36 Weeknight Dinners for Newlyweds

From no-cook suppers to fancy meals you can make together, these are the recipes for newlyweds every couple should know.

Now Trending

1/36

Broiled Chicken & Artichokes

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My wife and I first made this chicken entree as newlyweds, and we have been hooked on it ever since. We make it almost weekly now. It’s so simple and affordable, yet delicious and healthy. Can’t beat that! —Chris Koon, Midlothian, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 288 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein.
2/36

One-Dish Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I’m still settling into married life and learning how to balance our busy schedules. This quick one-dish ground turkey sweet potato skillet helps keep us on track throughout the week. —Shannon Barden, Alpharetta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 318 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
3/36

Tequila Lime Shrimp Zoodles

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This tangy shrimp dish is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 246 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 161mg cholesterol, 510mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
4/36

Chicken Francese

Total Time 40 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I grew up on this tender, lemony chicken Francese recipe that's a classic in Italian cooking. It's delicious as is, but we sometimes add sauteed mushrooms. Serve it with pasta or crusty bread to mop up all that delicious pan sauce. —Joe Losardo, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 318 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 806mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
5/36

Grilled Cheese Bun Burgers

Total Time 50 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My husband loves both my grilled cheese and my iron-skillet burgers, so I decided to combine them in this grilled cheese bun burger. He said it was the best meal he ever ate. —Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 1 burger: 900 calories, 50g fat (27g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 1954mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 47g protein.
6/36

General Tso’s Cauliflower

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Cauliflower florets are deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sauce with just the right amount of kick. General Tso's cauliflower is a fun alternative to the classic chicken dish.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup with 1 cup rice: 584 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1628mg sodium, 97g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 11g protein.
7/36

Chicken Tzatziki

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I like to make classic chicken recipes for my family but the real fun is trying a fresh new twist. —Krisen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half with 1/3 cup sauce: 482 calories, 27g fat (7g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
8/36

Pork Chops and Asparagus

Total Time 40 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When time is of the essence, it's nice to have a quick and easy meal idea in your back pocket. Not only is it delicious, but you can clean it up in a flash. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 486 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 37g protein.
9/36

Herbed Roast Turkey Breast

Total Time 2 hours 10 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When learning how to cook turkey breast for my first formal dinner party as a newlywed, I came across this particular recipe. It was such a success that this turkey breast recipe has become a standby on all my entertaining menus. —Lisa Mahon Fluegeman, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 5 ounce-weight: 285 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 medium-fat meat.
10/36

Loaded Avocado BLT

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My husband invented this twist on a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. I like to make it with extra slices of bacon; if you want, you can leave the Gorgonzola cheese out of the avocado spread. —Lori Grant, Kingsport, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 420 calories, 29g fat (7g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 921mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
11/36

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.
12/36

German Schnitzel and Potatoes with Gorgonzola Cream

Total Time 4 hours 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I lived in Germany for five years and developed a fondness for traditional schnitzel. It’s a labor of love, so I came up with this easy, clever way to make it in a slow cooker. —Beth Taylor, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 3 pieces pork with 1 cup potato mixture: 926 calories, 54g fat (33g saturated fat), 216mg cholesterol, 1132mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 38g protein.
13/36

Chili-Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: While exploring Mexican restaurants, I tasted chiles rellenos and wanted to make them at home. My husband and I teamed up to create this new favorite recipe, stuffed poblano peppers. —Lorrie Grabczynski, Commerce Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 2 stuffed pepper halves: 496 calories, 30g fat (11g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 913mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 40g protein.
14/36

Slow-Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken

Total Time 4 hours 20 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I love this slow-cooker coconut curry chicken! It’s a breeze to prepare and it tastes just like a meal you’d have at your favorite Indian or Thai restaurant. —Andi Kauffman, Beavercreek, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 353 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.

15/36

Grilled Flank Steak

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: How to cook flank steak? Easy! Marinate it and grill or broil it! This marinated steak is so moist that it will become one of your favorite ways to serve beef. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 3 ounces cooked beef: 186 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.

16/36

Broccoli Tuna Casserole

Total Time 1 hour 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I was in the Navy, a co-worker’s wife shared this recipe with me. I’ve tweaked it over the years, but it still brings back memories of my “family” away from home. —Yvonne Cook, Haskins, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 271 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
17/36

Szechuan Skillet Chicken

Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My whole family loves this Szechuan chicken. My husband prefers it without peppers, but he is happy to let others have his! I use the ginger paste that comes in a tube and pre-shredded carrots to save time. —Christine Snyder, Boulder, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup chicken mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 489 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 845mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
18/36

Whiskey Pineapple Chicken

Total Time 35 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Everyone in my family loves this recipe and its sweet marinade made with ginger, pineapple and a splash of whiskey. Want even more intense flavor? Let the chicken marinate for two full days. Wow! —Jodi Taffel, Altadena, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 439 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 152mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 43g protein.
19/36

Pressure-Cooker Smoked Sausage and White Beans

Total Time 45 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My husband grew up in the South, where sausage and beans were on the menu weekly. I quickly became a fan. The pressure cooker eliminates the lengthy process of soaking the beans overnight and then slow-cooking them. Serve the dish over white rice, and use crusty bread to soak up the broth. I used gourmet smoked sausage flavored with Gouda and pear for this dish, but you can use any smoked sausage you like. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups bean mixture: 382 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 909mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 12g fiber), 21g protein.
20/36

Tropical Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowls

Total Time 50 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This tropical favorite is a delicious and healthy dinner with tons of flavor! You can substitute regular rice for the cauliflower rice if desired. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 325 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
21/36

Cedar-Plank Stuffed Portobellos

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When we were newlyweds, my father-in-law made us stuffed portobello mushrooms. I’ve tweaked the recipe for our tastes. I like to serve it with salad and potato wedges. —Katie Stemp, Tacoma, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed mushroom.: 404 calories, 32g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
22/36

Skinny Cobb Salad

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This skinny version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and use all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 324 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
23/36

Garlic-Grilled Chicken with Pesto Zucchini Ribbons

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half with 1-1/2 cup zucchini noodles: 397 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 44g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 6 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
24/36

Summertime Spaghetti with Grilled Meatballs

Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: After Hurricane Sandy, we were without power for two weeks. I learned what you can make on a grill, such as these smoky meatballs and tomato sauce. —Andrea Rivera, Westbury, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup spaghetti with 1/2 cup sauce and 3 meatballs: 446 calories, 14 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 79 mg cholesterol, 470 mg sodium, 55 g carbohydrate (7 g sugars, 4 g fiber), 25 g protein.
25/36

Grilled Pineapple Chimichurri Chicken

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Classic chimichurri gets a Hawaiian twist thanks to pineapple and macadamia nuts. For a spicier version, substitute red serrano pepper for the bell pepper. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half with about 1/4 cup sauce : 428 calories, 24g fat (3g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 686mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
26/36

Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The inspiration for this recipe came from the charbroiled chicken skewers I used to enjoy while strolling along Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday afternoons. Feel free to garnish them with sesame seeds or spritz them with fresh lime juice. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 skewer with 1/2 cup corn mixture: 297 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 387mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.

27/36

Grilled Ribeye with Garlic Blue Cheese Mustard Sauce

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This simple steak gets a big flavor boost from two of my favorites: mustard and blue cheese. My husband and I make this recipe to celebrate our anniversary each year! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 steak with 3 tablespoons sauce: 547 calories, 39g fat (17g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 1088mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.

28/36

Tuna Wrap

Total Time 10 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Packed with protein-rich tuna and fresh, crunchy veggies, these colorful wraps have sensational flavor—and they're good for you too. —Edie Farm, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts: 1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.

We love these no-cook dinners that’ll keep the kitchen cool.

29/36

Chicken Potpie Galette with Cheddar-Thyme Crust

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This gorgeous galette takes traditional chicken potpie and gives it a fun open-faced spin. The rich filling and flaky cheddar-flecked crust make it taste so homey. It's lovely for fall and winter dinners, but you can enjoy it anytime. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 342 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 594mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.

Add these impressive dinners to your cooking bucket list.

30/36

Nana's Italian Roulade

Total Time 2 hours
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My great-aunt from Sicily taught my mother how to stuff and bake a steak in a jelly-roll style. It’s unique and really special in our family. —Roseanne McDonald, Days Creek, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without spaghetti): 331 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
31/36

Citrus-Herb Roast Chicken

Total Time 2 hours 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This dish is one of my all-time favorites. The flavorful, juicy chicken combines with the aromas of spring in fresh herbs, lemon and onions to form the perfect one-pot meal. I make the gravy right in the pan. —Megan Fordyce, Fairchance, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 7 ounces cooked chicken with 1-1/4 cups vegetables: 561 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 47g protein.
32/36

Lehmejun (Armenian Pizza)

Total Time 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This pizza-style recipe came from my friend Ruby's mom, who is a crazy-good cook. I added my own flair and tweaked it by using flour tortillas instead of making a dough. —Tamar Yacoubian, Ketchum, Idaho
Nutrition Facts: 1 filled tortilla: 371 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 464mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
33/36

Slow-Cooker Enchiladas

Total Time 5 hours 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: As a busy wife and mother of two young sons, I rely on this handy recipe. I layer enchilada ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on and forget about it. With a bit of spice, these hearty enchiladas are especially nice during the colder months. —Mary Luebbert, Benton, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 734 calories, 32g fat (16g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 1672mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 11g fiber), 49g protein.
34/36

Barley Risotto and Beef Stroganoff

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 4 servings.
From the Recipe Creator: I was missing my Russian grandma's barley porridge and beef stroganoff, so I combined the two dishes. Cook the barley using the risotto method to keep the grains whole and irresistibly chewy. —Tatiana Kireeva, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts: 4 ounces cooked steak with 1 cup barley: 463 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 859mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 9g fiber), 33g protein.
35/36

Garlic Bread Pasta Torte

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My kids love to stuff spiral pasta inside bread for a clever dinner torte. We save the bread crusts to make garlicky croutons for salad. —Melissa Birdsong, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice (calculated without additional marinara sauce): 409 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 752mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
36/36

Short Rib Tacos

Total Time 3 hours 10 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Whenever we go to Houston to visit family, we like to track down cabeza—cow’s head, cooked slowly, resulting in extremely tender meat that's excellent in tacos. Cabeza is hard to find in Seattle, so I use short ribs to replicate the texture. I like corn tortillas for these tacos and a quick pico de gallo to add some freshness to the rich, flavorful meat. —Anai Yost, Bothell, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 508 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 557mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 37g protein.