21 Quick Dinners That Will Make Sure You Never Spend Hours Cooking Again

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21 Quick Dinners That Will Make Sure You Never Spend Hours Cooking Again

Quick dinners are your best bet for busy nights, ensuring you’ll never be stuck in the kitchen for too long again. These 21 recipes are all about making your life easier and your meals faster — without cutting corners on flavor. They’re great for those times when you’re short on time but still want a good meal on the table.

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

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix canned tuna, noodles, peas, and a creamy sauce, then top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. This no-mess casserole is oven-ready in 15 minutes and cooks in 30, making it a great pick for a quick, filling dinner. It’s especially handy for using pantry staples and ensuring you have a delicious meal without the long cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Start with bite-sized chicken pieces, sauté them in garlic butter for flavor, and finish with a sprinkle of parsley for freshness. This dish is as simple as it gets, with a total cooking time of 20 minutes. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers big on flavor without keeping you tied to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole combines the hearty ingredients of traditional stuffed bell peppers—bell peppers, ground beef, tomatoes, and rice—into a one-dish wonder that’s oven-ready in just 15 minutes. Bake it for 30 minutes, and you’ve got a flavorful dinner that cuts down on prep time and dishes. This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want something filling but don’t want to spend hours cooking.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This dish brings together chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach in a one-pan meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s designed to simplify your evenings, letting you enjoy more family time instead of being stuck in the kitchen. A quick, delicious solution for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With a cooking time of 30 minutes, this one-pot Italian Sausage Soup is your go-to for a quick, comforting meal. Featuring sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream, it’s simple enough for any night. Enjoy a comforting bowl of soup and more time with your family, even on the busiest days.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This easy, 30-minute meal of Cabbage and Sausage uses minimal ingredients and one pan for a no-stress dinner option. It’s perfect for when you need something quick, delicious and filling without the lengthy prep or cleanup. This recipe makes for a hassle-free evening.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup with peas and carrots in a bowl.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Experience the warmth of a classic chicken pot pie in a soup form, ready in an hour. Featuring chicken breasts, carrots, celery, corn, peas, and Yukon gold potatoes, this one-pot meal brings comfort on chilly nights without much effort. It’s all about bringing the cozy feel of homemade pot pie to your table faster and with less work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Ready in 30 minutes, this casserole mixes broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and cheese for a speedy, flavor-rich meal. When time is tight, but you still want something homemade, this dish delivers. Enjoy a hearty dinner with your family without spending your whole evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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 makes mealtime effortless, featuring roasted sausage and vegetables all cooked together on one sheet pan. Simply toss them together and let the oven do the work. It’s a savory dinner with minimal cleanup required, perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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 elegant meal of Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is ready in just 30 minutes. Shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach in a rich garlic sauce make for a special dinner that’s surprisingly quick to prepare. Serve it over pasta or rice for a dish that’s sure to impress without taking hours to make.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

In only 30 minutes, whip up this one-pan meal of Creamy Dijon Chicken with fresh spinach. It’s a great choice for a quick, flavorful dinner that makes your evening routine pleasant and simple. Perfect for those nights when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have a lot of time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Broccoli Casserole is a fantastic family dinner option, ready in 50 minutes. It’s straightforward to prepare, making it great for beginners or anyone looking to minimize their time actively cooking. A delicious way to enjoy dinner without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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

Get dinner on the table fast with this 30-minute Ground Beef Skillet featuring cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms. It’s a one-pan meal that simplifies your evening, perfect for when you’re busy but still want to serve a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This 30-minute meal blends seasoned chicken, cream cheese, and sweet peppers for a hassle-free dinner. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of fajitas without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. This dish keeps dinner simple yet packed with taste.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A spoon is serving Hungarian mushroom soup into a bowl.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hungarian Mushroom Soup, made in just one pot, combines mushrooms, sour cream, and vegetable broth for a richly flavored, comforting meal. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for those evenings when you crave warmth and flavor but need to keep cooking time short.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Ready in 30 minutes, this one-pan meal of Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken serves a delicious dinner on busy nights. Juicy chicken thighs in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce mean you get a flavorful meal on the table quickly, leaving more time for family.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in less than an hour, this one-pot Chicken Corn Soup combines chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful broth for a comforting and easy-to-make dinner. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re looking for a delicious meal but don’t have the time for extensive prep or cleanup, making it a great choice for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This one-pan, 30-minute Creamy Garlic Chicken serves up juicy chicken breasts in a rich garlic sauce. It’s made with heavy cream, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. This recipe is about getting a delicious dinner ready fast for the whole family to enjoy without taking up your whole evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Enjoy chicken thighs in a creamy mushroom sauce with this simple, one-pan dish that’s ready in no time. Perfect alongside rice or noodles, it’s a rich and flavorful meal for those busy evenings. It’s a great choice for when you’re looking for something special yet easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties is a quick and delicious option, made with canned chicken, eggs, sunflower seed meal, spices and parmesan cheese. Mix together, form into patties and fry. Crispy outside, and juicy inside, they’re versatile enough to pair with veggies, rice, or salads. Simple and easy to make, it gets you in and out of the kitchen quickly.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

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.

Cheesy Beef Casserole is a quick, 30-minute dinner blending ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese into an appetizing meal. It’s all about making your evenings easier, ensuring you can enjoy a good dinner with minimal work, even on your busiest nights.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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