9 Healthy and Quick Dinner Ideas

1. Cajun Cabbage Skillet

Cajun Cabbage Skillet is an easy and delicious dinner recipe. This one-pan meal is a great way to make a healthy meal in no time! It features fresh cabbage, sausage, garlic, onion, and other spices like Cajun seasoning that combine for a fantastic flavour. The cabbage, apple, and sausages act as a base for the meal, while the spices add an extra kick of flavor.

Cook Time

30-45 Minutes

Ingredients

Chicken, cooking oil, onion, salt, cabbage, apple tart, red pepper powder, apple cider vinegar, sausage, minced garlic cloves, unsalted butter, and scallion.

How To Make It

• Step 1: Sprinkle oil and saute the sausage in a skillet until brown and set aside.
• Step 2: Fry onion in a pan until light brown; add spices after some minutes, and add cabbage and apple tart.
• Step 3: Add apple cider vinegar and garlic paste, and cook until the vinegar has evaporated. Lastly, mix prepared sausages and scallions.

2. Salsa Verde Chicken with Rice and Beans

Salsa Verde Chicken with Rice and Beans can't be beaten for a super quick dinner that tastes delicious and is chock-full of nutrition. With only a few simple ingredients, this mouthwatering meal will be ready in no time!

Cook Time

35 minutes

Ingredients

Chicken, olive oil, onion, salsa verde, cooked rice, canned black beans or sweet corn, cheese, salt, cumin, Mexican oregano, and garlic powder.

How to Make It

• Step 1: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion, add spices and salsa verde, and cook chicken for a few minutes.
• Step 2: Add canned sweet corn or beans and cooked rice and simmer for a few minutes.
• Step 3: Top with cheese and allow the mixture to cook on low heat for about 1-2 minutes.

3. Baja Shrimp Tacos

Baja shrimp tacos are a delicious and easy way to get your Tex-Mex fix. These tacos are made with shrimp marinated in a Baja-inspired sauce. The sauce has typical Mexican flavors like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. The shrimp is then grilled or broiled, making it slightly charred and crispy. It's served in a warm tortilla with avocado, sour cream, and salsa or veggie slaw.

Cook Time

35-45 Mins

Ingredients

Shrimp, sour cream, Baja sauce, salt, honey, garlic powder, onion, lime, vinegar, olive oil, shredded carrots and cabbage, cheese, vinegar, and tortilla.

How To Make It

• Step 1: Marinate the shrimp in seasoning and grill it until crispy.
• Step 2: Prepare the sauce in a bowl by adding sour cream, Baja seasoning, garlic, honey, lime juice, and vinegar.
• Step 3: Prepare the slaw by maxing shredded carrots, cabbage, and cream sauce.
• Step 4: Assemble the tacos by adding slaw, shrimp, cheese, and your desired toppings.

4. Pasta Puttanesca

This Italian classic is perfect for a busy weeknight. It's quick and easy to make, with just a few ingredients that pack tons of flavor. The spicy sauce combines olives, capers, garlic, anchovies, red pepper flakes, and tomatoes for an intense yet comforting taste. You can use any pasta you like - from spaghetti to penne - but the dish is best served with a shortcut, like rigatoni or Gemelli.

Cook Time

20 -25 Minutes

Ingredients

Pasta, olive oil, garlic, anchovies, oregano, capers, olives, canned diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, parmesan, parsley, fresh arugula

How To Make It

• Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Saute garlic and anchovies until fragrant; add capers, olives, tomatoes, red pepper flakes, arugula, and oregano.
• Step 2: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix until combined.
• Step 3: Top the pasta with parmesan and sprinkle chopped parsley.

5. Spicy Carrot and Lentil Soup

This spicy carrot and lentil soup is a hearty, healthy meal that comes together in no time. Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, making this a great vegan option. The spicy broth has a hint of smokiness from the smoked paprika, combined with the sweetness of the roasted carrots - it's simply delicious!

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Ingredients

Carrots, olive oil, onion, garlic, milk, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, canned diced tomatoes, split red lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, and bay leaves.

How to Make It

• Step 1: In a pot, sauté onion and garlic; add smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. Then add grated carrots and fry.
• Step 2: Add the canned tomatoes, lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, milk, and bay leaves and cook on low heat.
• Step 3: Use a stick blender to make soup mixture.

6. Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Chickpea and spinach curry is a comforting and flavourful vegan meal. It's simmered in a creamy coconut-based sauce with Indian spices like cumin, coriander, fenugreek, and turmeric. Serve the curry over basmati rice with a side of naan for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Ingredients

Olive oil, onion, garlic, spinach, ginger, salt, cumin, coriander, turmeric, fenugreek, canned tomatoes, coconut milk, chickpeas, and spinach.

How To Make It

• Step 1: Heat oil in a pot; add onions and sauté until soft. Add garlic, ginger, salt, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and fenugreek until fragrant.
• Step 2: Add the tomatoes with their juices and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and add the soaked chickpeas and spinach.
• Step 3: Simmer for 15 minutes or until desired consistency is reached.
• Step 4: Serve over basmati rice or naan bread, and enjoy!

7. Rice Bowl with Egg and Kimchi

This delicious rice bowl is the perfect weeknight meal if you're a Korean food lover. It's packed with egg protein and kimchi fiber, adding a slight spicy kick to the dish. The creamy avocado offers balance to this easy-to-make dish.

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Ingredients

Rice, egg, kimchi, sesame oil, scallions, avocado

How To Make It

• Step 1: Boil some rice and stir-fry an egg in sesame oil
• Step 2: Mix egg, rice, avocado, scallions, and kimchi in a bowl

8. Tortilla Pizza

Tortilla pizza is a great way to turn a regular tortilla into a fantastic meal. With a few simple ingredients, you can quickly create a cheesy and flavorful pizza that will please the whole family. Try using different kinds of cheese and topping combinations for unique flavour combos.

Cook Time

25 minutes

Ingredients

Tortillas, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, bell peppers, mushrooms

How To Make It

• Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place tortillas on a baking sheet and spread with pizza sauce.
• Step 2: Add your favourite toppings, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil.
• Step 3: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool before cutting into slices and serving.

9. Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta

Creamy spinach and tomato pasta is a delicious vegan meal that comes together in no time. It’s packed with healthy ingredients like spinach, tomatoes, and garlic, as well as creamy coconut milk for extra flavor. This recipe also works great with any of your favourite noodles or even over mashed potatoes for a heartier dish.

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Ingredients

Spinach, tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, cream cheese, dried oregano, black pepper powder, olive oil, spaghetti or linguine pasta, salt, onion, garlic, and red chili powder.

How To Make It

• Step 1: In a big pot, heat the olive oil. Add onion and sauté along with the rest of the mentioned spices.
• Step 2: Add boiled pasta to the above mixture. Then add diced tomatoes and spinach and cook for a few minutes.
• Step 3: Add cream cheese and simmer. Next, add parmesan and cook over low heat for a creamy consistency.

Summing Up Healthy and Quick Dinner Ideas

These healthy and quick dinner recipes are perfect for busy weeknight meals. From vegan to vegetarian and more, there's something everyone will love! You can create delicious dishes that will please the whole family with just a few ingredients. Enjoy!

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