15 Quick Meals That Say Bye to Long Cook Times (Hello, Free Time!)

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15 Quick Meals That Say Bye to Long Cook Times (Hello, Free Time!)

These quick meals are for anyone who’s ever glanced at the clock and thought, “Well, dinner’s supposed to be in an hour, and I’ve done exactly nothing about it.” This collection of recipes is perfect for those moments when you’d rather not spend your entire evening over the stove. We’re talking about swapping those long cook times for some extra me-time — or, hey, maybe even a spontaneous game night or watching your favorite show.

A skillet with sautéed red and white cabbage, topped with melted cheese and a drizzle of creamy sauce, stirred by a white spatula.
Reuben Bowls. 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.

Make this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in just 25 minutes. It combines pasta, pre-cooked chicken, crunchy croutons, juicy tomatoes, and creamy Caesar dressing for a quick and easy meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to prepare a quick meal for a social gathering. It requires readily available ingredients that you may already have on hand, which means less cooking time and more time enjoying your evening. With its familiar flavors and speedy preparation, it’s a go-to for a hearty meal without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

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

These Shake and Bake Pork Chops are ready to serve in just 25 minutes. They feature a crispy coating that mimics the texture of fried chops without the actual frying, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is perfect for anyone who needs a quick meal but doesn’t want to sacrifice flavor for convenience. It’s great for beginner cooks who want to impress without stress. The quick cooking time and minimal preparation make it a practical choice for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole can be on your table in just 30 minutes. It’s loaded with broccoli, cauliflower, and bacon, all smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with green onions. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also hearty and filling, making it perfect for a last-minute dinner that still feels special. The use of pre-cut vegetables can cut down on prep time, allowing you to get a flavorful meal ready even faster. It’s a stress-free option for feeding a family quickly.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy this Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach dish. It combines succulent shrimp with fresh spinach and grape tomatoes, all cooked in a garlic-infused sauce. This meal is a quick way to bring a touch of Italian flavor to your table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s great for a fast dinner that’s also light and healthy. Quick-cooking shrimp means you won’t spend much time over the stove, perfect for busy evenings when you still want a meal that feels gourmet.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Ready in 30 minutes, this Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is cooked in one pan and features tender chicken thighs, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This dish is the perfect solution for anyone who needs a hearty dinner quickly. The combination of flavors and speedy cooking process makes it perfect for a hectic day. The simple preparation and quick cook time ensure you’re not stuck in the kitchen for longer than you need to be.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Whip up a quick meal with our Cabbage and Sausage dish. In under 30 minutes, you can serve a flavorful mix of robust-flavored sausage, fresh cabbage, and onions. It’s simple to cook and perfect for busy evenings when time is tight. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also helps you include more veggies in your diet in a delicious way. It’s great for those evenings when you want a hearty meal without spending much time cooking or spending more on ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Prepare a filling meal fast with our Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce enhanced by the tangy taste of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to feel like a treat. Serve this with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables to round out the meal. This recipe is the answer to your busy schedule, allowing you to make a meal that feels gourmet in minimal time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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.

In a quick 30 minutes, you can whip up these Reuben Bowls for a great dinner fix or a lunch to look forward to. Just brown that deli corned beef, toss it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, stir in some sauerkraut, melt Swiss cheese on top, and give it a good drizzle of your favorite Thousand Island dressing. These bowls are a smart pick for anyone looking to say goodbye to long cook times and hello to a bit of extra chill time in their evening.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

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

Our Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is the epitome of quick comfort food. Ready in only 30 minutes, it features ground beef, cauliflower rice, creamy cheese, and earthy mushrooms cooked together in one skillet for easy cleanup. This dish is not only quick to make but also keeps well, making your next meal just as effortless. It’s perfect for those who need a hearty meal but have little time to cook and clean.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Our Spinach Chicken Bake is a speedy solution for a nutritious dinner, ready in just 30 minutes. It combines juicy chicken thighs with creamy spinach and melty mozzarella for a dish that’s rich in flavor and high in comfort. This bake is straightforward to prepare, perfect for busy parents or anyone who needs to whip up a quick meal after a long day. Plus, it’s a smart way to get more greens into your dinner routine effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

Get dinner on the table fast with our Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. This dish is ready in just 30 minutes and is packed with flavors from seasoned beef, cauliflower, spinach, and creamy cheddar. It’s seasoned with Italian spices, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder for a robust taste. This casserole is a lifesaver on hectic days and is perfect for when you need a complete meal but don’t have much time to cook. It’s also great for keeping everyone satisfied without the need for complicated cooking steps.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Creamy Dijon Chicken is the ultimate solution for a quick, filling meal, blending chicken thighs, spinach, and bacon in a robust mustard-cheesy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those days when you’re pressed for time but still want a hearty meal on the table. The one-pan approach ensures you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your evening. This dish is not just quick; it’s also packed with flavor that makes dinner exciting without the long prep times.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Prepare a deliciously rich dinner with this Creamy Garlic Chicken, featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts immersed in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It takes just 30 minutes to cook, making it a great choice for speedy weeknight dinners. The simple ingredients list and quick cooking method help you avoid the stress of lengthy meal prep. Plus, the leftovers are perfect for stress-free meals over the next few days, allowing you to get the most out of your cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting and quick option that brings together Italian sausage, cream cheese, diced and pureed tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese in just 30 minutes. This hearty soup is seasoned with Italian spices for a rich flavor profile. It’s the perfect choice for a last-minute dinner that doesn’t cut corners on taste. Quick to prepare, this soup warms up any evening and keeps you out of the kitchen with plenty of time to relax after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: 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.

This one-pan meal of Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is ready in 30 minutes, serving a fast and flavorful dinner option. The combination of tender chicken thighs and artichoke hearts in a creamy lemon sauce brings a refreshing taste to your dining table without the long wait. Great for busy parents or anyone who needs a quick meal solution, this dish allows you to enjoy a nutritious dinner even on your busiest nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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