Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 30-Day Mediterranean Diet Challenge

      Try one of the world's healthiest ways of eating: the Mediterranean Diet. Read More Next
    • These Are the Best and Worst Diets of 2021

      We took a look at the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report to see which diets ranked at the top and bottom of their lists. Read More Next
    • Simple 30-Day Weight-Loss Meal Plan: 1,200 Calories

      A full month of easy-to-make recipes and helpful meal-prep tips, this healthy meal plan sets you up for weight-loss success. Read More Next
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See all Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See all Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See all Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See all Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See all Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See all Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See all Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Family Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See all Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Healthy Recipes Chevron Right
  3. Recipes for Weight Loss & Diet Chevron Right
  4. 21 Dinners for Weight Loss in 20 Minutes

21 Dinners for Weight Loss in 20 Minutes

March 06, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin

Losing weight doesn’t have to be time consuming with delicious, satisfying recipes like these. These dinners are low in calories but high in flavor, and will be on your table in 20 minutes or less. Recipes like Easy Spicy Salmon Cakes and Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are full of delicious proteins and bold spice that’ll keep you full while pursuing your nutrition goals.

Start Slideshow

1 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

BBQ Shrimp with Garlicky Kale & Parmesan-Herb Couscous

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In the U.S., dry whole-wheat couscous has been partially cooked, making it a quick-cooking (5 minutes!) whole-grain weeknight dinner champ. And when you buy peeled shrimp, plus a bag of prechopped kale and bottled barbecue sauce, the savings in prep time helps to get this healthy dinner done in a jiff. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September 2019

1 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Baked Lemon-Pepper Chicken

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Looking for a quick, easy dinner? This baked lemon-pepper chicken recipe is it. Chicken breasts are cooked in a skillet, then finished in the oven with lemon slices that soften and become part of the sauce, with a touch of maple syrup and butter to carry the flavor. It's so simple and delicious, you'll be making this healthy dinner again and again. Source: EatingWell.com, December 2019

2 of 21

3 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Spicy Salmon Cakes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Looking to add some interest to an easy dinner recipe? Five-spice may be your new best friend. What is five-spice powder? A mixture of these five spices: cinnamon, clove, fennel, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns. (There are regional recipes in China that include more spices, including white pepper, nutmeg and orange peel.) It adds a distinct warm flavor to these healthy salmon cakes. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November 2019

3 of 21

Advertisement

4 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Leftover Turkey Stew

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This hearty and healthy turkey stew recipe is just about the best use of Thanksgiving leftovers we can think of. And we don't just mean the turkey. The stew is packed with leftover roasted vegetables--use whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as Brussels sprouts, parsnips, sweet potatoes and green beans. And leftover gravy is used to add depth of flavor and body. Possibly the best part of this stew recipe? It comes together really quickly--because don't we all need a 20-minute dinner after the craziness of Thanksgiving? Add some leftover bread or rolls and dinner is done. This recipe is equally delicious with leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, and we've included instructions for making a quick gravy in case you don't have leftovers, so you can serve this Thanksgiving-in-a-pot year-round. Source: Eatingwell.com, September 2019

4 of 21

5 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy inside-out ravioli lasagna is the ultimate weeknight comfort food--no layering or mixing bowls required. Feel free to swap in ground turkey for the beef. Look for fresh mozzarella balls (also called "pearls") in the specialty cheese section of your grocery store. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2019

5 of 21

6 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Take taco night to a new level with sweet potato taco "shells." Tender sweet potatoes pair perfectly with spicy taco meat, creamy cheese and crisp lettuce. Let everyone customize their taco potato with their favorite toppings. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2019

6 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Panko- & Parmesan-Crusted Baked Scallops

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These easy baked scallops have a delightful balance of crunchy, golden-brown topping and tender, sweet scallops. They feel decadent like scallops should, thanks to the tasty lemon-butter sauce. Look for uniform scallops; if they're particularly large, you might need to bake them for more than 10 minutes. Source: EatingWell.com, October 2019

7 of 21

8 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Creamy Lemon Pasta with Shrimp

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Yogurt makes a fine substitute for cream in the sauce for this easy pasta recipe. Just warm the yogurt (do not boil) and add some pasta-cooking water to thin it out. Lemon and fresh basil brighten up the whole-wheat pasta and complement the shrimp in this quick dinner recipe. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

8 of 21

9 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Beefless Vegan Tacos

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Take taco night in a new direction with these healthy vegan tacos. We've swapped crumbled tofu for the ground beef, without sacrificing any of the savory seasonings you expect in a taco. You can also use the filling in burritos, bowls, taco salads and to top nachos. Source: EatingWell.com, March 2019

9 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Green Pepper, Pineapple & Bacon

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This sweet, spicy and super-easy shrimp-and-vegetable stir-fry starts with a very small amount of bacon in the wok, which creates drippings that add tons of smoky flavor to the vegetables and shrimp that go in next. Keep the salt in check by using reduced-sodium tamari sauce. To complete this easy healthy dinner, add cooked brown rice. Source: EatingWell Magazine, April 2019

10 of 21

11 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Skillet Eggs with Sausage & Tomato Aioli

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This breakfast-for-dinner fried egg skillet is a no-brainer alternative to takeout when you're rushed. The sausage and dark leafy greens are cooked in the same pan as the eggs, so cleanup is a cinch. Loading kale into this quick dinner recipe provides some calcium as well as vitamins and fiber. Serve with whole-grain toast and simple tomato aioli for a weeknight dinner that's ready in 20 minutes. Source: EatingWell Magazine, April 2019

11 of 21

12 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Crispy Cod with Charred Snow Peas & Creamy Herb Sauce

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This crispy cod recipe shows you how to make golden fish that's not deep-fried, to put a healthy twist on a classic. Pat it dry and dredge it with a bit of flour before sautéing in a hot pan.

12 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spinach, Lima Bean & Crispy Pancetta Pasta

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We opt for fresh spinach pasta here--it cooks quickly and adds a pop of color. Cooking lima beans in pancetta drippings infuses them with flavor. Source: EatingWell Magazine, March 2020

13 of 21

14 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Salmon with Roasted Red Pepper Quinoa Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This zesty quinoa salad is delicious all on its own, with some serious Mediterranean flair. Make a double batch for lunches later in the week. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2020

14 of 21

15 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mussels with White Beans & Tomatoes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cooking mussels may seem intimidating, but here we've made it quick and easy. We've added white beans to turn this classic mussels-in-white-wine-sauce dish into a heartier weeknight meal. Serve with whole-grain crusty bread to sop up the flavorful broth. Source: EatingWell Magazine, December 2019

15 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mushroom Ravioli & Chicken Piccata

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This weeknight-friendly version of classic chicken piccata calls for mushroom ravioli, but regular cheese ravioli works too. Look for presliced mushrooms to cut down on prep time, and use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken here to cut down on cook time in this fast and easy dinner. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2019

16 of 21

17 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pan-Seared Steak with Crispy Herbs & Escarole

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy dinner takes just 20 minutes to prepare, meaning that seared steak can be a weeknight meal. Cooking herbs in the pan with the steak releases their aroma, infusing it into the meat while creating a crispy garnish. After the steaks and herbs are pan-seared, the escarole is cooked in the same skillet, so this healthy dinner requires minimal cleanup too. Source: EatingWell Magazine, October 2019

17 of 21

18 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

One-Pan Chicken with Basil-Anchovy Butter & Shishito Peppers

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Don't skip the anchovies in this healthy chicken thigh recipe. Their fishiness blends in, adding salty, umami flavor, so that even skeptics of the salty little fish won't protest. And this healthy skillet dinner is cooked in one pan and takes just 20 minutes to prep--in case you need more selling points for this recipe. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2019

18 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sweet & Sour Chicken with Broccoli

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy chicken and broccoli recipe makes a delicious, healthier alternative to Chinese takeout--and it takes just 20 minutes to make, so it's ideal for an easy weeknight dinner. When toasted, ramen noodles make a tasty, crunchy topping for a stir-fry or salad. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

19 of 21

20 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Garden-Style Ravioli

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Packaged light cheese ravioli cuts the cooking time for this pasta recipe, and helps trim fat and calories, too. Tender bell peppers, carrot strips, and tomato add fresh flavor and color to this simple 20-minute pasta dish. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

20 of 21

21 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Thai-Style Veggie Pizza

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Pizza doesn't always have to be made with tomato-based sauce and mozzarella cheese, just try our Thai-inspired makeover version. This 20-minute vegetarian pizza recipe uses an Italian bread shell, bottled peanut sauce, and purchased shredded carrots and will open up your eyes to non-traditional pies. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

21 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 21 BBQ Shrimp with Garlicky Kale & Parmesan-Herb Couscous
2 of 21 Baked Lemon-Pepper Chicken
3 of 21 Easy Spicy Salmon Cakes
4 of 21 Leftover Turkey Stew
5 of 21 Skillet Ravioli Lasagna
6 of 21 Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
7 of 21 Panko- & Parmesan-Crusted Baked Scallops
8 of 21 Creamy Lemon Pasta with Shrimp
9 of 21 Beefless Vegan Tacos
10 of 21 Easy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Green Pepper, Pineapple & Bacon
11 of 21 Skillet Eggs with Sausage & Tomato Aioli
12 of 21 Crispy Cod with Charred Snow Peas & Creamy Herb Sauce
13 of 21 Spinach, Lima Bean & Crispy Pancetta Pasta
14 of 21 Salmon with Roasted Red Pepper Quinoa Salad
15 of 21 Mussels with White Beans & Tomatoes
16 of 21 Mushroom Ravioli & Chicken Piccata
17 of 21 Pan-Seared Steak with Crispy Herbs & Escarole
18 of 21 One-Pan Chicken with Basil-Anchovy Butter & Shishito Peppers
19 of 21 Sweet & Sour Chicken with Broccoli
20 of 21 Garden-Style Ravioli
21 of 21 Thai-Style Veggie Pizza

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
EatingWell

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing
  • Recipe Index
  • Jobs

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
© 2021 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from http://www.eatingwell.com

View image

21 Dinners for Weight Loss in 20 Minutes
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.