If you want to get dinner on the table quick, then turn to this meal plan all month long.
27 Quick Dinners for January
Updated on Jan. 30, 2024
Day 1: Caribbean Shrimp Bowl
After switching to a paleo diet a few years ago, we have started eating tons of veggies for almost every meal—yes, even breakfast. We’ve gotten used to swapping in cauliflower, broccoli and kale in place of carbs like rice or potatoes. This bowl is literally chock-full of veggies and has tons of Caribbean-inspired flavor! Plus, it is so simple to make and uses one skillet! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Goes Great with: Caribbean Chips with Apricot Salsa
1/27
2/27
Day 2: One-Pot Sausage and Basil Pasta
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s nothing better than coming home and putting dinner on the table in 30 minutes. It’s easy to add different kinds of sausage or seasonings to make this sausage and basil pasta your own. —Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 332 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 862mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
3/27
Day 3: Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this smooth, creamy soup when company comes to visit. Its zippy flavor is full of southwestern flair. My family enjoys dipping slices of homemade bread in this chowder to soak up every bite! —Susan Garoutte, Georgetown, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 368 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 753mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
4/27
Day 4: One-Pot Dinner
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family always comes back for seconds when this nicely seasoned skillet supper is on the table. —Bonnie Morrow, Spencerport, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 263 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 17g protein.
5/27
Day 6: Waffle-Iron Pizzas
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These little pizza pockets are a fun mashup using a waffle iron. Try adding your favorite toppings or even a few breakfast fillings, such as ham and eggs. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza (calculated without sauce): 461 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 1650mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
6/27
Day 7: Pressure-Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Melt-in-your-mouth delicious! For this steak and cheese recipe, I like to saute extra onions and green pepper just until they are al dente to add to the top of the meat before melting the cheese. —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 547 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 1381mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 51g protein.
7/27
Day 8: Tacos on a Stick
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids like assembling these creative kabobs almost as much as they like devouring them. The whole family is sure to love the sensational southwestern flavor of this twist on the classic beef shish kabobs. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 277 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
8/27
Day 9: Vegetarian Skillet Enchiladas
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether served for meatless Monday or your family’s everyday vegetarian meal, these unconventional vegetarian skillet enchiladas will satisfy everyone. Garnish with the optional toppings or other favorites like tortilla chips and extra shredded cheese. —Susan Court, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 307 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
9/27
Day 10: Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. Plus, the sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon flavor. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked salmon with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 418 calories, 33g fat (11g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
10/27
Day 11: Mughali Chicken
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy cooking for my family and try to incorporate healthy new foods into our menus. This authentic Indian dish is a favorite. —Aruna Kancharla, Bentonville, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 367 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
11/27
Day 13: Cheeseburger Quesadillas
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created these fun cheeseburger-quesadilla mashups in honor of my family's two favorite foods. They are so yummy and easy to make! —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla with about 1/4 cup sauce: 1002 calories, 60g fat (17g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 2115mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 39g protein.
12/27
Day 14: Air-Fryer Chicken Taco Pockets
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love these easy taco-flavored sandwiches made with crescent dough. They make a quick and easy lunch or supper with a bowl of soup or a crisp salad. I also like to cut them into smaller servings for parties. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 pocket: 393 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein.
13/27
Day 15: Bacon Cheeseburger Rice
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I thought the original skillet dish lacked pizazz, so we created this tastier version. I've had teenage nieces and nephews request the recipe after their first bite. —Joyce Whipps, West Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 579 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 995mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
14/27
Day 16: Stir-Fried Shrimp and Mushrooms
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After a tiring but beautiful day of fishing, this is a fast and delicious way to serve our famous Key West pink shrimp. It's always a big hit with guests. —Jeanne Wolfort, Summerland Key, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 132 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 258mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
15/27
Day 17: Broccoli Chowder
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sue Call of Beech Grove, Indiana serves this comforting soup on chilly stay-at-home evenings. Nutmeg seasons the light creamy broth that's chock-full of tender broccoli florets and diced potatoes.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 200 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
16/27
Day 18: Almond-Topped Fish
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A co-worker gave me this recipe, but I didn't try it until recently. What a mistake it was to wait! It's easier than dipping, coating and frying—and the flavor is outstanding. Once you've tried this tender fish, you'll never go back to fried. —Heidi Kirsch, Waterloo, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 220 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat.
17/27
Day 19: Chicken with Rosemary Butter Sauce
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You’ll love the mellow sauce! —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 411 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 158mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein.
18/27
Day 20: Beef 'n' Biscuit Bake
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is quick, easy and satisfying. With its beef and corn combo, it's cozy cuisine at its best! —Erin Schneider, St. Peters, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 439 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 1180mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
19/27
Day 21: Ground Beef Stroganoff
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
MY mother-in-law gave me this recipe 25 years ago. It’s been a staple in my meal planning ever since because it’s easy and takes little time to prepare.
I usually serve it with green beans or another vegetable and a salad.
-Marjorie Kriegh, Nampa, Idaho
I usually serve it with green beans or another vegetable and a salad.
-Marjorie Kriegh, Nampa, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 351 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
20/27
Day 22: Hurry-Up Ham N Noodles
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich-tasting dish is ready to serve in almost the time it takes to cook the noodles. I've made it for luncheons and potlucks, but mostly I make it on days when I'm in a hurry to get something on the table. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 619 calories, 43g fat (25g saturated fat), 193mg cholesterol, 1154mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
21/27
Day 23: Chili-ghetti
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe when unexpected guests stopped by and I didn't have enough chili to go around. This spur-of-the-moment main dish is now a family favorite. —Cindy Cuykendall, Skaneateles, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 374 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein.
22/27
Day 25: Apples 'n' Onion Topped Chops
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Now that my husband and I are trying to lose weight, I find it a challenge to come up with healthy dishes that are flavorful, quick and appealing to us and our young daughter. This one fits the bill on all counts. —Beverly McLain, Endicott, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 326 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
23/27
Day 26: Quick and Easy Chicken Poke Bowl
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken poke bowl is a great alternative when sushi-grade fish isn’t in the budget. I love it because it’s quick, easy and inexpensive. While it’s not a traditional poke recipe, the chicken still rocks in this bowl. —Emily Cresta, Oxford, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 bowl: 539 calories, 26g fat (5g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
24/27
Day 27: Pork Chops 'n' Pierogi
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The Polish dumplings are traditionally served as a meal, with applesauce or sour cream. This meal in one is a different way to use pierogi. —Greta Igl, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 730 calories, 33g fat (18g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 1207mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 5g fiber), 36g protein.
25/27
Day 29: Orzo Shrimp Stew
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I really enjoy seafood, so I don’t skimp on shrimp in this mildly seasoned stew. We also adore the broccoli, tomatoes and pasta. —Lisa Stinger, Hamilton, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 387 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 875mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
26/27
Day 30: Bean Counter Chowder
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty chowder is one of our favorite vegetarian dishes. Loaded with beans, noodles and bright herbs, it's so comforting on a chilly day. —Vivian Haen, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 196 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 676mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
27/27
Day 31: Teriyaki Glazed Chicken
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to experiment with food. We’re able to buy sweet onions grown on Maui, so I stir-fry them with chicken and carrots for a tasty teriyaki meal. —Kelly Brenneman, Riverdale, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1922mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
