Our Favorite Healthy Weeknight Dinner Recipes (2024)

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Eating well when you're pressed on time can be hard. These quick and healthy weeknight dinner recipes make it easy.

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Spinach 'n' Broccoli Enchiladas

I like to top this wonderful meatless meal with lettuce and serve it with extra picante sauce. It's quick, easy, filled with fresh flavor and definitely satisfying! —Lesley Tragesser, Charleston, Missouri

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Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Finding healthy recipes the family will eat is a challenge. This elegant squash is one we love, and it works with pork or chicken sausage, too. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

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Chicken Sausages with Polenta

I get a kick out of serving this chicken sausage dish—everyone's always on time for dinner when they know it's on the menu. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

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Meaty Slow-Cooked Jambalaya

This recipe makes a big batch of delicious, meaty gumbo. Stash some away in the freezer for days you don't feel like cooking. —Diane Smith, Pine Mountain, Georgia

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Saucy BBQ Chicken Thighs

Barbecued chicken gets a makeover in this recipe. The combination of ingredients makes for a mellow flavor that tastes more grown up than the original. It's fantastic over rice, pasta or potatoes. —Sharon Fritz, Morristown, Tennessee

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Pineapple-Glazed Pork Roast

Some recipes are so versatile that you can serve them for both family dinners and for company. This is the one that gets the most oohs and aahs. —Nancy Whitford, Edwards, New York

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Sesame Turkey Stir-Fry

I really like the rich taste of sesame oil in this Thai-inspired dish. If you don't have it, canola oil does the trick, too. To get a similar nuttiness, toss in a handful sliced almonds before serving. —Kelli Whiting, Fortville, Indiana

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Summer Garden Fish Tacos

I like to serve fish tacos with quinoa and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. If you’ve got them, add colorful summer toppings like bright peppers, green onions or purple carrots. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois

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Tilapia with Citrus Sauce

The lemon, lime and orange sauce adds zest to this flaky, delicate-flavored fish. —Francis Garland, Anniston, Alabama

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Tapenade-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

I created this recipe for my husband, who absolutely loves olives. I usually make a larger batch of the olive tapenade and serve it with bread or crackers as a snack or appetizer. —Jessica Levinson, Nyack, New York

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Halibut Steaks with Papaya Mint Salsa

An amazing mix of fresh, zesty salsa and good, smoky flavor—plus 161mg of magnesium—makes this dish the catch of the day! —Sonya Labbe, Los Angeles

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Citrus-Marinated Chicken

This juicy, zesty chicken stars in many of my family’s summer meals. While there are a million ways to dress up poultry, you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe again and again. It’s that quick and easy! —Deborah Gretzinger, Green Bay, Wisconsin

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Bold seasonings give meat and potatoes a Southwest twist. Feel free to adjust the heat factor by using more or less chili powder. —Kenny Fisher, Lancaster, Ohio

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Carolina Marinated Pork Tenderloin

You'll need just three ingredients to make a melt-in-your mouth marinade friends and neighbors will rave about. —Sharisse Dunn, Rocky Point, North Carolina

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Citrus Scallops

My husband and I like to eat seafood at least once a week. Oranges and lemon juice give scallops a refreshing burst of flavor. —Cheri Hawthorne, North Canton, Ohio

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Wasabi Beef Fajitas

Beef fajitas get an eastern spin with gingerroot, sesame oil and wasabi, a type of Japanese horseradish. You can find it in the Asian section at your supermarket. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Pork Chops with Honey-Garlic Sauce

The sauce on these honey garlic pork chops is so good, I sometimes double it so there's extra for dipping whatever veggie we have on the side. —Michelle Smith, Eldersburg, Maryland

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Thai Shrimp Stir-Fry

Peanut butter gives this tasty blend of red peppers, snow peas and shrimp its Thai flavor, while ginger and red pepper flakes spice it up. I like to serve the colorful main dish over pasta—everyone just loves it! —Jeanne Fisher of Simi Valley, California.

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Sheet-Pan Chicken and Vegetables

This sheet-pan chicken and veggies meal tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

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Asian Slow Cooker Pork

Asian slow cooker recipes are a favorite in our home, and this one is perfect for fall and winter evenings. A pork roast cooks all afternoon with sweet onions, honey, soy sauce and ginger for fabulous flavor. The aroma fills the house with a scent that cries out, 'Welcome home!' —Sheree Shown, Junction City, Oregon

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I'm always on the lookout for healthy recipes for my family. If you find yourself craving Italian food, this delicious 30-minute meal hits the spot. —Susan Wholley, Fairfield, Connecticut

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If you like a good stir-fry, this beef and spinach lo mein will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio

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Italian Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini

I've always had to be creative when getting my family to eat vegetables, so I decided to make stuffed zucchini using the pizza flavors that everyone loves. It worked! We like to include sausage for a main dish but it could be a meatless side too. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts

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No one will miss the meat when you dish up these satisfying burritos bursting with a fresh-tasting filling. They’re fast to fix and won’t put a dent in your wallet. —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina

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Chicken Florentine Meatballs

Served over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan

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Baked Chicken Chalupas

I wanted an easy alternative to deep-fried chalupas, so I bake them with filling on top. —Magdalena Flores, Abilene, Texas

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Black Bean Chicken with Rice

This spicy family favorite calls for just a few basic ingredients, including chicken, black beans and rice, so it’s quick and easy to stir up in your skillet on a weeknight. —Molly Newman, Portland, Oregon

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I’ve simplified my mom's Shrimp Creole—she made it for us growing up. Now it's effortless comfort food I make for my own family. —Crystal Milne, Urbana, Illinois

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I had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia

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Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs

When I see Meyer lemons in the store, it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada

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Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cucumber Melon Relish

We all need a quick meal that's deliciously healthy. I marinate the chicken before I leave for work, and when I get home, I grill the chicken and make the relish. My husband loves the spicy flavor. To amp up the heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

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Southern Seafood Gumbo

I tasted a similar dish at a local restaurant and later duplicated it pretty closely. I trimmed it down a bit and no one in my family seemed to mind. —Susan Wright, Champaign, Illinois

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Pork Tenderloin with Mango Relish

Colorful mango relish is a refreshing counterpoint to the “heat” in the meat rub I use to pep up a number of pork dishes. These roasted tenderloins are sure to turn out nice and juicy. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois

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Black Bean and Corn Tacos

We eat meatless meals a few times a week, so I replaced the beef with nutty brown rice to bulk up these tacos. Sometimes I also like to swap in quinoa for the rice. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington

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Hearty Chicken Gyros

I love reinventing classic recipes to fit our taste and healthy lifestyle. This recipe is quick to prepare and can be served with oven fries or on its own. You can add Greek olives, omit the onion, or even use cubed pork tenderloin for a new taste. —Kayla Douthitt, Elizabethtown, Kentucky

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Garlic-Grilled Chicken with Pesto Zucchini Ribbons

The first time I substituted zucchini noodles for regular pasta, it was because I was trying to reduce carbohydrates and calories. Now I make them because we love the flavor and texture they bring to dishes. This dish is just as delicious if you substitute shrimp for the chicken. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

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Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce and Tomato

I have reduced grains and other starches in my diet due to health reasons, so I was looking for filling, comforting meals without pasta or potatoes. When I was tinkering with this spaghetti squash recipe, I discovered something fun to eat! —Becky Ruff, Mc Gregor, Iowa

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Cabbage Roll Skillet

Have a happy helping of this quicker take on something our grandmothers would make. We serve it over brown rice. It also freezes well. —Susan Chickness, Pictou County, Nova Scotia

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African Peanut Sweet Potato Stew

Back when I was in college, my mom made an addicting sweet potato and peanut stew. I shared it with friends, and now all of us serve it to our own kids. They all love it, of course. —Alexis Scatchell, Niles, Illinois

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A touch more lemon helped me trim the calories in our favorite shrimp scampi recipe. For those who want to indulge, pass around the Parmesan. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

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Rustic Summer Vegetable Pasta

My veggie pasta proves you can’t have too much of a good thing. Feel free to change it up with whatever fresh veggies are in the garden or farmers market. —Bryn Namavari, Chicago, Illinois

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Parmesan Chicken with Artichoke Hearts

I've liked the chicken and artichoke combo for a long time. Here's my own lemony twist. With all the praise it gets, this dinner is so much fun to serve. —Carly Giles, Hoquiam, Washington

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Speedy Salmon Stir-Fry

Salmon is a staple where I live, so I tried it in a stir-fry. My recipe has an orange glaze, but I like it with lime, too. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

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Turkey Marsala

This Marsala sauce for turkey is really rich, like you fussed all day in the kitchen. Here’s the shocker: We make it fast. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona

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Pork Medallions in Mustard Sauce

I like pork medallions with apricot preserves and wondered how else I could dress them up. I played around with different flavors until I found this combo. Wows every time. —Tahnia Fox, Trenton, Michigan

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Here's a stir-fry that's even faster than Chinese takeout. It's easy, filling and a winner every time. And it can be ready in under 30 minutes for tonight! —Vicky Priestley, Alum Creek, West Virginia

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Pork with Sweet Potatoes

With sweet potatoes, dried cranberries and apple slices, this colorful pork dish is especially popular during fall and winter. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York

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Mediterranean Chicken Pasta

For special days, I make this cheesy pasta bake loaded with chicken and all sorts of veggies. Want a vegetarian version? Use vegetable stock and garbanzo beans. —Liz Bellville, Havelock, North Carolina

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Stir-Fry Rice Bowl

My meatless version of Korean bibimbap is tasty, pretty and easy to tweak for different spice levels. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

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I actually invented this chicken with vegetables dish at a campground, so you know it's easy. Using the same marinade for the meat and veggies keeps it simple so we can spend more time outside and less time making dinner. —Jayme Schertz, Clintonville, Wisconsin

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Confetti Kielbasa Skillet

Here's one of my husband's favorite dishes. When it's in season, substitute fresh corn for frozen. Add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. —Sheila Gomez, Shawnee, Kansas

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Steak San Marino

I'm a busy pastor's wife and mother of three, and this delicious, inexpensive and easy main dish helps my day run smoother! The steak is so tender and flavorful, my kids gobble it up and my husband asks for seconds. —Lael Griess, Hull, Iowa

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Beans and Rice Dinner

On cold or rainy days, this comforting beans and rice dish really fills the tummy. Sometimes I use pinto beans instead of kidney beans or white rice instead of brown. Add rolls and a green salad, and dinner is served! —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

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Italian Chicken Chardonnay

One day I needed to have dinner ready when we walked in the door after work and school. I altered a skillet dish that my family likes, creating this delicious slow-cooker meal. It's perfect for a weeknight but nice enough for company, too. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

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Mediterranean Turkey Potpies

Your clan will love these wonderful stick-to-the-ribs potpies with a Mediterranean twist. I always use the leftovers from our big holiday turkey to prepare this recipe. I think my family enjoys the potpies more than the original feast! —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

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Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken

Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware

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Turkey Enchilada Stack

As a child, my husband was one of the pickiest kids around, but my mother-in-law could always get him to dig in to this enchilada dish. —Ashley Wolf, Alabaster, Alabama

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Broccoli rabe is one of my favorite veggies. Since it cooks right with the pasta, you can multitask. Before you know it, dinner is served. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

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Asian Turkey Lettuce Cups

Such a cool idea for a light lunch or even an appetizer simply served in small lettuce leaves. When I want to make it easier for my kids to eat, I mix it all up with shredded lettuce and serve in a bowl. —Diana Rios, Lytle, Texas

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Ginger Steak Fried Rice

Perfect for an end-of-the-week meal, this sensational dish comes together quickly with leftover rice. I learned a great tip for the steak recently: Partially freeze it, and it will be easy to cut into thin slices. —Simone Garza, Evansville, Indiana

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Any recipe that is special enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight meal is a favorite in my book. All you need to finish off the meal is a side salad and crusty French bread to sop up the delicious tomato and wine juices. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York

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Stir-fries and busy nights are a match made in heaven. For a boost of vibrant color and freshness, I sometimes stir in chopped cilantro just before I serve it from the pan. —Nedra Schell, Fort Worth, Texas