25 Dinners That Guarantee You Won’t Be Hungry for Takeout

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25 Dinners That Guarantee You Won’t Be Hungry for Takeout

When it comes to dinners that will make you forget about calling for takeout, this list of 25 is a game-changer. Each recipe is crafted with the perfect balance of flavor and heartiness to keep your cravings in check and your kitchen the go-to spot for a great meal. Say goodbye to the endless scroll through food delivery apps and hello to a collection of dishes that are not only easy to whip up but also packed with all the goodness that makes a homemade meal so rewarding.

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

In 40 minutes, you can enjoy chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach in a creamy sauce, all cooked in one pan. It’s easy to make and pairs beautifully with any side, making it a great choice for a homemade meal that feels like a luxury. This dish is a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home, helping you reduce your takeout habits.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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.

This hearty soup, ready in just 30 minutes, merges Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes into a one-pot meal. It’s an excellent choice for a substantial dinner that’s simple both to prepare and to clean up afterward, making it a fantastic alternative to takeout on cooler nights. Not only does it save you time and energy on cleanup, but it also yields a cozy, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Prepare to serve up a filling combo of cabbage and sausage in just under 30 minutes, all from a single skillet. This recipe is incredibly simple and good for those hectic evenings when you’re after a fast meal that still manages to outshine anything you might have ordered. It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet in a delicious way, without the hassle of long cooking times or a sink full of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is extra easy to make and comes together in only one pot in 40 minutes. It’s nutrient-dense, filling, and a great choice for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, these scallops are seasoned with lemon and garlic for a simple yet elegant one-pan dinner. It’s the perfect choice for enjoying a special meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe shows how easy it can be to prepare a gourmet meal at home, proving you don’t need to order out to treat yourself. This dish is also a way to impress guests or enjoy a quiet, upscale dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Sausage Curry

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

This hearty, one-pan meal of sausage, veggies, and curry sauce can be ready in 45 minutes and yields a filling dinner that’s simple to make. It’s an excellent choice for those busy nights when you’re craving something hearty but easy. Choosing to make this homemade meal over takeout can add variety to your weeknight dinners without extra hassle. The combination of convenience and taste in this meal means you can enjoy a flavorful dinner at home, saving time and money.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

In just 20 minutes, whip up these chicken bites in a rich garlic butter sauce. With minimal cleanup and fast preparation, it’s an unbeatable option for a quick dinner. Perfect for those evenings when you need a delicious homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe is a great way to ensure you’re eating well, even on your busiest days, helping you stick to homemade meals over takeout.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

A pan full of shrimp, tomatoes and spinach.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This quick 30-minute dish brings together shrimp, spinach, and tomatoes, all simmered in a simple garlic sauce. It’s a solid pick for any evening. Great for those aiming to cut back on takeout by whipping up speedy meals at home. Plus, it’s a stress-free way to enjoy a nutritious meal, ensuring you get a good dose of proteins and greens without compromising on flavor or spending ages in the kitchen.
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.

A 30-minute meal featuring chicken thighs in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce with spinach and bacon, this skillet meal is quick, simple, and good for busy evenings. It’s a great change from the monotony of weeknight cooking without the need for takeout. Adding this dish to your weeknight repertoire is a great way to bring some excitement to your dinners without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy the cozy flavors of chicken pot pie in soup form, ready in about an hour. This one-pot meal combines chicken, veggies, and a creamy broth for an easy, cozy dinner. It’s a simple way to enjoy the essence of a classic dish with less effort, encouraging you to skip takeout.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Zuppa Toscana

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

Ready in just an hour, this soup brings hearty Tuscan flavors to your table with sausage, potatoes, and kale in a savory broth. It’s a great choice for a cozy night in, allowing you to enjoy a warming meal without depending on takeout. Making this soup is like bringing a taste of Italy into your home.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This White Bean Soup is a one-pot recipe that comes together in just 40 minutes. It’s easy enough to make for weeknight dinners, especially when you’re looking to get some extra fiber and veggies in.
Get the Recipe: White Bean 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.

This one-hour, one-pot meal combines sweet potatoes and red peppers for a creamy and cozy soup. It’s a great way to enjoy a nourishing homemade meal over takeout, perfect for those looking to eat something nutrient-dense without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

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

Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish features salmon and bok choy, all in a flavorful coconut milk curry sauce. It’s rich, easy to make, and perfect for adding variety to your meals without needing to order takeout. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a burst of flavor and nutrition, showcasing that homemade meals can be both easy and exciting. Adding this dish to your cooking lineup can help you explore new flavors while sticking to quick, simple preparations.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

This one-pot mushroom soup is ready in 45 minutes and features hearty mushrooms in a creamy base. It’s an excellent standalone meal or pairs well with crusty bread or a veggie side. This rich, cozy soup is a good homemade alternative to takeout, especially on cold days.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Chicken Corn Soup

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

In under an hour, this one-pot wonder combines chicken, corn, and veggies in a creamy soup. It’s homemade and far superior to takeout, providing a cozy meal. This soup is a great way to enjoy a hearty, nutritious meal stress-free. You can have a delicious dinner on the table even on the busiest nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

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.

Ready in 30 minutes, this skillet meal combines ground beef and cauliflower rice with cheddar and mushrooms for added flavor. It’s an excellent choice for nights when you need something filling but want to avoid takeout. This meal is a testament to how good home cooking can be. Get to eat a hearty, flavorful dinner without the wait or expense of ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

This 25-minute dish features cabbage, bacon, and onions cooked together in one skillet. It’s perfect for any day you’re looking for a simple meal without resorting to takeout. This recipe is a simple option that’s both quick to make and packed with flavor. Making this dish is a great way to enjoy a great meal with minimal effort.
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.

Prepare chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce in just 30 minutes, all in one skillet. It’s a great way to end a busy day with a mix of cozy flavors that are easy to make. This dish is a fantastic alternative to takeout as it gives you all of the comfort of a restaurant meal but is made right at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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 dish features boneless chicken thighs in a flavorful sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s simple, filling, and keeps the chicken moist and delicious. Great for when you’re busy but still want to skip takeout. This meal is a great way to bring a bit of gourmet flair to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Enjoy chicken in creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce in just 30 minutes, all cooked in one pan. This dish is perfect for weeknights when you want something delicious with little trouble. It stands as a solid choice for those seeking good, homemade meals without spending too much time in the kitchen or ordering takeout.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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.

Combine sausage and veggies on a sheet pan and bake for about 30 minutes for an easy, nutritious dinner with minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect solution for hectic nights when you need a quick meal that’s great in flavor and quality. This recipe is a simple way to ensure you’re eating a balanced meal, even on your busiest days.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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.

Ready in 30 minutes, this dish combines chicken thighs and artichoke hearts in a delicious creamy sauce. It’s an excellent option when you’re short on time but still crave a cozy, homemade meal. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a great dinner without resorting to takeout.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower mushroom risotto in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, serve a risotto that substitutes cauliflower for rice, blending mushrooms, garlic, onions, and Parmesan into a hearty yet light dish. This one-pan dinner is perfect for a quick, cozy meal without the heaviness of traditional carbs. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the creamy texture and deep flavors of classic risotto without ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Green Chile Chicken

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Revive leftover chicken by mixing it with green chiles, onions, garlic, and a creamy sauce to create a vibrant dish in just 20 minutes. This simple, quick, and nearly foolproof recipe is an outstanding choice for effortless, flavorful dinners at home. It’s a smart way to repurpose leftovers into a fresh, appetizing meal. By incorporating ingredients that pack a punch in terms of flavor, homemade just got more exciting than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

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