20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (2024)

From chicken skillets to cheesy pasta dishes, all you need is 6 ingredients—alongside pantry staples like salt, pepper and oil—to whip up one of these simple dinner recipes. Plus, these evening meals only take 20 minutes or less to prepare, making them especially easy. Recipes like our Baked Lemon-Pepper Chicken and Seared Salmon with Green Peppercorn Sauce are healthy and quick choices for any night of the week.

01of 20

One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (1)

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.

02of 20

Seared Salmon with Green Peppercorn Sauce

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (2)

A simple sauce of piquant green peppercorns, lemon juice and butter tops this seared salmon recipe. Green peppercorns come from the same plant as black ones, but are harvested before they mature. Typically packed in vinegar, they have a refreshingly sharp flavor. Look for them near the capers in most supermarkets. Serve with smashed red potatoes and sautéed kale.

03of 20

Chicken Cutlets with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (3)

Though a chicken cutlet may be a chicken breast cut in half, this recipe shows how to make chicken cutlets with double the deliciousness. A jar of sun-dried tomatoes does double duty for this healthy dinner idea. The flavorful oil they're packed in is used to sauté the chicken, and the tomatoes go into the cream sauce.

04of 20

Goat Cheese & Fresh Herb Omelet

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (4)

The secret to this easy omelet recipe is choosing a really great goat cheese. Luckily most supermarkets have great chevre--Vermont Creamery and Laura Chenel are straightforward varieties you're likely to find. If you've got access to funky local options, bust them out for this quick breakfast recipe. Aside from the goat cheese, eggs and herbs, you need just a few pantry ingredients and 20 minutes for one of the best omelets you can make.

05of 20

Baked Lemon-Pepper Chicken

View Recipe

Looking for a quick, easy dinner to add to your go-to chicken recipes collection? This baked lemon-pepper chicken recipe is it. Chicken breasts are cooked in a skillet, then finished in the oven with lemon slices that soften and become part of the sauce, with a touch of maple syrup and butter to carry the flavor. It's so simple and delicious, you'll be making this healthy dinner again and again.

06of 20

3-Ingredient Goat Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (6)

Swap out regular pasta for pasta made with chickpeas and you'll more than triple the fiber and double the protein in this simple, satisfying dish. Be sure to save some of the pasta water to make a sauce. Feel free to use frozen broccoli in a pinch (you can blanch the broccoli in the same water you use to cook the pasta).

07of 20

Super Quick Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (7)

This low-calorie and low-carb shrimp scampi feels like a restaurant dish, but it is actually very easy to make. There is just enough buttery sauce to coat the shrimp. The trick is to not over-reduce the sauce when cooking it. It's better to make it a little more saucy then dry. If you want to bulk up this entrée, you could add peas or thinly sliced carrots, or serve it over your favorite low-carb pasta substitute like spaghetti squash.

08of 20

Air-Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (8)

Make these sandwiches with your favorite type of apple. Give Granny Smith, Gala or Pink Lady a try. If you don't love arugula, try romaine or spinach.

09of 20

3-Ingredient Chicken Caesar Flatbread

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (9)

A frozen cauliflower-based pizza crust becomes the crispy base for this no-fuss flatbread. Pick up a Caesar-style salad kit to save yourself the hassle of needing to buy lots of other ingredients (everything's included in the kit!), and use rotisserie chicken breast to simplify prep even more.

10of 20

Egg Drop Soup with Instant Noodles, Spinach & Scallions

View Recipe

Whisking a beaten egg into simmering broth is a quick and easy way to add creaminess and protein to noodle soup mix. Add freshness with a handful of baby spinach at the end. This recipe can easily be doubled to serve 2 and use the whole package of noodles. To cut back on sodium, look for noodle varieties with less than 600 mg sodium per serving or use less of the seasoning packet.

11of 20

Caprese Sandwich

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (11)

This caprese sandwich is fresh from the basil and hearty from thick, crusty ciabatta. The sun-dried tomatoes deepen the flavor. Topping the bread with a layer of basil leaves and using toasted bread helps to keep the sandwich from getting soggy if you need to make it a few hours ahead.

12of 20

Teriyaki-Glazed Cod with Cauliflower Rice

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (12)

This healthy fish recipe comes together fast with just three ingredients you can always have on hand in your freezer and fridge. Store-bought teriyaki glaze makes a great marinade for cod that doubles as a sauce for the cauliflower rice.

13of 20

3-Ingredient Tortellini with Sausage & Kale

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (13)

Precooked chicken sausage is a handy shortcut ingredient because it heats up quickly and adds lots of flavor without a lot of fuss. A roasted garlic variety pairs perfectly with cheese tortellini and sautéed leafy greens.

14of 20

Stuffed Sweet Potato with Hummus Dressing

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (14)

Hearty yet simple to prepare, this stuffed sweet potato with black beans, kale and hummus dressing is a fantastic 5-ingredient lunch for one!

15of 20

Falafel Tabbouleh Bowls with Tzatziki

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (15)

Meal-prepping a week's worth of lunches doesn't need to take hours in the kitchen. These Greek-inspired meal-prep bowls can be prepared in just 10 minutes and only require 4 ingredients--greens, falafel, tabbouleh and tzatziki. We love going to our local specialty grocery store for fast shortcut ingredients like these. The high-fiber falafel and tabbouleh will help to keep you feeling satisfied all afternoon.

16of 20

Hearty Tomato Soup with Beans & Greens

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (16)

Garlicky kale and creamy white beans elevate simple canned tomato soup into a 10-minute lunch or dinner that really satisfies. Use a soup with tomato pieces for a heartier texture. Look for a brand that's low- or reduced-sodium, with no more than 450 mg sodium per serving.

17of 20

Mixed Greens with Lentils & Sliced Apple

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (17)

This salad with lentils, feta and apple is a satisfying vegetarian entree to whip together for lunch. To save time, swap in drained canned lentils--just make sure to look for low-sodium and give them a rinse before adding them to the salad.

18of 20

Black Bean Fajita Skillet

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (18)

You can often find presliced and ready-to-cook fresh vegetables in your grocer's produce section. Use these to your advantage to cut down on dinnertime prep. Here, presliced fajita vegetables are sautéed with canned black beans and Southwest seasoning for a quick and easy Tex Mex-inspired meal. Plus, this recipe requires just three ingredients, not including basics like salt, pepper and oil. You can easily take your bowl up a notch by adding some cheese, sour cream or another tasty topping.

19of 20

Lemon-Garlic Steak & Green Beans

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (19)

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!

20of 20

Curried Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Halloumi

View Recipe

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (20)

Take advantage of healthy convenience foods, such as pureed vegetable soups, to make a healthy meal in minutes. We enhance the flavor of boxed butternut squash soup with curry powder, then top it with irresistible halloumi cheese. Serve with warm whole-grain pita bread.

20 Healthy 6-Ingredient Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less (2024)

FAQs

How to make food in 5 minutes? ›

5-minute meals recipes
  1. Storecupboard pasta salad. A star rating of 4.4 out of 5. ...
  2. Pan-fried camembert sandwich. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. ...
  3. Prawn & coconut soup. ...
  4. Classic French omelette. ...
  5. Chicken wrap with sticky sweet potato, salad leaves & tomatoes. ...
  6. Creamy tomato courgetti. ...
  7. Speedy tuna pasta salad. ...
  8. Easy pea & mint soup.

What to make for dinner when you don't have much food? ›

These simple dinner ideas use only a handful of ingredients so you can still whip up a meal using whatever you have in the cupboard.
  1. 15-ingredient sausage rolls. ...
  2. 2Creamy mushroom gnocchi. ...
  3. 3Fast falafel bowl. ...
  4. 45-ingredient satay beef skewers. ...
  5. 55-ingredient meatball carbonara. ...
  6. 6Speedy wild rice and salmon salad.

What is the quickest healthiest meal? ›

25 healthy recipes you can cook in 5 minutes or less
  • Sardine pate. ...
  • Tuna and sweetcorn pasta. ...
  • Beans and greens. ...
  • Gazpacho. ...
  • Green beans with garlic and ginger. ...
  • White bean bruschetta. ...
  • Avocados with tuna. Peel and halve an avocado. ...
  • Sweetcorn, tomato and avocado wrap. Slice an avocado and squeeze a bit of lemon juice over it.

How to eat in 15 minutes? ›

15-minute meal recipes
  1. Prawn laksa curry bowl. A star rating of 4.3 out of 5. ...
  2. Miso & ginger prawn noodle salad. A star rating of 4.8 out of 5. ...
  3. Sardines & tomatoes on toast. ...
  4. Prawn & coconut soup. ...
  5. Creamy tomato courgetti. ...
  6. Tahini noodles with red cabbage & Sichuan peppercorn slaw. ...
  7. Beetroot, feta & grain salad. ...
  8. Citrus salmon salad.

What can you cook in 8 minutes? ›

8-minute recipes (92)
  • 8 minute Spanish rice. ...
  • 8 minute spicy Ramen. ...
  • 8 Minute Fudge. ...
  • 3 Minute Bread Pudding (for breakfast and snacktime) ...
  • 1 California Farm Croissants (they are bigger!) ...
  • 3 ingredient fake pancakes (made with oats and cottage cheese)

What can you cook in 3 minutes? ›

Three-Minute Meals
  • Mushroom Toast. 1 piece whole-grain toast. ...
  • Spring Salad with Shrimp and Brown Rice. ...
  • Italian-Style Ratatouille with Chicken Sausage. ...
  • Quick Vegetarian Tacos. ...
  • Mediterranean-Style Loaded Baked Potato. ...
  • Breakfast for Dinner: Vegetarian Omelette. ...
  • Asian-Inspired Stir Fry. ...
  • Whole Grain Flatbread Pizza and Salad.
Jun 7, 2017

How to live off of $20 a week? ›

Your Shopping List
  1. 1 bag of dried beans: $1.49.
  2. 2 pounds of chicken breast: $3.76.
  3. 1 jar of peanut butter: $1.98.
  4. 1 jar of jelly: $1.79.
  5. 1 loaf of whole wheat bread: $1.63.
  6. 1 dozen eggs: $1.26.
  7. 1 container of oatmeal: $1.35.
  8. 1 bag of dried lentils: $1.39.

How do you eat for $2 a meal? ›

Budget-Friendly Healthy Dinners under $2
  1. Chicken Cordon Bleu Wonton Cupcakes. ...
  2. Pesto Chicken with Cauliflower Rice. ...
  3. Mac & Trees. ...
  4. Carrot & Cilantro Soup with Roll. ...
  5. Broccoli Pita Pizza. ...
  6. Oven-Crispy Chicken with Broccoli. ...
  7. Baked Corn Dogs with Carrots. ...
  8. Freezer Bean & Cheese Burritos.
Oct 28, 2021

How to make a cheap meal plan? ›

10 tips to get you started on meal planning on a budget:
  1. Make a menu. ...
  2. Plan your meals around foods that are on sale. ...
  3. Plan some plant-based meals every week. ...
  4. Check your pantry, refrigerator and freezer. ...
  5. Enjoy grains more often. ...
  6. Avoid recipes that need a special ingredient. ...
  7. Look for seasonal recipes.
Feb 22, 2023

How to eat when you're broke? ›

Cheapest Foods to Live On:
  1. Oatmeal.
  2. Eggs.
  3. Bread.
  4. Rice.
  5. Bananas.
  6. Beans.
  7. Apples.
  8. Pasta.

What to eat when you have barely any food? ›

Rice Bowls are so easy and versatile. You can top them with whatever little bits of meat, cheese, beans, and veggies you have on hand. Depending on which rice you buy, dinner can be ready in 20 to 45 minutes. Cook some rice, assemble your toppings, and get to good eating!

What is the healthiest meal for losing weight? ›

Great Food Combos for Losing Weight
  • Power Pairs. 1/15. ...
  • Avocado and Dark Leafy Greens. 2/15. ...
  • Chicken and Cayenne Pepper. 3/15. ...
  • Oatmeal and Walnuts. 4/15. ...
  • Eggs, Black Beans, and Peppers. 5/15. ...
  • Bean and Vegetable Soup. 6/15. ...
  • Steak and Broccoli. 7/15. ...
  • Green Tea and Lemon. 8/15.
Sep 27, 2022

What is the best dinner to lose belly fat? ›

Studies indicate that a diet rich in high-protein foods, such as eggs, fish, seafood, legumes, nuts, meat, and dairy results in overall less abdominal fat, more satiety, and an increased metabolic function. Adding fiber-rich foods to meals is also key to keeping off belly fat.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Greg Kuvalis

Last Updated:

Views: 5415

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg Kuvalis

Birthday: 1996-12-20

Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

Phone: +68218650356656

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.