70 Top-Rated Dinner Recipes Under 400 Calories

Updated: May 19, 2021

A satisfying dinner doesn't need to blow your calorie count for the day. Check out these 400 calorie meals—all rated highly by home cooks.

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Chicken Korma

Spicy and satisfying, try this chicken korma recipe that is the perfect weeknight meal for the whole family. —Jemima Madhavan, Lincoln, Nebraska

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Zucchini Ricotta Bake

I have made this lasagna-like zucchini ricotta bake frequently over the years and shared the recipe with many people. It's a little bit lighter than other layered casseroles, making it an amazing choice for anyone trying to eat right. —Eleanor Hauserman, Huntsville, Alabama
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Grilled Lime Chicken

A wonderful citrusy marinade makes this grilled lime chicken tangy and tasty. A few hours before dinner, simply marinate the chicken for a fuss-free meal later on. —Lisa Dougherty, Vacaville, California
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Herbed Tuna Salad

Cooking for two is a challenge for us, since my husband and I do not care for leftovers. This well-seasoned salad with distinctive dill flavor is my favorite lunch recipe. —Rebecca Schweizer, Chesapeake, Virginia
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Baked Salsa Chicken

My husband and I prefer our food a little spicier than our children do, so I created this baked salsa chicken recipe just for the two of us. It's now a regular menu item at our house. —Jan Cooper, Troy, Alabama
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Garden Chicken Cacciatore

Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You will have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it often earns rave reviews. I serve it with couscous, green beans and a dry red wine. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan
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Chicken Rice Bowl

This chicken rice bowl recipe is so easy to toss together on a busy weeknight, and I usually have the ingredients already on hand. I start sauteing the onion and pepper first, then I prepare the instant rice. If you like, top it with some shredded sharp cheddar cheese. —Tammy Daniels, Batavia, Ohio
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Grilled Flank Steak

My sister, Kathy, and I often exchange recipes and this grilled flank steak recipe is from her. It's become a favorite of mine to serve to company. The meat and vegetables can be prepared ahead of time. When company arrives, just fire up the grill! —Jenny Reece, Farwell, Minnesota
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Grilled Caesar Chicken Breasts

Marinated overnight in creamy Caesar dressing, this grilled Caesar chicken recipe is juicy, tender and full of flavor. It couldn't be easier. —Marcia Wallenfeldt, Kent, Ohio
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Indonesian Peanut Chicken

Here’s a marvelous make-ahead recipe! I cut up fresh chicken, put it in a bag with the remaining slow-cooker ingredients and freeze it. To cook, just remove the bag a day ahead to thaw in the fridge, then pour all the contents into the slow cooker. —Sarah Newman, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
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Shrimp Tostadas with Avocado Salsa

Try this quick and easy entree for a fun, different southwestern meal idea. A splash of lime in the black beans balances the rich avocado salsa and shrimp. —Karen Gulkin, Greeley, Colorado
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Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

This dish is so tasty that my husband insists it could be served in a restaurant. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine

I experimented for a couple of years before perfecting this colorful dish, and everyone raves about it. It is easy and light, and it fits into my busy schedule. —Kristin Walker, Suffolk, Virginia
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Lemon Thyme Chicken

Buttered onions are a great addition to this easy lemon chicken recipe. Best of all, it takes only a few minutes to brown the lightly breaded chicken on the stove top. —Kay Shimonek, Corsicana, Texas
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Slow-Cooked Pork Roast

This tasty meal is wonderful for summer because it doesn't heat up the kitchen! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
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Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce

When my mom and I cooked spaghetti squash with meat sauce, all we could do was grin and say "Wow!" It's fun to separate the noodle-like strands from the squash shell, but eating it is the best part! —Lina Vainauskas, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina
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Chicken with Florentine Sauce

Here is my very favorite chicken Florentine recipe. A creamy topping and pretty presentation make it elegant enough for company, but it’s also fast to fix on busy weeknights! —Julie Fitzgerald, St Louis, Missouri
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Pesto Flatbread

We kneaded basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese into packaged bread dough for this full-flavored crust. Purchased pesto sauce keeps the pesto flatbread big on taste and convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Turkey Potpies

With their golden brown crust and scrumptious filling, these comforting turkey potpies will warm you down to your toes. Because the recipe makes two, you can eat one now and freeze the other for later. They bake and cut beautifully. —Laurie Jensen, Cadillac, Michigan
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Caribbean Shrimp Bowl

After switching to a paleo diet a few years ago, we have started eating tons of veggies for almost every meal—yes, even breakfast. We’ve gotten used to swapping in cauliflower, broccoli and kale in place of carbs like rice or potatoes. This bowl is literally chock-full of veggies and has tons of Caribbean-inspired flavor! Plus, it is so simple to make and uses one skillet! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Tofu Stir-Fry with Brussels Sprouts

I love cooking with Brussels sprouts. This tofu stir-fry recipe is the perfect quick and healthy weeknight meal. Make a scrumptious hoagie by stuffing toasted rolls with this tasty mixture. —Joseph Sciascia, San Mateo, California
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Chimichangas

Though still debated, Tucson is generally credited as the original home of chimichangas (fried "burros", as we call them, stuffed with meat, onions and chiles). I've combined several recipes into this one, and it's fairly authentic. —Laura Towns, Glendale, Arizona
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Curry Pomegranate Protein Bowl

This recipe is simple and beautiful. It uses a lot of unique flavors that, when blended together, create an out-of-this-world taste sensation. You can substitute other roasted, salted nuts for the soy nuts and can use warmed berry jam in place of the molasses. —Mary Baker, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
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Sheet-Pan Jambalaya with Cauliflower Rice

Sheet-pan dinners are a busy cook's dream with quick prep and easy cleanup. This sheet-pan jambalaya is a healthy twist on a classic that uses cauliflower rice for a lower-carb supper. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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Feta-Stuffed Kibbeh with Harissa

There are countless versions of this delicious dish throughout the Middle East. This is our adaptation. You can substitute ground beef for the lamb. —Chris Bugher, Fairview, North Carolina
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Vegan Butter Cauliflower

I created this Indian butter cauliflower recipe for all the picky eaters in my family who love ethnic food. It's also vegan-friendly. —Mihaela Metaxa-Albu, London, New York
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Margarita Chicken

Marinated in flavors of garlic and lime, this tangy margarita chicken is ready to go whenever the coals are hot! Serve with roasted corn on the cob and lemonade. —Kelly Bruneman, Cedar Park, Texas
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Baked Halibut

I got this easy, protein-rich recipe from Sandy Schroth of the Puffin Bed & Breakfast in Gustavus, Alaska. —Edward Mahnke, Houston, Texas
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Quick Apricot Chicken

This simple apricot chicken is one of my favorite dishes. Everybody just loves it and leftovers are always just as good the next day. For variation, I’ve used pork instead of chicken and added additional ingredients like pineapple, mandarin oranges, snow peas and broccoli. –Vicki Ruiz, Twin Falls, Idaho
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Favorite Lasagna Roll-Ups

This crowd-pleasing take on lasagna offers up a new way to enjoy a classic dish in individual portions. And it only requires 5 ingredients. —Susan Sabia, Windsor, California
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Pineapple Pork Stir-Fry

There's no need for takeout when you've got this pineapple pork recipe in your collection. Omit the cayenne pepper if serving young kids. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Baked Swiss Chicken

Canned soup, white wine, Swiss cheese and crushed croutons dress up the chicken breasts in this elegant entree. Ideal for unexpected guests, it requires only a few ingredients. The creamy sauce is excellent with garlic mashed potatoes or rice. —Beverly Roberge, Bristol, Connecticut
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Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet

One of the first things my husband made for me was a variation of this chicken sweet potato skillet. Over the years, it has become a family favorite. Top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, lettuce or anything else your family likes. —MacKenzie Wright, San Antonio, Texas
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One-Pan Sweet Chili Shrimp and Veggies

This one-pan shrimp and veggies recipe has everything I'm looking for in a weeknight family dinner: quick, flavorful, nutritious and all three of my kids will eat it! My oldest son loves shrimp and I thought it would work well as a sheet-pan supper. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Chicken with Couscous

My sister shared this recipe, and it’s been a hit with me, my husband and our friends ever since. After working all day, I love that this dish is fast to prepare. Plus, it's irresistibly bright and delicious. —Shari Ruffalo, Watertown, New York
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Spicy Pork Tenderloin

A friend shared this recipe for marvelously flavorful pork years ago. It really sparks up a barbecue and has been popular whenever I've served it. I guarantee you'll get many requests for the recipe. —Diana Steger, Prospect, Kentucky
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Orange Beef Lettuce Wraps

This is a lighter version of a restaurant favorite. I also recommend trying these wraps with ground chicken or turkey.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
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Roasted Lime Chicken

The subtle citrus flavor infused throughout this moist and baked lime chicken makes it a frequent request for family dinners. It's the ideal way to use fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme and parsley. —Kathy Lewis-Martinez, Spring Valley, California
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Tacos on a Stick

Kids like assembling these creative kabobs almost as much as they like devouring them. The whole family is sure to love the sensational southwestern flavor of this twist on the classic beef shish kabobs. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
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Grilled Tilapia with Mango

Here's a new twist on tilapia that I created for my wife. She enjoys the combination of mango with Parmesan. Somehow it tastes even better outside on the deck with a cold glass of iced tea. —Gregg May, Columbus, Ohio
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Grilled Veggie Pizza

I came up with this recipe one summer as a way to use up vegetables from our garden. Grilling the veggies first brings out their sizzling flavors. Try it with a sprinkling of olives or pine nuts before adding the cheese. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado
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Chili-Lime Mushroom Tacos

I used to make this dish with beef, but substituting with portobella mushrooms turned it into my family's vegetarian favorite. It's quick, nutritious, low fat and tasty. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
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Cod with Sweet Peppers

This quick and delicious recipe is a long-time family favorite. I like to use three or four different-colored peppers for an extra-pretty presentation. Then serve with couscous or brown rice to round out the meal. —Judy Grebetz, Racine, Wisconsin.
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Southwest Chicken Dinner

I created a lighter, no-guilt alternative with the bold flavors we love, but missing the calorie-laden tortilla. —Marquisha Turner, Denver, Colorado
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Moist Cranberry Pork Roast

I love to serve this tender, flavorful pork to guests. You don’t have to toil away in the kitchen to prepare it, yet it tastes like a gourmet meal. —Kimberley Scasny, Douglasville, Georgia
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Mini Mediterranean Pizza

I was on a mini pizza kick and had already served up Mexican and Italian variations, so I opted for a Mediterranean version and came up with these. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
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Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime Sauce

Lime with ginger is a favorite flavor combo for me, especially with grilled salmon. So good. Even with the cucumber sauce, this recipe is easy, too. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Parmesan Chicken with Artichoke Hearts

I've liked the chicken and artichoke combo for a long time. Here's my own lemony twist. With all the praise it gets, this dinner is so much fun to serve. —Carly Giles, Hoquiam, Washington
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Egg Roll Noodle Bowl

We love Asian egg rolls, but they can be challenging to make. Simplify everything with this deconstructed egg roll made on the stovetop and served in a bowl. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Grilled Lemon Chicken

My chicken gets its subtle pucker from lemonade concentrate. So simple, so sweet! —Linda Nilsen, Anoka, Minnesota
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African Peanut Sweet Potato Stew

Back when I was in college, my mom made an addicting sweet potato and peanut stew. I shared it with friends, and now all of us serve it to our own kids. They all love it, of course. —Alexis Scatchell, Niles, Illinois
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Tequila Lime Shrimp Zoodles

This tangy shrimp dish is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
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Sheet-Pan Chicken and Vegetables

This sheet-pan chicken and veggies meal tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
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Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado Salsa

A delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to blend, you can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts
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Filipino Chicken Adobo

My mom always makes her saucy chicken adobo recipe when I come home to visit. I think it's even better the next day as leftovers —she says it's because of the vinegar. — Michael Moya, New York, New York
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Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas

For our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Ginger Halibut with Brussels Sprouts

I moved to the United States from Russia and love cooking Russian food for family and friends. Halibut with soy sauce, ginger and pepper is a favorite. —Margarita Parker, New Bern, North Carolina
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Vegetarian Linguine

Looking for a tasty alternative to a meat-and-potatoes meal? Try this colorful pasta dish, which is the brainchild of my oldest son. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs meal that includes loads of fresh veggies as well as basil and provolone. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, Florida
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Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash

Load butternut squash shells with an Italian turkey sausage and squash mixture for a quick and easy meal. Even better, it's surprisingly low in calories. —Katia Slinger, Columbus, Georgia
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Modern Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole was my favorite as a kid, and I found myself craving it as an adult. I reconfigured the recipe to include more vegetables, and the result is perfection. —Rebecca Blanton, St. Helena, California
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Chicken with Peach-Avocado Salsa

This super fresh dinner is pure summer—juicy peaches, creamy avocado, grilled chicken and a kick of hot sauce and lime. To get it on the table even quicker, make the salsa ahead. —Shannon Roum, Cudahy, Wisconsin
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Eggplant Zucchini Bolognese

I roast the veggies while the pasta cooks, making this a quick dish. This meal-in-one dish blends rustic comfort with fresh flavors. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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Turkey-Stuffed Bell Peppers

These well-seasoned ground-turkey-stuffed peppers are so tasty, you won’t even miss having real cheddar cheese. Round out the meal with a salad or a side of rice. —Judy Hand-Truitt, Birmingham, Alabama
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Israeli Couscous & Chicken Sausage Skillet

Our comfort food is a big plate of sausage with couscous. Add some onion, celery, a little heat and a sprinkle of feta. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
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Maple-Roasted Chicken & Acorn Squash

When I became a new mother, my mom helped me find comforting and simple recipes to have on hand. This terrific roast chicken is a happy discovery. —Sara Eilers, Surprise, Arizona
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Firecracker Grilled Salmon

Let this sensational firecracker salmon perk up dinner tonight. With a super flavorful glaze that kicks you right in the taste buds, this weeknight dish is anything but boring. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, AL
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Veggie Fajitas

For a scrumptious and super healthy party dish, these colorful, hearty veggie fajitas packed with crisp-tender vegetables are perfect. —Sarah Mercer, Wichita, Kansas
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Turkey Lo Mein

"I substituted turkey for pork in this classic Chinese recipe," reports Leigh Lundy of York, Nebraska. "It was a hit at our church potluck. My husband and two children love it, too."
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Stuffed Vegetarian Shells

When my aunt first told me about these shells, they sounded like a lot of work—but the recipe whips up in no time. Sometimes I add a little cooked bacon to the ricotta filling. —Amelia Hopkin, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Artichoke Ratatouille Chicken

I loaded all the fresh produce I could find into this speedy chicken dinner. Serve it on its own or over pasta. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana