If you’re looking for easy, healthy last minute dinner ideas you’re in the right place! Read on for last minute ideas that are family friendly, and include vegetarian, chicken and ground beef options perfect for busy weeknights.

4 image collage of the following dinners: skillet meal, chicken and sweet potato bowl, peach chicken bowl, salmon tacos.

About these Last Minute Dinner Ideas

Around here we are all about embracing more ease in the kitchen, from easy prep recipes to meals that are easy to clean up I am here to help you simplify and make healthy eating 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 weekly meal prep.

While I love a good crockpot recipe, some weeks a quick homemade stovetop, sheet pan or grilled recipe is just the thing to get a hot meal on the table fast.

I know a lot of you might be looking for some last minute dinner recipes to lean on too – so I’ve gathered all my favorites for you in one easy to find place.

These healthy dinner ideas include tacos, bowls, stir fries, one-pan and skillet dinners that you can throw together any night.

Since they’re simple to prepare, they make the perfect low-effort dinners on busy weeks (or just anytime you don’t really feel like cooking)!

PS – All of these dinner ideas that are healthy feature simple good-for-you ingredients, minimal clean up and easy prep steps with flavor profiles designed to be loved by the whole family.

Table of Contents

While we’re big fans of healthy chicken dinners (you’ll find plenty below), you’ll also find plenty of recipes in this round up that are not chicken! Click on each category below to go straight to that section: 

Easy Last Minute Chicken Dinner Recipes

Meatless Meals (Quick & Easy)

Ground Beef 30-Minute Meals

Ground Turkey Dinner Recipes

Super Fast Sausage for Dinner

Fish Dinner in a Flash

What Makes These Recipes Healthy

The truth is, there isn’t a universally agreed upon definition of what makes a recipe healthy.

As an expert on healthy habits, I should know — I’ve interviewed over 200 health and wellness experts on the question of what it really means to be healthy, and have yet to uncover a definition of healthy eating that all experts agree on.

However, I did write the book on what it really means to be healthy, and when it comes to recipes I take a whole, real foods, research-based approach.

With that in mind, all of these recipes are made with whole food ingredients, without any added refined sugar, and do not include processed ingredients or oils.

They are also plant-forward, include whole grains, as well as plenty of colorful, health-filled veggies.

Finally, as a healthy habits expert, I know that a big part of eating healthy is making the process easy.

That’s why all these recipes are not only filled with good-for-you ingredients, but also incredibly simple to prepare.

As always, if you’re following a specific diet for health reasons, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian for specific health advice and check out our nutrition disclaimer for more information.

How to Freeze & Store Leftovers

All of these recipes will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, in a sealed container.

Many of these recipes also freeze well, store in a sealed freezer friendly container for up to 2-3 months.

More Easy Healthy Dinner Recipe Collections

60+ High Protein Dinner Recipes

30+ Dump and Go Slow Cooker Recipes

50+ Healthy Crockpot Recipes

Vegan Slow Cooker Recipes

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes

Whole30 Slow Cooker Recipes

Paleo Crockpot Recipes

Anti-Inflammatory Crockpot Recipes

Gluten Free Crockpot Recipes

These Recipes Are…

Last Minute Chicken Dinner Ideas

close up of chicken skillet with fresh herbs on top
5 stars (19 ratings)

Easy Italian Chicken Zucchini Skillet

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. I love that it's naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 friendly and ready in under 30 minutes!
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.
go to recipe
skillet chicken and sweet potatoes on a white background with fresh herbs on top and a striped blue napkin on the handle
5 stars (3 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 thighs (or chicken breasts), sweet potatoes, avocado oil, honey, butter (traditional or plant-based), chipotle peppers (from canned in adobo sauce), garlic and salt.
go to recipe
5 stars (9 ratings)

Chicken Asparagus Skillet

A handful of simple ingredients combine in this easy, creamy chicken asparagus skillet, made up of golden chicken, tender asparagus, and a luscious garlic lemon cream sauce that includes a dairy-free modification. This recipe makes the ultimate low-effort, one-pan meal you can enjoy any night of the week!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), asparagus, chicken broth, cream (or unsweetened non-dairy creamer), olive oil, butter (traditional or plant-based), lemon juice and salt.
go to recipe
Grilled chicken breasts prepared in a Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade laid out on a wood cutting board with fresh herbs and lemon slices.
5 stars (4 ratings)

Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade

This quick Greek yogurt chicken marinade is easy to prepare with a few simple ingredients and yields super tender and flavorful grilled or baked chicken every time. If you’ve never tried yogurt-marinated chicken before, then you’ve got to try this recipe!
Ingredients: Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, chicken breasts (or thighs) and salt.
go to recipe
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 Bowls

Packed with vibrant, fresh ingredients, these easy Greek bowls make a quick weeknight dinner or the perfect meal prep meal to go. And you won’t believe how quick & delicious the yogurt tahini dressing is!
Ingredients: cooked chicken, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, cauliflower rice, and yogurt tahini dressing.
go to recipe
Overhead shot of a plate of sliced grilled chicken topped with parsley and lemon wedges on an oval plate.
5 stars (8 ratings)

Lemon Chicken Marinade

This easy lemon chicken marinade gives chicken a ton of fresh flavor thanks to just a few ingredients and a simple marinade trick. The ultimate in simple sauces, just five minutes of prep yields the most juicy, flavorful chicken you've ever tasted.
Ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, sugar, dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic, chicken.
go to recipe
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.
go to recipe
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)

Healthy Chicken, Cashew, Green Bean Skillet

Lightly crispy chicken combines with cashews and green beans in a lightly sweet 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.
go to recipe
Blue and black pan with healthy orange chicken asparagus stir-fry and orange slices on top with a striped orange napkin on a wood table.
4.50 stars (2 ratings)

Healthy Orange Chicken Asparagus Stir-Fry

This Healthy Orange Chicken Asparagus Stir-Fry is light, fresh, filling and so delicious. Full of golden-brown chicken, crisp asparagus, and a tangy naturally-sweet sauce, it's the perfect last minute dinner to make any night of the week.
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), asparagus, garlic, orange zest, orange juice, chicken stock, white wine vinegar (or lemon juice), coconut oil, arrowroot powder and salt.
go to recipe
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.
go to recipe
Image of 15-Minute Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry (Gluten-Free)
No ratings yet

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.
go to recipe
5 stars (2 ratings)

Sheet Pan Chicken, Kale & Sweet Potatoes

Sheet Pan Chicken, Kale & Sweet Potatoes is a super-simple and healthy 5-ingredient sheet pan recipe perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients: chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, lacinato dinosaur kale, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
go to recipe
Image of Sheet Pan Balsamic Glazed Chicken and Veggies
No ratings yet

Sheet Pan Balsamic Glazed Chicken and Veggies

Sheet Pan Balsamic Glazed Chicken and Veggies is a meal in just one pan. Juicy chicken, tender veggies, and a tangy-sweet glaze make this recipe easy, quick, and so delicious!
Ingredients: chicken breasts, asparagus, carrots, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, olive oil, and salt.
go to recipe
5 stars (5 ratings)

Peach Chicken Basil Glow Bowls

Bursting with vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, Peach Chicken Basil Glow Bowls will have your feeling amazing from the inside out. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe.
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), zucchini, onion, cooked quinoa (or cauliflower rice), peaches, garlic, white balsamic (or white wine vinegar), olive oil, fresh basil and salt.
go to recipe

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 (1 rating)

20-Minute Salmon Fish Tacos with Quick Cabbage Slaw

Follow these steps at home to make these easy salmon fish tacos with a simple cabbage slaw topping! In these 20-minute tacos, fresh or frozen salmon can be used.
Ingredients: salmon, cabbage, tortillas (or grain-free wraps or lettuce wraps), mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt), lime juice, and salt. 
go to recipe
Overhead shot of fish tacos with slaw, jalepenos, avocado, and cilantro.
5 stars (7 ratings)

Easy Fish Tacos with Honey-Lime Cabbage Slaw

Easy dinner ideas are my specialty—and this homemade honey-lime cabbage slaw for fish tacos delivers. Simple purple cabbage 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! The slaw is a great topping idea for fish tacos and serves double duty as a veggie side dish too, if that’s what you prefer. 
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.
go to recipe
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 (2 ratings)

Tuna Pesto Pasta

This recipe for tuna pesto pasta creates a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients: garlic, basil, almonds, parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, olive oil, pasta, tuna.
go to recipe
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.
go to recipe
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.
go to recipe

Vegetarian Last Minute Dinner Ideas

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 basic pantry ingredients, this red pesto pasta comes together in just 20 minutes, and is the perfect weeknight vegetarian meal everyone will love.
Ingredients: pasta, sun dried tomatoes, almonds, garlic, salt, olive oil, parmesan cheese.
go to recipe
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 (2 ratings)

Green Pea Pasta

If you're looking for a unique twist on traditional pasta dishes, this easy green pea pasta sauce recipe is it! It's a flavorful and creamy vegetarian sauce that's perfect for any pasta shape, from spaghetti to farfalle.
Ingredients: green peas, basil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, cream cheese, parmesan, pasta.
go to recipe
Close up overhead shot of an easy red pepper and tomato soup, topped with goat cheese and garnished with fresh herbs.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

This creamy, easy red pepper soup and tomato soup is secretly simple to make, yields super tasty, restaurant-worth results. Plus it's ready in under 30 minutes!
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.
go to recipe
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)

Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad (Quick & Easy!)

This simple and versatile sun dried tomato pasta salad is bursting with flavor while relying on just a few ingredients.
Ingredients: pasta, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, spinach
go to recipe
Image of Sheet Pan Sweet Potato Paleo Hash
5 stars (1 rating)

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.
go to recipe
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.
go to recipe
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.
go to recipe
Image of 20-Minute Black Bean Bowls with Confetti Slaw
No ratings yet

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.
go to recipe
Overhead shot of black bean quinoa bowl on white table with striped blue napkin and a side of dressing in small jar.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

These healthy 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.
go to recipe

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.
5 stars (10 ratings)

Ground Turkey Pasta

This quick and easy ground turkey pasta comes together quickly in under 30 minutes, and is an easy dinner idea you’ll want to make on repeat!
Ingredients: pasta shells, olive oil, salt, onion, zucchini, carrot, ground turkey, garlic, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, cream cheese.
go to recipe
top down view of a turkey taco skillet in a blue pan on a blue background
5 stars (3 ratings)

Turkey Taco Skillet

Solve weeknight dinner tonight with this quick turkey taco skillet! Made with simple pantry ingredients like ground turkey, it’s a lighter meal on its own or can be used as a delicious taco or burrito filling or delectable nacho topping.
Ingredients: ground turkey, onion, garlic powder, cumin, canned black beans, canned fire-roasted tomatoes, frozen corn, olive oil and salt.
go to recipe
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.
go to recipe
Overhead shot of tacos on parchement paper squares.
5 stars (7 ratings)

Ground Turkey Tacos with Sweet Corn Salsa

These super tasty ground turkey tacos are quick to pull together on a busy weeknight and is full of simple, yet super flavorful fresh ingredients.
Ingredients: olive oil, ground turkey, cumin, mild chili powder, garlic powder, salt, tomatillo salsa, corn tortillas, corn, red onion, lime juice, cilantro.
go to recipe
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 (6 ratings)

Ground Turkey and Green Beans Skillet 20-Minute

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 flavors. Asparagus or broccoli florets can easily be substituted for the green beans. 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.
go to recipe
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.
go to recipe
Image of 20-Minute Turkey Tacos with Apple Salsa
5 stars (4 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
go to recipe
5 stars (4 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.
go to recipe

Simple Fast Dinners with Sausage

No ratings yet

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.
go to recipe
Image of Roasted Sweet Potato, Apple and Chicken Sausage Bowls
5 stars (1 rating)

Roasted Sweet Potato, Apple and Chicken Sausage Bowls

Simple to prepare in just one-pan, Roasted Sweet Potato, Apple and Chicken Sausage Bowls make for a hearty, warming weeknight dinner. A dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo and Whole30 recipe the whole family can enjoy!
Ingredients: cooked chicken sausage, sweet potatoes, apples, baby spinach (or arugula), garlic, apple cider vinegar, olive oil and salt.
go to recipe
top down view of a sheet pan dinner with roasted acorn squash and sausager
5 stars (4 ratings)

Roasted Italian Sausage and Vegetables

This Roasted Italian Sausage and Vegetables recipe is an easy sheet pan meal that combines sausage, squash, potatoes, onion, kale and Greek spices for a satisfying dinner!
Ingredients: Italian sausage, red onions, acorn squash, kale, baby potatoes, lemon juice, dried oregano and other spices
go to recipe
Overhead shot of a white oval dish with cooked spaghetti, cubed, ham, peas, and parmesan cheese. The dish is surrounded by a striped kitchen towel, a block of cheese, a plate with parsley, and a small wooden bowl with red pepper flakes.
5 stars (5 ratings)

Pasta with Ham and Peas

Ham and pea pasta is the perfect dish for when you want something quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it comes together in 20 minutes using pantry and fridge staples making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Ingredients: pasta, olive oil, ham, garlic, lemon, salt, creme fraiche, parmesan cheese, peas
go to recipe

Easy Ground Beef Dinner Recipes

southwest beef and sweet potato skillet surrounded by herbs and limes on white background
5 stars (17 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.
go to recipe
Image of Sweet Potato and Pineapple Beef Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa
4.80 stars (5 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.
go to recipe
close up of chicken skillet with fresh herbs on top
5 stars (1 rating)

35+ Last Minute Dinner Ideas: Italian Chicken Zucchini Skillet

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!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

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.
Author: Robyn Conley Downs
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
Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!

This post contains affiliate links.

Share this Post