’re quick, easy, and always hit the spot. Whether you’re short on time or just want a great meal without too much hassle, these recipes are your go-to. You’ll find that making a delicious meal doesn’t need to be a big project — with these ideas, you’re set for a great meal that’s simple and quick.

A pan with shrimp, tomatoes and spinach in it.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake

Cheesy spinach and chicken casserole.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This chicken and spinach bake is a great option when you’re pressed for time. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella into a warm and hearty meal. Perfect for those evenings when you want something filling yet easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This dish proves that you don’t need a lot of time and energy to enjoy a hearty dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish combines the flavors of smoky sausage with the wholesome goodness of cabbage. It’s a great choice for those nights when you’re looking for something quick, hearty, and full of flavor without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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.

Cook this flavorful ground beef and cauliflower rice skillet in just 30 minutes. It combines ground beef, cheese, cauliflower, and mushrooms, creating a hearty dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part — leftovers store perfectly so you can still enjoy them the next day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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.

Here’s a warm and hearty choice you can make for dinner tonight. Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream. This one-pan dish is simple, quick, and perfect for nights when you crave something flavor-packed and filling.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This veggie casserole is a great addition to your weeknight dinner routine. It combines broccoli and cauliflower with a creamy cheese blend and a touch of bacon, baked until bubbling and golden and ready in just half an hour. This dish is a great go-to for those busy nights when you need a nutritious meal that’s both easy to prepare and enjoyable for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a quick and flavorful dish you should try for dinner. Juicy chicken thighs are simmered in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, all topped with spinach and bacon. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a straightforward recipe that’s perfect for busy evenings, providing a hearty meal that’s both quick and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

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.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a breeze to prepare and is ready in 30 minutes. Just spread your sausages and a medley of veggies on the pan, bake, and you’re all set. It’s a straightforward, nutritious dinner option for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a meal that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

A pan full of shrimp, tomatoes and spinach.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuscan-inspired shrimp and spinach meal is a quick, impressive dinner you can serve in just 30 minutes. Perfectly cooked shrimp are simmered with fresh spinach and grape tomatoes in a savory garlic sauce. It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious seafood meal that fits perfectly into a hectic schedule.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Ready in a quick 30 minutes, this chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce dish is perfect for a busy evening. In this recipe, chicken thighs are smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. This dish is an excellent choice for those times when you need something heartwarming but easy to make. Serve it on its own, on top of cauliflower rice, or alongside a simple veggie side dish for a more wholesome dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Garlic Chicken

Garnished creamy garlic chicken over cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Garlic Chicken dish is a quick and easy option for your dinner plans. In only 30 minutes, you can enjoy tender chicken breasts simmered in a garlicky Parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you need a quick yet delicious meal. Serve it solo or over rice with a side to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken bites with garlic butter and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick dinner in just 20 minutes, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a fantastic choice. They’re prepared stovetop, featuring juicy, tender chicken pieces in a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is great for busy nights when you want something quick, easy, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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.

These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a quick and easy meal that features chicken salad made with ingredients like canned chicken, bacon, and cheese that is scooped into hollowed-out cucumber halves. They can be made in 30 minutes and store well to eat later.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Green Chile Chicken

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

Try this Green Chile Chicken. It’s a one-skillet recipe that can be made with leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s easy to make and takes only 20 minutes to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

A dish of cauliflower risotto with mushrooms with a fork.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is the perfect solution for a quick, flavor-packed side dish. Unlike traditional risotto, this dish is quick but still creamy and flavorful, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something special without a long cooking process. Ready in just 30 minutes and requiring only one pan, it’s a hassle-free recipe you can turn to any night.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. It’s an excellent choice for a quick yet impressive dinner on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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.

When you’re pressed for time, this casserole is a fantastic pick. Ready in 30 minutes, it blends ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar into a hearty meal. It’s a perfect choice for those evenings when you want a balanced and flavorful meal that’s both quick to prepare and enjoyable for the entire family.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

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

If you haven’t tried this recipe yet, this is your sign to do so. In this recipe, you’ll combine seasoned chicken breasts, cream cheese, and sweet peppers, then top it all off with melted mozzarella. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a great go-to for those busy evenings. Pair it with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies for a complete and enjoyable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked 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.

This one-pan recipe brings together juicy chicken thighs and artichoke hearts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with a touch of lemon. This dish is easy to make, has simple ingredients, and can be on the dinner table in 30 minutes. It’s perfect for nights when you want a protein-packed dinner that’s easy to put together, and everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Get these Canned Chicken Patties on your table in just 20 minutes. Serve them alone, in a sandwich, or alongside your favorite veggies for a quick, versatile meal that’s both easy and enjoyable. This recipe is perfect when you need something straightforward and delicious in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In about 25 minutes, this dish combines cabbage and bacon for a dinner that’s both quick and full of flavor. Whether you serve it as a hearty side or a light main course, it’s an easy way to add a flavorful vegetable dish to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Bell Pepper Sandwich

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

Swap traditional bread for bell peppers and load it up with turkey, cream cheese, cucumbers, mashed avocado, cheese, stone-ground mustard, everything bagel seasoning, and crispy bacon instead. These sandwiches can be made in as little as 10 minutes, making them perfect for those days when you want something easy and light but still filling.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Sticky sauce chicken, broccoli, and sesame seeds in a pot.
Sticky Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In less than 30 minutes, this one-skillet dish brings you chicken thighs in a savory, sweet and spicy sauce. It’s a quick and easy-to-make recipe, perfect for those busy evenings when you want a protein-packed meal that’s filling and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

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.

Prepare and serve these meatballs with ground turkey, coconut aminos, coconut milk, curry powder, and red curry paste for a meal rich in Thai flavors in just 30 minutes. The homemade coconut curry sauce is the star of this dish. It enhances the flavors of the meatballs, making this dish an excellent option for a flavorful and quick meal any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Easy keto cauliflower cheddar cheese bacon soup in a pot with a spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy cheddar soup is a perfect way to enjoy a comforting meal on a busy evening. This dish combines cauliflower, chicken broth, butter, heavy cream, cheese, and crispy bacon for a quick and hearty dinner. This soup is great for a comforting weeknight dinner, especially since it’s very easy to make with ingredients you likely have at home.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Bowl of creamy bacon asparagus pasta with a fork.
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a fresh take on the classic Alfredo pasta. Asparagus is turned into thin pasta-like noodles and then mixed generously with homemade Alfredo sauce and crispy bacon. It’s a quick and easy way to add more greens to your dinners and makes for a perfect weeknight meal since you can prep and serve this in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

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