33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (2023)

Chicken cutlets with dried tomato sauce

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (1)

We've rounded up 33 of our favorite recipes for when you're short on time and money. These easy, inexpensive, and great-value meals are packed with vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, and all take 20 minutes or less to reach your plate. Inexpensive staples like beans, pasta, and frozen vegetables also help make them more affordable. Recipes like Crispy Gnocchi Macaroni with Tomato and Leek and One Pot Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower and Brussel Sprouts are so delicious they will satisfy everyone at your table.

Start slideshow

1Von33

Chicken cutlets with dried tomato sauce

Chicken cutlets with dried tomato sauce

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (2)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

Although a chicken cutlet can be a chicken breast cut in half, this recipe will show you how to make chicken cutlets that taste twice as good. A jar of sun-dried tomatoes works just like this healthy dinner recipe. The flavorful oil they're packed in is used to sauté the chicken, and the tomatoes go in the creamy sauce. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November 2019

1Von33

Notice

Notice

2Von33

Ravioli al pesto with spinach and tomatoes

Pesto Ravioli Bread with Spinach and Tomatoes

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (3)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

Looking for a new way to turn a package of frozen cheese ravioli into a hearty and healthy dinner? This simple pasta recipe only requires five ingredients, but it's bursting with fresh flavors. By using grape tomatoes, pre-washed spinach, and prepared pesto, we take all the prep work out, making these 15-minute Caprese-inspired ravioli the ideal weeknight meal. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2019

2Von33

3Von33

fried shrimp

fried shrimp

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (4)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

Shrimp scampi is a favorite at many Italian restaurants, but our version only takes 20 minutes to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner at home. Large prawns are simmered in garlic then served over linguini pasta in a butter wine sauce. It's so good your family might think you ordered takeout! Source: Diabetic Life Magazine

3Von33

Notice

4Von33

Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry

5694953.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (5)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

To make this 20-minute vegan curry even faster, buy pre-cut lettuce leaves at the grocery store. For a complete and hearty dinner, serve with cooked brown rice. When shopping for cooking sauce, look for one with 400 mg of sodium or less, and check the ingredients list for cream or fish sauce if you want to keep it vegan. If you like a touch of heat, add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce at the end. Source: EatingWell.com, August 2018

4Von33

5Von33

salmon stuffed avocado

salmon stuffed avocado

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (6)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

A valuable pantry staple, canned salmon is a convenient way to add heart-healthy omega-3 rich fish to your diet. Here we pair it with avocados for an easy no-bake meal. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Spring 2019

5Von33

6Von33

Spaghetti and chicken meatballs with no-cook tomato sauce

6608286.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (7)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

This easy and delicious dinner recipe only takes 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weekend nights! When tomatoes are their best, all it takes is a quick chop and a few ingredients to make spaghetti sauce in minutes. Store-bought chicken meatballs bring the low-effort theme to the table. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

6Von33

Notice

Notice

Notice

(Video) I Made 13 Meals In Under 30 Minutes For 2 People On A $30 Budget | Delish

7Von33

Rainbow Vegetable Wraps

6538898.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (8)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

Filled with veggies, cheese, and hummus, then rolled and sliced, these kid-friendly wraps definitely have a sushi vibe. Serve them with store-bought Green Goddess, a creamy, herb-packed sauce for easy downing. They look impressive, but are easy enough for kids to make a simple lunch or dinner. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2019

7Von33

8Von33

Tortilla with goat cheese and fresh herbs

6437124.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (9)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

The secret to this simple tortilla recipe is choosing a good goat cheese. Fortunately, most supermarkets stock excellent Chevre: Vermont Creamery and Laura Chenel are easy varieties to find. If you have access to fancy local options, pick them up for this quick breakfast recipe. Along with goat cheese, eggs, and herbs, you only need a few ingredients and 20 minutes to make one of the best omelettes you can make. Source: EatingWell Magazine, April 2019

9Von33

Easy Spicy Salmon Cakes

7124998.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (10)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

Do you want to make a simple dinner recipe more interesting? Five-Spice can be your new best friend. What is five spice powder? A blend of these five spices: cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Sichuan pepper. (There are regional recipes in China that include more spices, such as white pepper, nutmeg, and orange zest.) It adds a distinctly warm flavor to these hearty salmon cakes. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November 2019

9Von33

Notice

Notice

Notice

10Von33

Spring pasta with zucchini

Spring pasta with zucchini

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (11)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

This spring recipe cuts carbs by swapping out the pasta for zucchini "noodles." This quick vegetarian dinner is bursting with colorful vegetables covered in a light and creamy sauce. We like to use prepackaged spiralized zucchini pasta to make this super quick recipe, but if you have a spiralizer and zucchini on hand, you can easily make your own. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2020

10Von33

11Von33

Sautéed mushrooms and tofu

7254998.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (12)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

This vegetarian tofu stir fry is quick and easy and makes a great weeknight meal. Grilled tofu has a firm, flavorful texture that becomes very crispy in a hot pan. You can find it in flavors like teriyaki and sesame, both of which are delicious here. Or opt for a smoked version, which has the same texture with a stronger flavor. Serve with brown rice. Source: EatingWell Magazine, December 2019

11Von33

12Von33

Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (13)

Photo Credit: Jasmine Comer

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

This easy Inside Out Ravioli Lasagna is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—no layers or mixing bowls required. Feel free to swap the ground turkey for beef. Look for fresh mozzarella balls (also known as "pearls") in the specialty cheese section of your grocery store. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2019

12Von33

Notice

Notice

Notice

13Von33

Crispy gnocchi pasta with tomato and leeks

7010804.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (14)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

(Video) 10 Minute Recipes | Gordon Ramsay

These gnocchi are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside because you fry them in hot oil. They also leave a bit of broth (crispy golden bits) in the pan that adds a toasty flavor to the tomato leek sauce cooking in the same pan. Because this easy gnocchi recipe calls for store-bought shelf-stable gnocchi, it's quick to make—just 20 minutes, start to finish. Opt for whole grain gnocchi for an extra 2 grams of fiber per serving compared to white gnocchi. This easy and healthy dinner is also easy to adapt: ​​see tips for variations using shrimp, pesto instead of butter, and pork chops instead of gnocchi. Source: EatingWell Magazine, October 2019

13Von33

14Von33

Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken

7459542.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (15)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

Looking for a quick and easy dinner? This Lemon Pepper Roast Chicken recipe is just that: chicken breasts are pan-seared and covered in the oven with lemon wedges, which soften and form part of the sauce, with a hint of maple syrup. and butter for flavor. It is so easy and delicious that you will make this healthy dinner again and again. Source: EatingWell.com, December 2019

14Von33

15Von33

Salmon tacos with pineapple sauce

5691772.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (16)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

An easy to make salad served alongside these salmon tacos makes for a quick weeknight dinner. If you prefer more heat with these fish tacos, simply add a pinch or two of chipotle chili powder or cayenne pepper with the chili powder. Source: EatingWell.com, August 2018

15Von33

Notice

Notice

Notice

sixteenVon33

Fried Pork Chops with Peas, Carrots and Pearl Onions

6960155.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (17)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

Packed with classic flavor, this super-quick one-dish dinner is so crowd-pleasing that you'll want to add it to your regular weeknight dinner rotation. We ordered bone-in pork chops to maximize flavor, but boneless pork chops are a good substitute. To finish this meal off a bit, serve it with rice or mashed potatoes. Source: EatingWell.com, October 2019

sixteenVon33

17Von33

One Pot Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts

6895189.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (18)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

Taking a minute to sauté some garlic in olive oil is an easy way to make the cheese sauce for these easy homemade mac and cheese, and the flavor pairs well with cauliflower and Brussels sprouts in this family-friendly pasta dish. . This recipe is for you to make a large batch of cheese sauce to use in various dishes – mix it with pasta and vegetables to make those one-pot pasta dinners and use it later in the week for a Beef Cheese Enchilada Casserole with cheese (see Related Recipes). Or simply serve it over your favorite steamed vegetables for an easy side dish. If you prefer to make enough sauce for this pasta, simply halve the amount of sauce. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September 2019

17Von33

18Von33

Two-Topping Margherita Pizza

5466672.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (19)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

You won't believe how quick and easy this healthy pizza is to make. No fermentation time is required thanks to a two-ingredient dough that combines self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. Simply roll, cover and bake and a delicious dinner will be on the table in less than half an hour. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2018

18Von33

Notice

Notice

Notice

19Von33

Crispy Chicken Mango Salad

Green salad closeup photo

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (20)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

This Asian-inspired evening salad has an incredible crunch thanks to the snap peas and bok choy. Give the sauce a touch of heat by adding some sambal oelek, an Indonesian spicy sauce that you can find in most large supermarkets and Asian grocery stores. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2018

19Von33

20Von33

Cheese Quesadillas with Peppers and Onions

5172226.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (21)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

These 15-minute quesadillas go a little beyond the basics with the addition of sautéed bell peppers and onions. Have children fill them with ingredients at the table. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2018

(Video) QUICK DINNER IDEAS | LOW BUDGET DINNERS | QUICK AND EASY MEALS | LOW SPEND MEALS

20Von33

21Von33

Creamy spinach noodles

7671174.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (22)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

This might just be one of the creamiest light pasta dishes you'll ever taste! Mascarpone adds an unexpected richness to spinach pasta, especially in a healthy pasta recipe.

21Von33

Notice

Notice

Notice

22Von33

Lemon Garlic Pasta with Salmon

7124995.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (23)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

Want to know what to do with leftover salmon? This is a delicious and easy way to make it another quick weeknight dinner. Don't forget to save some water for the pasta – the starch binds the lemon-garlic sauce together and makes it silky smooth.

22Von33

23Von33

Lentil curry with cauliflower rice

Lentil curry with cauliflower rice

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (24)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

Combine pre-cooked lentils (usually found in the produce section of your supermarket) with an Indian-style cooking sauce for a super quick and delicious curry. Serving over cauliflower and rice increases the vegetable count and keeps carb portions in check. This 3-ingredient dinner (no salt, pepper, and oil) really is as easy as it sounds. To be careful with salt, look for cooking sauces with less than or close to 350 mg of sodium per ¼-cup serving.

23Von33

24Von33

Molletes (Mexican bean and cheese sandwiches)

Pastel

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (25)

Credit: Ali Redmond

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

These healthy sandwiches are quick to make and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are usually made with refried beans; here we use black bean puree with cumin and oregano for a similar effect.

24Von33

Notice

Notice

Notice

25Von33

3 Ingredient Sweet Potatoes and Shredded Brussel Sprouts with Chicken Sausage

3 Ingredient Sweet Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts with Apple Chicken Sausage

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (26)

Photo credit: Carolyn A. Hodges, R.D.

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

Apple-flavored chicken sausage adds flavor and protein to this quick dinner that uses a bag of shredded Brussels sprouts as a healthy, high-fiber base. Microwaving diced sweet potatoes reduces overall cooking time.

25Von33

26Von33

Spinach Artichoke Sausage Cauliflower Gnocchi

6249492.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (27)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

This hearty and flavorful cauliflower gnocchi dinner includes several healthy and convenient ingredients, like turkey sausage and tender artichoke hearts, to get dinner on your table fast.

26Von33

27Von33

Balsamic mushroom and spinach pasta 20 minutes

Balsamic mushroom and spinach pasta 20 minutes

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (28)

Photo credit: Antonis Achilleos

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

(Video) 2 Mile Walk | At Home Workouts

This 20-minute vegetarian pasta dish is super flavorful thanks to meaty mushrooms, while the natural sweetness of balsamic vinegar, basil, and pistachios brighten up this quick and healthy vegetarian dinner.

27Von33

Notice

Notice

Notice

28Von33

Grilled pork and smoked gouda quesadillas

7664157.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (29)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

These stuffed quesadillas get smoky flavor from the cheese and pork, sweetness from the sauce, and a crisp crunch from the red onions. Pickled jalapenos add a twist and heat to a typical grilled pickle sandwich.

28Von33

29Von33

Black beans, rice and fried egg

Recipe photo with black beans, rice and fried egg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (30)

Photo Credit: Sarah Haas

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

Using leftover cooked brown rice is a great and easy way to get breakfast on the table quickly. To speed things up, we used canned beans and baby spinach, which require no prep. A splash of hot sauce ties it all together.

29Von33

30Von33

Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup with Boiled Eggs

Homemade Chicken Ramen Noodle Bowls

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (31)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

Transform canned chicken noodle soup by adding fresh ginger, crispy greens, herbs, and a soft-boiled egg with jam. Look for a low sodium soup with 450 mg of sodium or less per serving.

30Von33

Notice

Notice

Notice

31Von33

Sandwich with chickpea salad

Sandwich with chickpea salad

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (32)

Photo credits: photography/Caitlin Bensel, food design/Ruth Blackburn

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

This vegan chickpea salad sandwich is lemony, light, and surprisingly delicious. It has all the flavors of a classic tuna salad sandwich (dill, lemon, and a little garlic), but with chickpeas for an added vegan protein source and a healthy fiber boost. The celery brings a nice crunch.

31Von33

32Von33

BBQ Chicken Bowls

7671167.jpg

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (33)

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

These BBQ Chicken Bowls are perfect for weeknight dinners. They're ready in just 15 minutes and packed with the classic barbecue flavors you love, including spicy beans, coleslaw, and potatoes.

32Von33

33Von33

Peanut zoodles and edamame

3 Ing Diabetes Peanut Zoodles Edamame

33 Healthy and Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 20 Minutes (34)

Credit: Photo by: Carolyn A. Hodges, R.D.

Look at the recipe. This link will open in a new tab

A package of fresh zucchini noodles is tossed with shelled edamame and store-bought peanut sauce in these 5-Minute No-Bake Vegetable Noodle Bowls. Since prepared sauces and dressings are often high in sodium, check the label and opt for those that contain 150 mg of sodium or less per tablespoon.

33Von33

Notice

Notice

Notice

game gallery

(Video) 33 Kitchen Hacks That Are Borderline Genius

follow

Videos

1. 5 MIN WARM UP FOR AT HOME WORKOUTS (No Jumping)
(MadFit)
2. Clean Eating For Beginners | Never "diet" again
(Green Healthy Cooking)
3. I Made 8 Dinners For Two People On A $15 Budget (In NYC!)
(Delish)
4. Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe | On the table in 20 minutes!
(Kitchen Sanctuary)
5. How are earthquake survivors coping with the trauma?
(TRT World)
6. 2 Mile Walk - from the 4 Mile Power Walk Workout!
(Walk at Home)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tish Haag

Last Updated: 09/09/2023

Views: 6070

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tish Haag

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 30256 Tara Expressway, Kutchburgh, VT 92892-0078

Phone: +4215847628708

Job: Internal Consulting Engineer

Hobby: Roller skating, Roller skating, Kayaking, Flying, Graffiti, Ghost hunting, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Tish Haag, I am a excited, delightful, curious, beautiful, agreeable, enchanting, fancy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.