These 35 easy 30-minute recipes are perfect for those ready to cut back on takeout. Simple, quick, and great for any busy evening, they prove that whipping up your own meals doesn’t have to be a chore. They’re about showing you the simplicity and joy of cooking at home, even when time is tight. With these recipes in your arsenal, moving away from the habit of ordering out to enjoying homemade meals becomes not just possible but easy, too.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
In just half an hour, you can cook up this creamy chicken dish that’s perfect for ending your takeout habit. The dish features chicken breasts cooked in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. Pair it with your favorite side and the result is a simple yet filling meal, perfect for a quick dinner or date night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
In this recipe, steamed broccoli and cauliflower are mixed together with a rich cheese sauce and crispy bacon and then baked until bubbling and golden. Frozen vegetables are the star of this recipe, saving you time on preparation and cleanup. It’s a simple but practical option to curb your takeout cravings.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs
For a quick and hearty dinner, try this turkey meatball recipe with Thai curry sauce. It’s a 30-minute meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with savory flavors. You’ll enjoy the blend of spices and the convenience of a fast, homemade meal that’s both nutritious and enjoyable, breaking the routine of everyday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
When you’re pressed for time, this Italian sausage soup is a great go-to. This soup is reminiscent of a classic tomato soup but with the added flavors of Italian sausage, Parmesan, and cream cheese. The blend of flavors complements the creamy texture of the soup and the tomatoes add a refreshing touch, that everyone will love. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for a filling and warm meal.
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Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Here’s a hearty and creamy dish to fill those takeout urges. In only 30 minutes, you can prepare this casserole, featuring chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella. You’ll love how quickly you can get this comforting meal on the table, making it a practical choice for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Here’s another recipe you can make to avoid getting takeout. In this recipe, perfectly cooked shrimp are simmered in a fragrant garlic sauce and complemented with fresh grape tomatoes and spinach. It’s a filling and comforting meal that comes together in one pot and can be served in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon
Try this asparagus pasta for a fresh take on dinner. After peeling the asparagus and turning them into pasta-like noodles, you’ll toss them in a generous serving of homemade Alfredo sauce and crispy bacon. This recipe is a fun and veggie-packed alternative to traditional pasta dishes and something you would not normally find on takeouts. It’s a quick and great weeknight meal since you can prep and serve this in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon
Lemon Garlic Scallops
Break away from your usual dinners and try these restaurant-worthy lemon garlic scallops. Ready in 30 minutes and made in just one pan, they’re golden, pan-seared, and coated in a garlicky lemon sauce. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect when you need something fast and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops
Bell Pepper Sandwich
This refreshing sandwich uses bell peppers as buns and fills it with simple ingredients like turkey, cream cheese, cucumbers, mashed avocado, cheese, stone-ground mustard, everything bagel seasoning, and crispy bacon to a refreshing sandwich. These sandwiches can be made in 10 minutes, making them perfect for those days when you want something easy and light but still filling.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Whether you’re new to cooking, just need to get something on the table fast, or contemplating on getting takeout, this chicken bites dinner is a great choice. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe cooks bite-sized pieces of juicy, tender chicken in a buttery garlic sauce, all in just one skillet for convenience. Pair it with rice and veggies for a wholesome dinner, or serve it on top of a salad for a lighter meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Sheet pan dinners are like the superheroes of busy weeknights. In this recipe, you’ll arrange the ingredients in the sheet pan, toss the pan in the oven, and serve once tender-fork and caramelized. It’s also very customizable as you can add or replace the veggies with whatever you have on hand. It’s a filling and quick dinner option that will make you forget about takeout.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Try this baked chicken fajita recipe for a quick takeout fix. It’s a flavorful dish with chicken breasts, spices, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella. Ready in 30 minutes and made in just one baking dish for convenience, it’s a simple and enjoyable meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Cabbage and Sausage
You can cook this cabbage and sausage dish in less time than you would ordering takeout. It’s easy to make and uses three main ingredients, namely cabbage, sausage, and onions. Pair this dish with your favorite protein or side, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Halloumi Fries
Rather than getting fries for takeout, try these Halloumi Fries instead. Halloumi cheese originates from Cyprus and is traditionally made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk. It has a high melting point, which allows it to be baked, grilled, or fried without melting or losing its shape, which is why it works so well when made into fries. Ready in just 25 minutes, these halloumi fries are a game-changer — melty, flavorful, and delicious on their own or with a dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This ground beef and cauliflower rice skillet is a great meal solution for a busy evening, especially when you’re itching to order takeout. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare and serve this dish, featuring ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheddar. It’s an easy, protein-rich dinner that’s perfect for beginner cooks or anyone needing a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
In just 30 minutes, you can put together this crisp and refreshing cucumber and onion salad. This easy recipe uses common kitchen ingredients, featuring cucumbers and red onions tossed in sour cream, mayo, and dill dressing. Serve this as a light lunch with your favorite protein or as a side for a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Green Chile Chicken
If you have leftover chicken in your fridge, this is your sign to make this recipe. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy, one-skillet dish combines shredded chicken thighs with green chilies in a creamy sauce. It’s a flavorful and protein-packed dish with a bit of spice, perfect for those busy days when you need a simple, no-fuss, and budget-friendly comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
This cauliflower risotto takes the hassle out of cooking traditional risotto but still gives you the same great flavors. It’s easy to cook and made in just one pan — all you need to do is sauté the cauliflower rice and mushrooms, blend them with a creamy sauce, and simmer. This comforting side dish pairs well with a wide variety of mains and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
These Greek salad meal prep jars are perfect for a refreshing, on-the-go lunch. Assemble them in just 10 minutes with crisp salad ingredients and a simple homemade dressing. They’re perfect for busy days. You can prep them the night before for a refreshing and light grab-and-go meal that will make you forget about takeout.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Here’s something you wouldn’t usually find on takeout menus. These refreshing cucumber boats are filled with canned chicken, cheese, and bacon, and then garnished with sea salt and pepper. They are a great option for busy days when you need a quick and easy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Meal Prep Low-Carb Meatballs And Cauliflower Rice
This recipe combines homemade meatballs and cauliflower rice for a quick lunch or dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it uses simple ingredients like ground beef, mozzarella, parsley, and spices, formed into meatballs and then served over steamed cauliflower rice. It’s a practical meal prep option that can help you skip on takeout, especially on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Meal Prep Low-Carb Meatballs And Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Dijon Chicken
Make your dinners easier with this easy Creamy Dijon Chicken. Featuring seasoned chicken thighs in a rich Dijon mustard sauce, with spinach, and crispy bacon, it’s a hearty meal that will absolutely make you forget about takeout. Ready in 30 minutes and made in just one skillet, it’s a perfect weeknight dish that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken
Canned Chicken Patties
If you’re stuck in a dinner rut and are planning on ordering takeout, try these canned chicken patties. They’re crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside and taste great with salads, as a burger, or even on their own. Ready in just 20 minutes, make these for those busy weeknights when you need an easy and filling meal without the hassle.
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Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Made with canned salmon, jalapeño, and a hint of cayenne, they’re pan-fried until golden and finished with a lemon dill aioli. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a quick and delicious snack idea, these mini salmon patties are always a great option.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is all about ease and flavor. Ready in less than 30 minutes, you’ll get to enjoy perfectly tender cabbages soaking up all the savory goodness of bacon. Simple, quick, and delicious, this dish is perfect for a no-stress weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Busy weeknights call for easy solutions. This dish features juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce made with ingredients like heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. It’s hearty, flavorful, and best of all, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s arguably an easy and enjoyable dinner that will give takeouts a run for their money.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
In just 30 minutes, you can serve this simple yet delicious recipe that features juicy chicken thighs in a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s a solid choice for those evenings when you want a hearty meal but just don’t have the energy to spend hours in the kitchen cooking. Serve it over your favorite grain or with a side of veggies for a wholesome meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
This dish features tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, flavorful artichoke cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare, but impressive enough for family dinners or a special at-home date night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
Keto Chicken Nuggets
Skip takeout and enjoy these crispy chicken nuggets instead. Ready in just 30 minutes, these nuggets are made with canned chicken and crunchy pork rind breading and then baked until crispy and golden. They’re perfect for any time of day, and even the kids will love them. Pair with your favorite side and dipping sauce for a complete and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets
Baked Sliced Zucchini
Roasting zucchini with Parmesan brings out the vegetable’s flavors and results in a tender center with a crispy exterior. Ready in just 20 minutes, this baked zucchini recipe is a delicious and simple side dish that pairs with a wide variety of mains. It’s a great recipe to have on hand, especially when you need an easy meal on a busy weeknight.
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Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy
Try this Thai-inspired recipe that features flaky salmon slices simmered in a flavorful homemade curry sauce. This curry dish is a comforting, yet light and refreshing dish that will make you forget about takeouts. And with the added vegetables like bok choy and green beans, you’ll get a healthy dose of vegetables along with healthy fats from the salmon and canned coconut milk. Make this in just half an hour for a quick and healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This easy casserole combines beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar, and bakes it to perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a wholesome and quick meal that will keep you away from takeout.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Sticky Sauce Chicken
This Sticky Sauce Chicken is a one-pan meal with cubed chicken thighs coated in a sweet, yet tangy, garlic and ginger sauce, topped with crunchy sesame seeds. It’s a flavorful and savory dish you can enjoy in less than 30 minutes — perfect for those busy evenings when you need a comforting meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken
Zucchini Bites
Make your weeknights a lot easier with these cheesy zucchini bites. Featuring shredded zucchini, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, and Italian seasoning, this dish is a great way to add more veggies to your meals, especially for the kids in the family. Easy to make, and can be served in just 30 minutes, enjoy these as a snack, a side dish, or a party appetizer — they’re great on their own or with a dip.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
It’s always nice to enjoy a warm bowl of this cozy soup on a cold, busy evening. Ready in 30 minutes and made in just one pot, it’s a simple blend of steamed cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, simmered in a perfect combination of seasonings. Make this cozy cheddar bacon soup on a weeknight, and forget about your takeout cravings in an instant.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup