No time? No problem! If you’re in need of a last minute dinner ideas I’ve got ’em. From family friendly, vegetarian, chicken, ground beef and more, I’ll help you simplify dinner with these perfectly simple & flavor-packed weeknight dinners.

Close-up overhead shot of a white oval serving plate with sliced grilled chicken breasts, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges. Plate is surrounded by small bowls of chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and yogurt.

Busy Weeknight Dinner Solved!

I’m here to help you find more ease in the kitchen, from easy prep recipes to meals that are easy to clean up to making eating real food a habit! From dump & go slow cooker recipes to quick 30-minute meals, I love sharing recipes that help you take the stress and guesswork out of getting weeknight dinners on the table. That’s why I’ve put together this list of dinner ideas that are fresh, light, and feature simple whole food ingredients.

Table of Contents

Easy Last Minute Chicken Dinner Recipes

Meatless Meals (Super Fast!)

Ground Beef 30-Minute Meals

Ground Turkey Dinner Recipes

Quick Sausage for Dinner

Fish Dinner in a Flash

Last Minute Chicken Dinner Ideas

close up of chicken skillet with fresh herbs on top
4.97 stars (31 ratings)

Easy Italian Chicken Zucchini Skillet (with Tomatoes)

This Easy Italian Chicken Zucchini Skillet combines chicken, zucchini, and tomatoes with classic Italian flavors for an easy, one-pot, high-protein dinner that simmers together on the stovetop for a full meal in under 30 minutes. Made with just a few easy-to-find ingredients, it works equally well with chicken breasts or chicken 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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skillet chicken and sweet potatoes on a white background with fresh herbs on top and a striped blue napkin on the handle
4.92 stars (12 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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Overhead shot of a chicken and vegetable skillet dinner on a white background with fresh herbs.
5 stars (11 ratings)

Lighter Lemon Chicken Asparagus Skillet (1-Pan!)

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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Side angle close up shot of spooning brown sauce on top of sliced, grilled chicken topped with sliced green onions on top of white rice in a large white bowl.
4.80 stars (5 ratings)

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Marinade (for Grilling & Oven)

Are you ready to simplify dinners with this salty, sweet & sticky teriyaki chicken marinade that’s made with just 4 ingredients? It’s such an easy recipe to effortlessly whip up for grilled or oven baked teriyaki chicken, plus it can be thrown in the freezer for future meals.
Ingredients: reduced sodium soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic.
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Close-up overhead shot of a white oval serving plate with sliced grilled chicken breasts, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges. Plate is surrounded by small bowls of chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and yogurt.
5 stars (5 ratings)

5-Ingredient Chicken Marinade w/ Greek Yogurt + Lemon

So ridiculously good, and producing the most juicy, hyper-flavorful chicken, this Greek yogurt chicken marinade (for breasts or thighs) uses just 5 ingredients (can you ever go wrong with garlic and lemon?) and can be grilled or oven baked. Delightful flavorful and so easy!
Ingredients: Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, chicken breasts (or thighs) and salt.
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Greek Inspired Chicken Bowl in a white dish topped with yogurt tahini sauce with a blue napkin on a white background.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Easy Greek Chicken Bowls (w/ Rice)

These easy Greek chicken bowls are made with simple, fresh ingredients like yogurt chicken, rice, veggies, and feta. It's so easy to whip up, and you won’t believe how quick & delicious the homemade yogurt tahini dressing is!
Ingredients: cooked chicken, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, rice, and yogurt tahini dressing.
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Overhead shot of a plate of sliced grilled chicken topped with parsley and lemon wedges on an oval plate.
5 stars (13 ratings)

Simple Lemon Chicken Marinade (for Grilling!)

This quick and easy lemon chicken marinade gives chicken a ton of flavor with fresh lemon, garlic, and parsley. The ultimate in simple, high-protein dinner recipes, just 5-minutes of prep yields the most juicy, flavorful grilled chicken breasts or thighs you've ever tasted.
Ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, sugar, dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic, chicken.
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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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Close-up overhead shot of sliced grilled chicken topped with green sauce, fresh basil, lemon wedges, and a serving fork.
No ratings yet

3-Ingredient Pesto Chicken Marinade (for Grilling & More!)

This garlicky, herby pesto chicken marinade is a brilliantly simple, incredibly versatile, and basically solves the "what's for dinner" question once and for all. The secret? I use store-bought pesto (homemade works, too), to make a 3-ingredient marinade that adds so much freshness, flavor, and juiciness to chicken breasts or thighs. Great for grilling, baking, or air-frying.
Ingredients: pesto, lemon juice, salt, boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs).
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White plate with a healthy chicken cashew green bean skillet dinner, with a chopsticks and a striped napkin on the side.
5 stars (4 ratings)

Ginger Honey Cashew Chicken Skillet

Lightly crispy chicken combines with cashews and green beans in a delectable ginger honey sauce for a super fast last minute dinner that will keep you coming back for seconds. Just 30 minutes and one pan are all you need to make it happen!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), green beans, ginger, chicken broth, honey, green onions, cashews, coconut oil, arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) and salt.
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Overhead shot of a white platter with sliced, grilled chicken; a serving fork; fresh herbs; and orange and lime slices. Platter is surrounded by small bowls of lime and orange slices and chopped herbs, a striped towel, and jars of a yellow sauce and honey.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Juicy Chicken Mariande (Citrus Orange!)

This juicy chicken marinade featuring citrus produces the juiciest chicken–either breasts or thighs– and is oh-so delicious and simple to whip up! Made with a double-citrus blend of fresh lime and orange juice, it’s bursting with bright, zesty flavors and makes for tender chicken that can be grilled or baked.
Ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, lime, orange, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic, chicken (breast or thighs).
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Blue and black pan with orange chicken asparagus stir-fry and orange slices on top with a striped orange napkin on a wood table.
4.50 stars (2 ratings)

Orange Chicken Asparagus Skillet (20-Minute Dinner)

Ready in just 20 minutes, this orange chicken asparagus skillet is light, fresh, filling, and comes together simply in just 1-pan. Full of golden-brown chicken, tender-crisp asparagus, and a light & tangy orange sauce, it's great for company or as a last minute dinner idea.
Ingredients: chicken breasts, asparagus, garlic, orange zest, orange juice, chicken stock, white wine vinegar (or lemon juice), oil, arrowroot powder and salt.
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top down view of a white bowl filled with a quick & easy crustless chicken pot pie with a fork and striped napkin on the side
5 stars (7 ratings)

Quick & Easy Crustless Chicken Pot Pie

This crustless version of classic chicken pot pie has all of the comforting flavors of the original dish, but with much less effort required. This quick and easy dinner is ready within 30 minutes using one pan – a skillet! Naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy free.
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), frozen vegetable blend, celery, onion, chicken stock, cream or canned coconut milk, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, olive oil, arrowroot powder and salt.
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Image of 15-Minute Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry (Gluten-Free)
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15-Minute Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry (Gluten-Free)

This 15-Minute Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a weeknight classic full of clean, simple ingredients. Naturally gluten-free and super easy, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), broccoli, coconut aminos (or tamari), scallions, cashews, coconut oil (or olive oil), garlic, ginger, and salt.
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Kale, sweet potatoes and chicken with sliced avocado and micro greens in a white bowl on a white background.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Sheet Pan Chicken, Kale & Sweet Potatoes

Sheet Pan Chicken, Kale & Sweet Potatoes is made with juicy chicken thighs roasted together with crispy kale and tender sweet potatoes. A super-simple 5-ingredient sheet pan recipe perfect you'll want to make on repeat!
Ingredients: chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, kale, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
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Last Minute Dinner Ideas with Fish

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 (2 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 fish tacos with slaw, jalepenos, avocado, and cilantro.
5 stars (7 ratings)

Quick White Fish Tacos (w/ Honey-Lime Slaw!)

Easy dinner ideas are my specialty—and this homemade honey-lime cabbage slaw for fish tacos delivers. A simple slaw elevates these fish tacos with slaw from an everyday dinner to a super-fast, flavor-packed dinner that’s ready in just 25 minutes!
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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Close-up overhead shot of a white platter with a serving fork and pieces of salmon covered in glaze and topped with fresh parsley.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Super-Fast Honey Soy Salmon Marinade

This easy 5-ingredient salmon marinade produces wildly flavorful and perfectly fork-tender, flaky fillets! It's giving hot honey vibes with a touch of honey, a drizzle soy sauce, zesty garlic; and only needs 15-minutes to marinate, and comes out perfectly baked in the oven or air fried!
Ingredients: olive oil, soy sauce (or tamari), honey, garlic, red pepper flakes, salmon.
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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)

20-Minute Tuna Pesto Pasta (w/ Canned Tuna)

Yes, tuna and pesto do go together and make a lovely combination in this tuna pesto pasta! A satisfying and wholesome meal that comes together easily in just 20-minutes using canned tuna and bail pesto.
Ingredients: pesto, pasta, tuna.
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Close-up overhead shot of a white bowl with servings forks and cooked shrimp topped with fresh chopped herbs and lemon wedge. Bowl is surrounded by a striped towel and bowls of lemon wedges and chopped herbs.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Garlicky Shrimp Marinade (for Grilling & More)

The BEST shrimp marinade – made sweet and savory with soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and a kick from red pepper flakes. You’ll get succulent, flavor-packed shrimp in just 30 minutes including marinade time! A super-fast high protein meal, this marinated shrimp is perfect for grilling or making on the stovetop.
Ingredients: soy sauce (or tamari), brown sugar, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, shrimp, butter, parsley.
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5 stars (1 rating)

Sheet Pan Ginger-Orange Salmon Bowls

Easy, quick, incredibly delicious, and made in just one pan, Sheet Pan Ginger-Orange Salmon Bowls are just the thing for dinner tonight! Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, grain-free, paleo, and Whole30 friendly
Ingredients: salmon, green beans, coconut aminos, orange juice, garlic, ginger, olive oil and salt.
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5 stars (3 ratings)

Sheet Pan Fajita Fish Tacos

Easy, fast, and made in just one pan, Sheet Pan Fajita Fish Tacos makes the perfect weeknight dinner!
Ingredients: white fish (like cod), bell peppers, onion, cumin, garlic powder, mild chili powder, olive oil, lime juice, and salt.
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Vegetarian Last Minute Dinner Ideas

Overhead image of an enameled cast iron pot with cooked onions, beans, and rice. The pot is flanked by bowls with: guacamole, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, lime wedges, salsa, and shredded cheese.
4.91 stars (22 ratings)

Quick Pinto Beans & Rice (One-Pot!)

This quick & easy beans and rice recipe uses pinto beans and long grain white rice for a delicious one-pot meal both vegetarian and meat-eaters will love! Ready in 30 minutes on the stovetop, it works equally well as a hearty entree or Tex-Mex side dish.
Ingredients: olive oil, red onion, salt, fresh garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, dried oregano, vegetable stock (or chicken stock), canned pinto beans, white rice, lime juice.
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Overhead shot of a pot with a wooden spoon and pasta tossed in red pesto topped with shredded parmesan, and basil leaves.
5 stars (1 rating)

Red Pesto Pasta

Using sun dried tomatoes, this red pesto pasta comes together in just 20 minutes, and is the perfect time-saving weeknight. Quick, easy, and oh-so delicious, it uses a simple technique to make it extra creamy, no cream involved!
Ingredients: pasta, sun dried tomatoes, almonds, garlic, salt, olive oil, parmesan cheese.
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Overhead shot of cooked spaghetti with a green sauce topped with peas, basil leaves, and shredded parmesan cheese. A fork with spaghetti twisted around it lays on the edge of the white enamel pot.
5 stars (1 rating)

15-Minute Green Pea Pasta

This easy green pea pasta sauce is an ultra-fast, flavorful, creamy vegetarian sauce made with sweet peas (frozen is fine!), basil, lemon, and just a touch of cream cheese. A sure family favorite, it pairs perfectly with any pasta shape, from spaghetti to farfalle.
Ingredients: green peas, basil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, cream cheese, parmesan, pasta.
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Close up overhead shot of an easy red pepper and tomato soup, topped with goat cheese and garnished with fresh herbs.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Easy Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup (w/ Canned Tomatoes)

This ultra easy roasted red pepper and tomato soup is secretly so simple to make, yet yields rich, creamy, restaurant-worthy results with very little effort. With a short list of pantry ingredients like canned tomatoes and jarred roasted red peppers, you'll have a bowl of this cozy, creamy soup ready to eat simply and easily. Includes instructions to make it on the stovetop in under 30-minutes, or hands-off the slow cooker.
Ingredients: jarred roasted red peppers, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, chicken stock (or vegetable stock), water, smoked paprika, olive oil, heavy cream (traditional or dairy-free), butter (traditional or dairy-free), brown sugar (optional), and salt.
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Overhead shot of a plate with pasta salad and a fork surrounded by glasses of water, tomatoes on the vine, a cloth napkin, glasses of water, and a small bowl with pepper.
5 stars (5 ratings)

Mediterranean Pasta Salad (w/ Sun-Dried Tomatoes!)

This quick & easy cold Mediterranean pasta salad is bursting with sweet cherry tomatoes, hearty sun-dried tomatoes, and vibrant baby spinach. A summer pasta salad with a simple homemade dressing — without mayo — so it can be made ahead!
Ingredients: pasta, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and spinach.
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Image of Sheet Pan Sweet Potato Paleo Hash
5 stars (2 ratings)

Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Apples & Mushrooms

Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Apples & Mushrooms is simple to prepare and is perfect for a hearty, grain-free breakfast, side or dinner.
Ingredients: sweet potatoes, apples, mushrooms, onions, melted coconut oil (or avocado oil), celery, pecans, cranberries, sage and salt.
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Image of Asian Quinoa Bowls with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce
5 stars (4 ratings)

Asian Inspired Quinoa Bowls with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce

Asian Quinoa Bowls with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce are packed with vibrant veggies and topped with the easiest peanut sauce ever. A new weeknight classic that just got simpler.
Ingredients: quinoa, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, frozen edamame, garlic, maple syrup, tamari (or soy sauce), rice vinegar (or fresh lime juice), peanut butter and salt.
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Image of Veggie Noodle Bowls with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce
5 stars (3 ratings)

Veggie Noodle Bowls with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce

Slurpable noodles and heaps of tender veggies combine with an ultra-simple sauce in Veggie Noodle Bowls with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce. No complicated ingredient list here, these bowls are easy to make and taste amazing.
Ingredients: pasta (gluten-free or whole wheat), broccoli, cabbage, carrot, green onions, peanuts, peanut butter, garlic, maple syrup, tamari, rice wine vinegar (or lime juice) and water.
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Image of 20-Minute Black Bean Bowls with Confetti Slaw
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20-Minute Black Bean Bowls with Confetti Slaw

With just a few minutes, some simple pantry ingredients, and a handful of fresh veggies you can whip up these flavor-packed 20-Minute Black Bean Bowls with Confetti Slaw. They are easy, quick, and super delicious!
Ingredients: canned black beans, onion, baby spinach, purple cabbage, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, cumin, garlic powder, mild chili powder, olive oil, lime juice, and salt.
Overhead shot of black bean quinoa bowl on white table with striped blue napkin and a side of dressing in small jar.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

These nourishing Southwest Black Bean Quinoa Bowls are quick and easy to make, and are topped with the most delicious homemade cumin lime dressing. Perfect for a light vegetarian dinner, colorful side dish or make-ahead lunch!
Ingredients: quinoa, water or stock, canned black beans, red cabbage, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, corn, pumpkin seeds, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, mild chili powder, maple syrup (or honey), olive oil and salt.
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Quick & Easy Ground Turkey Recipes

Close up shot of a pan filled with cooked pasta shells, ground turkey, and marinara on the gray background with a wooden spoon.
4.97 stars (29 ratings)

Ground Turkey Pasta (30-Minute Dinner!)

This quick, easy ground turkey pasta comes together quickly in under 30 minutes! Packed with fresh, wholesome veggies like zucchini and carrots that are "hidden" so they melt right into the Italian-style creamy sauce; you will love this easy dinner idea that actually makes ground turkey taste good!
Ingredients: pasta shells, olive oil, salt, onion, zucchini, carrot, ground turkey, garlic, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, cream cheese.
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A large skillet filled with avocado, ground turkey, and chopped vegetables.
5 stars (7 ratings)

20-Minute Ground Turkey Taco Skillet (w/ Beans & Corn)

Solve dinner tonight with this quick & easy turkey taco skillet! Made with ground turkey, beans and corn, it’s a flavorful and filling protein-packed meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. Trust me, this is one is a family dinner win you'll want to make on repeat!
Ingredients: ground turkey, onion, garlic powder, cumin, canned black beans, canned fire-roasted tomatoes, frozen corn, olive oil and salt.
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Overhead image of a white enameled dutch oven with spaghetti, with tomato sauce and ground turkey. The dutch oven is surrounded by a plate of cooked spaghetti, a bowl of parmesan cheese, a wooden bowl with salt, fresh herbs, and a white and blue striped tea towel.
5 stars (6 ratings)

Easiest Ground Turkey Spaghetti (6-Ingredients)

The easiest ground turkey spaghetti sauce you'll find, this recipe combines 6 simple ingredients like garlicky marinara sauce and ground turkey for a flavor packed meal that's nearly effortless!
Ingredients: olive oil, onion, salt, ground turkey, granulated garlic, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, spaghetti (or gluten-free spaghetti).
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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 (4 ratings)

Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

This healthy ground turkey sweet potato skillet is a fast, easy last minute dinner idea that’s so tasty you’ll want to put into your regular weeknight rotation. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, so keep this one in your backpocket for busy weeks!
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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Overhead shot of tacos on parchement paper squares.
5 stars (6 ratings)

Summer Ground Turkey Tacos (with Sweet Corn Salsa!)

These super tasty ground turkey tacos take just 20-minutes to make, and are full of simple, yet super-flavorful, fresh ingredients. Paired with a ultra-fast homemade sweet corn salsa, this is a easy dinner idea that will fill you up without weighing you down!
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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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 + Green Bean Skillet (20-Minute Dinner!)

This ground turkey and green beans skillet with sauce comes together in 20 minutes using one pan! It's savory, satisfying, and packed full of Asian-inspired My top tip? Double this quick and easy recipe. You'll want leftovers!
Ingredients: ground turkey (light or dark meat), green beans, garlic, ginger, honey, chicken stock, lime juice (or rice wine vinegar), tamari, arrowroot powder, olive oil, and salt.
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Image of 20-Minute Turkey Tacos with Peach Basil Salsa
5 stars (1 rating)

20-Minute Turkey Tacos with Peach Basil Salsa

So fresh and simple to prepare, 20-Minute Turkey Tacos with Peach Basil Salsa is a flavor-packed, easy weeknight dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients: ground turkey (dark or light meat), onion, garlic powder, cumin, corn tortillas, avocado, peaches, lime juice, basil, olive oil, jalapenos (optional) and salt.
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Image of 20-Minute Turkey Tacos with Apple Salsa
4.80 stars (5 ratings)

20-Minute Turkey Tacos with Apple Salsa

20-Minute Turkey Tacos with Apple Salsa is the perfect, fresh recipe to ease your way from summer into fall. Topped with sweet, crisp Apple Salsa, they are simple to prepare on busy weeknights.
Ingredients: ground turkey, onion, garlic, apples, cilantro, green onion, lime juice and other seasonings
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Overhead shot of a whie bowl with noodles, ground meat, shredded carrots, and other veggies.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Egg Roll Veggie Noodle Bowls

All the flavor of an egg-roll, but without the fuss. Tossed together with a tangle of veggie noodles, Egg Roll Veggie Noodle Bowls are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, egg-free, nut-free, Paleo, Whole30 and so delicious!
Ingredients: ground turkey (or ground chicken or pork), crimini mushrooms, cabbage (or slaw mix), carrots, coconut aminos, vegetable noodles (spiralized carrots or zucchini), lime juice, green onion, ginger, olive oil, and salt.
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Simple Fast Dinners with Sausage

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One-Pan Sweet & Sour Cabbage with Sausage

Incredibly simple and delicious, One-Pan Sweet & Sour Cabbage with Sausage is a one-dish dinner you can make any night of the week.
Ingredients: cooked apple chicken sausages, onion, apples, purple cabbage, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and salt.
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Image of Roasted Sweet Potato, Apple and Chicken Sausage Bowls
5 stars (1 rating)

Chicken Sausage & Sweet Potatoes (Sheet Pan Dinner!)

This Roasted Sweet Potato, Apple & Chicken Sausage Bowl is a sheet pan dinner with golden roasted sweet potatoes, crisp-tender apples, and juicy sausage, served over greens with a tangy + quick homemade dressing.
Ingredients: cooked chicken sausage, sweet potatoes, apples, baby spinach (or arugula), garlic, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and sage.
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top down view of a sheet pan dinner with roasted acorn squash and sausager
5 stars (4 ratings)

Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies (w/ Italian Sausage)

This easy sheet pan meal combines juicy Italian sausage, acorn squash, baby potatoes, onion, kale for the ultimate one-pan meal! Hearty and warming, you'll want to make this sheet pan sausage and veggies a weeknight staple. Let's make it!
Ingredients: Italian sausage, red onions, acorn squash, kale, baby potatoes, lemon juice, dried oregano and other spices.
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Easy Ground Beef Dinner Recipes

Overhead image of taco casserole topped with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and sour cream surrounded by containers with sour cream, tomatoes, Fritos, and shredded lettuce.
5 stars (13 ratings)

Easy Walking Taco Casserole (with Fritos!)

If you’re a fan of walking tacos, you will love this easier version of walking taco casserole that can be made ahead and feeds a crowd with ease in just one pan. Filled with slightly spiced ground beef and topped with crunchy Frito corn chips, this is the perfect 25-minute dish for a weeknight dinner. 
Ingredients: olive oil, onion, ground beef, salt, garlic powder, mild chili powder, smoked paprika, black beans, tomato sauce, cream cheese (or dairy free cream cheese), Mexican cheese blend (or dairy free cheese), corn chips.
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southwest beef and sweet potato skillet surrounded by herbs and limes on white background
5 stars (20 ratings)

Southwest Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet

This easy Southwest Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet is a super simple and flavorful weeknight meal that everyone will love.
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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Image of Sweet Potato and Pineapple Beef Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa
4.75 stars (4 ratings)

Sweet Potato and Pineapple Beef Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa

Savory pineapple beef combines with roasted sweet potatoes and fresh spinach, along with a quick mango avocado salsa, in this delicious weeknight bowl.
Ingredients: lean ground beef, sweet potatoes, canned crushed pineapple, mango, avocado, baby spinach, cumin, garlic powder, mild chili powder, olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
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close up of chicken skillet with fresh herbs on top
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35+ Last Minute Dinner Ideas: Italian Chicken Zucchini Skillet

by Robyn Conley Downs
Servings: 4
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 19 minutes
Total: 29 minutes
This Easy Italian Chicken Zucchini Skillet combines chicken, zucchini, tomatoes and classic Italian flavors for an easy, one-pot dinner you can make any night of the week. Plus 25+ more last minute dinner ideas I know you'll love too!
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Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 tsp no-salt added Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
  • 4 cups 1-inch diced zucchini , (from about 4 medium zucchini)
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
  • 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 2 tbsp butter*
  • 1/4 cup lightly packed fresh basil, thinly sliced
  • red pepper flakes to taste

Equipment

Instructions 

  • In a large 12-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat. Add the chicken in one layer, taking care not to overlap the pieces. Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon salt.
  • Cook the chicken undisturbed, until golden brown on one side, about 5 minutes. Flip, and cook an additional 3 minutes until browned on both sides and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and cook until just tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add chicken stock, stirring to deglaze, then add tomato paste and diced tomatoes, stirring until well combined.
  • Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, turn the heat to medium low, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, until the sauce is slightly reduced.
  • Turn off the heat, add the butter, and stir to combine. Taste the sauce and add additional salt if desired. Serve sprinkled with basil and red pepper flakes to taste.

Notes

*Use dairy-free butter to keep this recipe dairy-free, or omit for Whole30.
This recipe works with either chicken breasts or thighs – if you prefer juicer chicken, use chicken thighs.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1 (of 4), Calories: 298kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 89mg, Sodium: 995mg, Potassium: 1027mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 727IU, Vitamin C: 35mg, Calcium: 75mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition disclaimer
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