23 recipes made in 30 minutes that we absolutely love

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These 23 recipes made in 30 minutes are ones that we absolutely love. These quick, straightforward dishes are great for anyone looking for meal options that don’t sacrifice flavor for time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need something good on the table fast, these recipes are proof that you can create great meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

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

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This dish stands out for its quick prep time, ready in 30 minutes. The Spinach Chicken Bake blends chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella into a meal that fills you up and saves time. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you need a good dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Serve up a Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach dish in just 30 minutes. With shrimp, fresh spinach, and grape tomatoes in a savory garlic sauce, it’s a fast way to enjoy a seafood meal that’s both impressive and quick. Perfect for fitting into a packed schedule.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Cabbage and Sausage

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

With this recipe, you’re in for a quick, flavorful meal that’s done in less than 30 minutes. The combination of sausage and cabbage makes for a hearty dish that’s easy to prepare. It’s best for nights when you’re pressed for time but still want a meal that hits the spot.
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.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is all about convenience and flavor, ready in 30 minutes. It features ground beef, cheese, cauliflower, and mushrooms in a dish that’s easy to make. Plus, it’s great for keeping as leftovers, ensuring you’ve got a go-to meal for 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.

In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty Italian Sausage Soup. This easy one-pan meal combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream into a dish that’s bursting with flavors. It’s an excellent pick for those evenings when you’re after a meal that’s both quick to make and hearty.
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.

Get a nutritious and delicious meal on the table in 30 minutes with this Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. It combines broccoli, cauliflower, creamy cheese, and bacon, baked to perfection. This dish is a solid choice for busy nights when you want a meal that’s both easy and pleasing for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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 all about simplicity and taste, ready in 30 minutes. Spread sausages and veggies on a pan, bake, and enjoy a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s a great option for those nights when time is limited, but you still want a full-flavored dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

A dish of chicken with creamy mushroom sauce garnished with fresh herbs.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a go-to for a quick, comforting meal, ready in 30 minutes. Chicken thighs in a creamy mushroom and sun-dried tomato sauce make for a heartwarming dish. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something special but easy.
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.

Enjoy Garlic Chicken, a straightforward and quick meal, in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken breasts in a garlicky Parmesan sauce yields a fast yet flavorful dinner option. It’s a great choice for busy nights when you need a delicious meal in no time.
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.

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites make for a quick, 20-minute dinner. Cooked stovetop, they feature chicken pieces in a rich garlic butter sauce, great for those nights when you need something fast, easy, and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Try this Creamy Dijon Chicken for a meal that’s ready in no time. With chicken thighs in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, spinach, and bacon, it’s a dish that combines ease with a lot of flavors. Perfect for a busy evening, it ensures you have a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

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.

Ready in 30 minutes, these Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats mix canned chicken, bacon, and cheese into a delicious chicken salad, scooped into cucumber halves. They’re easy to make and perfect for storing to enjoy later, fitting well into any busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

This 25-minute dish brings together cabbage and bacon for a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and versatile. Serve it as a robust side or a lighter main dish; it’s an effortless way to incorporate a flavorful veggie option into your dinner lineup.
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.

Turn bell peppers into bread substitutes and fill them with turkey, cream cheese, cucumbers, mashed avocado, cheese, mustard, everything bagel seasoning, and bacon. Ready in just 10 minutes, these Bell Pepper Sandwiches are perfect for those moments you need something quick, fresh, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

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.

Enjoy a taste of Thai flavors with these Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs, ready in 30 minutes. The homemade coconut curry sauce brings out the best in the meatballs, making for a meal that’s flavorful, quick, and sure to please any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Green Chile Chicken

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

With just 20 minutes of prep time, this Green Chile Chicken recipe is a breeze. It’s a one-skillet dish that uses leftover or rotisserie chicken, making it a simple yet flavorful choice for a quick meal.
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 serves a speedy, one-pan side dish that’s creamy and packed with flavor, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great option for adding something special to your dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
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.

Enjoy Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken in just 30 minutes. This dish features chicken thighs in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, making it an impressive yet easy dinner choice for 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.

This 30-minute Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar for a filling meal. It’s a great pick for nights when you’re looking for something quick and balanced for the 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.

This 30-minute Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is a must-try. Seasoned chicken breasts are mixed with cream cheese and sweet peppers, topped with mozzarella, creating a delicious meal for those busy nights. Serve it with a side salad or veggies for a complete 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.

Whip up a meal in 30 minutes with Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs and Artichoke Hearts. This one-pan dish blends chicken thighs and artichoke hearts in a creamy lemon sauce, delivering a simple yet hearty dinner option. It’s a top choice for a protein-rich meal that’s both easy to prepare and a hit with everyone.
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.

These Canned Chicken Patties come together in 20 minutes flat. Serve them up however you like — alone, as a sandwich, or with veggies. They’re a quick fix for a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

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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