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Easy 30 Minute Meals

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April 10, 2019 By Lisa Sharp Leave a Comment

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!

collage of 30 minute meals

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

Photo Credit: retrohousewifegoesgreen.com

This chicken dish is delicious and kids will love it.

One Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon & Parmesan Asparagus

Photo Credit: www.savingyoudinero.com

Not only is this recipe quick and healthy, it also uses one pan so less cleanup.

Easy Hawaiian Pork Chops

Photo Credit: lifewithdee.com

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

Photo Credit: ketocookingchristian.com

This recipe is keto and low-carb friendly.

Cajun Shrimp Sausage Pasta

Photo Credit: www.serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com

This recipe is going on my list! We love cajun food and this sounds delicious.

Goat Cheese and Asparagus Spinach Pasta

Photo Credit: saltandbaker.com

Talk about a fancy looking dish! And it still is ready in 30 minutes.

Chicken in French Mustard Cream Sauce

Photo Credit: lifewithdee.com

Another recipe that is done in a hurry thanks to the Instant Pot.

Easy Buffalo Chickpea Wraps

Photo Credit: www.karissasvegankitchen.com

A quick, vegan-friendly recipes.

Easy Baked Panko Pork Chops

Photo Credit: www.goodinthesimple.com

Perfect with a side of veggies and a baked potato.

Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza

Photo Credit: retrohousewifegoesgreen.com

This is a great recipe for an at-home​ pizza night.

Chicken Florentine Skillet

Photo Credit: ketocookingchristian.com

Another delicious keto and low-carb friendly option.

Healthy Stuffed Chicken Breast

Photo Credit: diabetesstrong.com

I love stuffed chicken and this recipe sounds amazing.

Thai Green Curry Fried Rice

Photo Credit: www.elizabethdhokia.com

This dish is ready in 10 minutes for those really busy nights.

Mexican Cauliflower Rice Bowl

Photo Credit: thebellyrulesthemind.net

Another delicious Instant Pot recipe.

Taco Salad

Photo Credit: thehonoursystem.com

This taco salad is gluten-free.

Beef Fajitas

Photo Credit: diabetesstrong.com

Beef fajitas, ready in 15 minutes!

Curried Quinoa Pilaf – Pulav

Photo Credit: thebellyrulesthemind.net

Add this recipe to the list of reasons you need an Instant Pot.

Easy Chicken Green Chili Casserole

Photo Credit: wholelottayum.com

A low carb and keto-friendly recipe for the whole family.

Perfect Every Time Classic Burger

Photo Credit: healthychristianhome.com

A burger is always a good choice.

Smoky sweet potato & black bean tacos

Photo Credit: cadryskitchen.com

Great for Meatless Monday!

Roasted gnocchi with vegan almond pesto

Photo Credit: cadryskitchen.com

Another vegan-friendly recipe.

Creamy Garlic Scallop Spaghetti with Bacon

Photo Credit: www.rockrecipes.com

This one is ready in less than 30 minutes.

Homemade Mini Pizzas with Sourdough Bread: Quick, Easy, & Healthy

Photo Credit: healthychristianhome.com

A quick and very kid-friendly option.

Spaghetti with Goat Cheese, Lemon & Arugula

Photo Credit: thehonoursystem.com

A gluten-free pasta option.

Pasta e Fagioli aka Pasta and Beans

Photo Credit: www.christinascucina.com

A hearty but simple dish.

Baked Flounder in Parchment Paper with Tomatoes and Pesto

Photo Credit: www.killingthyme.net

This would be a great light, summer dinner option.

Lemon Pasta With Arugula {Pasta al Limone}

Photo Credit: www.killingthyme.net

This looks amazing!

Zucchini Beef Skillet Recipe a One-Pot

Photo Credit: eatingrichly.com

One-pot and paleo-friendly.

Fettuccine with Mushroom and Ricotta Cream Sauce - Christina's Cucina

Photo Credit: www.christinascucina.com

I love ricotta so this sounds great.

Easy Cheesy Baked Quinoa Casserole Recipe

Photo Credit: joyfoodsunshine.com

You had me at cheesy!

Cauliflower Scampi in Lemon Garlic White Wine Sauce

Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

Another good meatless option.

Pan-Seared Salmon with Chimichurri Sauce

Photo Credit: www.therisingspoon.com

I love chimichurri and this sounds great.

Chicken Hummus Naan Wraps

Photo Credit: www.therisingspoon.com

Great for a warm night.

Healthy Sloppy Joes Recipe

Photo Credit: joyfoodsunshine.com

A healthier sloppy joe option, also gluten-free.

Italian Mac and Cheese (Stovetop)

Photo Credit: cookingwithmammac.com

Who doesn't love a good mac and cheese?

Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Photo Credit: littlesproutslearning.co

Another great Instant Pot recipe.

Linguine with Creamy Walnut Sauce

Photo Credit: cookingwithmammac.com

This one sounds interesting.

Crispy Avocado Tacos

Photo Credit: www.glueandglitter.com

These can be made in the oven or air fryer.

Vegan Ramen Noodle Soup

Photo Credit: www.glueandglitter.com

Ramen in only 30 minutes and vegan-friendly? Wow!

5 Ingredient Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Photo Credit: happykitchen.rocks

Stuffed shells are always a good idea and so much easier than lasagna.

Sheet Pan Chipotle Chicken with Corn Salsa

Photo Credit: cookingontheweekends.com

Delicious and minimal clean-up.

Creamy Pork Chops With Mushroom Sauce

Photo Credit: www.homestead-acres.com

A great new pork chop recipe.

Chickpea Coconut Curry

Photo Credit: profusioncurry.com

Made in the Instant Pot for a quick but delicious dinner.

Best No Mayo Tuna Patty Recipe

Photo Credit: www.shelovesbiscotti.com

Love tuna patties but don't want to use mayo? Try these.

Quick Pasta Risotto

Photo Credit: www.shelovesbiscotti.com

Risotto in 30 minutes? Yum!

Shrimp Piccata

Photo Credit: whatagirleats.com

Delicious and a nice light dinner.

Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry Recipe with Fresh Kale

Photo Credit: www.turningclockback.com

This one is packed full of healthy ingredients!

Chicken Mozzarella Recipe

Photo Credit: mommyevolution.com

A great dish with classic flavors that will be very kid-friendly.

Apricot-Ginger Glazed Chicken

Photo Credit: whatagirleats.com

Chicken doesn't have to get boring, try this new recipe!

Poached Salmon in Curried Coconut Milk

Photo Credit: www.livinglou.com

This one sounds very interesting. I've never poached salman but this looks easy.​

Salmon Cakes

Photo Credit: agirlworthsaving.net

Prefer salmon to tuna? Try these.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Photo Credit: mealpreponfleek.com

Another minimal dishes dinner.

Shrimp and Kimchi Stir Fry

Photo Credit: www.livinglou.com

A great quick Asian dish.

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Photo Credit: pinchandswirl.com

This would be a great side or main dish.

Korean Ground Turkey & Rice Bowls

Photo Credit: theschmidtywife.com

I've never tried Koren food, this looks amazing.

Lemon Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowls

Photo Credit: www.platingpixels.com

Easy and keto-friendly.

I have added many of these to my “to-try” list. They prove that 30-minute meals don’t have to be boring.

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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Filed Under: Recipes, Cooking, Main Course

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Welcome to my blog! My name is Lisa and I'm the Retro Housewife trying to live a greener life. I share my love of all things vintage, homemaking and green living here on the blog. To read more, click here.

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