25 Home-Cooked Dinners That’ll Make You Break Up with Takeout

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25 Home-Cooked Dinners That’ll Make You Break Up with Takeout

Home-cooked dinners have a certain magic that makes takeout look like a distant memory. These recipes are so great you’ll wonder why you ever relied on delivery apps. Get ready to dust off those pots and pans because your kitchen is about to become your new favorite restaurant.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

You don’t have to wait over an hour for so-so takeout when you can whip up this Creamy Dijon Chicken in 30 minutes. This dish features chicken cutlets simmered in a creamy sauce flavored with Dijon mustard, herbs, and bits of bacon. Perfect for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a comforting meal. Plus, if you’re considering cost, this one’s a winner — it’s cheaper than eating out. So, next time you’re tempted to dial up some dinner, remember this delicious alternative that keeps your wallet and stomach happy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

Ditch the usual takeout and treat yourself to Lemon Garlic Scallops, which you can serve in 30 minutes. It sounds like a dish you’d order at a fancy restaurant. Well, it’s packed with plump, juicy scallops cooked in a light lemon and garlic sauce that’s both refreshing and rich. This dish is a perfect quick-fix luxury that won’t break the bank. You get all the flavor without the wait, and it’s so easy you might find yourself making it a regular thing. Plus, when you cook at home, you know what’s going into your food — no hidden extras.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Takeout soup can’t compete with a steaming bowl of homemade Chicken Tortellini Soup, especially when it’s ready in 40 minutes. This soup tosses together tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a bunch of fresh veggies in a rich broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for those days when you need a little comfort without the hassle, and it’s great for feeding a crowd without needing to order three different things off a menu. Save yourself the extra spending and have a hearty soup that always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Sausage Curry

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

Don’t settle for the same old takeout when you can have a bold and hearty Sausage Curry on your table in 45 minutes! This dish combines sausages with a punchy curry sauce that brings the flavors home. It’s all done in one pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It has no mysterious ingredients, endless waiting, and great fast food. This curry is not just a meal; it’s a statement that you don’t need to go out to enjoy some seriously good eats. Plus, it’s perfect for impressing friends who think takeout is the only way to do dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

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.

Forget takeout! Enjoy a bowl of Creamy Italian Sausage Soup ready in just 30 minutes. This hearty soup mixes Italian sausage with cream cheese and tomatoes for a rich, creamy, comforting texture. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something delicious but simple. Just one pot, a few ingredients, and dinner is served. This soup shows that making a great meal doesn’t have to be a big ordeal. It’s straightforward, delicious, and just the kind of thing to make you forget about your takeout apps.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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.

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts are here to save your dinner plans. This dish involves chicken thighs, artichoke hearts, cream, and some herbs — stuff you probably already have or can easily grab on your way home. Ready in just 30 minutes, it gives you a rich and comforting meal without the hassle. Plus, it’s a great way to impress someone without looking like you tried too hard. It’s all about getting that ‘slow-cooked’ feel without having to slow-cook anything. Ditch the pricey takeout; this is how you do dinner right when you’re too tired to plan something fancy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

If you’re looking for a light and hearty dish, Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach have you covered. This quick dish combines shrimp, fresh spinach, tomatoes, and a kick of garlic — ready in 25 minutes. It’s the kind of meal perfect for when you want something a bit different but still easy. There is no need to call for takeout when you can taste Tuscany from your kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to use up whatever veggies you’ve got hanging out in the fridge. Say goodbye to takeout menus and hello to a fresh, easy meal that feels a little fancy without all the work.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Let’s talk about Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. This dish is a game changer for anyone tired of the takeout routine. With just chicken, garlic, butter, and a few spices, you can whip this up in about 20 minutes. It’s all cooked on the stovetop until the chicken is juicy and the sauce bubbles. No more cold delivery food when you can have hot and fresh bites at home. Plus, it’s easy enough to make between your daily chores or right after work. It’s a perfect quick fix for dinner; let’s be honest, it’ll make your kitchen smell amazing. You don’t need takeout when home cooking is this easy and good.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. It takes about 40 minutes to bring together chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and a creamy sauce in one pan. This dish is all about minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Serve it over pasta or scoop it up with some fresh bread. It’s the perfect answer to “What’s for dinner?” when you’re tempted to order in. Forget about waiting for delivery. This dish shows you can create something great in the same amount of time it takes to decide on a takeout place.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

Chicken Pot Pie Soup is like a hug in a bowl. This one takes less than an hour to assemble and includes all the classic pot pie fillers. It features tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and carrots, all swimming in a creamy soup base. No crust means less work, and let’s face it, sometimes you want the filling anyway. It’s a smart choice for a chilly evening or when you need some comfort food without the hassle. Plus, it reheats like a dream, perfect for planning ahead or for unexpected guests. Who knew ditching takeout could be so filling and simple?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Forget about waiting for delivery; whip up this Zuppa Toscana in about an hour and enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal. This soup swaps traditional potatoes for radishes, keeping it low-carb without sacrificing the hearty feel. It’s packed with sausage, bacon, heavy cream, and kale, and it’s simmered in a rich broth that makes you feel right at home. It’s perfect for a delicious dinner and shines even more the next day. Honestly, with a meal this good waiting at home, you don’t need takeout! Plus, it’s a great way to use up that kale you’ve been ignoring in your fridge.
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.

White Bean Soup, ready in just 40 minutes, is a no-brainer for a speedy weeknight dinner. This one’s got white beans, carrots, and croutons that come together in a soup that’s creamy entirely on its own, no cream needed. It’s a straightforward, one-pot meal that simplifies your evening routine — less time cooking means more time for everything else. It’s also great reheated so that you can look forward to lunch tomorrow. Skip the takeout line because this soup’s simplicity and great flavor are about to make your life a whole lot easier.
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.

If you’re eyeing takeout menus, put them down and consider this Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup instead. In about an hour, you can have a pot full of this soup, blending the smooth flavors of sweet potatoes with the sharpness of red peppers. Top it off with sour cream and parsley for that extra touch. It’s easy to make and perfect for freezing, ready to save your dinner plans on a future hectic day. This soup tastes great and packs a nutritious punch, turning any night into a no-takeout zone. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for the kids without stress.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Curry salmon with coconut milk and bok choy in a bowl with a fork.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ditch the takeout and go for this Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy, ready in 30 minutes. This dish combines salmon, bok choy, and a rich homemade curry paste featuring mustard seeds and curry powder. It’s a simple, one-pot meal that delivers a flavorful punch and a healthy dose of omega-3s. It’s fast, filling, and a healthier alternative to your usual takeout fare. Plus, it’s perfect for those evenings when you want something different but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen.
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.

When the urge to dial for takeout hits, resist it and cook up some Hungarian Mushroom Soup instead. It’s ready in 45 minutes and pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread. This soup is rich, creamy, and loaded with mushrooms, making it a solid choice for a comforting dinner at home. It’s also super easy to prepare and store, giving you a delicious option that beats the hassle of takeout any day. It’s also a great way to impress someone without looking like you tried too hard.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage is a real game changer for dinner, done in under 30 minutes. This dish is a no-brainer if you want to whip something up fast and good. Just grab some cabbage and sausage, maybe the ones hiding in your fridge waiting for their moment, and get them sizzling in a skillet. Throw in a splash of apple cider vinegar for that nice tangy touch, and you’ve turned simple ingredients into a filling and quick meal. Say goodbye to the endless scrolling through takeout menus and hello to a delicious meal that makes you feel like a kitchen pro without actually needing to be one.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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.

If you’re thinking about hitting up the takeout apps again, let me stop you right there. Try this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice instead. It’s a powerhouse of flavors with ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar, and mushrooms all thrown into one skillet. This dish is the epitome of easy and great, especially on those nights when the thought of cooking seems like a big deal. Just 30 minutes, and you’re set with a meal far better than anything you’d wait to be dropped at your door. Ditch the extra expenses and unpredictable delivery times.
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.

Instead of waiting for lukewarm takeout, fire up the skillet for some Fried Cabbage with Bacon! This dish is as straightforward as it gets, but don’t let that fool you — the flavors are anything but simple. You can create a meal in about 25 minutes with just cabbage, bacon, and onions. It’s the perfect solution for a busy evening, and you still want a meal that tastes like you tried. This recipe cuts right to the chase and beats out any overpriced takeout. Plus, it’s a great way to convince yourself that you can cook something great faster than it takes for delivery to arrive.
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.

Sometimes, you want a dinner that looks fancy but without all the effort, and that’s where this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce comes in. It features tender chicken thighs smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, all cooked in one skillet for about 30 minutes. It’s a solid choice for ditching takeout, perfect for a quiet night in or when you want to impress without the stress. There is no need to wait for someone else to bring you a meal when you can serve up something this good in less time than it usually takes to decide what you’re in the mood for.
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.

Skip the usual takeout and enjoy Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken for a rich and quick meal. This dish features juicy chicken thighs, lush sun-dried tomatoes, and the perfect touch of heavy cream. Fire up your skillet because, in just 30 minutes, you’ll enjoy a dinner that feels a bit more special than your average weekday fare. It’s a great way to switch up your dinner routine without blowing your budget or your evening trying to make something complicated. There is no need to wait around for food in a bag when you can enjoy a homemade dish loaded with flavor!
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.

If you want to cut down on takeout, try this Creamy Garlic Chicken. It’s a straightforward dish made with chicken, garlic, Parmesan, and a splash of cream. This one-pan wonder takes only 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for those nights when the thought of washing more than one pan is too much. You don’t need takeout when you can get all this creamy goodness in your kitchen! Not only is it less of a hit on your wallet, it’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table. You might find yourself volunteering to cook more often!
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.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner will make you forget the takeout menu. Just chop up some zucchini, broccoli, and sweet mini peppers, throw them on a pan with your favorite sausages, season them, and let the oven do its thing. In about 30 minutes, you’ve got a roasted dish that’s both flavorful and healthy. It’s the meal that makes you feel like a champ for serving up something so simple yet so good. And honestly, when did the last takeout leave you feeling like that? Get ready to be asked to make this on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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

You don’t need rice to make a great risotto! Our Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms features chopped cauliflower for a lighter, yet still creamy, base. Toss in some mushrooms, garlic, onions, and Parmesan; you get a comforting dish ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those trying to eat well without spending all night in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a dish that shows takeout isn’t the only option when you want something easy yet delicious. This recipe is your new best friend if you want to impress with minimal effort.
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.

Turn that leftover chicken into something special with our Green Chile Chicken recipe. It’s a spicy mix of shredded chicken thighs, green chiles, jalapeños, onions, and a creamy sauce — all coming together in 20 minutes. Serve it over rice or scoop it into tacos, and you’ve got an easy and exciting meal. It’s a game changer for weeknight dinners, serving a filling alternative to the usual takeout routine. Plus, it’s a great way to use what you already have in the fridge, which is always a win in my book.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Our Chicken Corn Soup is just the ticket for a cozy night in. It’s a hearty combination of chicken, creamed corn, carrots, and potatoes, all simmered into a creamy soup. Ready in less than an hour, it’s quicker than most delivery times and much more filling. This soup is the ultimate comfort food, making it a solid choice for a little pick-me-up after a long day. Forget about the soggy takeout — this soup will have you feeling like a home-cooking hero, and it’s just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

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