Here are 20 recipes to help change up your dinner routine

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Want to mix up your dinner routine? You’re in the right spot. These 20 recipes bring new ingredients and flavors to your family meals. We’ve made sure these dishes are perfect for busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners. They’re simple and just right for adding some variety to your dinner table.

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

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

Enjoy the homestyle comfort of chicken pot pie in an easy-to-make soup. It’s creamy, hearty, and like the original, you get protein, veggies, and carbs, plus all the familiar flavors of a classic pot pie. Ready in just an hour and made in just one pot, it’s perfect for those busy nights when you want a filling and stress-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a delicious one-pot weeknight dinner idea that is easy enough for beginner cooks to make — no stuffing vegetables required. It comes together in just 45 minutes and yields a filling, flavorful family meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that’s both hearty and simple, this dish should be at the top of your list. Ready in just 30 minutes, it brings together broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and various cheeses. It’s easy enough for any cook and promises comfort on your busiest nights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Sausage Curry

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

Sausage Curry is a straightforward, one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines sausages and vegetables in a creamy curry sauce, offering a great way to change up your regular dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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

Enjoy soup season all year long with this one-pot recipe that combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other wholesome ingredients. It’s a dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when you need a quick, warm, and hearty meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

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

If you haven’t tried this one-skillet dish yet, you’re in for a treat. This dish combines the savory flavors of sausage with the freshness of cabbage, all in one skillet. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s a practical choice for weeknights and a great way to effortlessly add vegetables to your meals. Make this on busy evenings when you need something quick, easy, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted cubed butternut squash and spinach with sour cream.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This sheet pan dinner will surely become a regular in your dinner rotation once you try it. Butternut squash, cauliflower florets, spinach, and bacon are all oven-baked to perfection, tossed in a homemade dressing, and garnished with dollops of sour cream — all in one pan. It’s a flavorful, delicious, and easy-to-make dinner that will warm you right up on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A dish of cheesy spinach casserole with a spoon.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a hearty and comforting dinner that you should try ASAP. Ready in just 30 minutes, enjoy a warm blend of chicken thighs, cream cheese, and spinach, baked to golden perfection. It’s a fantastic choice for those evenings when you want a cozy, no-fuss meal that’s easy to put together.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is a great choice for a quick and hearty dinner. It’s packed with the rich taste of mushrooms and wild rice, which cooks right along with the rest of the soup. This saves time and gets your meal on the table faster.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

This chicken recipe uses straightforward ingredients you may already have at home or that are very easily accessible at the grocery store. It’s a simple, one-pan recipe that combines juicy chicken and a rich mushroom sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, cream, butter, Parmesan, and a blend of spices. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with rice, pasta, or your favorite veggie side for a filling and well-rounded dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Looking for something different for dinner? Try the Twice Baked Potato Casserole. It’s a simple mix of bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Plus, you can make it ahead of time – perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A spoon is serving Hungarian mushroom soup into a bowl.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Hungarian Mushroom Soup is perfect for a comforting meal that’s ready in a snap. It takes just 45 minutes to make this flavorful, one-pot soup. It’s a great pick for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend meals, easy enough for any level of cooking skill.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This dish is a perfect way to enjoy a comforting, heartwarming meal on a hectic day. It combines seasoned chicken, cream cheese, and sweet peppers, baked together until bubbling and golden. Ready in just 35 minutes, from prep to serving, it’s a simple recipe you can make on a weeknight but still impressive enough to please everyone at the table. For the best dinner ever, spoon this dish over steamed rice or serve with a side salad or steamed veggies.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick and easy, making them a great option for a fast dinner. Cooked on the stovetop, these juicy chicken pieces are coated in a rich buttery garlic sauce and ready in just 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a flavorful one-pan dish that’s ready in 40 minutes. It features crispy-skinned chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce. This dish is a great choice for a filling and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan 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 dish is a game-changer for busy evenings. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a mix of your favorite sausages and vegetables, all roasted until caramelized and fork-tender. It’s also very versatile, as you can easily swap in different veggies based on what’s in your fridge. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a filling meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

When you need something that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, this is the kind of dinner you’ll want to turn to on those hectic weeknights. Featuring juicy chicken breasts simmered in a creamy garlic sauce, it’s a hearty and delicious meal that will surely become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

A bowl of soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe’s a must-try. Ready in just an hour with straightforward steps, all you have to do is sauté, simmer, blend, and garnish. The combination of sweet potatoes and red peppers creates a comforting soup that’s both hearty and creamy. It’s a fantastic option for those evenings when you want something warm and homemade but just don’t have the time for complicated recipes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

You’ll love this 30-minute meal for its simplicity and flavors. Juicy chicken thighs are cooked in a rich, creamy sauce made of heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes, all in one pan. It’s easy, hearty, and, best of all, won’t leave you with a ton of dishes after. Make this on busy weeknights or, really, any day you need a quick and impressive dinner for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Creamy ground beef and cauliflower rice skillet garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s another one-skillet dinner you need to try soon. This dish cooks ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, heavy cream, and cheddar in the same pan, meaning no flavor goes to waste. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those nights when you’re looking for something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

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