17 Speedy Dinners That’ll Have You Out of the Kitchen ASAP

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17 Speedy Dinners That’ll Have You Out of the Kitchen ASAP

Speedy dinners are a real thing, and this list of 17 is proof that you can whip up a great meal without watching the minutes tick by in the kitchen. We’re talking about dishes that come together so quickly that you’ll have time to spare for, you know, actually relaxing after a long day. These recipes are perfect for when the couch is calling your name louder than the dinner bell. So, let’s get to it — fast and fuss-free is the name of the game here.

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. 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.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a real time-saver. Just toss sausages, sweet mini peppers, broccoli, and zucchini on a sheet pan and roast them. It cooks quickly, and there’s hardly any cleanup, perfect for when you’re too tired to do dishes after a long day. The flavors blend beautifully in the oven, giving you a hearty and filling meal without a lot of effort. This meal is great for nights when you just want to relax after eating and not worry about a mess.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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 ready in just 25 minutes and are perfect for a speedy weeknight meal. They come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and they’re super easy to prepare — just coat them with mayo and seasoning mix and then bake. No need for frying or extensive prep, making this dish a great choice for when you’re short on time but still want a meal that tastes like you spent hours making it. Enjoy more downtime tonight with a dish that’s quick to hit the table and easy to clean up after.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Quick and easy, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites come together in just 20 minutes. Chop up some chicken, fry it, and toss it in a simple garlic butter sauce for a burst of flavor. This dish is a stress-free option for a busy weeknight, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending much time cooking. It’s a fast way to get a great meal on the table, even on busy evenings, and it’s especially perfect when you need something filling but quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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.

Ready in just 25 minutes, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a smart pick for those evenings when you need a quick and easy dinner option. With the convenience of pre-cooked chicken and store-bought Caesar dressing, this dish slashes your kitchen time, letting you step out of the kitchen sooner than you’d expect. Simple ingredients come together to create a filling meal that’s a breeze to prepare, perfect for those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

This dish is about speed and flavor. Shrimp, garlic, grape tomatoes, spinach, and coconut milk cook up fast for a great meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The garlic adds a rich flavor, while the shrimp and spinach come together for a light yet hearty dinner. It’s perfect when you need something special but don’t have much time, making it a great choice for a stress-free evening. Serve this over steamed cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to soak up all 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.

Quick to cook and easy to clean, this Cabbage and Sausage dish mixes simple ingredients in one skillet and is done in under 30 minutes. Combining flavors of sausage, cabbage, onion, and spices, it serves a comforting and savory taste with every bite. It’s a great choice for a hearty meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night, perfect for unwinding after a busy day without sacrificing a good dinner. Serve on its own or with a side dish for a complete meal.
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.

When you need a comforting meal fast, this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is ready in 30 minutes and combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and heavy cream for a rich, hearty soup. The cream and cheese melt into the broth, creating a rich texture that’s perfect for chilly evenings. It’s a simple yet rewarding way to end a long day, serving warmth and comfort without a long cooking time. Adjust the spices to your liking for a perfectly seasoned bowl.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Turn broccoli and cauliflower into a meal everyone will love. This casserole mixes these veggies with cream cheese, sour cream, and bacon and is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a fast way to make a great dinner and have time to unwind. The bacon adds a savory flavor, while the cream cheese and sour cream bring a lush texture, making the veggies irresistible. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to minimize kitchen time and maximize relaxation in the evening.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is the ultimate quick meal for a relaxing evening. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines juicy chicken thighs with a layer of creamy spinach and melted mozzarella. It’s a straightforward recipe with simple ingredients like cream cheese, which adds a rich texture. No need for complex cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners. It’s a great way to enjoy a nutritious, protein-packed meal that allows you to unwind after a busy day.
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.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a quick solution for a flavorful dinner, ready in only 30 minutes. This dish features tender chicken thighs, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and shredded Parmesan, creating a creamy texture and bold taste. It’s easy to prepare on any weeknight and leaves you with plenty of time to relax. Perfect for when you need something filling without the long wait, this meal will help you slow down and enjoy your evening.
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 ready to serve in 30 minutes and packs a punch with its rich flavors. Combining juicy chicken thighs, tangy Dijon mustard sauce, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon, this one-pan meal is sure to make dinner extra special but with minimal cleanup. The simplicity of the preparation process means you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all night. It’s a great way to quickly put a meal on the table that is both comforting and hearty, leaving more time for you to kick back and relax after a long day.
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.

Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is a great pick for a stress-free dinner, ready in just 30 minutes. This dish mixes ground beef with creamy cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a filling meal that’s also low on carbs. It’s easy and quick to prepare, perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a meal that feels complete. A great option for a comforting dinner that helps you transition from a hectic day to a peaceful evening.
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.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a perfect choice for a quick, restaurant-quality meal at home, ready in 30 minutes. This recipe involves simple steps: season the chicken, sauté mushrooms, and whip up a quick creamy sauce of chicken stock and cream. The result is a dish with rich flavors that’s also easy to make. This is an awesome recipe for those nights when you want a special meal without spending too much time cooking, allowing you more leisure time to enjoy the rest of your evening.
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 just 30 minutes, this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is the go-to for a quick and hearty meal. It blends well-seasoned ground beef with healthy cauliflower rice and fresh spinach, all smothered in melted cheese. This casserole is not only easy to make but also packs a punch of flavor and nutrition. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a filling meal without spending too much time in the kitchen, letting you unwind after a hectic day.
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 only 20 minutes, you can whip up these Canned Chicken Patties, making them an awesome choice for a last-minute dinner. These patties mix canned chicken with eggs, parmesan, and sunflower seed meal to create a dish that is both quick to prepare and versatile. Serve them with a side of steamed broccoli or slide them into buns for a delicious sandwich. It’s an effortless way to serve a homemade dinner, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your evening.
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.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is ready in 30 minutes and serves a comforting and rich taste. It features tender chicken breasts enveloped in a creamy, garlicky sauce made with chicken stock, heavy cream and Parmesan. Serve over pasta or with a side of vegetables. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also fills your kitchen with a tempting aroma that promises a relaxing meal. It’s the perfect recipe for a stress-free evening when you want to enjoy good food without a lot of work.
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 comes together in 30 minutes and is loaded with the bold flavors of traditional fajitas. This dish requires minimal prep: just season the chicken with fajita spices, layer with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, and bake. It’s a stress-free recipe that delivers a delicious meal, perfect for when you want to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your evening. This dish is perfect for unwinding on a busy weeknight, serving both convenience and flavor in one package.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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