15 Fast Meals for When You’d Rather Be Doing Literally Anything Else

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15 Fast Meals for When You’d Rather Be Doing Literally Anything Else

Fast meals are the go-to solution for those days when the last thing you want to do is cook. We all know the feeling: you’d rather be binge-watching your favorite show, scrolling through your phone, or literally anything else. That’s where these meals come in, saving you from the dreaded kitchen marathon. Let’s face it, sometimes survival mode calls for something quick and simple, and these recipes are here to rescue you from the clutches of too much culinary effort.

Cheesy spinach and chicken casserole.
Spinach Chicken Bake. 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 a great choice when you need a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish brings together pasta, pre-cooked chicken, crunchy croutons, juicy tomatoes, and creamy Caesar dressing. It uses ingredients you probably already have, saving you time on grocery runs. With its familiar and comforting flavors, you’ll enjoy a hearty meal that doesn’t require long cooking times. This recipe simplifies your evening, letting you spend more time relaxing.
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.

These Shake and Bake Pork Chops are perfect for nights when you need a quick and delicious dinner. In just 25 minutes, you can have crispy-coated pork chops that mimic the texture of fried chops without the mess of frying. This dish is great for anyone wanting a flavorful meal without the hassle of complicated recipes. It’s especially good for beginner cooks who want to impress without stress. The quick cooking time and easy cleanup make this recipe a practical choice for a busy night. Enjoy a delicious dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

The Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a perfect go-to for a quick, hearty meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s packed with broccoli, cauliflower, and bacon, all covered in a creamy sauce and topped with green onions. This dish is not only fast to prepare but also filling, perfect for a last-minute dinner that feels special. Using pre-cut vegetables helps reduce prep time, allowing you to serve a flavorful meal even faster. This recipe is a stress-free way to feed your family on a busy night. Everyone gets a delicious meal without a long wait.
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.

The Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach dish brings Italian flavor to your table in just 30 minutes. Combining shrimp with fresh spinach and grape tomatoes in a garlic-infused sauce, this meal is perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner. It’s a fast way to enjoy a light and healthy meal without spending hours cooking. The quick-cooking shrimp ensures you won’t spend much time over the stove, making it perfect for busy evenings when you still want something that feels special. This dish simplifies your dinner routine with its quick prep and delicious taste.
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.

Whip up a quick meal with our Cabbage and Sausage dish. In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful mix of sausage, fresh cabbage, and onions. This meal is perfect for busy evenings when time is tight. The robust sausage pairs well with the fresh cabbage crunch and sautéed onions’ sweetness. It’s quick and a great way to add more veggies to your diet without spending much time in the kitchen. Perfect for those nights when you need a hearty meal without the long cooking times or spending too much money.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Prepare a filling meal fast with our Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce and the tangy taste of sun-dried tomatoes. The sauce adds a luscious texture, while the sun-dried tomatoes give a nice flavor. Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s a quick way to enjoy a meal that feels a bit fancy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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.

In just 30 minutes, you can make these Reuben Bowls for a great dinner or lunch. Brown some deli corned beef, toss with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, stir in sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese on top, and drizzle with Thousand Island dressing. This meal is perfect for those nights when you want something hearty and quick. The combination of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy dressing gives it a great flavor. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to save time in the kitchen while still enjoying a flavorful meal. Say goodbye to long cook times.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Our Spinach Chicken Bake is perfect for a quick dinner, ready in just 30 minutes. It combines juicy chicken thighs with spinach and melty mozzarella. This bake is straightforward to prepare and perfect for busy parents or anyone needing a quick meal after a long day. It’s also a smart way to get more greens into your dinner without much effort. Perfect for those who want a comforting meal without the long cooking times.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

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

Our Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is great quick comfort food. Ready in only 30 minutes, it features ground beef, cauliflower rice, creamy cheese, and mushrooms cooked together in one skillet for easy cleanup. This dish is perfect for those who need a hearty meal but have little time to cook. The creamy cheese and earthy mushrooms add a rich texture and flavor. It’s also a great option for meal prep because it keeps well, making your next meal easy. Perfect for those who need to get dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

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.

Get dinner on the table fast with our Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. This dish is ready in 30 minutes and combines seasoned beef, cauliflower, spinach, and creamy cheddar for a hearty meal. Italian spices, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder give it a robust taste everyone will love. This casserole is perfect for busy nights when you need a complete meal without much effort. It’s a great way to keep everyone full and happy without complicated steps. You’ll appreciate how it brings everyone to the table with minimal prep and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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 your solution for a fast, hearty dinner. Ready in 30 minutes, this one-pan dish features tender chicken thighs in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce topped with Parmesan. It’s great for anyone who needs a filling meal quickly, combining rich flavors with a speedy cooking process. The simple preparation and quick cooking time mean you’re not stuck in the kitchen longer than necessary. Perfect for hectic days, this recipe helps you get a hearty dinner on the table without the usual stress, letting you enjoy more free time.
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.

Creamy Dijon Chicken is perfect for a quick, filling meal. It blends chicken thighs, spinach, and bacon in a robust mustard-cheesy sauce and is ready in 30 minutes. This recipe is great when pressed for time but still want a hearty meal. The one-pan approach means less cleanup and more time to relax. The rich and filling flavors make dinner exciting without the long prep times. It’s perfect for busy families who need a delicious meal fast. You can have a great dinner without sacrificing flavor or spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Enjoy a rich dinner with this Creamy Garlic Chicken, featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It takes 30 minutes to cook, making it a great choice for speedy weeknight dinners. The simple ingredients and quick cooking method help you avoid the stress of lengthy meal prep. The leftovers are perfect for stress-free meals over the next few days, allowing you to get the most out of your cooking time. This dish is a great way to have a delicious meal on the table quickly, keeping everyone happy and well-fed without a hassle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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.

Italian Sausage Soup is a quick and comforting option. It combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, diced and pureed tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese in 30 minutes. This hearty soup is seasoned with Italian spices for a rich flavor. It’s a perfect choice for a last-minute dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste. Quick to prepare, this soup warms up any evening and keeps you out of the kitchen with plenty of time to relax after a busy day. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how it fills everyone up without much effort. It’s great for those nights when you need something filling fast.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

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.

This one-pan meal of Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is ready in 30 minutes, perfect for a fast and flavorful dinner. The tender chicken thighs and artichoke hearts in a creamy lemon sauce bring a refreshing taste without the long wait. Great for busy nights, this dish lets you enjoy a good dinner even when you’re short on time. It’s a practical solution for hectic schedules, giving you a hearty meal with minimal effort. This recipe ensures you can have a delicious dinner on the table quickly, making weeknights easier.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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