23 Dinners Made in One Hour or Less That You Haven’t Made Yet

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23 Dinners Made in One Hour or Less That You Haven’t Made Yet

These 23 dinners made in one hour or less feature easy and quick recipes that are new to your kitchen. They’re perfect for busy days and a great choice for cooks at any skill level.

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Weeknight dinners should be quick and filling and this veggie casserole dinner fits the bill perfectly. Ready in just 30 minutes, this casserole blends broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, in just one baking dish. The use of frozen veggies makes this casserole not only convenient but also a great way to include more vegetables in your meals. It’s easy to make and even easier to clean up afterward.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

A bowl of chicken corn soup with carrots and parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In this recipe, tender chicken and hearty vegetables simmer together in a creamy broth, creating a flavorful and comforting dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is made in one pot, ready in less than an hour, follows easy cooking steps, and requires staple pantry ingredients, making it great for cooks of all levels. It’s also a great way to use any leftover chicken or vegetables you have on hand, making this a great option when you need dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

Cabbage and sausage in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is another simple and hearty recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. Most ingredients are likely already in your pantry, and in less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy this comforting meal. This dish showcases the versatility of cabbage paired with smokey sausage. It’s easy to make and everything comes together in just one skillet, meaning less time spent on cleaning, and more time relaxing.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

A skillet full of meat and rice with a spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice in only 30 minutes for a quick and hearty dinner. This one-pan recipe combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you don’t have the time to spend all night in the kitchen but need something simple and flavorful to enjoy. The best part —  leftovers store perfectly so you can still enjoy it the next day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Make your weeknights stress-free with this creamy chicken bake recipe. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines tender chicken thighs with spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, and is baked until golden. It’s a simple yet delicious choice for anyone who needs a quick, homey meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

A pan with shrimp, tomatoes and spinach in it.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish is a wonderful way to enjoy a seafood dinner without spending all night in the kitchen. Ready in 40 minutes, perfectly cooked shrimp, grape tomatoes, and spinach are simmered in a savory garlic sauce. Add some smokey paprika and top it off with a pinch of red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch and you have a delicious dinner that will have everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In this easy one-pot recipe, mushrooms are sauteed and then simmered in a rich, creamy broth made up of ingredients like sour cream, milk, vegetable broth, butter, and aromatic spices. Ready to be served in just 45 minutes, this mushroom soup is the epitome of comfort — a savory and hearty meal you can enjoy on a busy weeknight. Serve it with bread, salad, or veggies for a complete and effortless dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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

A warm and creamy soup on a weeknight is always the best idea. Especially so when you can cook everything in just one pot for convenience. Ready in just one hour, this recipe combines the creamy texture of sweet potatoes with the sweetness of red peppers. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for a cozy homemade dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Customize it to your taste, making it as creamy or as seasoned as you like.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sheet pan dinners always make busy weeknights easier.  In this recipe, you just need to arrange the sausages and veggies on a single sheet pan, toss it in the oven, and let it bake until roasted. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, hearty, and flavorful meal that’s as effortless as it can be. This recipe is also all about convenience: everything cooks together in just one sheet pan, which means minimal cleanup afterward.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage Curry

A bowl of rice and sausage curry on a table.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Give your weeknight dinner a twist with this Sausage Curry. This one-pan dish is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. You’ll saute the sausages and vegetables and then simmer them in a rich curry sauce, for a meal that’s both simple but so full of flavor. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick family dinner — a great meal without the need for complex cooking or a long list of ingredients. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to end a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Fajita Baked Chicken

Fajita baked chicken in a baking dish with salsa and sour cream.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fajita Baked Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinner option, ready in only 30 minutes. Season chicken breasts with fajita spices and top them with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella for a delicious meal. It’s a great choice for a hassle-free evening. Pair it with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies for a complete and enjoyable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy spinach and sausage casserole with a wooden spoon.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make an easy and delicious dinner in no time with this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese are baked together, for a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a great pick for a busy weeknight. It’s easy to make and stores well in the fridge in case you have leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan with chicken, spinach and bacon in it.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Busy weeknights call for quick solutions. In this one-pan recipe, juicy chicken thighs are simmered in a rich, creamy Dijon mustard sauce with fresh spinach, and crumbled bacon. The steps are straightforward with easy-to-find ingredients. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great recipe to have on hand, especially when you’re running out of fuel on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan with bacon and cabbage in it.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in only 25 minutes from prep to cooking, this dish combines green cabbage, bacon, and onion, creating a meal with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Serve it as a hearty side or a light main course, it’s a great option when you’re looking to add more vegetables to your meal in an easy and delicious way.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

For a dinner that’s both quick and impressive, try this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. It features chicken thighs smothered in a smooth mushroom sauce, made in just one pan, and ready in 30 minutes. The ingredients are easy to find, which you probably have on hand already, and it’s all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. Serve it over your favorite grain or alongside a simple side dish for a complete meal that’s perfect for any night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Thai meatballs in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded with flavor and a hint of spice, this curry dinner is a weeknight win. Prepare these meatballs with ground turkey, coconut aminos, coconut milk, curry powder, and red curry paste for a meal rich in Thai flavors. The homemade coconut curry sauce brings out the best in these meatballs, making them a perfect and quick option for a flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken thighs with sun dried tomatoes in a white bowl.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is as easy as it can be. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-skillet meal features chicken thighs simmered in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan. It’s an easy yet impressive dish for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Serve it as is or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal that’s both filling and quick to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken with spinach and cream sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Turn your weeknight dinner into a Tuscan escape with this creamy chicken dinner. Ready in just 40 minutes, you’ll cook chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich creamy sauce, all in one pan. Whether you serve it alone or with a side, it’s a great way to enjoy a filling dinner quickly on any busy night. Plus, with just one pan to clean, you’ll have more time to relax.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

A white bowl of asparagus noodles with bacon and sauce.
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a fresh take on dinner, try this asparagus pasta. Use a vegetable peeler to create asparagus noodles, then coat them generously with homemade Alfredo sauce and crispy bacon. This recipe is a fun and veggie-packed alternative to traditional pasta dishes. It’s a quick and easy way to add more greens to your dinners and makes for a perfect weeknight meal since you can prep and serve this in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white dish with chicken breasts in a creamy garlic sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If there’s ever a good rule of thumb in the kitchen, it’s that everything should be done in just one pan for convenience. This creamy chicken recipe is as convenient as it gets. Taking only 30 minutes to prep and cook, this dish features chicken breasts cooked on the stovetop in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. It’s an impressive yet easy-to-prepare dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve it solo or over rice with a side to complete the meal, and enjoy a comforting dinner that’s easy to clean up afterward.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Keto Zuppa Toscana

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

Warm up your evening with this Olive Garden-inspired soup you can serve in just an hour. This one-pot recipe combines garlic, sausage, radish, and kale in a creamy base. It’s a filling and low-carb version that is delicious for dinner tonight and leftovers for dinner tomorrow. Radishes replace potatoes, adding a familiar texture without all the starch. This recipe is both easy to prepare and enjoyable, making it a great option for a wholesome dinner on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

A pan filled with chicken in a creamy sauce with artichoke hearts.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Another dish perfect for a busy weeknight, this one-pan recipe brings together juicy chicken thighs and artichoke hearts, simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with a touch of lemon. This dish is easy to make, with simple ingredients, and can be on the dinner table in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple, yet flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A person is holding a wooden spoon full of chicken bites in a garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken dishes make for the perfect go-to weeknight dinner when you just don’t have the energy to spend hours in the kitchen cooking. Cook these bite-sized chicken pieces in a savory garlic butter sauce on the stovetop, and in just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve. This recipe is perfect for any cooking level and is a great solution when you need a flavorful meal in a hurry. Serve them with rice and veggies for a hearty dinner or over a salad for a lighter option.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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