I get a lot of joy from making delicious and nutritious dinners for my family, but I can only devote a finite amount of time to it each day. As someone who develops recipes for a living, I know it’s not too much to ask for dinners that have it all: great flavor, real-food ingredients, fast prep, easy to read instructions, and quick assembly.
All of the dinners in this collection meet those requirements and have either a short ingredient list, require 20 minutes or less of prep time, and don’t require a lot of chopping. I turn to these options often for weeknight dinners that always hit the spot.
The Best Classic Meatloaf
Even if Molly doesn’t know what she’s making for dinner, she can count on having a few pounds of ground beef in her freezer. On days like that, she pulls it out, lets it thaw, and makes one of many favorite ground beef recipes. And often, it’s this simple and so-good classic meatloaf recipe, which can be prepped whenever she has 10 minutes to spare in the day, then stores it in the fridge until ready to bake for dinner.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free Option | High Protein | Nut Free
Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
When I serve this pulled chicken as sandwiches or over baked potatoes for dinner, I get zero complaints. This is one of those recipes that is always popular and tastes so satisfying. Using my crockpot method, it’s one of the easiest and most versatile proteins to prepare. This easy recipe calls for simple ingredients and a quick stir-together BBQ sauce that infuses the shredded chicken with delicious sweet-tangy sauce flavor.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Stovetop Taco Pasta
When my family can’t decide between tacos or pasta, I take the easy way out and make this combination skillet recipe. It’s so flavorful and always a hit with my kids, plus I can’t wait to eat the leftovers for easy lunches for the week. I also appreciate that it’s such an easy protein-rich, veggie-filled, family-friendly, one-pot meal. The warm pasta is savory, cheesy, and perfect for serving with various toppings.
Dairy Free Option | Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | High Protein | Nut Free
Steak Stir Fry
This flavorful stir-fry recipe is a protein-rich, veggie-filled, single-skillet dinner that’s quick to prepare and ready to eat in just 30 minutes. It’s one of my family favorite meals that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners. I make it with thinly sliced sirloin steak, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and a quick-to-make stir-fry sauce.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
I think this method for making chicken fajitas on a sheet pan is genius. It’s a simple and fast way to make flavorful cooked chicken and veggies that taste great served as fajitas, fajita bowls, and fajita salads. I make this dinner option when I want something that my whole family will devour that’s also not difficult to make.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Potatoes
This one-pan recipe is an easy and quick dinner made with savory sausage, crispy roasted potatoes, tender cabbage, and a simple creamy mustard sauce. Jess and her husband love this option, since it comes together with minimal prep and delivers a quick, comforting, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Stovetop Goulash
My husband loves a hearty American goulash recipe, which he makes at his fire station often. It’s a simple one-skillet meal that’s savory, filling, comforting, and quick. Plus it provides a well-rounded source of protein, carbs, and veggies. I also make it at home as a great choice for family friendly weeknight dinners served with a side of crusty bread for scooping up the bites.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Greek Quinoa Salad
This vegetarian main dish salad is nourishing and so good. When Stacie is craving all of her favorite whole foods, she makes this salad and sometimes tops it with air fryer salmon or cooked chicken to round it out even more. Featuring a variety of delicious Mediterranean flavors – like briny Kalamata olives and feta, sweet tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and creamy avocado, it’s perfect for casual easy dinners.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Chicken And Dumpling Soup
This cozy family-favorite soup is both delicious and nourishing, providing a well-rounded meal that includes several food groups and many essential nutrients. I make it on the stovetop with my classic and easy method for cooking seasoned dumplings to perfection. Enjoy the leftovers, as this soup is even better the next day.
Egg Free | Nut Free
Crockpot Beef Ramen
If you love ramen like I do, then this recipe is right up your alley! It’s a super comforting meal that’s easy to make on a busy day. Just 15 minutes of prep time. This crockpot beef ramen is full of flavor, easy to make, and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Salmon
I love a good sheet pan recipe, and this easy honey mustard salmon and veggie recipe is one of my go-tos for busy nights. It’s so flavorful with a main dish and veggies sides cooking at the same time. I appreciate that it’s ready to eat in about 30 minutes and I can easily package leftovers for easy lunches.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo
Sheet Pan Chicken With Roasted Vegetables
This well-loved recipe is one that Registered Dietitian Jess turns to often to feed her family of four in a pinch. Requiring just 15 minutes of prep time, it’s an easy, delicious, and healthy dinner that she can get into the oven quickly. The juicy roasted chicken thighs and colorful tender vegetables all cook at the same time on one sheet pan.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Sheet Pan Chicken Tostadas
Ana created this recipe for her Mexican food-loving family. These sheet pan chicken tostadas are a quick, easy, high-protein weeknight dinner recipe that her kids and husband look forward to. Served warm with various toppings, these tostada are easy to customize and can be made gluten-free and/or dairy-free, as needed.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Sheet Pan Chipotle Chicken Thighs with Broccoli
Every time I make this pleasing and perfect weeknight dinner, I immediately schedule it for another upcoming dinner. It’s a family favorite that comes together fast and requires just a few real-food ingredients. Seasoned with a simple spice rub and drizzled with a honey-mustard sauce, this sheet pan chicken thigh recipe does not skimp on flavor.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo
Easy Baked Tacos
Tacos are already a simple go-to recipe for easy weeknight dinners in my home. But it wasn’t until I tried this method for baking a lot of tacos together at once that I realized this is the way to go when making tacos for a family. Everyone can grab their warm pre-stuffed tacos right from the baking dish and add any desired toppings. Don’t knock it til you try it!
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp
Shrimp is a quick-cooking protein that my whole family loves to eat, which is why I make this sheet pan shrimp and green bean dinner often. The sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce makes every bite an irresistible weeknight dinner that’s fast and fresh.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Baked Italian Meatballs
Dietitian Stacie developed this recipe so she could serve her family a quick and nourishing dinner she knew they would love. These oven-baked meatballs are darn good and come together quickly. To make weeknights even faster, she meal preps them ahead of time, then heats them with pasta sauce to serve over noodles.
High Protein | Nut Free
Chicken Bacon Ranch
I’ve always been a fan of this delicious trio: chicken, bacon, and ranch together. In this simple sheet pan recipe, those three flavors come together with sweet potatoes for an easy weeknight dinner that my kids and I love. This baked chicken and veggie recipe is high in fiber and protein, and the leftovers are great, too.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Salmon With Asparagus
I streamlined this recipe so that the simple honey glaze doubles as both a marinade and a finishing sauce. It’s oh so delicious and makes every bite of the salmon and veggies taste sweet and savory. This healthful meal can be on my table in less than 30 minutes, making it a choice I turn to often to feed my family on busy nights.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Pork Chops with Veggies
Molly and her kiddos love honey mustard anything, so this simple sheet pan dinner makes a frequent appearance in her home. It’s a one-pan dinner that includes tender oven-baked pork chops plus two veggies sides and a delicious sauce that is so good she wants to lick the plate.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo
Ham And White Bean Soup
This delicious stovetop soup is a perfect combination of creamy white beans, flavorful ham, veggies, and everyday seasonings. It can be made with canned or dry beans and is a great use for leftover ham. When I’m in a pinch for time, I just use the canned bean option. This is one of my favorite easy dinners to make when I have a leftover ham bone from making glazed ham.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Lemon Chicken Piccata
I go weak in the knees for authentic Italian dinners, which is why this skillet chicken piccata makes a regular appearance on my meal plans. Ready in just 30 minutes, start to finish, this lemon chicken dish is the perfect weeknight dinner. The juicy, pan-seared chicken gets finished with a bright, silky lemon-caper sauce that’s simple to make and absolutely divine.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin
Dinner just doesn’t get easier than this flavorful pork-and-veggie dinner that cooks all on one sheet pan. The simple method requires no marinade and no need to sear the meat first. It calls for everyday pantry spices, potatoes, asparagus, and a two-ingredient creamy mustard dipping sauce that my kids love to use for dipping each bite.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Kielbasa And Vegetables
When I want something a little different than standard chicken-and-veggie dinners, I make this sheet pan dinner that features convenient to use ingredients, including shelf-stable gnocchi and kielbasa sausage. This hearty dinner is so satisfying, especially because it’s done in about half an hour.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free
Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf with Vegetables
When I want the comforting and delicious flavor of classic meatloaf, but don’t have time to bake a full one, I use this recipe for individual mini meatloaves baked on a sheet pan. The mini meat loaves baked right alongside veggies for a complete dinner that’s so easy and fast to prep.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Chicken Stir Fry
Sweet, savory, and tangy, this chicken stir fry is an easy recipe with a quick cook time. Molly created it because her kids love Chinese food but she needed a faster and more budget friendly option than takeout. A family-favorite of hers, it’s a naturally gluten-free chicken recipe that’s high in protein, easy to customize, and great for meal prep.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo
Sausage And Gnocchi Skillet
Dietitian Jess created this true 20-minute dinner for those nights when she just needs something quick that’s made with nourishing ingredients. She turns to this recipe often when her night is filled with shuffling teens to soccer practice and her own mountain biking rides. Thanks to a flavorful sauce and other ready-to-use items, this protein-rich and veggie-loaded dinner couldn’t be easier.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Healthy Sloppy Joes
I make this recipe more than any other recipe on this site. It’s something I add to my weekly meal prep often by making a big batch of the sloppy joe meat that I can serve in a few different ways throughout the week, such as over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes, spoon into buns, or bowl style over top of roasted sweet potatoes. Depending on which ground meat I have on hand, this turkey sloppy joe recipe makes a frequent appearance in my home, too.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Ground Beef Stroganoff
I test recipes every day, and even I can hardly believe how easily this stovetop stroganoff comes together. Ready in just 30 minutes, this simplified and leisurely version of an Italian favorite is a delicious twist on the traditional recipe. Made with quality wholesome ingredients, it’s a satisfying meal I can always count on my whole family loving, too.
Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Stovetop Picadillo
Jess loves this Spanish-inspired dish and wanted to create a version that was fast and made with easy-to-find ground beef. The result is this simple picadillo recipe, a flavorful one-skillet meal that comes together quickly and is ready to eat in just 40 minutes. Comforting, savory, and sweet, it’s a delicious protein that she serves with rice and roasted veggies.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Homemade Hamburger Helper
I must confess: Until I made this recipe, I had never eaten hamburger helper before. And once I experienced how easy and fast this recipe comes together — plus how delicious it tastes — it made me want to go back to childhood and ask for more Hamburger Helper. But I’ll just have to suffice to make this grown-up stovetop version to satisfy my craving for a classic comfort food.
Egg Free | High Protein | Nut Free
The Best Smothered Pork Chops
Growing up in Iowa, pork chops were a regular on our menus. My Dad was so good at cooking them, whether he was making grilled pork chops in the summer or pan-fried pork chops in the winter. I brought my love of pork chops with me to The Real Food Dietitians and use them here to create a simple recipe that turns out the most tender, juicy pork chops smothered in a rich and creamy onion gravy. It all cooks right on the stovetop in one pan.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
The Best Ground Beef Stir Fry
When I think of making stir-fry, ground beef isn’t the first protein that comes to mind. But with this failproof and delicious recipe that Jess created, she has convinced me that ground beef can turn into the best stir fry. This high-protein recipe is stove-to-table ready in just under 30 minutes. Served over rice, it makes for a delicious, flavorful, affordable, and vibrant meal.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Beef Skillet Enchiladas
In this recipe, I get all those enchilada flavors I love, but in a recipe that takes half the time. Made in one pan, this weeknight dinner is high in protein and features so many nutritious ingredients, including lean ground beef, veggies, black beans, and corn. Plus, it’s budget friendly, gluten free, and flexible.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Cheesy Chicken Skillet With Broccoli And Rice
Stacie’s kids love chicken and rice, so she developed this stovetop dinner recipe, complete with a simple cheese sauce and tender broccoli. It’s a true 30-minute meal that calls on convenient healthy ingredients, including cooked chicken, pre-shredded cheese, frozen broccoli florets, and cooked (microwaveable) rice. Now she enjoys it as a balanced and filling dinner that takes minimal effort.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Healthy Chicken Parmesan
This is Jess’ lightened up take on an Italian-inspired classic. Made with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan, it’s a high-protein option that’s ready in just 30 minutes. To get more veggies, Jess serves it over strands of roasted spaghetti squash.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Easy Rigatoni Recipe
Since my kids will happily eat up any pasta dinner, I created this easy pasta dinner where the rigatoni cooks directly in the meat sauce. It’s a 30-minute one-pot meal that’s satisfying in every way. The ground turkey sausage is made with simple pantry seasonings, and I threw in some zucchini and spinach so there’s plenty of veggies in every serving. To change things up, frozen cheese tortellini or ravioli can be used in place of the rigatoni.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Chicken and Chickpea Curry
This simple stovetop curry is so flavorful and easy to make. It’s high in protein and fiber, thanks to chicken and chickpeas, and full of those warming spices and coconut flavor I love in a curry recipe. Featuring colorful veggies for great texture, this 30-minute recipe has out-of-this-world flavor.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo
Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken
Stacie gave this familiar dish a health upgrade with the addition of a homemade lower-sugar sweet and sour sauce plus many nutritious veggies. This recipe cooks quickly on the stovetop for an easy weeknight dinner her family (including picky eaters) loves. If she wants even more veggies to offer, Stacie often pairs this dish with her quick sheet pan cauliflower fried rice.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Korean Ground Beef Bowls
Jess is a pro at building dishes with depth of flavor, and these ground beef bowls are a prime example. This recipe borrows the sweet-salty flavors of traditional Korean beef bulgogi plus a hint of sweetness from honey. She likes to use precooked or frozen rice to make it even faster for her busy weeknights or weekend meal prepping.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein
My Easy Crock Pot Pork Roast
This simple pork roast provides such a big and satisfying meal with little effort required on the front end. It is one of my favorite easy dinner recipes, especially in cold winter months or when I need a no-fuss recipe that makes plenty of leftovers for weekly meal prep. The tender shredded pork, sweet carrots and onions, and small potatoes are so delicious when drizzled with the simple gravy.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Skillet Lasagna
My parents send me a snapshot of this stovetop lasagna anytime they have it cooking, which is often. With jumbled up ‘layers’ of lean ground beef, curly lasagna noodles, vegetables, and cheese it’s a hearty and wholesome meal that is so much faster and easier than layering lasagna ingredients in a baking dish. I serve it with a leafy greens salad and breadsticks on the side.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Beef Taco Bowls with Salsa Ranch
Weeknight recipes hardly get any easier than this taco-in-a-bowl dinner. With just 20 minutes, I can put a pleasing and well-rounded meal on the table for my family, plus have enough leftovers to enjoy later in the week. These taco bowls store well, and I enjoy them with blue corn tortilla chips and fresh avocado added for easy lunches.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Even though this chicken taco meat cooks slowly in the slow cooker, it takes me only 10 minutes of prep time to get it started. The flavorful shredded chicken (which tastes a lot like the filling in chicken taquitos) is so delicious and easy to use in a variety of meals all week long, from chicken tacos and burritos to taco salads and to an easy recipe for nachos. To change up the flavors for taco night, I’ll rotate in this slow cooker carnitas and slow cooker beef barbacoa, both of which require just 15 minutes of prep time.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast
Ana created this recipe as a way to feed her family several meals from one cooking session. She invests only 10 minutes of time to get this recipe cooking, and the result is fork-tender chuck roast seasoned with a homemade blend of spices and peperoncini peppers. It’s a flavorful, juicy, and fun variation on pot roast.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
When I’m craving a comfort food that will provide all the nourishment I need and satisfaction I want, this is the slow cooker pot roast I make. It’s a classic recipe that provides tender beef chuck roast and veggies and the prep is effortless. I finish it by making a homemade gravy from the crockpot liquid. I love this hearty, fuss-free meal that hits the spot for my busy weeknights and meal prep sessions.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Crockpot Lasagna
Jess created this delicious version of everyone’s favorite pasta recipe – lasagna – to prove that, yes, believe it or not, one of the best ways to make lasagna is in the slow cooker. Without the requirement to pre-cook the noodles or layer the ingredients, this lasagna recipe is a simple and great option for busy weeknights, comfort food meals, and potluck parties.
Egg Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
It is said that if someone makes this recipe for your loved one, a proposal might be next – it’s that good! I make it in the crockpot for an undemanding chicken recipe that’s a simple take on the classic Italian-American dish. It combines tender chicken and a creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused sauce. I serve it over spaghetti noodles or shredded spaghetti squash.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
I first tried Indian butter chicken at a local Indian restaurant in my town. From the first time I tried it, I was hooked! I decided I wanted to learn to make it at home, so I began to look at various Indian recipes that correlated with this specific Indian food dish. My version of the classic creamy chicken dish is loaded with veggies, has the iconic tomato garlic butter sauce, and is made in the slow cooker for easy meal prep. I use Greek yogurt to help achieve the perfect saucy chicken that is both tender and flavorful.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Pork And Sauerkraut
This recipe is so simple and so good that my husband has made it several times for his Denver fire crew at work. It’s one of his team’s favorite recipes for dinner, and just as good there as it is when I make it at home in my crockpot. This simple method of cooking pork roast and sauerkraut together turns out the most tender and juicy pork that gets infused with tangy, briny, balanced flavors from the kraut, onion, and apple.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Easy Grilled Pizza Burgers
Get the best of two of America’s most popular dishes in this recipe that’s part pizza, part burger. Made with lean ground beef and flavorful pizza sauce, these kid-friendly burgers can be grilled outdoors or indoors on a grill pan and are always sure to please.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Taco Soup
My family loves Taco Tuesday, so every once in a while I change things up and serve tacos in the form of this delicious soup. It’s veggie-loaded, wholesome, hearty, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s a quick and tasty weeknight meal with endless topping possibilities. I provide directions to make it in the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stovetop. Make and eat right away, or meal prep a batch to store for another day.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Salsa Chicken
Requiring just 10-15 minutes of prep time, Dietitian Stacie loves this salsa chicken recipe for a weeknight dinner solution without difficulties. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, made with real food ingredients, and delivers flavors that both her kids and husband always like. She serves the juicy, shredded chicken bowl-style over rice with toppings, but it’s also good tucked into tacos, burritos, quesadillas, over lettuce, or rolled in a wrap.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Crockpot Pulled Pork with Honey-Mustard BBQ Sauce
This BBQ pulled pork recipe is always good, no matter how Jess serves it for her family. Her favorite way is to spoon the shredded pork over sweet potatoes and drizzle servings with the tangy-sweet honey-mustard BBQ sauce on top. It’s also delicious tucked into buns or wraps, or over lettuce greens for a simple high-protein salad. It takes just 20 minutes to get everything going in her crockpot, so it’s great for game days and easy weeknight meals.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Ana’s family loves lasagna, so she had the great idea to give them those flavors they crave but in a much faster and easier dinner. In this soup, two comfort foods converge to create a warm and cozy meal. In the pressure cooker, she combines ground beef, marinara, broken lasagna noodles, and Italian seasoning for a super simple Instant Pot recipe. She tops servings with dollops of ricotta, sprinkles of Parmesan, and some fresh basil from her garden.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili
This is the chili that Jess makes when her extended family comes to stay. It’s always a hit with them and easy to serve since everyone can customize a bowl with individual favorite toppings, like sour cream, diced shallot, sliced jalapeno, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice. The best part is, it takes her only 20 minutes of prep time to dump everything into the slow cooker and get it simmering away.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
This one-pot chili calls for canned pumpkin to up the nutrients and flavor, while also adding a tiny bit of natural sweetness to balance the spice. I left the beans and increased the ground meat for a simple high-protein, fiber-rich dinner that includes lots of veggies in every serving.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew
It takes less than 10 ingredients and only 15 minutes of prep time to create the most flavorful green chile stew made with chicken breast. It’s a healthy and hearty soup that my whole family loves. And I think it tastes even better the next day, so I always look forward to the leftovers. I also appreciate that this stew is freezer friendly, so it’s one of the first recipes I think of when planning out a freezer meal prep day.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Air Fryer Cod
Molly turns to her air fryer often to make a healthy and flavorful protein, like this air fryer fish, that she can add to round out any meal. It takes her just over 10 minutes to cook this white fish to tender perfection, which is just enough time to make a few side dishes, such as air fryer green beans or mashed potatoes, for an easy dinner that satisfies.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Air Fryer Salmon
I love salmon recipes, so when I discovered that all three of my kids would happily eat it up, this mama and dietitian was so happy. When I need a healthy protein to add to our plates, this air fryer salmon is a simple winning weeknight entree and quick-cooking method that I use so often. I pair the tender crispy salmon with simple sides like cooked brown rice or couscous, sauteed broccolini, or my favorite sourdough bread.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Air Fryer Salmon Rice Bowls
One of Molly’s favorite ways to serve fish is this quick method for making air fryer salmon bites. She’s always glad when her kids request it because it’s one of the fastest weeknight dinners out there. She rounds out the meal by serving the salmon bites bowl style over rice and with a side of quick pickled cucumbers.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Southwest Chicken Quinoa Casserole
If Jess can get away with only dirtying one dish for a recipe, she’ll do it. And this simple quinoa casserole is a great example of how that can be done and result in a delicious protein-packed dinner with minimal effort. Like so many of her recipes, she has packed this casserole with veggies for color, texture, vitamins, and fiber. The Tex-Mex flavors are so good the first time this casserole is served and also when reheated for the best leftovers.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
5-Ingredient Baked Ziti
This simple Italian comfort casserole really is the perfect option when Stacie needs an easy, healthy, and homemade family meal. She designed it to be customizable so others can use gluten-free pasta and any leftover veggies hanging out in the fridge. Not only does it come together with a handful of ingredients, but it takes just 20 minutes to assemble.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Chipotle Quinoa Casserole with Chicken
This simple quinoa casserole is a great way to please all the eaters in my home and insert some well-rounded nutrition all at the same time. My kids love chicken and rice together, so this casserole is similar but made with protein-rich quinoa and everyday pantry spices that infuse the chicken and veggies with incredible flavor.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Green Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Made with pre-cooked shredded chicken, canned black beans, green enchilada sauce, and corn tortillas, this chicken casserole is one of my favorite simple recipes to make on weeknights. My family loves it scooped with blue corn tortilla chips, and I always look forward to leftovers the next day topped with fresh sour cream and diced avocado.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Sheet Pan Chicken Alfredo Dinner
Dietitian Jess created this magical recipe where spaghetti squash and chicken roast in the oven. Meanwhile, she blends the most delicious and not difficult dairy-free alfredo sauce, made from soaked cashews, garlic, lemon juice, and almond milk. When the spaghetti squash is cooked, she shreds it into strands, then tosses those with the roasted chicken and homemade sauce. In a pinch (and if dairy free is not needed), use jarred alfredo sauce to make this recipe even faster.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
With just 20 minutes of prep, Jess can get the ingredients for this cheeseburger soup loaded into her crockpot and simmering away for an easy dinner that always hits the spot. It’s veggie loaded, cheesy, savory, and includes bacon, just like a delicious cheeseburger dish should be. No need to serve fries on the side, because small diced potatoes are built right into each bite.
Dairy Free Option | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
When I want a light and easy dinner, this pesto salad with chicken comes to mind. It combines all of my favorite things: twirled cavatappi pasta, little mozzarella cheese pearls, fresh cherry tomatoes, tender cooked chicken, and crisp cucumber pieces. I toss it all in pesto sauce (either homemade or store-bought) for a simple dinner that also makes great lunches the next day.
Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | High Protein
BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
Sweet, savory, tangy, and full of protein and veggies, this BBQ ranch chicken salad recipe is a satisfying and delicious dinner. When made with pre-cooked blackened chicken, it’s ready in 20 minutes and perfect for everything from easy weeknight dinners to meal prep sessions.
Dairy Free Option | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein
Thai Peanut Bowls With Chicken
In just 25 minutes, I can get this sheet pan chicken and veggie dish on the table. While the chicken breast pieces, sweet potato, broccoli, and chickpeas are roasting in the oven, I quickly stir together the homemade peanut sauce. It’s made from peanut butter, sesame oil, and other pantry staples. To serve, I dish all the delicious roasted whole foods into bowls and top it with a generous drizzle of the peanut sauce for a truly divine and easy weeknight dinner.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein
Other Amazing Recipe Roundups
For ultimate success, we highly recommend reading the tips in the full blog post above. All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use our photos without prior written permission. If you wish to republish a recipe, please rewrite the recipe in your own unique words. Link back to the source recipe here on The Real Food Dietitians. Thank you!
All 9 of these dishes sound great!
We hope you can enjoy them soon!
I think that the taco soup sounded really good I am hoping I can try it soon!
thank you for sharing!