15 Speedy Dinners That’ll Make You Think You’ve Unlocked a Cheat Code

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15 Speedy Dinners That’ll Make You Think You’ve Unlocked a Cheat Code

Speedy dinners are the secret power-up you didn’t know you needed. These meals will have you dodging the dinnertime bullet like a pro gamer, all while keeping your cool. It’s like having your cake and eating it too — except it’s dinner, and there’s no cake. Just straight-up good food, stat.

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Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

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.

Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet throws together ground beef, cauliflower rice, heavy cheese, cheddar, and mushrooms. It’s a whole dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. This one’s a lifesaver when your stomach’s growling and you’ve got about a million other things to do. And since it’s all made in one skillet, you’ll be out of the kitchen in no time.
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.

Let’s face it — everyone needs a back-pocket recipe that comes off more gourmet than it really is. Enter the Spinach Chicken Bake. Juicy chicken thighs, tender spinach, and melty mozzarella are all baked together until golden and bubbling. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is your go-to for those “I forgot to plan dinner” nights. Plus, it’s packed with protein and greens, so it’s not just quick — it’s also smart.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Need something that tastes like a summer night in Italy but without the plane ride or the prep time? Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach dish makes this possible with plump shrimp, ripe grape tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all sautéed in a garlicky sauce. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s the perfect quick fix for a busy day. It’s great for impressing a date or just treating yourself because, hey, you deserve good food fast.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

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

25 minutes is all you need to turn out some seriously good Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Coat them in mayonnaise, toss them with breadcrumbs, and let the oven do its thing. What comes out are perfectly crispy chops with tender and juicy insides. This dish is the answer on those nights when even ordering takeout seems like too much work.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

The Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce hits all the right notes with tender chicken thighs and a rich mushroom sauce flavored with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. It cooks up for about 30 minutes, all in one pan. It’s like you’ve hacked the system to make a meal that looks and tastes like it took hours. Plus, with everything in one pan, your cleanup is as easy as the cooking. Perfect for ending a hectic day on a high note.
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.

Reuben Bowls take the classic sandwich ingredients and ditch the bread for a quicker, bowl-based meal. In just 30 minutes, layer browned corned beef, tangy sauerkraut or fresh cabbage, and melty Swiss cheese, topped with creamy Thousand Island dressing. It’s the perfect solution for when the thought of cooking is more draining than your phone’s battery. These bowls deliver all the flavor without the stress of sandwich assembly, making dinner feel like a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Make this Sun Dried Tomato Chicken when you’re pressed for time but still want a great meal. Juicy chicken thighs are cooked in a creamy sauce flavored with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and Italian herbs, all done in 30 minutes using just one pan. It’s a dish that doesn’t require a mountain of dishes afterward, making your evening routine as smooth as that sauce.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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 a no-stress dinner that packs in the veggies and flavor without packing on the prep time. This dish throws broccoli, cauliflower, and bacon into a creamy sauce you can toss in the oven, so you can chill out. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s practically a dinner hack that lets you unwind while your oven does the heavy lifting. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those greens without groaning about salad.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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.

If you’re looking for something quick and easy, the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is just about perfect. In 25 minutes, mix pre-cooked chicken, pasta, croutons, and tomatoes with a creamy Caesar dressing for a dish that’s as simple as it is speedy. This salad is the ultimate go-to on those nights when even microwaving feels like too much work. It keeps things light yet filling and doesn’t tie you to the kitchen after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a quick 30-minute ticket to a great meal and an even better evening. Chicken breasts are cooked in a creamy sauce rich with garlic and Parmesan, all garnished with herbs. It’s the epitome of a super speedy dinner that makes you feel like you’ve hacked your weekday night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic 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.

Cheesy Beef Casserole shows quick meals can be hearty. You’ve got ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach under a generous layer of melted cheddar. It’s a full meal that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when your stomach’s grumbling louder than your inbox.
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.

Let’s talk about turning your dinner routine on its head with some Creamy Dijon Chicken. This dish is an absolute breeze, featuring juicy chicken thighs, crisp spinach, and that all-important crispy bacon, all smothered in a lush Dijon and cheese sauce. From pan to plate in just 30 minutes flat, it’s perfect for those “can’t even” kind of nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon 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.

Think of a bowl of Italian Sausage Soup as your quick escape from a dreary day. This soup is a flavor powerhouse — packed with Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and Parmesan, all ready in 30 minutes. Easy to make and easier to eat, it’s comfort food without the long wait. A real game-changer for those looking for a speedy yet soothing dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage 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 your straightforward answer to a quick, hearty meal on those hectic evenings. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this dish combines flavorful sausage with sautéed cabbage and onions for a simple and filling meal. This dish is like the express lane to a comforting meal — it’s so quick you’ll wonder if you accidentally hit fast forward.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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 is definitely the dish you didn’t know you needed. Ready in just half an hour, this dinner pairs succulent chicken thighs with hearty artichoke hearts and a lemon cream sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing. It’s the perfect recipe for when you’re looking to keep things low-key but still want a hint of fancy. Just mix up the ingredients, let them simmer, and poof — you’re ready to dive into a delicious meal that practically makes itself.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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