Save these 30-minute dinner ideas now for the next time you need a quick and tasty meal.
Quinoa and Shrimp Grits
We love a good bowl of shrimp and grits, but not the butter and cheese — or rather, the calories — that normally accompany it. This recipe says goodbye to butter and hello to quinoa for a healthier take on the Southern favorite.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup quinoa
5 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
4 cups Swiss chard, chopped
2 tablespoons water
1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
4 scallions, green parts only, minced
Directions:
- Place quinoa in a medium pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered until quinoa is tender and has absorbed almost all the liquid, about 12-15 minutes. Stir in the cheese and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning, toss to coat and cook until plump and opaque, 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Add Swiss chard and water to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chard wilts. Remove from heat and whisk in yogurt.
- Divide quinoa among four bowls, top with chard and shrimp, and garnish with scallions.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving:
Serving size: 1.5 cups. Calories: 409. Fat: 15 grams. Saturated fat: 8 grams. Protein: 40 grams. Carbohydrates: 28 grams. Fiber: 4 grams. Sodium: 643 milligrams. Sugar: 4 grams.
Source: Daily Burn
Cinnamon-Apple Pork Chops
Most of the following ingredients are probably in your cabinet already, making this an even easier one-pan option.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons reduced-fat butter, divided
4 boneless pork loin chops (4 ounces each)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 medium tart apples, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add pork chops; cook 4-5 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 145 F. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
- Remove chops; keep warm. Add apples, pecans, brown sugar mixture and remaining butter to pan; cook and stir until apples are tender. Serve with chops.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving:
Serving size: 1 pork chop with 2/3 cup apple mixture. Calories: 316. Fat: 12 grams. Saturated fat: 4 grams. Protein: 22 grams. Carbohydrates: 31 grams. Fiber: 4 grams. Sodium: 232 milligrams. Cholesterol: 62 milligrams.
Source: Taste of Home
Philly Cheesesteaks
Got some fresh veggies you want to use up? This recipe is a great way to use them for a fast and delicious dinner.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium-size onion, thinly sliced
1 large green pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
3/4 pound top round steak, trimmed and cut into 1/2 x 3-inch strips
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 pound sliced reduced-fat provolone cheese (about 8 slices)
8 white whole-wheat hot dog rolls
Directions:
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and green pepper to pan and cook, stirring often, for 7 minutes or until softened.
- Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. Add beef to pan and cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until cooked through. Stir in Worcestershire sauce; cook 1 minute.
- Heat broiler. Tuck one slice provolone into each roll and top with a scant 1/2 cup beef mixture. Arrange rolls on a baking sheet and put under broiler for 1 minute or until cheese has melted.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving:
Serving size: 1 sandwich. Calories: 230. Fat: 9 grams. Saturated fat: 4 grams. Protein: 20 grams. Carbohydrates: 21 grams. Fiber: 2 grams. Sodium: 360 milligrams. Cholesterol: 25 milligrams.
Source: Family Circle
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