Need a healthy dinner in a hurry? These 20-minute dinner ideas are just the ticket for getting a wholesome meal on the table fast.
28 Healthy Dinner Ideas Ready in 20 Minutes Max
Updated on Jul. 19, 2022
1/28
Sauteed Pork Chops with Garlic Spinach
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family enjoys cooking easy and delicious meals. This pork chop recipe is also inexpensive, which makes cooking easier for everyone. Keep an eye on the spinach—it cooks fast! —Joe Valerio, Whitinsville, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/2 cup spinach: 310 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
2/28
Asian Chicken Rice Bowl
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes use of supermarket conveniences like coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large families. —Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 429 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
3/28
Caribbean Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a very simple recipe that uses easy-to-find ingredients. Serve with some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Use cubes of pork or even shrimp instead of the chicken. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture: 242 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 605mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
4/28
Korean Beef and Rice
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend raved about Korean bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. It's delicious! You'll dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup beef mixture with 2/3 cup rice: 413 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
5/28
Spice-Rubbed Lamb Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my absolute favorite meals to eat anytime is lamb chops! My girls, Hanna and Amani, love watching me make my delicious chops, but they love eating them even more. —Nareman Dietz, Beverly Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 lamb chops: 290 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
6/28
Asian Salmon Tacos
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Asian/Mexican fusion dish is ready in minutes—perfect when time is tight! If the salmon begins to stick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and continue cooking. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 335 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
7/28
Skillet Pork Chops with Apples & Onion
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Simple recipes that land on the table fast are lifesavers. I serve skillet pork chops with veggies and, when my husband lobbies, cornbread stuffing. —Tracey Karst, Ponderay, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3/4 cup apple mixture: 360 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1 fat.
8/28
Shrimp and Corn Stir-Fry
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this seafood stir-fry at summer’s end when my garden is producing plenty of tomatoes, squash, garlic and corn. For a quick supper, we serve it over rice. —Lindsay Honn, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without rice): 239 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 443mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
9/28
Tuna and White Bean Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fabulous way to dress up ordinary tuna salad. This easy recipe makes a quick dinner or lunch at the office, and it's good for you. —Heather Senger, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 wraps: 279 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
10/28
Chicken & Goat Cheese Skillet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband was completely bowled over by this on-a-whim goat cheese and chicken skillet meal. I can't wait to make it again very soon! —Ericka Barber, Eureka, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups chicken mixture: 251 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
11/28
Lemon-Parsley Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to include seafood in our weekly dinner rotation but don't want to bother with anything complicated (and it had better taste good or the family will riot). This herbed fish does the trick. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 124 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 359mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
12/28
Spice-Rubbed Chicken Thighs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For our must-have meal, we roast chicken using bone-in, skin-on thighs. This version without skin and bones has a zesty rub of turmeric, paprika and chili powder. —Bill Staley, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 169 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
13/28
Raspberry Pork Medallions
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pork served with a luscious raspberry glaze is fancy enough for company. We bring it to the table with wild rice pilaf and steamed veggies. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with 3 tablespoons sauce: 206 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 333mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
14/28
15/28
16/28
Maple-Thyme Chicken Thighs
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We eat a lot of chicken at our house, and figuring out different ways to serve it gets challenging. My family went nuts for the cozy maple flavors in this recipe, so now I share it at potlucks, too. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 188 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 363mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
17/28
Crispy Dill Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 256 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
18/28
19/28
Saucy Veggie Spirals
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my daughter Tonya's favorite meal. Sometimes we make it with rigatoni and call it Riga-Tonya. Either way, it's a quick, wonderful way to prepare some yummy vegetables for your kids. —Sandra Eckert, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups tofu mixture with 2/3 cup pasta: 267 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
20/28
Turkey Enchilada Stack
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 404 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
21/28
Curry Shrimp
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this Indian-style shrimp when we were entertaining some friends, one of our favorite things to do. It works on the stovetop or the grill. —Shana Conradt, Appleton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 147 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
22/28
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The savory coating on this chicken has the satisfying flavor of Parmesan cheese. It's easy enough to be a family weekday meal yet impressive enough to serve to guests. When I make this baked parmesan crusted chicken for dinner, we never have leftovers. —Schelby Thompson, Camden Wyoming, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 270 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 552mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein.
23/28
Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My go-to meal after an evening run is this satisfying turkey wrap with jicama, a potato-like root veggie used in Mexican cooking. —Christie Arp, Blue Ridge, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3 wraps: 212 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
24/28
Thai Salmon Brown Rice Bowls
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This speedy salmon recipe couldn't be any easier. The store-bought sesame ginger dressing saves time and adds extra flavor to this healthy dish. — Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 486 calories, 21g fat (4g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
25/28
Mini Mediterranean Pizza
Total Time
19 min
Servings
4 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza: 287 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
26/28
Salmon with Spinach & White Beans
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/2 cup spinach mixture : 317 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
27/28
Parmesan Chicken Couscous
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Simple ingredients make clever use of leftover chicken in an innovative dish any home cook would be proud to plate. I like to serve it with a side of fresh fruit. —Lisa Abbott, New Berlin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 391 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 490mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
28/28
Shrimp Tortellini
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No matter how you toss 'em, shrimp and thyme play nicely with any spring-fresh vegetable. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 413 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
