37 easy 30-minute recipes that will end your takeout habit

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Easy 30-minute recipes are great for anyone looking to reduce their takeout habit. These 37 recipes are quick and simple, making them perfect for busy days. With these recipes, you can make home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Say goodbye to frequent takeout and enjoy making your own meals in just 30 minutes.

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
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.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a one-pan meal made in just 30 minutes. The dish features chicken breasts cooked on the stovetop in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. It’s an impressive yet easy-to-prepare recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This casserole mixes steamed broccoli and cauliflower with a cheesy sauce and bacon which are then baked to perfection. Frozen vegetables are the star of this recipe, saving you time on preparation and cleanup. Since you can make this in just 30 minutes, it’s a practical yet filling option for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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.

Get “curried” away with this flavorful dish showcasing tender turkey meatballs simmering in a Thai curry sauce. This dish is very easy to make and perfect for busy days since you can make it in just 30 minutes. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a quick, flavorful meal that’s nutritious and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake can be made in only 30 minutes and is perfect for weeknight family dinners. This casserole recipe features chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of creamy Italian sausage soup with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Perfect for busy evenings, this soup combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes for a hearty meal. The blend of sausage and Parmesan adds a rich flavor, making it more appealing than a basic tomato soup. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an effortless choice for a filling and warm meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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.

This 30-minute casserole features ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar. It’s a popular choice for weeknight dinners, offering that much-needed balance of protein and vegetables.
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.

This Cheesy Chicken Fajita Bake features oven-baked chicken breasts that are seasoned with a blend of spices topped with a layer of cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
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 is a one-pan recipe that can be made in less than 30 minutes and yields a delicious and filling dish.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

We love one-pot dinners because they make clean-up a breeze, and this impressive yet easy-to-make Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is another one on our list. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish features perfectly cooked shrimp packed with flavor in a coconut milk garlic sauce and paired with fresh grape tomatoes and spinach for a beautiful pop of color. Also, you can make this in just 30 minutes – because, let’s face it, our time is precious, and nobody wants to spend all night cooking and cleaning up in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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.

A fun and innovative way to get in some extra veggies to your meal, this Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon is another 30-minute meal you need to try. Asparagus is surprisingly very easy to peel into long, thin strips to yield pasta-like noodles. After cooking the asparagus, top it generously with the delicious homemade Alfredo sauce and bacon crumbles. It’s so easy to make and you won’t believe how good and creamy this “pasta” dish is.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

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 your quick fix for a busy evening meal. Made in just one pan, you can prep and serve this dish featuring ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheddar in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect, easy-to-make recipe for beginner cooks or anyone looking to get a protein-rich dinner on the table fast.
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.

Crisp, light, refreshing, and can be made and served in only 30 minutes. This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is a great quick-prep dish for family dinners. It is so easy to make and uses ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Just slice cucumbers and red onions, toss them in a creamy dill dressing, and chill — that’s it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

You don’t need to be intimidated by preparing seafood at home, especially if you are making these Lemon Garlic Scallops. Ready in less than 30 minutes and made in just one pan, it features golden pan-seared and melt-in-your-mouth scallops, coated in a garlicky lemon sauce. It’s a simple yet impressive option when you need something fast and flavorful on the table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

We always say yes to simple and hearty meals like this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan dish combines sausage with a variety of vegetables. It’s easy to make and very versatile — mix and match any veggies you have on hand and then bake it all together. It’s a filling and quick family dish, with minimal clean-up required.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Bell Pepper Sandwich

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

This is a fresh take on a sandwich, using bell peppers as a bun and loading it up with turkey, cream cheese, cucumbers, mashed avocado, cheese, stone-ground mustard, everything bagel seasoning, and crispy bacon.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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

Enjoy a simple and delicious meal with this Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Ready in 30 minutes, this one-pot dish is a hassle-free version of traditional risotto since it uses frozen cauliflower. Creamy and full of flavor, it’s a great addition to both weeknight dinners, offering a unique way to include more vegetables in your meal.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Buttery whole roasted cauliflower on a baking sheet.
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Prepare a special side for your dinner table with Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower. This dish, ready in 30 minutes, features tender cauliflower with a crisp exterior. It’s simple to make, using common ingredients and a process of simmering in chicken stock followed by baking and broiling. This recipe adds a touch of elegance to your festive meals without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

Low-carb Greek salad meal prep jars.
Low-Carb Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars are a fast, 10-minute recipe perfect for a refreshing lunch on the go. Assemble these jars with crisp salad ingredients, topped with a homemade dressing that’s simple yet flavorful. They’re a great choice for those busy days, easy to prepare the night before, and convenient to enjoy the next day, keeping the ingredients fresh and the flavors intact.
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.

These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a quick and easy snack or lunch that features chicken salad made with ingredients like canned chicken, bacon, and cheese that is scooped into hollowed-out cucumber halves.
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.

Meal Prep Low-Carb Meatballs And Cauliflower Rice is a straightforward recipe that brings lunch or dinner to your table in just 30 minutes. This dish features homemade meatballs, combining ground beef with shredded mozzarella, fresh parsley, and a blend of herbs and spices, all served over steamed cauliflower rice. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s both flavorful and convenient for meal prep.
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.

This Creamy Dijon Chicken is a quick and easy one-pan meal that can be on the table in 30 minutes. The chicken is seasoned and cooked to perfection, then topped with a creamy dijon mustard sauce, fresh spinach, and crumbled bacon. It’s a delicious dish that the whole family will love.
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.

This is not a 30-minute meal — because you can make this in just 20 minutes. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these canned chicken patties are best for days when you need something on the table fast. This meal is very versatile. Enjoy it with veggies, rice, or salads — the choices are endless.
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.

These Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties are a delicious appetizer that can be made in just 30 minutes. They are made with ingredients like canned salmon, jalapeño, and a touch of cayenne pepper. They are pan-fried until golden brown before being topped off with a drizzle of lemon dill aioli.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

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 Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup is the definition of a cozy dinner on a cold night. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simple yet hearty blend of steamed cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon — simmered in a perfect combination of seasonings. Ideal for busy weeknights, this soup brings comfort to your table with minimal effort, using everyday ingredients to create a filling, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

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 is a simple and delicious recipe that can be prepared and served in only 25 minutes. Cabbage, bacon, and onion come together to yield a dish with perfectly balanced flavors and textures.
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 Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a delicious one-pan skillet dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The boneless skinless chicken thighs are cooked to perfection in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that is made with ingredients like heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Green Chile Chicken

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

Try this Green Chile Chicken, a one-skillet recipe that is easy to make and takes only 20 minutes. It’s a delicious option for those looking for store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken recipes.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

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 a delicious, low-carb, and 30-minute meal that can be whipped together in just one pan. It’s very straightforward to prepare and you’ll be so impressed with how flavorful the resulting dish is.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Meal Prep Saucy Salmon with Parsley Cauliflower Rice

Meal prep saucy salmon with parsley cauliflower rice in a glass container being held in hands.
Meal Prep Saucy Salmon With Parsley Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Prepare Meal Prep Saucy Salmon with Parsley Cauliflower Rice in just 30 minutes for a practical lunch option. This dish combines seasoned salmon with cauliflower rice, lightly flavored with parsley. It’s an efficient choice for meal prep, providing a balanced and enjoyable meal that’s simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Meal Prep Saucy Salmon with Parsley Cauliflower Rice

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.

This recipe for Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts highlights tender chicken thighs in a creamy sauce with artichokes and lemon juice. It’s mouthwateringly flavorful and comes together in just 30 minutes.
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.

Crispy outside and tender inside. Made with canned chicken and pork rind breading, these nuggets are a quick and flavorful choice for lunch, dinner, or snacks. Serve them with your favorite side and dipping sauce for a meal ready in just 30 minutes.
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 recipe for Baked Sliced Zucchini features how this versatile vegetable can be roasted in the oven. This is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that comes together in just 20 minutes.
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 is a curry salmon dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. Made with homemade curry paste, coconut milk, and fresh vegetables like bok choy, it’s a rich and memorable meal. Make this in just half an hour for a quick and healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Sticky Sauce Chicken

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

This Sticky Sauce Chicken is sure to please everyone at the table. It features tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy sauce made with garlic and ginger.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

Zucchini Bites

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

These Zucchini Bites are a quick, easy, and family-friendly recipe that is whipped together in only 30 minutes. Featuring shredded zucchini, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, and Italian seasoning, these zucchini bites are extra flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

Halloumi Fries

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

These Halloumi Fries are seasoned and oven-baked to perfection. This delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

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.

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are cooked to perfection right on the stovetop to yield bite-sized pieces of juicy, tender chicken in a delicious buttery garlic sauce. This is an easy-to-make recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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