As a habits-expert, when dinner rolls around on a busy weeknight, I want something easy, satisfying, and high in protein. These recipes are some of my family’s favorites: real-life tested, full of feel-good ingredients, and simple enough to pull off any night of the week. Whether you’re planning ahead or pulling things together last minute, this list has something will have something for you!

Bowls of sesame seeds and green onions next to a skillet filled with cooked ramen, brown sauce, ground beef, and slaw mix,
4.88 stars (25 ratings)

Beef Ramen Noodles (One-Pan)

Ground beef ramen noodles in one pan, ready in 15 minutes with no chopping. Tamari, garlic, bagged coleslaw, and shredded carrots come together in a skillet for a fast, filling weeknight dinner.
Ingredients: olive oil, ground beef, salt, garlic, tamari, chicken stock, brown sugar, ramen noodles, slaw mix, shredded carrots.
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A white baking dish filled with creamy baked chicken and orzo with cherry tomatoes and parsley.
4.98 stars (42 ratings)

Chicken Orzo Bake (with Boursin)

A creamy baked chicken orzo with Boursin cheese, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. One-pan, no chopping, no pre-cooking needed, ready in 35-minutes.
Ingredients: shredded chicken, orzo pasta, chicken stock, salt, black pepper, Boursin cheese, cherry tomatoes, spinach.
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Five crispy, golden tacos on a baking sheet next to salsa and guacamole in bowls.
5 stars (8 ratings)

Crispy Baked Tacos (with Chicken)

Crispy baked chicken tacos made with flour tortillas, refried beans, and shredded chicken. No chopping, 10 minutes of prep, and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients Needed: flour tortillas, refried beans, shredded cooked chicken, Mexican cheese, cooking spray.
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A large skillet with a spoon sitting in a cheesy mixture of diced potatoes and ground beef.
4.70 stars (20 ratings)

Quick Ground Beef Potatoes (One-Pan Dinner)

The beloved classic combo of meat and potatoes just got a weeknight make-over in this easy one-pan ground beef and potatoes recipe. With family-friendly flavors, this crave-able dinner is so simple and hearty!
Ingredients: olive oil, ground beef, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Russet potatoes, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, katsup, cheddar cheese.
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An overhead shot of a tablescape made up of a rectangular baking dish with enchiladas, an empty plate, a striped napkin, and small bowls with limes, cilantro, red onion, and guacamole.
5 stars (5 ratings)

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas

With only 4 ingredients, this green chili chicken enchiladas recipe is easy to make, yields super flavorful results, and is an excellent make ahead meal.
Ingredients: chicken, salsa verde, Mexican cheese blend, tortillas
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Tortilla strips, chicken, black beans and vegetables topped with cheese, avocado, and sour cream in a skillet.
5 stars (5 ratings)

Chicken Enchilada Skillet (1-Pan!)

Easy dinner ideas are my specialty, especially one-pot meals that are ready in under 30-minutes. This quick chicken enchilada skillet comes together fast with rotisserie chicken (or any leftover pre-cooked chicken), and red enchilada sauce.
Ingredients: shredded chicken, olive oil, onion, bell pepper, red enchilada sauce, black beans, tortillas, cheese, chicken broth.
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Corn on the cob next to a large bowl filled with pasta, charred corn, diced chicken, cotija cheese, and a creamy lime spice yogurt mixture.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad (with Chicken)

This creamy Mexican street corn pasta salad with chicken is a high-protein and made in 20-minutes. Great for potlucks, feeding a crowd, or meal prep.
Ingredients: pasta. olive oil, corn, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime, granulated garlic, chili powder, salt, cooked chicken, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
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A skillet of ground turkey, diced zucchini, tomato sauce, and ricotta topped with fresh basil and parmesan.
5 stars (10 ratings)

Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet with Ricotta

This simple ground turkey zucchini skillet with ricotta is a healthy, one-pan dinner ready in 20 minutes. Lasagna flavors without the fuss and great for weeknights.
Ingredients: olive oil, ground turkey, salt, Italian seasoning, zucchini, garlic, marinara sauce, ricotta, Parmesan, and basil.
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A spoon in a pot of with creamy tomato chicken pasta next to bowls of sundried tomatoes and basil.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Marry Me Chicken Pasta (30-Minute)

The best creamy marry me chicken pasta in 30 minutes. Sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, spinach, and just a touch of cream. Ready for dinner tonight.
Ingredients: pasta. chicken, paprika, granulated garlic, thyme, salt, olive oil, onion, pepper, tomato paste, sugar, chicken stock, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan, red wine vinegar, and spinach.
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A white baking dish filled with melted cheese topped on baked ground beef and diced potatoes.
4.50 stars (2 ratings)

Ground Beef Potato Casserole (Cheesy, Easy)

A cheesy ground beef potato casserole made with tomato sauce, no canned soup. Easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients: olive oil, potatoes, ground beef, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, cheddar cheese.
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Overhead shot of a white bowl filled with chicken vegetable soup with a spoon, on top of a striped blue napkin and white background.
5 stars (1 rating)

Easy Chicken Vegetable Soup

This easy chicken vegetable soup recipe is simple to make with easy to find ingredients, yet tastes like it’s from your favorite restaurant. Includes stovetop and slow cooker instructions, too!
Ingredients: chicken tenders, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, Russet potatoes, garlic powder, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, green beans, corn, peas, bay leaf, olive oil and salt.
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A large skillet with cooked eggs, ground beef, coleslaw mix, and edamame.
5 stars (9 ratings)

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Ground Beef)

A 15-minute egg roll in a bowl with coleslaw mix, ground beef, and a savory Asian sauce. One pan, no chopping, high protein, and great for meal prep.
Ingredients: eggs, oil, salt, ground beef, minced garlic, grated ginger, coleslaw mix, soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, edamame.
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Overhead shot of a baking pan filled with chicken enchiladas with fresh avocado slices and jalapenos on top.
5 stars (8 ratings)

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

This easy chicken enchilada recipe is simple to prepare and yields super flavorful, delicious results every time!
Ingredients: shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, corn tortillas, and shredded Mexican cheese blend.
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A metal spoon sitting in a large white baking dish filled with small chicken meatballs, creamy marinara sauce, and shredded Italian cheese.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Chicken Meatballs (Baked, in Tomato Sauce)

Baked ground chicken meatballs in tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese. Ready in 30 minutes, no chopping, no pre-browning, meal prep friendly.
Ingredients: panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, egg, ground chicken, marinara, Italian cheese.
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Top down view of a BBQ chicken bowl with a fork, napkin and corn chips on the side.
5 stars (1 rating)

Easy BBQ Chicken Bowl

Packed with color and flavor, these easy BBQ chicken bowls are perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, and can be simply assembled with homemade or store bought ingredients. They’re so tasty, you’ll wanna make these again and again!
Ingredients: cooked chicken, rice, black beans, corn, green onions, cabbage slaw and bbq sauce.
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Marry me chicken soup in a large white pot.
5 stars (47 ratings)

Marry Me Chicken Soup (Creamy 30-Minute Dinner)

If you love the viral Marry Me Chicken, this creamy soup version brings all those cozy flavors together in just one pot. Juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and a swirl of cream make every spoonful rich and comforting, with tender pasta and fresh spinach to keep it hearty yet bright. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little special, ready in about 30 minutes!
Ingredients: olive oil, onion, pepper, salt, garlic powder, thyme, tomato paste, chicken stock, water, sugar, sun dried tomatoes, chicken, pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, spinach, red wine vinegar.
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Fresh basil and flaky baked pesto salmon on a large white serving plate.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Pesto Salmon (Baked or Air Fryer)

A 3-ingredient pesto salmon ready in 20 minutes, baked or air fried. Just salmon, pesto, salt, and pepper for a fast weeknight dinner.
Ingredients: salmon fillets, salt, pepper, pesto.
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Chicken drumsticks covered in glossy barbecue sauce laid out on an oval dish.
5 stars (4 ratings)

Baked Chicken Drumsticks (Fall-off-the-Bone)

Juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken legs coated in a simple spice rub and finished with BBQ sauce. Four ingredients, three minutes of prep, and dinner's done!
Ingredients: smoked paprika, garlic powder, chicken drumsticks, salt, and BBQ sauce.
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Overhead shot of a chicken and vegetable skillet dinner on a white background with fresh herbs.
5 stars (12 ratings)

Chicken Asparagus Skillet (Healthy 1-Pan Dinner!)

A handful of simple ingredients combine in this easy chicken asparagus recipe, made of golden chicken, tender asparagus, and a luscious garlic lemon cream sauce that's light but still feels decadent. The ultimate low-effort, one-pan meal that'll be on the table in less than 30-minutes!
Ingredients: chicken, asparagus, chicken broth, cream, olive oil, butter, lemon juice and salt.
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skillet chicken and sweet potatoes on a white background with fresh herbs on top and a striped blue napkin on the handle
4.93 stars (14 ratings)

Skillet Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

This easy chicken and sweet potatoes skillet can be made quickly on the stovetop and then baked in the oven. Plus it includes a delicious honey butter & chipotle pan sauce everyone will love!
Ingredients: chicken, sweet potatoes, avocado oil, honey, butter, chipotle peppers (from canned in adobo sauce), garlic and salt.
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close up of chicken skillet with fresh herbs on top
4.97 stars (33 ratings)

Chicken Zucchini and Tomatoes (Italian Skillet)

A simple Italian chicken zucchini skillet with tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. One-pan, ready in 30 minutes, and works with chicken breasts or thighs.
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), zucchini, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken stock, butter (optional: traditional or dairy-free), fresh basil, red pepper flakes, garlic, Italian seasoning, olive oil and salt.
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An overhead shot of a white rectangular baking pan with cooked enchiladas topped with enchilada sauce, melted cheese, avocado slices, jalapeño slices, and cilantro on a white background with a white and blue stripped napkin, wooden spoon, and a bunch of a cilantro.
4.95 stars (19 ratings)

Ground Turkey Enchiladas

Baked in red enchilada sauce with lean ground turkey, black beans, and melty cheese, this make-ahead turkey enchilada casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients: olive oil, onion, ground turkey, salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, black beans, cheese, enchilada sauce, tortillas.
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Close up shot of a pan filled with cooked pasta shells, ground turkey, and marinara on the gray background with a wooden spoon.
4.95 stars (37 ratings)

Ground Turkey Pasta (Healthy 30-Minute Dinner)

Ground turkey pasta simmered in a quick marinara sauce with hidden veggies. A healthy 30-minute dinner for busy family weeknights.
Ingredients: pasta shells, olive oil, salt, onion, zucchini, carrot, ground turkey, garlic, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, cream cheese.
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Top down view of a ground turkey sweet potato skillet in a blue and black pan with fresh herbs on a white background.
5 stars (5 ratings)

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet (30-Minute)

Easy ground turkey sweet potato skillet with spinach, melty cheese, and a homemade chipotle honey sauce. A healthy one-pan dinner in 30 minutes.
Ingredients: ground turkey, sweet potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, shredded cheese (traditional or dairy-free), baby spinach, chipotle honey vinaigrette and salt.
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A large skillet filled with avocado, ground turkey, and chopped vegetables.
5 stars (8 ratings)

Ground Turkey Taco Skillet (with Beans and Corn)

This ground turkey taco skillet comes together in 20-minutes with black beans, corn, and pantry spices for a protein-packed weeknight dinner.
Ingredients: ground turkey, onion, garlic powder, cumin, canned black beans, canned fire-roasted tomatoes, frozen corn, olive oil and salt.
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top down view of a white plate filled with a 20-minute ground turkey and green bean skillet with a striped green napkin on the side
5 stars (5 ratings)

Ground Turkey and Green Beans Stir-Fry (20-Minute)

Easy ground turkey and green beans stir-fry in a honey-ginger-garlic sauce made from pantry staples. A healthy one-pan dinner ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients: ground turkey, green beans, garlic, ginger, honey, chicken stock, lime juice (or rice wine vinegar), tamari, cornstarch, olive oil, and salt.
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Overhead shot of tacos on parchement paper squares.
5 stars (6 ratings)

Ground Turkey Tacos (with Corn Salsa)

These ground turkey tacos come together in 20 minutes and are topped with a fresh corn salsa for a healthy, family-friendly weeknight dinner.
Ingredients: olive oil, ground turkey, cumin, mild chili powder, garlic powder, salt, tomatillo salsa, corn tortillas, corn, red onion, lime juice, cilantro.
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An overhead shot of a white rectangular baking dish filled baked stuffed pasta shells topped with marinara sauce and melted shredded cheese. A silver serving spoon is scooping a shell out of the bottom left corner of the dish.
5 stars (63 ratings)

Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

This hearty and easy stuffed shells with ground beef recipe is the perfect make ahead meal that the whole family will love!
Ingredients: jumbo pasta shells, ground beef, garlic, onion, salt, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, egg, spinach, Italian cheese blend, parmesan cheese
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southwest beef and sweet potato skillet surrounded by herbs and limes on white background
5 stars (22 ratings)

Southwest Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet (1-Pan Dinner!)

This easy Southwest Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet is a super simple and flavorful weeknight meal made in just one pan with ground beef, sweet potatoes, and simple spices. It's a one-pan dinner you'll want on your repeat list!
Ingredients: ground beef, sweet potato, canned diced tomatoes, mild chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, water, baby spinach, lime juice, olive oil, and salt.
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Overhead shot of fish tacos with slaw, jalepenos, avocado, and cilantro.
5 stars (7 ratings)

Best EASY Fish Tacos (w/ Slaw!)

If you’re craving fish tacos that are fresh, flavorful, and doable for a busy weeknight, this recipe is for you! Made with flaky white fish, crunchy slaw, creamy sauce, and warm tortillas; it includes easy steps for light, quick, foolproof fish tacos for real life!
Ingredients: white fish (like rockfish, cod or tilapia), purple cabbage, lime juice, avocado, green onions, mayonnaise (or plain yogurt), honey, olive oil, cumin, mild chili powder, garlic powder, ground black pepper and salt.
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Overhead shot of salmon tacos with cabbage slaw and radishes. There are lime wedges, cilantro leaves, and a small wooden bowl with cilantro around it.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Quick Salmon Fish Tacos (w/ Easy Slaw!)

Making salmon fish tacos at home couldn't be easier or more delicious! With a quick 10 minute trip under the broiler, the salmon cooks perfectly while you whip up a creamy, crunchy homemade cabbage slaw. A light & fresh take on taco night you'll want to make on repeat!
Ingredients: salmon, cabbage, tortillas (or grain-free wraps or lettuce wraps), mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt), lime juice, and salt. 
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Overhead shot of plates with pesto pasta topped with a tuna mixture. The plates are surrounded by basil leaves, a kitchen towel, and a small bowl with pesto.
5 stars (1 rating)

Tuna Pesto Pasta (with Canned Tuna)

A 20-minute tuna pesto pasta made with canned tuna and store-bought or homemade pesto. Three ingredients, one pot, ready for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients: pesto, pasta, tuna.
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Overhead shot of a white bowl filled with chicken vegetable soup with a spoon, on top of a striped blue napkin and white background.
5 stars (1 rating)

Easy Chicken Vegetable Soup + High Protein Dinner Ideas

Developed and tested by A woman with long blonde hair, smiling, holds and pours a bottle of oil in a modern kitchen setting.Robyn Conley Downs
Servings: 6 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
This easy, high protein chicken vegetable soup recipe is simple to make with easy to find ingredients, yet tastes like it’s from your favorite restaurant. Includes stovetop and slow cooker instructions, too! Plus 60+ high protein dinner recipes.
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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped carrot, about 1 large
  • ½ cup chopped celery, about 2 stalks
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 2 cups peeled, chopped Russet potatoes (about 1 large)
  • 1 15- oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 quart chicken stock
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders, or boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips, or boneless skinless chicken thighs sliced into strips, or 2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken

To Add at the End:

  • 2 cups chopped green beans, fresh or frozen, defrosted
  • 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen, defrosted
  • 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen, defrosted

Optional Serving Suggestions:

  • Fresh basil, fresh parsley, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, extra virgin olive oil for drizzling, crusty bread

Equipment

Instructions 

Stovetop Instructions

  • To a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the carrot and celery, stirring to combine. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and the garlic powder, then cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until slightly softened, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the tomato paste, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the potatoes, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, remaining 1 teaspoon salt and chicken, stirring to combine.
  • Add the stock, cover, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, covered, for 15-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  • Uncover and remove the chicken to a cutting board. Add the green beans to the pot, and stir.
  • Shred chicken with two forks, or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  • Turn off the heat, then add back the chicken, along with adding the corn and peas, stirring to combine. Taste and add additional salt if desired.

Slow Cooker Instructions

  • To a 6-quart slow cooker, add the onion, carrot, celery, potato, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, garlic powder, stock, salt, and chicken, stirring to combine.
  • Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8, until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Do not uncover during this time.
  • Uncover and remove the chicken to a cutting board. Add the green beans to the slow cooker, and stir and cover.
  • Shred chicken with two forks, or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  • Turn off the heat, then add back the chicken, along with adding the corn and peas, stirring to combine. Taste and add additional salt if desired.

Notes

Nutrition information calculated using boneless skinless chicken tenders and without the optional serving suggestions listed above.
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1 (of 6), Calories: 300kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 73mg, Sodium: 676mg, Potassium: 1255mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 4258IU, Vitamin C: 30mg, Calcium: 80mg, Iron: 3mg
Nutrition disclaimer
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