29 Skinny Dinners in 30 Minutes or Less
Updated: Feb. 12, 2024
Beat the clock on busy nights with surprisingly light, fast-to-fix entrees, all ready in just 30 minutes or less.
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Strawberry Mint Chicken
I hand-pick wild strawberries for this saucy chicken dish. We love it with fresh spring greens and a sweet white wine. —Alicia Duerst, Menomonie, Wisconsin
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Effortless Alfredo Pizza
Here's a lighter, scrumptious twist for pizza night. It makes good use of convenience items and keeps everyone's taste buds happy with help from nutty-flavored fontina cheese and crushed red pepper flakes. —Brittney House, Lockport, Illinois
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Taco Salad Tacos
I was making tacos one night and noticed I was out of spicy taco sauce. Using a combination of spices and fat-free Catalina salad dressing saved our family taco night. —Cheryl Plainte, Prudenville, Michigan
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Peppered Tuna Kabobs
When we barbecue, we like to wow our guests, so dogs and burgers are out! We make tuna skewers topped with salsa—the perfect easy recipe. My five kids like to help me put them together. —Jennifer Ingersoll, Herndon, Virginia
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Chicken Veggie Packets
People think I went to a lot of trouble when I serve these packets. Individual aluminum foil pouches hold in the juices during baking to keep the herbed chicken moist and tender. The foil saves time and makes cleanup a breeze. —Edna Shaffer, Beulah, Michigan
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Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu
My son loves Chicken Cordon Bleu, but I’m not a fan of store versions. My recipe has all the yummy flavors in a 30-minute meal. Leftovers freeze well. —Ronda Eagle, Goose Creek, South Carolina
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Makeover Beef Stroganoff
I trimmed the calories, fat and sodium in a classic stroganoff, and my comfy, cozy version still tastes like a Russian masterpiece. —Candace Clark, Connell, Washington
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Snappy Chicken Stir-Fry
Don’t just reheat leftover chicken, stir-fry it up with some frozen veggies (the ones you have hiding in your freezer). In no time, you'll have a great weeknight meal. We don’t call this recipe “snappy” for nothing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Southwest Flank Steak
A perfectly balanced rub imparts deep flavors without the muss and fuss of a marinade that can often be time-consuming when you have a hungry crowd to feed. — Kenny Fisher, Lancaster, Ohio
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Spinach Quesadillas
My family gave these cheesy quesadillas oohs and aahs. Remove the spinach from the heat as soon as it wilts so it keeps a little bit of crunch. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri
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Blackberry-Sauced Pork Chops
My family loved these chops from the first time I fixed them. They're as tasty in a skillet as they are grilled, so you can eat them all year long. The sauce is also fantastic with chicken. —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
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Green Pepper Steak
For a delicious, fast meal, try this flavorful beef dinner loaded with tomatoes and peppers. What a perfect recipe to use garden vegetables of the season! —Emmalee Thomas, Laddonia, Missouri
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Salsa Spaghetti Squash
If you want spaghetti, but are eating gluten-free or trying to keep a lid on carbs, there's always spaghetti squash as a flavorful alternative. Subtly sweet, tender and satisfying, this is one colorful dish. —Clara Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio
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Sausage & Vegetable Skillet Dinner
I threw this sausage recipe together one night to use up produce before going out of town. Who knew it was going to be such a hit! Now it’s a recipe I turn to whenever time is tight. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois
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Oven-Fried Fish Nuggets
My husband and I love fried fish, but we're both trying to cut back on dietary fat. I came up with this oven-baked version. He likes it as much as deep-fried fish, so I know it's a winner. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
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Chicken Artichoke Skillet
My fast chicken entree featuring artichokes and olives has real Greek flair. Seasoned with lemon juice and oregano, the stovetop chicken turns out moist and tender. —Carol Latimore, Arvada, Colorado
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Ravioli with Snap Peas & Mushrooms
Topped with the toasty texture and flavor of hazelnuts, this pasta makes an easy, earthy weeknight dinner. I serve it with an herb and lettuce salad and white wine. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
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Apple-Balsamic Pork Chops & Rice
Thanks to tangy balsamic vinegar and sweet apples, this one-pot pork chop lets you have a little something special anytime. —Greg Hageli, Elmhurst, Illinois
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Peach Chicken
This sweet and savory entree will appeal to the whole family. The chicken’s bread crumb coating makes it especially homey. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Stir-Fried Steak & Veggies
Here's a stir-fry that's even faster than Chinese takeout. It's easy, filling and a winner every time. And it can be ready in under 30 minutes for tonight! —Vicky Priestley, Alum Creek, West Virginia
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Chicken Provolone
Chicken Provolone, though one of my simplest dishes, is one of my husband’s favorites. It is easy to prepare and looks fancy served on a dark plate with a garnish of fresh parsley or basil. Add some buttered noodles for an easy side dish. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska
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Turkey Asparagus Stir-Fry
Twenty minutes is all you'll need to make this quick stir-fry. Lean turkey, asparagus and mushrooms make it super nutritious, too. —Darlene Kennedy, Galion, Ohio
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Creamy Pasta Primavera
This pasta dish is a wonderful blend of crisp, colorful vegetables and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
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Lemon-Mustard Pork Chops
These savory pork chops are lip-smackin' tangy good! The recipe combines fresh lemon, Dijon, garlic and herbs: simple ingredients that work well together. —Kathleen Specht, Clinton, MontanaOriginally Published: September 15, 2017
