30-Minute Heart-Healthy Recipes for Your Busiest Weeknights

skillet lasagna
Photo: Jacob Fox

A homemade dinner is within your reach, every night of the week. No hours of prep, no endless number of pans, no gourmet ingredients or advanced culinary techniques needed. Heart-healthy proteins like chicken and pork, and high fiber veggies, all to your table in 30 minutes or less. Try these quick and easy healthy dinner recipes to feed yourself and your family a delicious meal even on busy nights.

01 of 27

Chile-Lime Tilapia with Corn Saute

Chile-Lime Tilapia with Corn Sauté
Andy Lyons

Fish is a cook's dream because most varieties take less than 10 minutes to grill or sear to perfection. Try tilapia, cod, or sole in this Tex-Mex skillet dinner loaded with color and spice.

02 of 27

Seared Salmon with Pistachio Gremolata

Seared Salmon with Pistachio Gremolata
Jacob Fox

Just one pan and six minutes of cooking time stand between you and this herbaceous salmon supper. That means you have zero excuses to not serve it for dinner tonight! Pair it with a side of quinoa or brown rice to round out the meal.

Buy It: All-Clad Fry Pan Set ($60, Bed Bath & Beyond)

03 of 27

Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables

Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables
Jason Donnelly

A magical blend of balsamic vinegar, honey, and crushed red pepper makes this chicken dish taste out of the world. With veggies added, this will be an all-in-one meal that's frequently requested for years to come.

04 of 27

Roasted Asparagus, Fish, and Bay Leaves

Roasted Asparagus, Fish, and Bay Leaves
Jacob Fox

Whether you're eating low-fat, low-carb, Paleo, or Whole 30, this 30-minute heart-healthy recipe fits the bill. If asparagus isn't in season, try the same sheet pan strategy with fresh green beans or Broccolini.

05 of 27

Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna
Jacob Fox

There's not much better than a hot meal in 30 minutes. This lasagna will be a hit for the whole family and comes together way faster in a skillet than a classic baked lasagna. Meat, noodles, and ample cheese. We love everything about it.

06 of 27

Veggie Tostadas with Cauliflower Mash

Veggie Tostadas with Cauliflower Mash
Jason Donnelly

A cheesy cauliflower puree stands in for refried beans in this vegetarian entrée that proves you can enjoy hearty meals without meat. Stir some black beans into the corn, asparagus, and tomato topping for extra protein.

07 of 27

Spicy Shrimp Pasta

Spicy Shrimp Pasta
Kritsada Panichgul

The jalapeño chili peppers and garlic are spicy enough to catch your attention without setting your mouth on fire. Top this healthy pasta dinner with parsley for a fresh look and flavor. For a shortcut, using frozen shrimp is an easy and cost-effective choice.

08 of 27

Cilantro Ginger Chicken with Peanuts

Cilantro-Ginger Chicken with Peanuts
Andy Lyons

This 30-minute heart-healthy recipe is an Asian-inspired chicken dish with all your favorite ingredients. The freshness of napa cabbage and a full cup of cilantro combined with succulent chicken and topped with honey-roasted peanuts makes this one of our more flavorful, easy healthy dinner recipes for any weeknight.

09 of 27

Quick Eggplant Parmigiana

Eggplant Parmigiana in skillet
Jason Donnelly

Cooking eggplant is easy with this parmigiana recipe. One pan, 30 minutes to cook, and packed with flavor. You'll feel like you're dining on a meal prepared at a gourmet Italian restaurant.

Buy It: Cuisinart Nonstick Skillet ($30, Target)

10 of 27

Salmon with Lemon and Herbs

cast iron pan with Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
Blaine Moats

If you're looking for a seafood dinner, give this one a try. Simple herbs, plus simple fish, equals delicious. Pair with rice pilaf or a fresh green salad to round out this easy healthy recipe.

11 of 27

Farfalle with Mushrooms and Spinach

Farfalle with Mushrooms and Spinach
Kritsada Panichgul

This pasta dinner comes together lightning fast. Farfalle pasta, also known as bow tie, is a thicker pasta, so it stands up to the mushrooms, spinach, and garlic. This hearty dish is packed with vitamins and minerals, and you won't believe it has less than 10 ingredients.

12 of 27

Tahini-Ginger Noodles and Veggies

Tahini-Ginger Noodles & Veggies
Andy Lyons

Nope, that's not Alfredo sauce you see! Nutty tahini is the base of the rich, gingery sauce that coats each bite of linguine, broccoli, carrots, and peas.

Buy It: Joyva Tahini ($8, Target)

13 of 27

Basil Halibut with Jalapeno Butter

Basil Halibut with Jalapeño Butter
Blaine Moats

Warning: Things are about to get real toasty. Butter-seared jalapeños give flaky, iron-rich grill halibut an undeniable kick. If the weather isn't cooperating for outdoor grilling, take things inside with a grill pan.

Buy It: Calphalon Square Grill Pan ($30, Bed Bath & Beyond)

14 of 27

Lemon-Thyme Roasted Chicken with Fingerlings

Lemon-Thyme Roasted Chicken with Fingerlings
Karla Conrad

This bright and delicious chicken dinner is a 30-minute heart-healthy recipe. You'll love the flavorful twist of adding thyme to the classic chicken and potatoes combo. You can incorporate additional herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary for more flavor-building.

15 of 27

Greens, Cannellini Beans, and Andouille Sausage Pan Stew

Greens, Cannellini Beans & Andouille Sausage Pan Stew
Andy Lyons

Thanks to reduced-sodium chicken broth and chicken sausage, this stew is healthier than it sounds. Cannellini beans give it an even bigger protein boost and a dose of fiber, while onions add tender crunch.

16 of 27

Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Andy Lyons

If sautéed chicken breast is your go-to easy recipe for dinner, take it to the next level with a creamy cheese stuffing. Crumbled feta teams up with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to upgrade your dinner in less than half an hour.

17 of 27

Chicken with Parmesan Noodles

Chicken Parmesan Noodles
Blaine Moats

Chicken and noodles come together fast for a hungry family. Add carrots or any of your favorite veggies for variety. Serve with a fresh spinach salad to up the fiber.

18 of 27

Chicken Meatball Noodle Bowl

Chicken Meatball Noodle Bowl
Andy Lyons

The next time you crave takeout, try our rice-noodle bowl, complete with juicy ginger-spiced chicken meatballs and a refreshing shredded salad. This low-cal, easy recipe is ready in under 25 minutes—probably faster than delivery!

19 of 27

Garlic Lime Pork with Farro and Kale

Garlic-Lime Pork with Farro and Kale
Karla Conrad

Delicious is the word that best describes this 20-minute meal. Lime juice, honey, and peanut butter combine to add nutrients to this meal—and tons of flavor. Farro (a whole grain) and kale round out this dish for a complete, satisfying, easy, and healthy dinner.

20 of 27

Turkey Steaks with Spinach, Pears, and Blue Cheese

Turkey Steaks with Spinach, Pears, & Blue Cheese
Andy Lyons

Turkey tenderloins stacked with deliciousness in just about 20 minutes. Browned pears, lightly wilted spinach, and crumbled blue cheese will have you cooking up this easy healthy dinner recipe again and again.

21 of 27

Lemon Dill Shrimp Pasta

Lemon-Dill Shrimp and Pasta
Andy Lyons

Fresh, light, and ready to eat in 25 minutes, this pasta dish can't be beaten. This yummy dinner is cooked in a single skillet and each ingredient added builds the flavor. Keep some sauce on the side to use with chicken or turkey for another night.

22 of 27

Smoked Salmon Flatbread

Smoked Salmon Flatbread
Andy Lyons

Coming in at just under 300 calories, this salmon recipe is short on time, not on flavor. The radishes and capers are the stars of the show offering just a hint of spice and zest. It's a simple yet decadent—but healthy—30-minute meal.

23 of 27

Scallops and Spinach with Pomegranate Glaze

Scallops & Spinach with Pomegranate Glaze
Scott Little

Coriander-spiced pomegranate glaze adds a sweet and spicy zip to this savory scallop recipe. For a vitamin-rich base, toss spinach into the skillet for just a few minutes to slightly wilt.

24 of 27

Apple Pecan Pork Chops

Apple-Pecan Pork Chops
Jacob Fox

Apple and pork are two flavors commonly served together. Try this refreshing twist by adding pecans. In total, three steps to a perfectly cooked pork chop dinner. Chicken or turkey makes an excellent lean protein substitute with these flavors.

25 of 27

Smoky Slider Skewers

Smoky Slider Skewers
Blaine Moats

These ground beef sliders use seven ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen or pantry. The recipe is so basic, but this meal feels like a treat. Whip up this healthy dinner in 30 minutes and serve with corn tortillas.

26 of 27

Grilled Salmon with Leeks and Rosemary-Mustard Butter

Grilled Salmon and Leeks with Rosemary-Mustard Butter
Andy Lyons

If you haven't thought of flavoring butter before, you will now. The rosemary and mustard combination will make your taste buds sing. An added bonus—this meal is packed with heart-healthy salmon for big nutrition.

27 of 27

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Buffalo Chicken Pizzas
Andy Lyons

This pizza is a complete meal from your oven to the table in mere minutes. Its premade ingredients mean all that's left for you to do is assemble and serve. The blue cheese dressing with the chicken takes this entrée from ordinary to extraordinary.

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