27 Dinners Made So Fast You’ll Have Time for a Second Hobby

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27 Dinners Made So Fast You’ll Have Time for a Second Hobby

Dinners that are so fast, you’ll swear you’ve bent the fabric of time itself. Imagine this — you’re done cooking before your favorite show even finishes its intro. These recipes are great for anyone who wants to eat well without turning into a kitchen hermit. So, go ahead, whip up something fantastic and still have time to learn the ukulele, start that novel, or finally figure out how to keep a plant alive.

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

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reuben Bowls come together in 30 minutes and are great for a stress-free dinner. This dish features browned deli corned beef mixed with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, topped with sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese, and finished with a drizzle of homemade Thousand Island dressing. It’s a simple recipe that saves time and reduces kitchen cleanup. After a long day, this meal lets you put your feet up sooner and enjoy a relaxing evening. This quick prep meal keeps your night smooth and stress-free while still being full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

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 give you a crispy, flavorful dinner in just 25 minutes. Coat the pork chops with a thin layer of mayonnaise and then roll them in seasoned breadcrumbs. This method cuts down on prep time and cleanup. These pork chops are great for those nights when you want a quick, delicious meal without hassle. The crispy coating adds a nice crunch, and the seasoning brings out the best in the pork. It’s a simple way to get a great dinner on the table quickly.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

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.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad comes together quickly in just 25 minutes. Combine tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and pasta, all tossed in creamy Caesar dressing. It’s a quick and filling meal that’s also great for meal prep or potlucks. This salad is perfect for when you need a fast dinner without sacrificing flavor. The combination of ingredients makes it hearty enough to be a main dish, and it’s a great way to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort. It’s a time-saver that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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.

Prepare a Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner in just 30 minutes for a meal as nutritious as it is easy to make. This dinner features sausages, bell peppers, and zucchini, seasoned and perfectly roasted together. The flavors meld in the oven, creating a deliciously appetizing meal. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to cut down on dishes and maximize their time relaxing or with family. It’s a straightforward, healthy option that keeps your evening stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Close-up image of a bowl of tuna macaroni salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Macaroni Salad is ready in just 40 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick, easy dinner. This dish combines elbow macaroni, canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and sweet relish in a hearty and refreshing meal. It’s simple enough for beginner cooks and lets you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening. It’s a great meal for those nights when you’re too tired to cook something elaborate but still want a filling dinner. This meal is about convenience and enjoying a stress-free night.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a veggie-packed meal ready in just 30 minutes. It combines broccoli, cauliflower, crispy bacon, and lots of cheese. Using frozen vegetables cuts down on prep time and cleanup. This dish is great for hectic evenings when you need to feed your family something filling without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s hearty enough to be a main course, and the cheesy, bacon-topped veggies are always a hit. This casserole fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle while keeping dinner delicious.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This Cabbage and Sausage dish is a quick, 30-minute recipe that gives a lot of flavors with minimal effort. It combines hearty sausage with crisp cabbage in a single pan for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need a fast and hearty meal that allows you to relax and unwind sooner. This dish not only simplifies your dinner preparation but also enhances your evening by cutting down the time you spend cooking, letting you focus on enjoying your night or catching up on rest.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of chicken bites in a garlic butter sauce with a wooden spoon.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick and easy, making them great for busy evenings. You only need chicken, garlic, butter, and spices. They cook up in about 20 minutes. These bites are versatile, going well with rice, salads, or veggies. You’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your evening. The garlic butter sauce gives the chicken a rich flavor that feels like a treat, even though it’s simple to prepare. This dish is perfect for a fast, flavorful dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole brings you the flavors of stuffed peppers in a simple, one-pan meal ready in just 45 minutes. It features ground meat, rice, bell peppers, and spices for a hearty and delicious dinner. It’s designed to minimize kitchen mess and maximize flavor without the long prep time. This dish is great for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want a meal that feels like home. It makes dinner easy and allows you more time for yourself or your family.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli speeds up your dinner plans without sacrificing flavor. Using frozen cheese ravioli saves you time. You can layer it with rich marinara sauce and plenty of melted cheese. Bake it until it bubbles and browns lightly. It’s ready in just one hour. This dish is perfect for those busy nights when you need a hearty, delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The Italian-inspired flavors make it feel like a special meal, even on a weeknight. Plus, you’ll have fewer dishes to wash.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Casserole is a cozy dish that needs only about 50 minutes from start to finish. It includes broccoli, cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and breadcrumbs, making it a breeze to prepare. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting without too much effort. It’s especially great for beginners and ensures you relax more than cooking. This casserole is perfect for boosting your evening into a relaxing mode while enjoying a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is a hearty dish that comes together in 30 minutes. Seasoned chicken breasts are layered with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, baking into a creamy, cheesy meal with spice. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight. Serve with a simple salad or steamed vegetables to complete your dinner. This dish will help you enjoy a relaxing evening, giving you more time to unwind or spend with your family without the stress of a complex dinner preparation.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a straightforward, hearty meal perfect for weeknights. You can whip up this comforting dish using canned tuna, noodles, peas, and cheese in under an hour. It’s a classic comfort food that doesn’t require much effort. This casserole is also great for leftovers so that you can enjoy a quick lunch the next day. The creamy, cheesy flavors are always a hit with the family, and it’s a great way to get a homemade meal on the table without spending too much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle 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.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a quick, flavor-packed meal ready in 40 minutes. Juicy shrimp, fresh spinach, and grape tomatoes are cooked in a garlicky sauce with paprika and red pepper flakes. This dish took hours to make but came together quickly. It’s perfect for a busy night when you want a gourmet meal without the long prep time. The shrimp and spinach are healthy and delicious, making this a smart choice for a speedy, impressive dinner. You’ll love how fast and easy it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is your answer to a speedy 40-minute dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This meal blends juicy chicken thighs with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. Everything cooks in one pan, so there is less washing up and more downtime. It’s a perfect meal to unwind with after a busy day. This dish fills your stomach and soothes your evening routine by cutting down on the usual cooking chaos.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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 combines juicy ground beef with hearty cauliflower rice and earthy mushrooms, all bound together by creamy cheddar cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-skillet meal is quick and minimizes your cleanup, making it perfect for busy evenings. The dish quickly brings a comforting and filling dinner to your table, allowing you more time to unwind or spend with family after a long day. It’s a smart choice for reducing dishes and kitchen hassle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

The Spinach Chicken Bake is a hearty dinner option ready in just 30 minutes. It features tender chicken thighs baked with spinach, mozzarella, and cream cheese, creating a creamy texture and rich flavor. This dish is quick to prepare and simplifies your clean-up efforts with its one-dish setup. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re pressed for time but still want a special and comforting meal. This recipe ensures you have more time to unwind after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a must-try for a quick, delicious dinner in 30 minutes. This recipe involves tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, delivering a comforting and hearty meal. It’s all made in one pan, which means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your evening. This dish is perfect for those busy nights when you need a delicious meal without the long prep time, helping you relax and enjoy your night with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a playful and quick meal that comes together in less than an hour. This casserole is filled with shredded chicken, corn, and cheese and topped with crispy tater tots that make it irresistible. It’s a perfect meal for a busy family, as it’s easy to prepare and a sure hit with kids. You can even prepare it beforehand to make your weeknight even easier. This casserole is a great way to enjoy a filling meal that brings everyone to the table without spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a comforting and easy dinner that is ready in an hour. This soup blends the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the robust flavor of red peppers, enhanced by spices like cumin and paprika. It’s a smooth, creamy soup that makes a warming end to any day. This meal is particularly good for those chilly nights when you want something heartening without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, so you can enjoy more time doing what you love.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Curry is an exciting and quick dinner option ready in 45 minutes. This dish combines sausages, sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas with a hearty curry sauce, creating a flavorful and delicious meal. The preparation is straightforward, making it perfect for a weeknight where time is of the essence. Serve this curry with rice or naan for a complete meal that’s filling and easy to make. This recipe is great for spicing up your dinner routine without the lengthy cooking times.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

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.

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs combine the bold flavors of Thai spices with the richness of coconut curry sauce, and they’re ready in 30 minutes. Ground turkey makes them lighter and served over your choice of cauliflower or regular rice. This dish is a great solution for busy evenings when you crave something flavorful but straightforward. It will spice up your dinner routine without keeping you in the kitchen all night, leaving you more time for yourself or your loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Creamy Dijon Chicken, ready in 30 minutes, consists of tender chicken thighs cooked in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, enhanced with spinach and bits of bacon for added flavor and texture. This one-pan meal is perfect for those nights when you need something hearty but simple, minimizing your cleanup time. It’s perfect for enjoying a comforting meal that allows plenty of downtime afterward so you can relax or prepare for the next day with less hassle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a straightforward dish that only takes 25 minutes to prepare. It features crunchy cabbage paired with salty bacon and aromatic onions, cooked quickly to create a flavorful meal or side dish. This recipe is perfect for easily adding more vegetables to your diet. It’s especially good for busy weeknights when you need something quick and delicious without a long cooking process. This dish can help streamline your evening routine, allowing you more time to relax.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce features tender chicken thighs in a creamy mushroom sauce and is ready in 30 minutes. The whole dish is cooked in one pan, simplifying preparation and cleanup. It’s a great choice for a filling dinner on a busy evening. The rich flavors give a comforting experience, making it a family favorite that’s both practical and pleasing. With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious meal while still having time to take a break and enjoy your evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Keto Zuppa Toscana

Two bowls of soup with bacon and kale.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Keto Zuppa Toscana, ready in just one hour, is a filling soup inspired by traditional Italian flavors. It includes bacon, garlic, sausage, radishes, and kale, all simmered in a rich, creamy broth. This low-carb soup is perfect for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal without straying from dietary goals. It’s easy to prepare and requires little attention, making it perfect for a busy evening. Enjoy a comforting soup that warms your soul without cooking all night.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a quick, 30-minute meal that combines boneless, skinless chicken thighs with Italian spices and a creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. It’s prepared in one skillet, and this dish is hearty and flavorsome without requiring extensive cooking time. The minimal cleanup also makes it perfect for busy nights. Enjoy a hearty meal and still have time to relax with your family or catch up on personal projects.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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