16 Dinners Ready So Quickly, You’ll Actually Have Time To Relax After

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16 Dinners Ready So Quickly, You’ll Actually Have Time To Relax After

Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too — or, in this case, have your dinner ready so quickly you’ll still have time to lounge on the couch and binge your favorite show? These 16 dinners are a game-changer for anyone who’s ever wanted to clock out of kitchen duty without sacrificing a good meal. We’re talking about meals that are a breeze to make, leaving you with that sweet, sweet evening stretch to do whatever you please.

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

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 recipe is all about convenience and using what you’ve got. Spread sausages, sweet mini peppers, broccoli florets, and zucchini on a sheet pan, and roast them. It’s incredibly fast to cook and even faster to clean up, making it a great choice for a really good meal when time is tight. You’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your evening.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

If you’re aiming to impress without going through any hassle, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are your go-to. Just chop up some chicken breasts, pan-fry them then toss in a homemade garlic and butter sauce. In 20 minutes, you’ve got a great meal that was extra easy to make. It’s a protein-rich dinner that’s ready before you know it, perfect for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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 dish that you can get on to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. Combining shrimp, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach, it cooks up quickly for an impressive gourmet meal. It’s great for nights when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Serve it over pasta or with bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage is a straightforward, quick fix for dinner. It’s a combination of sausage, cabbage, onion, and spices, all cooked in under 30 minutes. This recipe only uses one skillet, so it’s super easy to clean up afterward. Make this for a substantial and nutritious meal. Serve on its own or paired with your favorite side dish.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish brings together Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream for a filling meal. Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is perfect for those chilly evenings when you need a quick, comforting meal. That said, you can also adjust the spice level of the soup by choosing a milder sausage.
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.

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole turns greens into a dish the whole family will love. It pairs broccoli and cauliflower with cream cheese, sour cream, and bacon, making the veggies irresistible. The best part is this casserole comes together in only 30 minutes, so you won’t have to bang away in the kitchen for long!
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

A casserole dish filled with chicken, spinach and cheese.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up this hearty chicken bake in 30 minutes flat, and you’re all set for a relaxing evening. It’s a breeze to make with chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and a good sprinkle of mozzarella. The result? Juicy chicken with a creamy spinach topping that’ll have everyone at the table happy. It’s great for beginners too, no fancy skills needed — just a straightforward meal that’s big on flavor and short on prep time. Plus, you’re getting a protein-packed dinner that’ll keep you powered up for whatever the night brings.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

This Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a fast-track recipe to a fancy-tasting dinner featuring chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. This dish only takes 30 minutes to make, perfect for busy days when you don’t have much time. You can even store your leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can simply reheat it for 30-90 seconds in the microwave.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Get ready to serve up a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort. This one-pan wonder combines seasoned chicken thighs with a rich Dijon mustard sauce, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon. It’s a great way to change things up to your dinner lineup; and best of all, it’s ready in 30 minutes. Chicken thighs are the star here, staying moist and flavorful, making them a reliable choice for a no-stress meal. And with everything cooked in one pan, cleanup is a snap.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is the answer to a quick, flavorful dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this meal that’s packed with beef, cream cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms. It’s a filling dish that you can make at the last minute without skimping on taste.
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.

Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe. You can make this flavorful dish in just 30 minutes. In one pan, you can season the chicken, add in the golden sautéed mushrooms, and top it off with a rich sauce made of chicken stock and heavy cream — it’s that simple!
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.

Ready in 30 minutes, this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a hearty dish that’s sure to please anyone. It’s easy to assemble for any meal, creating a filling lunch or dinner packed with beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese. Serve it hot for a comforting meal that fits perfectly into a busy schedule.
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.

These Canned Chicken Patties are a quick 20-minute meal that’s perfect for those days when you’re short on time. Easy to make and versatile, you can serve them with your favorite sides or inside a bun for a fast sandwich. It’s a great way to create a homemade meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
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.

In just 30 minutes, you can make this Creamy Garlic Chicken — a rich and flavorful option for any meal. Tender chicken is combined with a creamy garlic sauce that makes this dish filling despite its short cooking time. Serve with rice or veggies for a complete meal that’s perfect for those seeking comfort food in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is a 30-minute solution for whenever you need to whip up a quick meal. Simply combine chicken with spices, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella in one baking dish, then bake for 15-17 minutes. It’s a delicious dish to wind down with after a busy day, and it won’t even take you an hour!
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

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

Ready in just 25 minutes, these pork chops are the perfect go-to for a quick and hearty weeknight meal. You’ll get all the flavor and crispiness you crave without the need for frying, making it a breeze to prepare. It’s a family favorite that’s super simple to make, which means it’s not only a hit with families but also a stress-free option for new cooks. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening, knowing a good meal is served fast.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

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