When you’ve had a long day at the office and the clock is ticking, spending an hour in the kitchen may not be at the top of your to-do list. Have no fear! From comforting pasta dishes to scrumptious meaty mains, it’s easier than you think to have an impressive dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. Whip up one of these nutritious weeknight dinners tonight!
1. Lightened Chicken Alfredo | MyFitnessPal’s Original Recipes
If you’re thinking this is the typical calorie-bomb pasta, think again! A lightened-up version of the classic comforting Alfredo, this meal with leave you satisfied without feeling weighed down. As an added bonus, whole-grain pasta adds a hefty fiber boost. Recipe makes 4 servings at 2 cups each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 333; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 8g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 82mg; Sodium: 465mg; Carbohydrate: 23g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 29g
2. Chicken & Spinach Orzo | MyFitnessPal’s Original Recipes
Whip up this cozy one-pot wonder for four using leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken to make prep a breeze. Garnish with fresh shaved Parmesan, toasted pine nuts and crushed red pepper for added flair. Recipe makes 4 servings at 2 cups orzo, 1 tablespoon each pine nuts and cheese.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 417; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 51mg; Sodium: 344mg; Carbohydrate: 43g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 27g
3. Easy Vegetable Teriyaki Stir-Fry | Hummusapien
Skip the Asian takeout (and all the funky additivesingredients in it), and go to town on this simple stir- fry. It’s made with crisp veggies, roasted cashews and a delightful homemade teriyaki sauce that’s, sweetened with pineapple juice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Recipe makes 6 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 356; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 7g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 493mg; Carbohydrate: 53g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 13g; Protein: 14g
4. Smoky Tilapia Tacos | Cooking Light
We’re all about the no-fuss recipes on busy weeknights. Broiling the fish makes these smoky tacos a breeze to prepare. Tilapia is an excellent budget-friendly option, but feel free to use any fish you have on hand, such as mahimahi or cod. Go for 100% corn tortillas to keep these gluten-free. Recipe makes 6 servings at 2 tacos each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 293; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 87mg; Carbohydrate: 20g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 33
5. Salmon Sliders with Sriracha Aioli | MyFitnessPal’s Original Recipes
Fire up the grill! Salmon is not only high in lean protein, but it’s also rich in those brain-boosting, anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. Fresh cilantro and Sriracha add zing to the simple four-ingredient aioli we paired with these sliders. Serve on multigrain buns with fresh tomato and mixed greens. Recipe makes 4 servings of 2 sliders (each includes 2 ounces salmon and 1 tablespoon sauce).
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 393; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 60mg; Sodium: 609mg; Carbohydrate: 36g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 30g
6. Black Bean Quinoa Salad with Steak | Cooking Light
This zesty dish is not your average salad: Juicy, chipotle-rubbed sirloin steak, crisp bell peppers, black beans, quinoa and feta are topped with a tangy vinaigrette. To cut down on prep time, use precooked quinoa. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 1/2 cups each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 357; Total Fat: 15g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 6g; Cholesterol: 53mg; Sodium: 329mg; Carbohydrate: 29g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 28g
7. Beef and Mushroom Chop Suey | Clean Eating
A cleaner take on the Chinese mash-up, this hearty meal of tender meat and veggies will be on your dinner table in 20 minutes flat. Feel free to sub all-purpose or whole-wheat flour if you don’t have tapioca flour on hand. Garnish with chopped scallions and toasted cashews. Recipe makes 6 servings at 1 1/2 cups each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 190; Total Fat 17g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 27mg; Sodium: 320mg; Carbohydrate: 27g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 9g; Protein: 17g
8. One-Pot Pasta Primavera | Oh My Veggies
There’s nothing like a one-pot meal when you want dinner on the table in a flash. Have your veggies and eat ‘em, too, with this super-simple, veggie-packed pasta dish. Consider this one of the tastiest ways to sneak green vegetables onto the kiddos’ plates! Recipe makes 5 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 386; Total Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 18mg; Sodium: 821mg; Carbohydrate: 57g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 16g
9. Tofu and Vegetable Curry with Rice | Real Simple
Creamy coconut milk, red curry paste and fresh basil lend an authentic Thai flavor to this simple vegetarian curry. Frozen okra gives it a unique flair, but sliced bell peppers make an equally delicious stand-in. Add leftover cubed chicken to please the carnivores at your table. (Nutrition information calculated with light coconut milk.) Recipe makes 4 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 414; Total Fat: 15g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 635mg; Carbohydrate: 55g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 17g
10. Balsamic Chicken with Green Beans | Clean Eating
Crisp green beans and meaty mushrooms make this quick meal quite the treat for your taste buds! Pair with a small baked sweet potato or crusty whole grain bread to round out the meal. Recipe makes 4 servings at 4 ounces chicken and 7 ounces mushroom mixture.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 246; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 60mg; Sodium: 578mg; Carbohydrate: 18g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 7g; Protein: 27g
