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Photo: Photography / Antonis Achilleos, Styling / Christine Keely, Ali Ramee
These recipes make it easy to enjoy a healthy, delicious meal even on your busiest days. Store-bought shortcuts like microwaveable grains and quick-cooking proteins like chicken tenders or scallops make these meals satisfying and simple. You’re sure to find something for whatever you’re in the mood for, whether it’s a bowl of creamy pasta or a fresh, flavor-packed salad. Recipes like our One-Skillet Bourbon Chicken and Spinach, Lima Bean & Crispy Pancetta Pasta are tasty ways to end the day.
01of 25Garlic-Anchovy Pasta with BroccoliniView RecipeJacob FoxHere, we sprinkle the final pasta dish with crumbled goat cheese for nice tangy bites throughout. But if you prefer a creamy sauce, stir the cheese into the pasta in Step 3 along with the reserved cooking water.
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Garlic-Anchovy Pasta with Broccolini
View Recipe
Jacob Fox
Here, we sprinkle the final pasta dish with crumbled goat cheese for nice tangy bites throughout. But if you prefer a creamy sauce, stir the cheese into the pasta in Step 3 along with the reserved cooking water.
02of 25One-Skillet Bourbon ChickenView RecipePhotography / Antonis Achilleos, Styling / Christine Keely, Ali RameeCoating the chicken in cornstarch might seem like an extra step, but the reward is twofold: it gives the chicken a crispy exterior and also thickens the sauce. Legend has it that bourbon chicken was originally named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans; it can often be found on menus at Chinese American restaurants.
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One-Skillet Bourbon Chicken
Photography / Antonis Achilleos, Styling / Christine Keely, Ali Ramee
Coating the chicken in cornstarch might seem like an extra step, but the reward is twofold: it gives the chicken a crispy exterior and also thickens the sauce. Legend has it that bourbon chicken was originally named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans; it can often be found on menus at Chinese American restaurants.
03of 25One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Mushroom PastaView RecipeVictor ProtasioThis creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe makes for an easy weeknight dinner. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time when cooking, and leftover chicken would work just as well.
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One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
Victor Protasio
This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe makes for an easy weeknight dinner. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time when cooking, and leftover chicken would work just as well.
04of 25Lemon-Garlic Steak & Green BeansView RecipeJason DonnellyFor a steak that’s deliciously tender, flavorful and not too fatty, we reach for strip (also known as New York strip or shell steak). It has less than half the saturated fat of a rib-eye but is more tender than leaner sirloin. Here, we cook green beans in the same pan used to sear the spiced steak. All those delicious drippings add richness to the beans—plus there’s one less pan to wash!
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Lemon-Garlic Steak & Green Beans
Jason Donnelly
For a steak that’s deliciously tender, flavorful and not too fatty, we reach for strip (also known as New York strip or shell steak). It has less than half the saturated fat of a rib-eye but is more tender than leaner sirloin. Here, we cook green beans in the same pan used to sear the spiced steak. All those delicious drippings add richness to the beans—plus there’s one less pan to wash!
05of 25Crispy Cod with Charred Snow Peas & Creamy Herb SauceView RecipeThis 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.
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Crispy Cod with Charred Snow Peas & Creamy Herb Sauce
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.
06of 25Spinach, Lima Bean & Crispy Pancetta PastaView RecipeWe 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.
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Spinach, Lima Bean & Crispy Pancetta Pasta
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.
07of 25Lemon Crab PastaView RecipePhotographer / Jen Causey, Prop Stylist / Kay Clarke, Food Stylist / Chelsea ZimmerEarthy, savory miso complements the flavor of the sweet crab perfectly in this quick and easy lemon crab pasta dish. A punch of garlic adds depth, and lemon adds some sunshine, while parsley refreshes and brings a pop of color. While you could substitute whole-wheat pasta for added fiber, regular pasta allows the flavors of the crab and lemon to shine.
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Lemon Crab Pasta
Photographer / Jen Causey, Prop Stylist / Kay Clarke, Food Stylist / Chelsea Zimmer
Earthy, savory miso complements the flavor of the sweet crab perfectly in this quick and easy lemon crab pasta dish. A punch of garlic adds depth, and lemon adds some sunshine, while parsley refreshes and brings a pop of color. While you could substitute whole-wheat pasta for added fiber, regular pasta allows the flavors of the crab and lemon to shine.
08of 25Cod Fish TacosView RecipePhotographer / Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist / Kay Clarke, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors HallLet your oven do the work for these quick and simple cod fish tacos. Broiling the cod allows the fish to stay moist and flake easily once finished. Hot sauce adds a punch of acidity and mild heat, while sour cream makes a creamy slaw that adds crunch to the taco.
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Cod Fish Tacos
Photographer / Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist / Kay Clarke, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall
Let your oven do the work for these quick and simple cod fish tacos. Broiling the cod allows the fish to stay moist and flake easily once finished. Hot sauce adds a punch of acidity and mild heat, while sour cream makes a creamy slaw that adds crunch to the taco.
09of 25Seared Scallops with Green Goddess SlawView RecipePhotographer / Jacob Fox, Food styling / Sue Mitchell, Food Styling / Kelsey BulatAvocado, yogurt and buttermilk lend creaminess to the herbaceous dressing coating this salad.
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Seared Scallops with Green Goddess Slaw
Photographer / Jacob Fox, Food styling / Sue Mitchell, Food Styling / Kelsey Bulat
Avocado, yogurt and buttermilk lend creaminess to the herbaceous dressing coating this salad.
10of 25Chicken Caprese SandwichView RecipePhotographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine KeelyThis chicken caprese sandwich has all the classic flavors of a caprese salad with an added boost of protein from grilled chicken. Using store-bought grilled chicken makes assembly quick and easy. This sandwich for one is made in a skillet, but would work equally well in a panini press if you have one on hand.
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Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Photographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine Keely
This chicken caprese sandwich has all the classic flavors of a caprese salad with an added boost of protein from grilled chicken. Using store-bought grilled chicken makes assembly quick and easy. This sandwich for one is made in a skillet, but would work equally well in a panini press if you have one on hand.
11of 253-Ingredient Chicken Salad TostadasView RecipeCarolyn Hodges, M.S., RDNFor this three-ingredient dinner, a premade salad kit is the perfect shortcut because it has everything you need in one bag, including the dressing. Swap in canned black beans for the chicken to make this vegetarian.
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3-Ingredient Chicken Salad Tostadas
Carolyn Hodges, M.S., RDN
For this three-ingredient dinner, a premade salad kit is the perfect shortcut because it has everything you need in one bag, including the dressing. Swap in canned black beans for the chicken to make this vegetarian.
12of 25Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta with ChickenView RecipeJamie VespaIf you love warm spinach and artichoke dip, then you’ll love that we turned this classic dip into a creamy pasta dish with chicken. And here’s what’s almost as good as the flavor of this comforting dish: the fact that this healthy dinner takes just 20 minutes to prepare.
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Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta with Chicken
Jamie Vespa
If you love warm spinach and artichoke dip, then you’ll love that we turned this classic dip into a creamy pasta dish with chicken. And here’s what’s almost as good as the flavor of this comforting dish: the fact that this healthy dinner takes just 20 minutes to prepare.
13of 253-Ingredient Farro Bowl with Rotisserie ChickenView RecipeCarolyn HodgesTo make this hearty grain bowl, grab a salad kit from the grocery store. Then, top the kit with farro and chicken for a high-protein lunch or dinner that’s ready in minutes.
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3-Ingredient Farro Bowl with Rotisserie Chicken
Carolyn Hodges
To make this hearty grain bowl, grab a salad kit from the grocery store. Then, top the kit with farro and chicken for a high-protein lunch or dinner that’s ready in minutes.
14of 2520-Minute Balsamic Mushroom & Spinach PastaView RecipeAntonis AchilleosThis 20-minute veggie pasta dish is super savory, thanks to meaty mushrooms, while the natural sweetness from the balsamic vinegar, basil and pistachios brighten up this quick, healthy vegetarian dinner.
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20-Minute Balsamic Mushroom & Spinach Pasta
Antonis Achilleos
This 20-minute veggie pasta dish is super savory, thanks to meaty mushrooms, while the natural sweetness from the balsamic vinegar, basil and pistachios brighten up this quick, healthy vegetarian dinner.
15of 25Egg-in-a-Hole Fried QuinoaView RecipeJason DonnellyWe used quinoa to bump up the fiber and protein in this stir-fry-inspired dish. Rather than making an omelet or stirring in the eggs as you would for fried rice, we cook them in divots right in the veggie-filled quinoa for a fun presentation. Opt for a flat skillet over a wok so you have plenty of room to nestle in the eggs.
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Egg-in-a-Hole Fried Quinoa
We used quinoa to bump up the fiber and protein in this stir-fry-inspired dish. Rather than making an omelet or stirring in the eggs as you would for fried rice, we cook them in divots right in the veggie-filled quinoa for a fun presentation. Opt for a flat skillet over a wok so you have plenty of room to nestle in the eggs.
16of 25One-Pot Lemon Asparagus Pasta with ShrimpView RecipeBrie PassanoThis quick one-pot shrimp and pasta dinner is cooked with asparagus in a lemony sauce. Feta cheese sprinkled over the top adds another savory layer, but feel free to skip it and add additional fresh herbs and a lemon slice instead.
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One-Pot Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Shrimp
Brie Passano
This quick one-pot shrimp and pasta dinner is cooked with asparagus in a lemony sauce. Feta cheese sprinkled over the top adds another savory layer, but feel free to skip it and add additional fresh herbs and a lemon slice instead.
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Blackened Chicken with Chopped Salad
18of 25Cauliflower Gnocchi with Asparagus & PestoView RecipeCarolyn Hodges, M.S., RDWhile the cauliflower gnocchi crisp up in a sauté pan, steam fresh asparagus in the microwave to keep it bright green and crisp-tender. Substitute frozen asparagus (or green beans or peas) in a pinch. Toss them together with prepared basil pesto for a satisfying supper.
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Cauliflower Gnocchi with Asparagus & Pesto
Carolyn Hodges, M.S., RD
While the cauliflower gnocchi crisp up in a sauté pan, steam fresh asparagus in the microwave to keep it bright green and crisp-tender. Substitute frozen asparagus (or green beans or peas) in a pinch. Toss them together with prepared basil pesto for a satisfying supper.
19of 253-Ingredient Sweet Potato & Brussels Sprout Hash with Chicken SausageView RecipeCarolyn A. Hodges, R.D.Apple-flavored chicken sausage adds flavor and protein in this quick dinner hash that uses a bag of shaved Brussels sprouts as its hearty, high-fiber base. Steaming the cubed sweet potatoes in the microwave cuts way down on total cook time.
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3-Ingredient Sweet Potato & Brussels Sprout Hash with Chicken Sausage
Carolyn A. Hodges, R.D.
Apple-flavored chicken sausage adds flavor and protein in this quick dinner hash that uses a bag of shaved Brussels sprouts as its hearty, high-fiber base. Steaming the cubed sweet potatoes in the microwave cuts way down on total cook time.
20of 25Veggie Grilled Cheese with Tomato SoupView RecipeLeslie Grow |Veggie Grilled Cheese with Tomato SoupMaya Feller, M.S., RD, CDN, of Brooklyn-based Maya Feller Nutrition, upgrades this popular budget-friendly combo. “Adding veggies to a classic sandwich—in this case, broccoli, zucchini and red bell pepper—boosts the nutrient-density of the meal,” she says. This recipe was part of a feature story, “The Real Cost of Healthy Food.”
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Veggie Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup
Leslie Grow |Veggie Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup
Maya Feller, M.S., RD, CDN, of Brooklyn-based Maya Feller Nutrition, upgrades this popular budget-friendly combo. “Adding veggies to a classic sandwich—in this case, broccoli, zucchini and red bell pepper—boosts the nutrient-density of the meal,” she says. This recipe was part of a feature story, “The Real Cost of Healthy Food.”
21of 2515-Minute Salmon & Creamy Orzo with Spinach & MushroomsView RecipeBrie PassanoIn this quick salmon dinner, salmon fillets are paired with creamy orzo, wilted spinach and earthy mushrooms. Cooking the salmon at a high temperature helps speed up the cooking in this healthy dinner recipe. Look for pre-sliced mushrooms to speed it up even more.
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15-Minute Salmon & Creamy Orzo with Spinach & Mushrooms
In this quick salmon dinner, salmon fillets are paired with creamy orzo, wilted spinach and earthy mushrooms. Cooking the salmon at a high temperature helps speed up the cooking in this healthy dinner recipe. Look for pre-sliced mushrooms to speed it up even more.
22of 25Creamy Cajun Shrimp PastaView RecipeThis creamy Cajun shrimp pasta dish packs plenty of veggies to lighten up the creamy sauce. The Cajun spice gives this dish a little kick, and the sour cream adds a nice tang to the cream sauce that coats the shrimp.
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta dish packs plenty of veggies to lighten up the creamy sauce. The Cajun spice gives this dish a little kick, and the sour cream adds a nice tang to the cream sauce that coats the shrimp.
23of 25Kale & Avocado Salad with Blueberries & EdamameView RecipeBursting with nutrient-rich produce, this California-inspired salad is a delicious and satisfying way to get your vitamins. We love the unique combination of blueberries, edamame, and goat cheese.
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Kale & Avocado Salad with Blueberries & Edamame
Bursting with nutrient-rich produce, this California-inspired salad is a delicious and satisfying way to get your vitamins. We love the unique combination of blueberries, edamame, and goat cheese.
24of 2515-Minute Sheet-Pan Chicken Tenders & Broccoli with Everything Bagel SeasoningView RecipeJacob FoxDinner is ready in only 15 minutes and cleanup is a breeze with these easy broiled chicken tenders coated in everything bagel seasoning with fresh broccoli on the side. The three-ingredient dipping sauce adds just a hint of sweet and spice.
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15-Minute Sheet-Pan Chicken Tenders & Broccoli with Everything Bagel Seasoning
Dinner is ready in only 15 minutes and cleanup is a breeze with these easy broiled chicken tenders coated in everything bagel seasoning with fresh broccoli on the side. The three-ingredient dipping sauce adds just a hint of sweet and spice.
25of 25Lemon-Garlic Pasta with SalmonView RecipeWondering what to do with leftover salmon? This is a delicious and easy way to turn it into another weeknight-friendly, quick dinner. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water–its starch thickens the lemon-garlic pasta sauce and makes it silky-smooth.
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Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Salmon
Wondering what to do with leftover salmon? This is a delicious and easy way to turn it into another weeknight-friendly, quick dinner. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water–its starch thickens the lemon-garlic pasta sauce and makes it silky-smooth.
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