If you’re in a rush but still want to keep dinner light and healthy, you’ve got plenty of options. There are 17 quick meals you can put together that won’t pile on the calories. They’re perfect for those hectic evenings when you need something satisfying but simple. You won’t even feel like you’re watching what you eat. So, joke about dinner under 30 calories if you want, but with these speedy meals, you’re all set for a meal that actually satisfies.
Chicken Fried Rice
You’re in a rush and hungry, too? Well, this dish has got your back! It’s the perfect combo of filling and fast, making it the ultimate busy weeknight savior. On those evenings when even takeout seems too slow, Chicken Fried Rice is your homemade express meal ticket. Now, you can chill knowing dinner’s sorted, and it’ll taste like you spent way more time on it than you actually did.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Salmon Pasta Salad
If you’re feeling fancy but not fussy, then it’s time for this special yet simple dish. A combo that feels gourmet without needing a chef’s hat or an apron. Salmon Pasta Salad comes together faster than you can set the table. It’s versatile, it’s light, it’s the dinner that doesn’t demand drama or time. This is your quick fix when you want to impress without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
When you feel like treating yourself but can’t deal with a mountain of dishes. It’s a classic dish turned modern marvel with just the click of a button. This Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is all about keeping it classy on the plate and simple in the prep. It’s not every day you get to enjoy guilt-free indulgence at record speed! You’re in for a fuss-free treat that’ll make your dinner feel like a mini-celebration.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Reuben Sliders
When you’re craving something hearty but want to keep it easy and peasy. These bite-sized wonders pack all the punch of their full-sized cousin. Reuben Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that won’t keep you or your guests waiting. They’re small, they’re tasty, and they’ve got that ‘wow’ factor on lock. It’s the quick fix for when you need great food that’s fun-sized.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Sometimes you just want a meal that’s as easy as it is refreshing. That’s when you turn to that homestyle favorite, ready before your table’s even set. Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is here to save the day with its no-cook prep. Perfect for those days when turning on the stove is a no-go. A plate of this, and you’re enjoying dinner that’s just as chill as you are.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Who said pizza night couldn’t be both unique and unfussy? With this dish, it’s about breaking the pizza mold without breaking a sweat. Ham & Asparagus Pizza takes the road less traveled, delivering bold flavors at lightning speed. This isn’t your everyday pie; it’s the quick meal that marches to the beat of its own yummy drum. It’s definitely the solution for jazzing up your dinner routine in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this dish gets straight to the lip-smacking point. You’re about to choose the healthier route without skimping on the yum factor. Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are here to show you that fast food can still be home-cooked. And when you want a little sweet with your savory without the wait or weight, here’s how you do dinner. It’s quick, it’s tasty, and it’s sitting pretty on your plate in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Blackstone Sausage & Peppers
When you’ve got mouths to feed and zero time to spare, the grill calls your name. It’s the kind of meal that says ‘casual hangout’ without needing the invite. Blackstone Sausage & Peppers is that one-pan ticket to flavor town, where slow-cooked taste meets fast food speed. You’ve got a plateful of goodness, and hey, the clock’s still on your side. This quick dish is the effortless and flavorful fix that everyone will cheer for.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sausage & Peppers
Mediterranean Cod
Ever dream of a seaside getaway but stuck at home? This meal won’t need you to pack bags or sit on a plane. It brings that much-needed vacay vibe right to your kitchen. And hey, with Mediterranean Cod on the menu, you’ve got ‘fancy dinner’ written all over your evening, minus the fuss. So sit back, relax, your quick ticket to the Mediterranean flavors is ready to serve!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Last night’s steak just got a delicious second act, so no taste bud encore needed. It’s speedy, it’s easy, and it’ll make any leftovers star of the show. Leftover Steak Quesadilla turns “been there, done that” into “can we have that again?” With a perfect blend of comfort and quickness, it’s the culinary curtain call that deserves a standing ovation. This meal’s the no-fuss flip from yesterday’s feast to today’s treat.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Steak & Pasta Salad
There’s something special about a dish that can make salad the main event at dinner. It’s like a stealthy way to get your greens and still call it comfort food. The combo might seem fancy, but Steak & Pasta Salad is as easy-going as it gets. Plus, it’s ready in a snap, which makes your life a whole lot simpler. So, on those warm evenings when you want to keep it light but substantial, here’s your go-to.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
There’s no need to head to the deli when you can whip up a classic at home. Trust me, you’ll have them wondering if you’ve got a hidden sandwich artist apron. Pastrami Reuben Sandwich is your shortcut to sandwich heaven, with no line waiting. It’s hearty, it’s loaded, and it’s ready before your stomach starts to grumble. It’s diner vibes without the diner wait, and it’s darn quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Yearning for that restaurant coziness but stuck in the comfort of your home? This home-cooked hero brings all the fancy without the frills or the wait. Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo does the heavy lifting, making your home feel like a date night spot. It’s the velvety, creamy indulgence that’s surprisingly swift to pull off. A quick, creamy hug for your soul, that’s what you’re about to dish out.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Longing for that touch of Italian flair to spice up your evening plans? Here’s the dish that’ll make any night feel a little more ‘La Dolce Vita’. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka lets you play the host with the most without spending your night in the kitchen. It’s the quick win that dresses your table in finesse and flavor. Roll out the red carpet because your speedy, restaurant-style dinner is served.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Baja Fish Tacos
Think you’ve got a hankering for something quick but full of flavor, that’s where these tacos come in. The moment this meal hits your table, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to the seaside without setting foot outside. With every bite of Baja Fish Tacos, it’s a whirlwind trip to the ocean’s edge for yourself. Lightweight yet satisfying, it’s the escape you didn’t know you needed at dinner. Perfect for those evenings when you’re craving a party on a plate, and quick!
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle
Transform your kitchen into a bustling Thai street market with a quick turn of the griddle. This is the dish that says ‘adventure’ with a side of ‘easy’. Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle lets you explore bold flavors from far away, all in the comfort of your own backyard. It’s a fast-track to taste sensation without the jet lag. Dive into an express culinary trip that’s big on taste and short on time.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle
Ham Fried Rice
When the fridge is full of leftovers, and you’re not sure where to start, that’s where this dish pops up as the perfect solution. It’s the one-pan wonder that turns “what’s for dinner?” into “wow, that’s delicious!” in no time flat. When Ham Fried Rice is on the stove, you know you’re just moments away from a meal that’s both cozy and satisfying. It’s the tasty way to wrap up a long day, and did I mention? Quick too!
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice