These 15 Fast Dinners Are Made and On the Table Before You Know It

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These 15 Fast Dinners Are Made and On the Table Before You Know It

If you’ve ever looked at your watch and realized dinner should have been on the table ten minutes ago, these 15 fast dinners are a game changer. We’re talking about meals that are quick to whip up and even quicker to disappear from the plates. So, forget about those long prep times and complicated steps that make you want to throw in the dish towel.

A skillet full of meat and rice with a spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. 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.

In just 25 minutes, you can throw together this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad and call it a day. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re racing against the clock or when you need something quick to bring to a friend’s potluck. Plus, you’re cutting corners in the best way with pre-cooked chicken and store-bought dressing, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time kicking back.
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.

Have 25 minutes? That’s all you need to serve up these Shake and Bake Pork Chops. They’re a great pick when you want something hearty without the hassle. No need to mess with frying; you’ll get all the crunch and flavor without the extra steps. It’s a solid choice for beginners or anyone who’s after a great meal without the wait.
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.

This quick 30-minute meal combines broccoli, cauliflower, and bacon in a creamy sauce, perfect for a busy evening. Easy to prepare, this dish is an extra flavorful option that will please the whole family without requiring extensive kitchen time. It’s garnished with green onions for an extra pop of flavor.
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.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach brings together shrimp, fresh spinach, and grape tomatoes in a robust garlic sauce. It’s a great choice for an evening when time is limited, but you still want a flavorful seafood meal. Serve hot for a fast but comforting and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp 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.

Enjoy a quick 30-minute dinner with this sun-dried tomato chicken, made in a single pan for extra simplicity. Featuring chicken thighs in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with Parmesan, this dish is perfect for a time-pressed evening. Pair this with your preferred side for a complete and balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Get dinner ready in under 30 minutes with this straightforward Cabbage and Sausage recipe. It combines savory sausage with fresh cabbage and onions for a meal that comes together quickly on any busy night. This dish is a fast, simple way to incorporate more vegetables into your dinner lineup, perfect for serving to kids and picky eaters.
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 quick meal of chicken, a creamy mushroom sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes, all in 30 minutes. This dish is a fast solution for a busy evening, allowing you to serve something special and filling without spending too much time in the kitchen. Pair it with a light cauliflower rice or your favorite vegetables for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

A close-up of a skillet filled with cooked ground meat topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet recipe merges beef, cauliflower rice, cheese, and mushrooms in one skillet. Ready in only 30 minutes, it’s a deceivingly complicated dish that actually doesn’t take much time or effort to make. Plus, the leftovers are perfect for an effortless meal for the next 3 days, as long as you store them in an airtight container in your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This 30-minute spinach and chicken bake combines chicken thighs with spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella for a quick and hearty dinner. It’s a great choice for when you need a fast meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This recipe also makes it easier to fit a nutritious dish into a busy schedule, which is great news for parents who want to feed their kids delicious but healthy meals.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

In just 30 minutes, this beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach creates a quick, hearty meal. It combines beef, cauliflower, spinach, and cheddar, great for those evenings when time is short but you need a complete dinner. With Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder in the mix, flavor is sure to impress as well.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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 in just 30 minutes, featuring chicken thighs, spinach, and bacon in a rich mustard sauce. It’s a perfect choice for those evenings when you need to quickly put a hearty and flavorful meal on the table. The minimal cleanup and one-pan approach make it an even better go-to for a quick dinner.
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.

Prepare this creamy garlic chicken in 30 minutes using tender chicken breasts and a simple garlic Parmesan sauce. This recipe fits perfectly into the theme of quick and easy dinners, combining convenience with a rich flavor that everyone will love. Plus, leftovers keep well, from 4 days in the fridge to 3 months in the freezer, so you can easily stretch this meal out for reheats.
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.

This Italian sausage soup brings together sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream for a quick 30-minute dinner. Besides the mentioned ingredients, a combination of ingredients like Italian seasoning, parsley, Parmesan, and garlic powder are also added for lots of extra flavor. It’s an effortless option for evenings when time is tight, ensuring you can enjoy a comforting meal without delay.
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.

Enjoy this one-pan chicken dish with artichoke hearts and a creamy lemon-flavored sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a fast and efficient dinner choice on nights when you want a meal that combines convenience and flavor. Not to mention, it’s a great way to get your picky eaters to up their veggie intake.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This cauliflower risotto with mushrooms is your answer for a speedy 30-minute dinner. Prepared in one pan and resulting in minimal cleanup, it’s especially perfect for busy nights. Key ingredients like cauliflower rice and fresh mushrooms make it a healthier alternative to traditional risotto, which is just another one of this recipe’s perks.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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