17 Quick Dinners That’ll Get You Out of the Kitchen Pronto

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17 Quick Dinners That’ll Get You Out of the Kitchen Pronto

If you’re looking to whip up quick dinners that’ll have you clocking out of kitchen duty in no time, you’re in the right spot. This post is packed with 17 recipes that are perfect for those evenings when you’d rather spend less time cooking and more time doing literally anything else. We’re talking minimal prep, speedy cooking, and great flavors that make it seem like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually have.

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.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These pork chops are perfect for a quick meal, ready in 25 minutes. They come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are super easy to prepare — coat them with mayo and seasoning mix and bake — no need for frying or long prep. Enjoy more downtime tonight with a dish that’s quick to hit the table and easy to clean up after. These pork chops let you serve a delicious and impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Great for when you’re short on time but still want a meal that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up these Reuben Bowls in just 30 minutes for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Brown up some deli corned beef, toss it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, add sauerkraut, and top with melted Swiss cheese. Finish it off with a drizzle of homemade or store-bought Thousand Island dressing for a meal that’s great for both dinner rush and next-day lunches.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is great for a quick dinner and is ready in 30 minutes. It combines broccoli and cauliflower with cream cheese, sour cream, and bacon. The bacon adds a rich flavor, and the cream cheese and sour cream make it creamy. This dish transforms basic veggies into a meal everyone will love. It’s perfect for spending less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing. This casserole helps you get a delicious dinner on the table fast without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Quick and easy, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are great for a fast dinner. They come together in just 20 minutes. Chop some chicken, fry it, and toss it in a simple garlic butter sauce for a burst of flavor. This dish is a stress-free option for a busy weeknight, letting you enjoy a great meal without spending much time cooking. It’s a fast way to get a meal on the table, perfect for busy evenings. This recipe is a game changer when you need something delicious without the hassle, making dinner time less of a chore and more of a joy.
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.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is great for a quick and delicious dinner, ready in 30 minutes. Shrimp, garlic, grape tomatoes, spinach, and coconut milk cook quickly for a great meal. The garlic adds a rich flavor, while the shrimp and spinach come together for a light yet hearty dinner. It’s great when you need something special but lack time, making it a perfect choice for a stress-free evening. This recipe brings a touch of elegance to your weeknight dinners without the time commitment.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is perfect when you need to get out of the kitchen fast. Toss sausages, sweet mini peppers, broccoli, and zucchini on a sheet pan and roast. It cooks quickly, and there’s hardly any cleanup. The flavors mix well in the oven, giving you a hearty and filling meal with minimal effort. This dish is great for nights when you want to relax after eating and not worry about a mess. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need a healthy meal without spending a lot of time cooking or cleaning up.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Quick to cook and easy to clean, this Cabbage and Sausage is great for a fast dinner, done in under 30 minutes. Combining sausage, cabbage, onion, and spices serves a comforting and delicious taste with every bite. It’s great for a hearty meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night and is perfect for unwinding after a busy day without sacrificing a good dinner. Serve on its own or with a side dish for a complete meal. This dish is a great way to enjoy a filling dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Close-up of a caesar salad with croutons, shredded chicken, and caesar dressing on chopped romaine lettuce.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 25 minutes, this salad is great when you need dinner in a hurry. With pre-cooked chicken and store-bought Caesar dressing, this dish cuts your kitchen time, letting you step out of the kitchen sooner than expected. Simple ingredients come together to create a filling meal that’s a breeze to prepare, perfect for those busy nights. This salad is a perfect choice when you want something quick yet delicious, combining the best Caesar salad with the heartiness of pasta and chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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 perfect for speedy dinners, ready in 30 minutes. Combining Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and heavy cream creates a rich and hearty soup. The cream and cheese melt into the broth, creating a rich texture for chilly evenings. It’s a great way to end a long day with a comforting meal that warms you up quickly. Adjust the spices to suit your taste for a perfectly seasoned bowl. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, it’s a lifesaver on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is perfect for a quick meal, ready in 30 minutes. It combines juicy chicken thighs, fresh spinach, a kick of red pepper flakes and melted mozzarella. Simple ingredients like cream cheese add a rich texture. It’s great for beginners and perfect for enjoying a relaxing evening. This dish delivers a nutritious, protein-packed meal without complicated steps. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to make a great dinner that helps you unwind after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

This one-pan meal is great for a quick dinner, ready in 30 minutes. Creamy Dijon Chicken combines juicy chicken thighs, tangy Dijon mustard sauce, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon. The simple preparation means minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for putting a comforting and hearty meal on the table fast and enjoying more time to relax after a long day. This dish makes it easy to serve a great meal without hassle. You’ll love how quickly you can prepare dinner and have time to unwind.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

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.

Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is perfect for a quick, stress-free dinner, ready in 30 minutes. It mixes ground beef with creamy cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a filling meal low on carbs. Easy and quick to prepare, it’s great for evenings when you’re short on time but still want a complete meal. This skillet helps you make a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. With this comforting dish, you’ll find it easy to switch from a busy day to a peaceful evening.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is great for a quick meal. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have an impressive and simple restaurant-quality dish. Season the chicken, sauté mushrooms, and whip up a creamy sauce with chicken stock and cream. The rich flavors are comforting, and the preparation is straightforward. This recipe is perfect for nights when you want something special without much effort. It’s a great way to enjoy a nice dinner and still have time to relax. Perfect for busy evenings when you need a stress-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is great for a fast meal that is ready in 30 minutes. It combines well-seasoned ground beef with cauliflower rice and fresh spinach, all covered in melted cheese. This casserole is easy to make, flavorful, and nutritious. It’s perfect for evenings when you want a hearty meal without spending much time cooking. You get a delicious dinner that’s filling and healthy. It’s a simple way to unwind after a busy day with a meal that satisfies your hunger and saves you time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Canned Chicken Patties

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

In just 20 minutes, you can whip up these Canned Chicken Patties, making them great for a quick dinner that gets you out of the kitchen fast. These patties mix canned chicken with eggs, parmesan, and ground sunflower seed meal. You can serve them with steamed broccoli or in buns for a quick sandwich. This dish is effortless and perfect for nights when you need a fast and delicious meal. It’s a convenient way to enjoy a homemade dinner without much preparation. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make a good dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken is ready in 30 minutes and is perfect for a quick dinner. It features tender chicken breasts in a creamy, garlicky sauce made with chicken stock, heavy cream, and parmesan. Serve over pasta or with vegetables. This dish is quick to prepare and fills your kitchen with a tempting aroma. It’s a stress-free recipe for a relaxing meal when you want good food without much effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a simple and delicious meal. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to make and how great it tastes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken comes together in 30 minutes and is great for a fast meal that quickly gets you out of the kitchen. It’s packed with the bold flavors of traditional fajitas and needs minimal prep. Season the chicken with fajita spices, layer with cream cheese, sweet peppers, mozzarella, and bake. This recipe is stress-free and delivers a good meal. Perfect for unwinding on a busy weeknight. It combines convenience and flavor in one dish. It’s an easy way to enjoy the flavors of fajitas without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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