27 Fast Dinners To Help You Keep Up With Your Busy Life

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27 Fast Dinners To Help You Keep Up With Your Busy Life

If you’re constantly on the go, fast dinners are a lifesaver. We’ve put together 27 recipes that are not only quick to whip up but also great for keeping pace with your busy lifestyle. These dishes are perfect for those evenings when time is tight, but you still want a home-cooked meal. Simple, straightforward, and packed with flavor.

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

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

Mix bell peppers, ground meat, rice, and cheese for this easy bake that’s ready in 45 minutes. It’s like the classic stuffed peppers without the mess, making it a great go-to for a quick, filling dinner. Perfect for those nights when you’re looking for something delicious and easy.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Throw together broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, and you’ve got this dish that’s out in 30 minutes thanks to frozen veggies. It’s a great pick for a quick dinner that’s loaded with good stuff, showing you can still have a solid meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

This casserole combines tuna, noodles, and a creamy sauce and is a no-brainer for busy nights. It’s quick to make and even easier to reheat, making it a favorite for those times when you need a good meal fast. Perfect for getting something flavorful on the table without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Combine cabbage and sausage for a quick meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s an easy solution for busy nights, delivering big flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for when you need something quick and good.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Chicken Corn Soup

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

This soup is your answer to a quick, hearty meal, especially when you have leftover chicken. It comes together in less than an hour, making it a solid choice for a cozy dinner at home. It’s one of our go-to recipes for a fast and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Ready in 20 minutes, these chicken bites are cooked in garlic butter for a quick and flavorful dinner. They’re incredibly versatile, pairing well with various sides or even tossed over a salad. A favorite for those nights when time is tight but you still crave something good.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Shrimp, grape tomatoes, and spinach come together in a garlic sauce for a meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s a fast way to enjoy a seafood dish that seems fancy but is easy to make. A great option for adding a bit of variety to your weeknight dinners without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Spinach Chicken Bake

A dish of cheesy spinach casserole with a spoon.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish combines chicken, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella for a meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s a quick and hearty option for dinner, especially on those nights when you’re pressed for time. This bake is a reliable pick for a filling meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

With a cooking time of 45 minutes, this soup serves a rich and hearty taste that’s perfect for a quick dinner. It’s simple to prepare and pairs perfectly with bread or vegetables. Make this recipe for those colder evenings when you want something that feels like it simmered for hours.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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

Sweet potatoes and red peppers blend together in this soup, which is ready within an hour. It’s an easy and quick way to get dinner on the table, bringing plenty of flavors without much work. Perfect for a relaxing night in, this soup is a top choice for a stress-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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.

This dinner uses just one sheet pan and 30 minutes of your time to create a meal that’s filling and delicious. Simply toss the sausage and veggies on the pan and let the oven do the rest. It’s the perfect solution for a no-mess meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Broccoli Casserole

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

In just 50 minutes, you can have a broccoli casserole that’s both easy to make and great for serving up at family dinners. It’s a straightforward recipe that someone new to cooking can easily make. With its combination of broccoli, cheese, and other ingredients, it’s a hit at any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This sausage curry is a flavorful meal that’s ready in 45 minutes. It combines sausages with veggies in a rich curry sauce. It’s an easy way to spice up dinner without spending all evening cooking. It’s a great choice for a quick, flavorful meal that’s a bit different from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Get a delicious meal on the table in 30 minutes with this Fajita Baked Chicken. Seasoned with fajita spices and topped with cheese, it’s a simple dish that packs a lot of flavors. It’s a straightforward and quick dinner option for when you want something a little special but don’t have much time.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked 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 in just 30 minutes, delivering a quick and hearty dinner. The Dijon mustard sauce adds a flavorful kick to the chicken, making it a dish that’s sure to please. It’s a great choice for a busy night when you need a good meal without a long wait.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish combines cabbage and bacon for a meal that’s ready in 25 minutes and full of flavor. It’s a simple yet flavor-packed option for dinner, especially when you’re short on time. Great for a quick, easy meal that’s still filling.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Cook up some chicken thighs and toss them in a homemade creamy mushroom sauce. This laid-back one-pan meal gets a fancy twist on your plate in 30 minutes flat. It’s the perfect quick fix for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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

Combine ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and spices in a skillet for a hearty meal ready in 30 minutes. This nutritious, low-stress option is perfect for those evenings when time is tight but you still want a filling and appetizing meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

In FDL library.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix ground turkey with Thai spices and simmer in a coconut curry sauce for a vibrant meal ready in 45 minutes. These meatballs introduce a burst of flavor to your dinner routine. It’s a quick yet exotic option that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

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.

This dish features chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, all ready in 30 minutes. It’s a skillet meal that combines rich flavors for a comforting dinner, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

In FDL library.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bake salmon fillets with bok choy in a curry sauce made from coconut milk, curry powder, and fresh ginger, all in just 30 minutes. This one-pan dish is a flavorful, nutritious choice for a quick dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or health benefits.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

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.

Layer ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and a generous amount of cheddar cheese in a casserole dish, baking for 30 minutes to create a comforting dinner. This easy-to-assemble meal is great for those busy nights when you need something quick and cheesy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sauté chicken in a skillet and add a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic for a luxurious meal in 40 minutes. This one-pan wonder is the perfect mix of taste and convenience, making it a great choice for a hassle-free yet delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Prepare this dish by cooking chicken in a skillet and enveloping it in a creamy garlic sauce, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy recipe that delivers a meal with deep flavors. Perfect for both a busy weeknight dinner and when you’re looking to impress guests without stress.
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.

Simmer garlic, sausage, radishes, and kale in a creamy broth for a keto-friendly version of the classic Zuppa Toscana, all within an hour. It’s a hearty soup that’s perfect for a filling meal, bringing comfort food to your table without the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

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.

Cook chicken thighs and artichoke hearts in a creamy sauce for an awesome dinner ready in 30 minutes. This one-pan meal is an easy way to serve up something a little different, combining tender chicken and artichokes for a quick yet delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Marinate chicken or beef in shawarma spices, thread onto skewers, and bake for a protein-rich dinner that’s ready in no time. These kebabs are a stress-free way to bring the flavors of the Middle East to your dinner table, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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