Special Diet Dinner Recipes

Find healthy, delicious dinner recipes for those who follow a special diet, including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian dinners, diabetic, paleo and Whole30 dinners. Healthier recipes, from the food and nutrition experts at EatingWell.

Staff Picks

Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan

Rating: 4 stars 63
This one-pan chicken pasta combines lean chicken breast and sautéed spinach for a one-bowl meal that's garlicky, lemony and best served with a little Parm on top. I call it "Mom's Skillet Pasta" and she called it "Devon's Favorite Pasta." Either way it's a quick and easy weeknight dinner we created together and scribbled on a little recipe card more than a decade ago, and it remains in my weekly dinner rotation to this day. It's a simple dinner the whole family will love.
By Devon O'Brien

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie Chicken

Rating: 5 stars 46
This creamy chicken noodle soup recipe has a delicious pot pie feel to it. We call for rotisserie chicken to streamline your prep time—look for a nice big one with lots of breast meat on it.
By Karen Rankin

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Rating: 4.5 stars 24
To achieve flavor quickly in this sun-dried tomato pasta recipe, we use the oil from sun-dried tomatoes to create the base of the cream sauce. Meanwhile, the residual heat of the pasta wilts the spinach in record time for a fast weeknight dinner.
By Carolyn Casner

One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli

Rating: 4.5 stars 18
Shrimp and broccoli cook quickly in this easy, one-pot recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve this healthy shrimp recipe over whole grains or rice.
By Carolyn Casner

American Goulash

Rating: 4.5 stars 29
American goulash, also known as old-fashioned goulash, is the perfect economical family meal. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so this satisfying dish can cook in just one pot.
By Carolyn Casner

Chicken & Zucchini Casserole

Rating: 4.5 stars 24
This baked chicken and zucchini casserole is creamy, hearty and low-carb! The whole family will love this easy casserole, plus it's a great way to get the kids to eat their veggies (concealed in a delicious cheese sauce!).
By Adam Hickman

Melting Potatoes

Rating: 5 stars 13
The name for this potato recipe hints at the creamy interior. Roasting these melting potatoes at high heat ensures they get crunchy on the outside. Then, adding a little broth at the end allows the potatoes to absorb the liquid, making the insides extra moist.
By Adam Dolge

Weight-Loss Cabbage Soup

Rating: 4.5 stars 17
Loaded with cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, tomato and plenty of seasoning, this healthy cabbage soup recipe packs in lots of flavor and is ultra-satisfying. This easy recipe makes a big batch for lunches or veggie-packed snacks all week. If you want to bump up the satisfaction factor even more, top with a little cheese or avocado.
By Carolyn Casner

Cheesy Ground Beef & Cauliflower Casserole

Rating: 4.5 stars 24
Ground beef and cauliflower combine to create a hearty weeknight casserole that both kids and adults will love. Serve with tortilla chips and sour cream.
By Carolyn Casner

Chhole (Chickpea Curry)

Rating: 4.5 stars 53
This healthy Indian recipe is a flavorful chickpea curry that you can make in just 20 minutes. If you want to add a vegetable, stir in some roasted cauliflower. Serve with brown basmati rice or warm naan.
Shefaly Ravula, PA-C
By Shefaly Ravula, PA-C

Minestra Maritata (Italian Wedding Soup) 

Rating: 4.5 stars 16
Forget the marble-size meatballs you find in many versions of this Italian Wedding Soup. In this easy recipe, they're full-size, full-flavored and plenty filling.
By Robin Bashinsky

Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms

Rating: 4 stars 25
Whether you scored wild mushrooms at the farmers' market, found cultivated maitake or shiitake at the supermarket or just have some baby bellas on hand, this healthy creamy chicken recipe is delicious with any of them. Serve over whole-wheat egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
By Carolyn Malcoun
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Inspiration and Ideas

22 High-Protein Dinner Casseroles in Three Steps or Less
Casseroles are already easy options for nights at home, but these high-protein recipes only require three steps or less, so they're especially simple to prepare.
11 Easy Casseroles for Weight Loss 
You only need one pot or pan for these casserole recipes, making dinner both easy and tasty. These healthy dishes are high in fiber and lower in calories, so they are a great choice to help you feel full and nourished while also supporting weight loss, if that is your goal.
Skillet Lemon Chicken & Potatoes with Kale
Rating: 4 stars 22

This easy one-pan skillet-roasted lemon chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy chicken thighs are cooked in the same pan as baby potatoes and kale for a satisfying meal with the added bonus of minimal cleanup.