17 Hurry-Up Meals That’ll Have You Winning at Life (And Dinner)

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17 Hurry-Up Meals That’ll Have You Winning at Life (And Dinner)

If you’re looking to nail dinner without watching the clock, these 17 hurry-up meals are just what you need. They’re quick, they’re easy, and they’re great for those nights when spending hours in the kitchen just isn’t on the menu. Think of these recipes as your trusty sidekick in the kitchen, ready to help you conquer hunger and score some serious points with whoever’s coming to the table.

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. 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.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick and easy meal that comes together in just 25 minutes. It features pre-cooked chicken, romaine lettuce, and a creamy Caesar dressing mixed with pasta and parmesan cheese for a dish that’s both refreshing and hearty. Perfect for a last-minute dinner or a speedy lunch prep, this salad meets your needs without sacrificing flavor. It’s a straightforward option for those days when time is tight, but you still crave a good home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

The Spinach Chicken Bake is a perfect choice when you’re short on time but want a complete, nutritious meal. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with creamy spinach and cheese, all baked together for a meal that feels hearty yet is straightforward to prepare. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s great for evenings when you’re tight on time. The mix of cream cheese and mozzarella melts into the spinach, giving a creamy texture that complements the chicken perfectly. This meal is perfect for those who need a quick dinner solution that doesn’t compromise on nutrition or flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both quick to prepare and easy to clean up, the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is your go-to. Just toss your favorite sausages, mini peppers, broccoli, and zucchini on a sheet pan and pop it in the oven. In about 30 minutes, you have a colorful meal that’s packed with nutrients. This dinner option is especially great for busy nights when you want to spend more time relaxing and less time cleaning. It’s a practical choice for a nutritious dinner that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

For those evenings when you’re pressed for time, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites serves as a quick and filling dinner option. You only need 20 minutes to cook up these chicken bites until they’re golden and crispy, then toss them in a rich garlic butter sauce for extra flavor. This dish is not only quick but also a crowd-pleaser, serving a protein-packed meal that leaves you satisfied. It’s perfect for those hectic days when you need a speedy dinner that’s both easy to make and great for keeping everyone at the table happy.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Dive into Cabbage and Sausage for a no-stress dinner that’s ready before you know it. This one-pot wonder mixes sausages with cabbage and spices, cooking up in just 25 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you’re too tired to deal with a complicated recipe but still want a meal that feels complete and filling. The simplicity of preparation and the hearty flavors make this dish a favorite for anyone needing a quick yet substantial dinner. This is a great meal for anyone looking for comfort food without the long cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is the go-to dish for a quick, comforting meal. It combines broccoli and ccauliflower with a rich mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and crispy bacon. Ready in only 30 minutes, this casserole is a hearty option that’s both filling and quick to prepare. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re pressed for time but still want to serve a dish that feels homemade and hearty. This casserole is sure to become a favorite, serving warmth and satisfaction without a long wait.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Get a taste of the southwest with Fajita Baked Chicken, a dish that cooks in just 30 minutes. It’s packed with chicken seasoned with the flavors of fajita spices, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, all baked together for a creamy, flavorful meal. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something quick and comforting without spending all evening in the kitchen. After a long day, it’s a great way to enjoy a delicious meal that comes together with little effort and still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Shake and bake pork chops on a baking sheet.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you need a quick dinner, Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a perfect choice. These chops are coated in mayo and seasoned breadcrumb mix that locks in juiciness and serves a good crunch. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is a simple way to get a great meal on the table with minimal effort. You don’t need to worry about frying or extensive prep—just coat the pork chops and bake. This recipe ensures a stress-free evening, allowing you to enjoy more downtime after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

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.

The Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is a fast and flavorsome dinner option. Combining lean ground beef, creamy cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, this dish is ready in 30 minutes and packed with flavor. It’s a simple skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence, but you still want a filling dinner. This recipe is a practical choice for anyone looking for a low-prep, quick-cooking meal that doesn’t cut corners on taste.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

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.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a great pick for a quick, comforting meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. This soup combines spicy Italian sausage with tomatoes and cream for a rich, comforting bowl that’s both hearty and delicious. Adjust the spice by choosing your preferred sausage and enjoy a delicious meal that feels like it simmered for hours.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

This Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a great option for a quick gourmet-style dinner. In just 30 minutes, this dish serves an extraordinary experience with tender chicken thighs, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require long hours in the kitchen yet delivers a meal that tastes like it took much longer to make. This dish is also great for leftovers, maintaining its flavor when reheated, making your busy weekdays a little easier.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a fast and flavorful dinner choice that brings a touch of elegance to your table without much effort. This dish features succulent shrimp sautéed with fresh garlic, juicy tomatoes, and leafy spinach, all cooked in just 30 minutes. It’s a great option when you want something a bit special but don’t have the time to prepare a complex meal. Serve this with a side of pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. It’s a great pick for a quick dinner that’s also a bit luxurious.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Whip up a meal in no time with Canned Chicken Patties, ready in just 20 minutes. These patties made with canned chicken, eggs, and Parmesan are super easy to prepare and work great either on their own with sides or tucked into a bun for a speedy sandwich. They are perfect for those evenings when you’re looking for a straightforward meal without spending hours in the kitchen. For anyone who needs a quick, reliable dinner option after a busy day, these chicken patties serve a great solution without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy nights, ready in just 30 minutes. This dish features juicy chicken thighs in a rich, creamy sauce made with Dijon mustard, surrounded by tender spinach and crispy bacon. It’s cooked all in one pan for minimal cleanup. This recipe is a lifesaver for when you need a hearty meal fast and don’t want to compromise on flavor or spend the night cleaning up. It’s a straightforward solution for a hectic evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

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, you can serve a Cheesy Beef Casserole that combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and a hearty amount of cheese. It’s an easy dish to assemble and is both nourishing and filling, making it a great option for a quick dinner. This casserole is perfect for those days when time is tight, but you still want a meal that feels homemade and comforting. It’s also a great choice for getting kids to eat their veggies without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Serve a comforting meal with the Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce, ready in 30 minutes. This dish involves sautéing mushrooms until golden and mixing them into a creamy sauce. It’s all made in one pan, which simplifies cooking and cleanup. Perfect for those who want a delicious meal but need it fast, this recipe ensures you don’t have to sacrifice taste for convenience. It’s great for a last-minute dinner that feels like you’ve put more time into it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken serves a rich and hearty meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. This dish features tender chicken breasts enveloped in a smooth, garlic-infused cream sauce. It’s quick to prepare and pairs perfectly with rice or vegetables, making it a full meal that satisfies without delay. This recipe is particularly handy on those busy nights when you’re looking for comfort food but don’t have much time to cook. It’s a reliable choice that delivers big on both taste and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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