Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

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

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      Can an avocado a day keep your health at bay? What does the research have to say? Read More
    • 7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      Skip the added sugar and bump up the protein to keep yourself full on this 7-day meal plan. Read More
    • 20 Low-Carb, High-Protein Dinners Ready in 3 Steps or Less

      Ā If you're looking for low-carb, high-protein dinners that don't require cooking for hours, these recipes got you covered. These dinner options are ready to serve in 3 steps or less so you can meet your nutrition goals easily. Each recipe l meets our nutrition parameters, with less than 14 grams of carbs and more than 15 grams of protein, without wasting on flavor. Recipes like 20-Minute Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Pesto Sauce and Cheesy Ground Beef Cauliflower Casserole are delicious options for you to get a healthy meal on your table in no time.Ā  Read More
  • 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
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

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

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

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

Account

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

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Mealtime Recipes
  4. Healthy Dinner Recipes
  5. Healthy Family & Kids Dinner Recipes
  6. 28 Family Dinners That Are on the Table in 30 Minutes or Less

28 Family Dinners That Are on the Table in 30 Minutes or Less

Alex Loh
Alex Loh Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD March 01, 2020
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Gather the whole family around the table with these dinners that take 30 minutes or less. These family-friendly recipes will appeal to all taste buds, including the pickiest of eaters. Twists on delicious, comforting classics like Easy Vegetarian Chili and Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese are the perfect way to start a new week and sneak in vegetables.

Start Slideshow

1 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Vegetarian Chili

4293499.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Canned beans and tomatoes make this quick vegetarian chili recipe ready to go in just 30 minutes. Serve over rice or couscous, or with tortilla chips for added crunch, and add extra toppings as you see fit--sliced scallions, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado and sliced jalapeños are all tasty choices. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2017

1 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon-Pepper Linguine with Squash

5327307.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Thinly sliced zucchini and summer squash bulk up this easy vegetarian pasta recipe. Saving a bit of the starchy pasta-cooking water to toss with grated cheese, herbs and bright lemon at the end is the secret to a fast, silky no-cook pasta sauce.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, May/June 2018

2 of 28

3 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

4473517.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These seared pork chops are topped with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce that gets flavored with fresh herbs.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, May/June 2012

3 of 28

Advertisement

4 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chickpea Curry (Chhole)

chickpea curry
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Made with convenient canned beans, this quick and healthy Indian recipe is an authentic chickpea curry that you can make in minutes. If you want an additional vegetable, stir in some roasted cauliflower florets. Serve with brown basmati rice or warm naan.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2016

4 of 28

5 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

20-Minute Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Pesto Sauce

20-Minute Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Pesto Sauce
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Serve these quick chicken cutlets with creamy pesto sauce over your favorite pasta or zucchini noodles. This easy dinner recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, February 2020

5 of 28

6 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Skillet Swiss Steak

4473528.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This weeknight-fast Swiss steak recipe is made on the stovetop in just 30 minutes (traditional Swiss steak braises in the oven for an hour or more). Sautéed peppers, onions and tomatoes make a quick, savory sauce. Ask your butcher for 4 equal-size cube steaks (about 4 ounces each) so they cook evenly. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November/December 2014

6 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fish Tacos with Avocado-Lime Crema

3879376.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If battering and frying fish sounds messy, frozen fish sticks are your fish taco savior in this healthy dinner recipe. Use them for a quick, kid-friendly dinner or try popcorn shrimp. Serve with your favorite salsa and black beans on the side.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2016

7 of 28

8 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

20-Minute Chicken Cutlets & Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Tomato Sauce

20-Minute Chicken Cutlets & Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Tomato Sauce
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This low-carb chicken dinner whips up in only 20 minutes, thanks to thin-cut chicken breast and packaged zucchini noodles. If you have a spiralizer and want to make your own zucchini noodles, use two medium zucchini.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, January 2020

8 of 28

9 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Stir-Fried Noodles with Green Tea

<p>Perfect for a hot summer's night, baked tofu, bell peppers and scallions are stir-fried with udon noodles in this quick and easy dish.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2007</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Perfect for a hot summer's night, baked tofu, bell peppers and scallions are stir-fried with udon noodles in this quick and easy dish.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2007

9 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Two-Ingredient-Dough Margherita Pizza

5466672.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You won't believe how quick and easy it is to make this healthy pizza. Thanks to a two-ingredient dough that combines self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, there is no need for a rise time. Just roll, top and bake, and you'll have a delicious dinner on the table in under half an hour.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, June 2018

10 of 28

11 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Honey-Mustard Pork with Spinach & Smashed White Beans

4572861.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Drizzle the quick honey-mustard pan sauce over the pork and beans in this 30-minute dinner for a comforting, healthy weeknight meal.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, November/December 2017

11 of 28

12 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

5172250.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Two of our favorite comfort-food sandwiches join forces in these family-friendly dinner sandwiches. We found that softer buns make this easier to eat, and it's all the better when wrapped takeout-style in a sheet of foil.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, February 2018

12 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sheet-Pan Chili-Lime Salmon with Potatoes & Peppers

7748790.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Busy weeknights beg for something simple like this salmon sheet-pan dinner. Like the name suggests, it's all cooked on one pan. The potatoes get a head start, followed by sweet bell peppers and finally chili-coated salmon fillets. It's a complete meal with easy cleanup!Ā Source: EatingWell.com, February 2020

13 of 28

14 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Skillet Lemon Chicken with Spinach

Skillet Lemon Chicken with Spinach
Credit: Diana Chistruga
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This simple, ultra-quick chicken dinner--packed with spinach and peppers--is delicious on its own or served over brown rice or your favorite pasta.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, February 2020

14 of 28

15 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spicy Shrimp Tacos

7690850.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These spicy shrimp tacos owe their kick to a smoky chipotle shrimp seasoning blend. Cooling avocado and tangy pico de gallo round out the flavor. This vibrant, easy dinner comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, February 2020

15 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ravioli with Arugula & Pecorino

4005446.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Elevate frozen ravioli with sizzled garlic and shallots, shaved pecorino and fresh arugula. Serve with: Whole-grain baguette and a light-bodied red wine, such as pinot noir.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2010

16 of 28

17 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mushroom-Swiss Turkey Burgers

7690852.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this gluten-free turkey burger recipe, lean ground turkey stands in for ground beef, and portobello mushrooms produce a juicy, flavorful alternative to the traditional bun. Melted Swiss cheese, sliced tomato and arugula top off this delicious low-carb dinner!Ā Source: EatingWell.com, February 2020

17 of 28

18 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

3756444.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You may disagree on whether the chicken parm sandwich should be known as a "sub," "hoagie" or "grinder," but who doesn't love this neighborhood-deli classic? We've added some spinach and done away with all the greasy breading to make it more healthy. Make it a meal: The sandwich is filling and complete on its own, but add some crunch with carrots, celery and cucumbers on the side.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, December 2006

18 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

One-Pan Pork Tenderloin with Heirloom Tomato & Shallot Confit

7664164.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Pair juicy, tender pork with a rich, flavorful tomato confit that tastes like melted tomatoes and sweet shallot preserves. We think this sweet and savory pork recipe is just as suitable for company as it is for Wednesday night dinner at home.Ā Source: 400 Calorie Recipes

19 of 28

20 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Instant Pot Lowcountry Seafood Feast

7671154.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Use your multicooker for a traditional seafood boil dinner that doesn't feel light by any means. The potatoes are perfectly tender, the sausage is cooked and still juicy and flavorful, the corn is tender but not overcooked, and the shrimp are tender and pink.Ā Source: 400 Calorie Recipes

20 of 28

21 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

25-Minute Chicken & Veggie Enchiladas

25-Minute Chicken & Veggie Enchiladas
Credit: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These chicken enchiladas are great for using up any veggies you have lingering in your fridge. Our chicken enchilada recipe calls for zucchini, squash and onion, but you could easily swap in spinach, onions or potatoes.Ā Source: 400 Calorie Recipes

21 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamy Spinach Pasta

7671174.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This might be one of the creamiest light pasta dishes you've ever had! The mascarpone cheese adds a richness to the spinach pasta that's unexpected--especially in a healthy pasta recipe.Ā Source: 400 Calorie Recipes

22 of 28

23 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi

5568549.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Give buttery shrimp scampi a healthy update with delicately sweet spaghetti squash. The parsley-flecked squash "noodles" slash calories, add fiber and leave this classic dish still plenty decadent.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, July 2018

23 of 28

24 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Inside-Out Lasagna

3757326.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here we take basic lasagna ingredients--ricotta cheese, pasta and tomatoes--and skip the layering and long baking time to make a super-quick and satisfying meal for the whole family. To cut down on prep time, look for presliced mushrooms. For meat lovers, brown some crumbled turkey sausage along with the onions and garlic. Serve with: Steamed broccoli and whole-grain baguette.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2010

24 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken Thighs with Couscous & Kale

3969981.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

One-pot meals, like this all-in-one chicken thigh, kale and Israeli couscous recipe, are perfect for nights when you want to keep cleanup to a minimum. Look for Israeli couscous--small pearl-shaped pasta made from semolina flour--near other Middle Eastern dry goods in well-stocked supermarkets or specialty-foods stores.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, November/December 2013

25 of 28

26 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese

3988528.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fiber-rich sweet potato is used as the base for the cheese sauce in this healthy, homemade macaroni and cheese recipe. The bright orange color tricks your eyes into thinking this healthy macaroni and cheese recipe is loaded with cheese, but there's actually only about half as much cheese as compared to a traditional recipe.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2014

26 of 28

27 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Scrambled Egg Curry

3879371.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This mildly spiced Indian scrambled egg recipe makes a great light lunch or light dinner. Tuck the curried eggs into a warm whole-wheat tortilla or an Indian flatbread, like paratha, which can be found in the freezer case at Indian markets. Serve with a dollop of yogurt.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2016

27 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cheese Quesadillas with Peppers & Onions

5172226.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These 15-minute quesadillas are a notch above basic with the addition of sautéed peppers and onions. Let the kiddos load them up with the toppings at the table. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2018

28 of 28

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Alex Loh

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 28 Easy Vegetarian Chili
    2 of 28 Lemon-Pepper Linguine with Squash
    3 of 28 Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
    4 of 28 Chickpea Curry (Chhole)
    5 of 28 20-Minute Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Pesto Sauce
    6 of 28 Skillet Swiss Steak
    7 of 28 Fish Tacos with Avocado-Lime Crema
    8 of 28 20-Minute Chicken Cutlets & Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Tomato Sauce
    9 of 28 Stir-Fried Noodles with Green Tea
    10 of 28 Two-Ingredient-Dough Margherita Pizza
    11 of 28 Honey-Mustard Pork with Spinach & Smashed White Beans
    12 of 28 Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
    13 of 28 Sheet-Pan Chili-Lime Salmon with Potatoes & Peppers
    14 of 28 Skillet Lemon Chicken with Spinach
    15 of 28 Spicy Shrimp Tacos
    16 of 28 Ravioli with Arugula & Pecorino
    17 of 28 Mushroom-Swiss Turkey Burgers
    18 of 28 Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
    19 of 28 One-Pan Pork Tenderloin with Heirloom Tomato & Shallot Confit
    20 of 28 Instant Pot Lowcountry Seafood Feast
    21 of 28 25-Minute Chicken & Veggie Enchiladas
    22 of 28 Creamy Spinach Pasta
    23 of 28 Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
    24 of 28 Inside-Out Lasagna
    25 of 28 Chicken Thighs with Couscous & Kale
    26 of 28 Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese
    27 of 28 Scrambled Egg Curry
    28 of 28 Cheese Quesadillas with Peppers & Onions

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

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

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2023 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 EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    28 Family Dinners That Are on the Table in 30 Minutes or Less
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.