35 easy 30-minute recipes to put an end to your takeout habit

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Kicking the takeout habit has never been easier with these easy 30-minute recipes. We get it; life’s hectic, and sometimes, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But what if you could whip up something great in the same amount of time it takes to decide on a takeout menu? That’s exactly what we’re here for. These 35 recipes are perfect for busy folks looking to save some cash and still enjoy a homemade meal.

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

In just 30 minutes, whip up this creamy garlic chicken to break your takeout habit. It’s all about chicken breasts in a smooth sauce with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. It’s easy to make and pairs well with whatever side you like. Great for a quick dinner or making a regular night feel a bit more special. It’s simple, quick, and tastes great, showing you can make something great at home fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Here’s a fast shrimp recipe that beats takeout any day. Garlic sauce, grape tomatoes, and spinach make this dish a winner, and it’s all done in one pot in 30 minutes. Perfect for when you’re short on time but want something really good.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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.

30 minutes is all you need to make these Thai turkey meatballs in a coconut curry sauce. It’s easy, quick, and packed with flavor. A fantastic way to switch up dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. This meal is a great way to keep dinner interesting and cut down on ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Italian sausage soup is your quick fix for a busy day. It’s like your favorite tomato soup but better, with Italian sausage, Parmesan, and cream cheese making it super rich. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the kind of meal that fills you up fast and brings warmth to the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking pan.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a dish that mixes broccoli and cauliflower with cheese sauce and bacon, baked until it’s perfectly golden. Using frozen veggies makes this super easy and cuts down on mess. It’s ready in 30 minutes and is a perfect pick for when you’re craving something good but want to keep things easy. A great way to enjoy a homemade meal without much work.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Bowl of asparagus noodles with alfredo sauce and bacon with a fork.
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this for something different: asparagus noodles in Alfredo sauce with bacon on top. It’s a fun way to mix up your pasta game, and it’s not something you’d find in a takeout box. Plus, it’s ready in 30 minutes, making your weeknight dinner easy and interesting.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

Switch it up with these lemon garlic scallops. They’re ready in no time (30 minutes to be exact), cooked in one pan, and they’re just the right mix of lemony and garlicky. Fast, simple, and impressive for any night.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy spinach chicken bake in a glass baking dish.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish is a no-brainer for ditching takeout. Throw chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella in a dish, and 30 minutes later, you’ve got yourself a killer meal. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it hits the spot every time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Bell Pepper Sandwich

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

This bell pepper sandwich is ready in 10 minutes, providing you with something super quick. It’s stuffed with turkey, cream cheese, cucumbers, avocado, cheese, mustard, everything bagel seasoning, and bacon. It’s fresh, easy, and filling, making it a perfect quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A person is holding a wooden spoon full of chicken in a sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try these garlic butter chicken bites if you’re thinking about takeout. They’re done in 20 minutes and cook up in one skillet. Pair them with rice and veggies or toss them on a salad. It’s an easy, fast way to get dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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 sheet pan dinner is your go-to on busy nights. Just toss sausage and whatever veggies you’ve got on a pan, bake, and boom, dinner’s ready. It’s easy to make, fills you up, and gets you back to your evening without missing a beat.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Forget about takeout with this baked chicken fajita that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s loaded with chicken breasts, cream cheese, sweet peppers, spices, and mozzarella, all in one dish for an easy cleanup. Simple to make and full of flavor, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This cabbage and sausage recipe is quicker than ordering out. With just cabbage, sausage, and onions, it’s super straightforward to whip up. Add your favorite side or protein, and in less than 30 minutes, you have a meal that’s easy and quick.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi fries with dill dip on a plate.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Switch up your side dish routine with Halloumi Fries. Made from a special cheese that doesn’t melt, these fries are ready in 25 minutes. They’re a great alternative to the usual sides, perfect on their own or with your favorite dip.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

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 skillet meal is a great choice for a busy evening, outdoing any takeout option. In 30 minutes, you can have ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheddar combined into a protein-rich dinner. It’s straightforward enough for beginners and quick for anyone needing a meal without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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.

In just 30 minutes, you can mix up this cucumber and onion salad with a creamy dill dressing. It’s crisp, quick, and uses ingredients you likely already have. Great as a light lunch or a side, it’s an easy addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Green Chile Chicken

A skillet of green chile chicken with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Transform leftover chicken into a 20-minute creation. This one-skillet dish features shredded chicken thighs with green chilies in a creamy sauce. It’s quick, simple, and provides a flavorful option for those busy days when you need a meal without a lot of prep.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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

Experience the richness of risotto without the traditional effort with this cauliflower version. Cooked in one pan with cauliflower rice and mushrooms, it’s creamy and ready in 30 minutes. This side dish is versatile, pairing well with a variety of mains.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

Greek salad in mason jars.
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Put together these Greek salad jars in just 10 minutes for a convenient lunch option. They’re fresh, simple to assemble, and perfect for grabbing on the go. With these jars, you can enjoy a quick, healthy alternative to takeout.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

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.

For a quick meal that’s different from typical fast food, these cucumber boats are filled with chicken, cheese, and bacon for a flavorful, easy option. They’re excellent for those days when you’re looking for something quick yet flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Meal Prep Low-Carb Meatballs And Cauliflower Rice

Meal prep low-carb meatballs and cauliflower rice in a glass container.
Meal Prep Low-Carb Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This combo of homemade meatballs and cauliflower rice is a lifesaver for lunch or dinner, especially when you’re swamped. In 30 minutes, mix up some ground beef, mozzarella, parsley, and spices into meatballs, then serve them over cauliflower rice. It’s an easy meal prep choice that’ll keep you away from takeout during those hectic evenings.
Get the Recipe: Meal Prep Low-Carb Meatballs And Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Spice up your dinner routine with this Creamy Dijon Chicken. It’s got chicken thighs in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce with spinach and bacon, making it a meal you’ll look forward to. Done in 30 minutes and all in one skillet, it’s a no-brainer for a busy weeknight that everyone at the table will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

A plate with broccoli and chicken patties on it.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Break free from dinner monotony with these canned chicken patties. They’re crispy outside, tender inside, and work great with salads, as a burger, or by themselves. Whip them up in 20 minutes for a quick, easy-to-make meal on those nights when cooking is the last thing you want to do.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini spicy canned salmon patties in a serving bowl.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Kick things up a notch with these spicy canned salmon patties, mixed with jalapeño and cayenne, and served with a tangy lemon dill aioli. They’re a hit for any gathering or when you’re in the mood for an appetizing snack that’s quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon dish is all about combining simplicity with great flavor. It’s ready to serve in only 25 minutes, letting you enjoy the mix of tender cabbage and savory bacon. Perfect for when you need something quick and good on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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.

This dish is a lifesaver on busy evenings, with chicken thighs cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Ingredients like heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning come together to create a hearty and flavorful meal in just 30 minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy a homemade dinner that’s easy and quick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Serve up this chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce in just 30 minutes. It’s the right pick for those nights when you’re looking for a great meal but want to keep things simple. Pair it with your favorite grain or veggies for a complete, hassle-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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

Enjoy chicken thighs in a delicious artichoke cream sauce, ready in 30 minutes. This dish is easy to make yet fancy enough for special dinners. It’s a great way to make a weeknight feel a bit more special without a lot of work.
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.

These crispy chicken nuggets, ready in 30 minutes, are a fantastic homemade alternative to takeout. Made with canned chicken and a crunchy exterior, they’re baked to perfection. Serve with your favorite sides and dips for a meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked sliced zucchini with parmesan on a white plate.
Baked Sliced Zucchini. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 20-minute baked zucchini with Parmesan is a simple and delicious side dish. It’s perfect for rounding out any meal, especially on those nights when you need something quick and good.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Curry salmon with coconut milk and bok choy in a bowl with a fork.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This curry salmon dish brings together salmon, coconut milk, bok choy, and green beans in a flavorful curry sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a light yet comforting meal that’s perfect for a quick, healthy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

A casserole dish with meat and spinach in it.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix up beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar for this easy casserole, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a wholesome, quick dinner option that helps you skip the takeout and enjoy a homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Sticky Sauce Chicken

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

Enjoy this Sticky Sauce Chicken, a dish that combines chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy sauce, all in one pan and ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s a great choice for a quick, flavorful meal on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

Zucchini Bites

A zucchini bite being dipped into a dipping sauce.
Zucchini Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These cheesy zucchini bites, ready in 30 minutes, are a fantastic snack or side dish. With shredded zucchini, Parmesan, cheddar, and Italian seasoning, they’re a delicious way to get more veggies into your meals.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

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

This soup mixes cauliflower, cheddar, and bacon and is ready in 30 minutes. It’s all made in one pot, making it an easy meal for a busy night. If you don’t have bacon, turkey bacon or ham make great substitutes.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

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