Do delicious in a hurry with quick and saucy dinner recipes you can have on the table in 30 minutes or less.
33 Quick & Saucy Dinner Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
Chicken with Tarragon Sauce
This is comfort food at its finest. I cook it at least once a week and usually serve it with homemade mashed potatoes and sautéed fresh green beans. —Cher Schwartz, Ellisville, Missouri
1/30
2/30
Tenderloin with Herb Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender pork is treated to a rich and creamy sauce with a slight red pepper kick. This hearty dish is very simple to prepare and is always a dinnertime winner at my home. —Monica Shipley, Tulare, California
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork: 238 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat.
3/30
Chicken with Cherry Wine Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My dad's a chef, so I learned to cook at an early age. This saucy chicken was the first dish I made by myself. —Ben Diaz, Azusa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 3 tablespoons sauce: 480 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 179mg cholesterol, 418mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 46g protein.
4/30
Pork with Mustard Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when I was a girl, I couldn't wait until I was grown up and could start cooking for my own family! Now that I am, I really enjoy using pork. The tender meat and the rich mustard sauce in this recipe are delectable together. —Irma Pomeroy, Enfield, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
2 slices pork with 3 tablespoons sauce: 292 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
5/30
Pork Chops with Nectarine Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a dietitian, I’m always looking for ways to make meals healthy and delicious. These juicy chops are fast, too. —Suellen Pineda, Victor, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/2 cup sauce: 330 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 414mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1 fat.
6/30
Steak and Portobello Mushrooms
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty steaks seem special, but they are fast enough for an everyday dinner. We enjoy the mushroom-topped filets with crusty French bread, a mixed salad and a light lemon dessert. —Christel Stein, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak with 1/3 cup sauce: 247 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 369mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
7/30
Peanut Butter Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To get that luscious taste of Thai cuisine, combine ginger, basil, lime and peanut butter in a sauce for linguine. It's so good, we've never had leftovers. —Allil Binder, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 365 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 10g fiber), 14g protein.
8/30
Pork Medallions in Mustard Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 193 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
9/30
Chicken with Mushroom Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It looks impressive, but this mouthwatering chicken and mushroom sauce comes together in no time. I think its flavor rivals that of many full-fat entrees found in fancy restaurants. —Jennifer Pemberton, Muncie, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 225 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
10/30
Grilled Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak. For a special occasion, you can also brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill them. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 201 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
11/30
Cod with Hearty Tomato Sauce
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My father made up this sweet, flavorful recipe for my mother when he took over the cooking. We serve it with whole wheat pasta or brown rice. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3/4 cup sauce: 271 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 746mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
12/30
Turkey Scallopini with Marsala Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family requests this entree at least once a month. The slightly sweet Marsala sauce is yummy over the turkey slices and hot cooked noodles. —Briana Knight, Ferndale, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without linguine): 459 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 341mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
13/30
Jamaican Salmon with Coconut Cream Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We try to eat salmon a lot because it's so healthy, and I love thinking of new ways to make it different and delicious. This dazzler is easy and is my go-to meal for company. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3 tablespoons sauce and 2 tablespoons coconut: 497 calories, 34g fat (12g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 467mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
14/30
Shrimp in Mango Chili Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On-hand ingredients make a tasty shrimp entree in a matter of minutes! Try the shrimp over waffles or rice for another yummy option. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup shrimp mixture: 283 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 895mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
15/30
Turkey Linguine with Tomato Cream Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love an easy weeknight meal! This meal comes together quickly and uses up the half block of cream cheese that always ends up in my fridge. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 510 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 981mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein.
16/30
Pork Chops with Blue Cheese Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes a sauce is just a sauce, but with these tender chops, it really makes the dish. If you like a little spice, mix a pinch of nutmeg with the black pepper before you sprinkle it on the meat. —Kathleen Specht, Clinton, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3 tablespoons sauce: 263 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
17/30
Chicken with Creamy Jalapeno Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings (2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister Amy came up with this recipe that makes standard chicken breasts a lot more exciting. My husband and I just love the wonderful sauce. —Molly Cappone, Lewis Center, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
18/30
Grilled Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A little brining and a special dry rub go a long way to making the perfect pork chop. Once you've mastered the techniques, you'll be enjoying them all summer long. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 300 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
19/30
Turkey with Lime Butter Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I’m in Florida, I buy Key limes for the butter sauce, but any fresh limes work just fine. If I'm using leftover turkey, I brown the meat a little so the sauce picks up the flavor. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without added salt): 465 calories, 31g fat (16g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 333mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
20/30
Pesto Gnocchi
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Perk up gnocchi and vegetables with a flavorful pesto sauce. If you don't have pine nuts to top the pesto gnocchi, skip or substitute any nut you like. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 327 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
21/30
Pork and Red Wine Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a fast and easy, great-tasting meal that's as big on flavor as it is low in fat and calories. I serve it with fresh green beans and mashed potatoes. —Nancy LaVoice, Wexford, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked pork: 259 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
22/30
Beef Tenderloin and Mushroom Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When our kids are visiting Grandma, I make this recipe for just my husband and myself. It's a recipe my mother-in-law has been using for more than 30 years. I especially look forward to preparing it as part of a special Valentine's Day menu. —Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 417 calories, 32g fat (17g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 659mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
23/30
Honey-Garlic Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 2 tablespoons sauce: 249 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch.
24/30
Turkey Cutlets in Lemon Wine Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After I ate something like this at a local Italian restaurant, I figured out how to make it at home for my family. Now I serve it a lot since it's so quick to make—and they're so happy I do. —Kathie Wilson, Warrenton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 turkey cutlet with 2 tablespoons sauce: 145 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
25/30
Pork Chops with Dijon Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a main course that tastes rich yet isn't high in saturated fat. It's easy for weeknights, but the creamy sauce makes it special enough for weekends. —Bonnie Brown-Watson, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 283 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 432mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 fat.
26/30
Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My creamy chicken tastes like a five-star restaurant dish but takes only minutes and few ingredients to make. Use fresh rosemary. Trust me. —Sarah Campbell, Terre Haute, IN
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons sauce: 361 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
27/30
Pork Medallions with Garlic-Strawberry Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These crispy pork medallions are treated to a refreshing strawberry sauce that's ideal for a springtime or summer meal. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 422 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 203mg cholesterol, 811mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
28/30
Sirloin with Mushroom Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A mouthwatering combination of rich brown mushroom sauce and tender strips of peppery steak is a wonderful way to end a busy day. It’s special enough to make for company and ready in less than 30 minutes. —Joe Elliott, West Bend, WI
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 189 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 467mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
29/30
Blackberry-Sauced Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loved these chops from the first time I fixed them. They're as tasty in a skillet as they are grilled, so you can eat them all year long. The sauce is also fantastic with chicken. —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 2 tablespoons sauce and 1/4 cup berries: 311 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 531mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
30/30
Pork Chops and Applesauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty, tender pork chops and applesauce are packed with sweet, smoky flavor. They're on the table in no time at all, making them perfect for hectic weeknights. —Brenda Campbell, Olympia, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 chop: 295 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 448mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fruit.
