17 quick dinners that say ‘no’ to hour-long recipes

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If you’re all about quick dinners that can be whipped up faster than you can say, “Where’s the takeout menu?”, then you’re in the right place. Let’s be real, no one has the time or energy to spend an entire evening attached to the stove. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 17 speedy meals, all made in 30 minutes or less, that laugh in the face of those hour-long recipes. These dishes are the perfect sidekick for busy nights, so you have more time to kick back, relax, or, you know, do anything else besides cook.

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

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is ready in 25 minutes. It’s easy on the wallet, simple to make, and great for prepping ahead or serving up at the last minute. With pre-cooked chicken and ready-made dressing, you cut down on kitchen time and still get a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are your shortcut to a crispy meal in just 25 minutes. They’re a great pick for dinner any night of the week, especially if you’re after something easy. They’re a hit with families and perfect for anyone starting out in the kitchen or if you’re just in a rush.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

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.

On those nights when speed is the name of the dinner game, this sheet pan meal plays to win. Just gather your sausages, peppers, broccoli, and any other veggies you may have. Chop them up, toss them with oil and your seasonings, and pop them in the oven. In 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that’s fast to make and even faster to clean up after. It’s the smart choice for a no-fuss, flavorful dinner that respects your time and keeps your kitchen tidy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

When time’s not on your side, the Spinach Chicken Bake is. Mix up some chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, bake it, and in 30 minutes, you’re good to go. It’s super simple and always a hit. Great for those evenings when you want a solid meal without hanging around the kitchen too long.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Cabbage and Sausage

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

When you’re short on time but still want a great meal, this Cabbage and Sausage Sauté is a perfect pick. Just grab some sausage, cabbage, onion, and garlic, chop them up, and throw them all in a pan with a bit of oil. You’ll have a hearty one-pan meal ready in less than 30 minutes. This recipe is all about making your life easier while still getting to enjoy a good dinner. It’s quick to cook, quick to clean, and sure to keep your evening on track.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a no-nonsense dinner for you: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Just take some chicken breast, chop it into chunks, and get it sizzling in a pan until it’s golden brown. Next, throw in garlic and butter, and keep it moving until the chicken is all glossy and the kitchen smells great. This dish is ready in a snap, just 20 minutes, and it’s a perfect match for those nights when a long dinner prep just isn’t going to happen. It’s all about getting a good meal on the table fast, so you can get on with your evening.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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

Here’s the deal: in 30 minutes, you can have a pot of Creamy Italian Sausage Soup on the table. This soup is all about that hearty combo of Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream. It’s a great choice for when you need something filling and you need it fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Looking for something quick and delicious? Whip up this Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole in just 30 minutes. It’s packed full of broccoli, cauliflower, a smooth cheese sauce, and bits of bacon. Top it with green onions before serving. It’s the perfect dish for a fast, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Looking for a great dinner that’s quick to make? Try Tuscan Garlic Shrimp with Spinach. You’ll toss shrimp, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach together and have a meal that’s ready in 30 minutes flat. It’s perfect for those times when you want a good dinner but don’t have hours to spend cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Need a dinner that’s speedy and simple? Fajita Baked Chicken is a great choice. Just season some chicken, add cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, and bake it. In 30 minutes, you’ve got yourself a great meal that makes any night in feel just a bit more special without all the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy chicken dish garnished with bacon and herbs in a skillet.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Got half an hour? That’s all it takes to whip up some Creamy Dijon Chicken. It’s just chicken in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce with a bit of spinach and bacon thrown in. Quick to make, easy to eat, and it hits the spot. This dish is a great choice for when you want a no-fuss dinner that’s still got plenty of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Dinner in 30 minutes can be more than just a dream with this Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. You’ve got chicken thighs in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes that make it all come alive. It’s perfect for those times when you want a great meal but you’re short on time. Simple, fast, and it’s got all the good stuff to keep you and your dinner companions happy.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

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.

In just half an hour, you can serve up a Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. This dish throws together beef, cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a meal that’s quick to make and filling. It’s perfect for a great dinner that lets you spend less time cooking and more time eating.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Got 30 minutes? That’s all you need for Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. It’s chicken cooked in one pan with a rich mushroom sauce. Simple, filling, and perfect for a busy night when you still want a meal that’s good and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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.

Here’s a meal that’s ready in a flash: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Mix ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese, and you’ve got a casserole that’s as easy to make as it is to love. It’s a great choice when you need something great without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Canned Chicken Patties

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

In a 20-minute dash, you can have Canned Chicken Patties ready to hit the plate. They work great on their own alongside your favorite side dish or as a sandwich with slices of bread. It’s an extra quick meal that’s perfect for changing things up in your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Got 30 minutes? You can serve up some Creamy Garlic Chicken. Chicken cooked up with a creamy garlic sauce, this dish is a no-brainer and pairs well with rice or veggies. It’s a great go-to for a meal that’s comforting without keeping you busy cooking all night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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