Don’t have a lot of time for dinner during the week but want to start cooking more? These easy 30 minute meals can help you spend less time cooking!
We all have so much going on and that can sometimes mean dinner time is rushed. Many days it feels like there is no time to cook so we grab fast food or get take out. It’s not a big deal to do this occasionally but it can have a negative impact on our lives long term.
I get it! I run a business full-time, I’m a homemaker, and I have a lot of other projects going on. However, my husband and I both have big goals for being more healthy.
We have reached ages where we see it’s very important and we want to lead long and healthy lives. A bit part of that is being a healthy weight and fueling your body well.
To help with this I make a point to cook 5 nights a week. On Saturdays, we will usually go out to eat and on Sundays, we eat at home but leftovers or easier meals that require minimal cooking or just heating.
This system has been working well but to keep it working well I rely on 30 minutes meals a lot. Finding 30 minutes to cook is doable. It would take longer than that to go get food somewhere.
When meal planning I plan very few meals that take longer than 30 minutes to prepare because I know it’s rare when I want to make more time than that.
We have some meals we like to have every month but I also like to mix things up because I find we both do better with variety. It keeps things from getting boring and tempting you to eat out.
Easy 30 Minute Meals
These meals are delicious, ready in 30 minutes or less, and use natural ingredients you can feel good about serving your family.
Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This chicken dish is delicious and kids will love it.
One Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon & Parmesan Asparagus
Not only is this recipe quick and healthy, it also uses one pan so less cleanup.
Easy Hawaiian Pork Chops
This recipe tastes like you have been cooking all day but thanks to the Instant Pot it's done in less than 30 minutes.
Creamy Poblano Chicken
This recipe is keto and low-carb friendly.
Cajun Shrimp Sausage Pasta
This recipe is going on my list! We love cajun food and this sounds delicious.
Goat Cheese and Asparagus Spinach Pasta
Talk about a fancy looking dish! And it still is ready in 30 minutes.
Chicken in French Mustard Cream Sauce
Another recipe that is done in a hurry thanks to the Instant Pot.
Easy Buffalo Chickpea Wraps
A quick, vegan-friendly recipes.
Easy Baked Panko Pork Chops
Perfect with a side of veggies and a baked potato.
Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza
This is a great recipe for an at-home pizza night.
Chicken Florentine Skillet
Another delicious keto and low-carb friendly option.
Healthy Stuffed Chicken Breast
I love stuffed chicken and this recipe sounds amazing.
Thai Green Curry Fried Rice
This dish is ready in 10 minutes for those really busy nights.
Mexican Cauliflower Rice Bowl
Another delicious Instant Pot recipe.
Curried Quinoa Pilaf – Pulav
Add this recipe to the list of reasons you need an Instant Pot.
Easy Chicken Green Chili Casserole
A low carb and keto-friendly recipe for the whole family.
Perfect Every Time Classic Burger
A burger is always a good choice.
Roasted gnocchi with vegan almond pesto
Another vegan-friendly recipe.
Creamy Garlic Scallop Spaghetti with Bacon
This one is ready in less than 30 minutes.
Homemade Mini Pizzas with Sourdough Bread: Quick, Easy, & Healthy
A quick and very kid-friendly option.
Spaghetti with Goat Cheese, Lemon & Arugula
A gluten-free pasta option.
Pasta e Fagioli aka Pasta and Beans
A hearty but simple dish.
Baked Flounder in Parchment Paper with Tomatoes and Pesto
This would be a great light, summer dinner option.
Fettuccine with Mushroom and Ricotta Cream Sauce - Christina's Cucina
I love ricotta so this sounds great.
Cauliflower Scampi in Lemon Garlic White Wine Sauce
Another good meatless option.
Pan-Seared Salmon with Chimichurri Sauce
I love chimichurri and this sounds great.
Healthy Sloppy Joes Recipe
A healthier sloppy joe option, also gluten-free.
Italian Mac and Cheese (Stovetop)
Who doesn't love a good mac and cheese?
Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Another great Instant Pot recipe.
Crispy Avocado Tacos
These can be made in the oven or air fryer.
Vegan Ramen Noodle Soup
Ramen in only 30 minutes and vegan-friendly? Wow!
5 Ingredient Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta
Stuffed shells are always a good idea and so much easier than lasagna.
Sheet Pan Chipotle Chicken with Corn Salsa
Delicious and minimal clean-up.
Creamy Pork Chops With Mushroom Sauce
A great new pork chop recipe.
Chickpea Coconut Curry
Made in the Instant Pot for a quick but delicious dinner.
Best No Mayo Tuna Patty Recipe
Love tuna patties but don't want to use mayo? Try these.
Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry Recipe with Fresh Kale
This one is packed full of healthy ingredients!
Chicken Mozzarella Recipe
A great dish with classic flavors that will be very kid-friendly.
Apricot-Ginger Glazed Chicken
Chicken doesn't have to get boring, try this new recipe!
Poached Salmon in Curried Coconut Milk
This one sounds very interesting. I've never poached salman but this looks easy.
Korean Ground Turkey & Rice Bowls
I've never tried Koren food, this looks amazing.
You may notice many of the recipes use the Instant Pot. That is my favorite time-saving kitchen gadget. I use it at least once a week and it has really changed my life.
If you are new to the Instant Pot check out How to Be the Boss of Your Instant Pot. It’s a great ecourse that makes the Instant Pot seem less intimidating. Even as a long time user I found it helpful.
Be sure to sign up below to get my free meal planning ebook to make mealtime even easier!
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