I recorded a fun, mama-themed podcast with Danie at Catch This Mama a couple weeks ago and during the interview we agreed that lack of time is one of the biggest challenges we both face as parents. For every one thing we cross off our to-do list, it feels like five more get added on. But this phenomenon doesn’t just apply to parents, right? We are ALL chasing the nonexistent 25th hour/8th day of the week to fit everything in. And that totally includes finding time to veg out and watch trashy reality television on Bravo, ie ME TIME.
On a related note, Southern Charm is coming back next week and I can hardly contain my excitement!! ??
Anyway, whether you’re a busy parent, busy professional, busy student – heck, I know some people that are all three! – we can all agree that time feels tight more often than not, and at the end of the day a big elaborate meal just isn’t going to happen. By all means, let’s slow down and enjoy the process of making homemade pizzas on Friday night, fire up the grill for sizzling steaks on Saturday, and simmer a slow-cooked stew on Sunday. But Monday-Thursday? Just get that ish on the table!
Trust me, I know it’s tempting to grab takeout from the fast casual dining establishment of your choice when time is tight (our local Chipotle starts making my bowl as soon as they see me walking in #regular,) but cooking at home when you’re short on time is definitely still an option, as proven by these 10 gluten-free recipes that can be made in 20 minutes or less.
I’ll keep it real, a lot of times at my house 20 minute meals look like grilled cheeses (I just started making them for Lincoln using vegan cheese and he is OBSESSED. Keeps asking for “crunchy sandwiches” for dinner ?) or spaghetti, but they can be so much more exciting! Think fresh and flavorful spiralized recipes, cheesy saucepan rice casseroles, and healthy comfort food. All on the list, my friend!
If you’re feeling crunched for time during the week, but still crave something homemade and delicious, dig into any of these yummy, 20 minute meals!
20 Minute Sausage, Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Pasta
“I made this last night and we loved it! So simple and quick to make. My husband and 1 year old daughter both ate it too! I think it would be good with mushrooms in it too!”
20 Minute Greek Zoodles
“I made this the other night and it was fantastic! My 3 year old loved helping spiralize the zucchini. We are looking forward to having this again!”
Herb and Caper Crusted Salmon
“Made this tonight and it was AMAZING. The flavors work so well together and it was so simple!”
5 Ingredient Cheesy Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice
“This recipe was delicious! Both boys (age 12) liked and husband raved! Looks like we have a new dish in rotation. I love your blog and like trying your recipes. Thanks so much for sharing.”
Cauliflower Fried Rice
“LOVE THIS RECIPE!!!! So simple to throw together and you don’t feel guilty eating a huge bowl of it! :) Thank you mas!!”
Salmon Provencal
“I don’t eat much seafood, but I am trying to branch out. If you are on the fence, MAKE THIS DISH! Loved it! I made it with cauliflower rice and it was outstanding. Now to try the rest of your salmon recipes.”
Avocado, Mozzarella and Bruschetta Chicken
“We just had this for supper and it was AMAZING! I picked up the bruschetta and fresh mozzarella the other day at TJ ‘s – thanks for the tip. Tasted like summer, which is a very happy thing. “
Skinny Shrimp Piccata with Zoodles
“This was SOO good – a hit with the whole family! I can’t believe how much flavor it had and how easy it was. I loved the tip on the zoodles as well to keep them from getting soggy. Your recipes are awesome! Easy, healthy and so much flavor.”
5 Ingredient BBQ, Avocado, Bacon and Cheddar Chicken
“Wow. You weren’t kidding. This came together SO fast, was SO easy, and was SOOOO delicious. It’s going in the regular rotation for sure. We ate it with a side salad- a perfect weeknight meal.”
Homemade Cheeseburger Helper
“I pinned this a while ago and just tried it. We loved it! I haven’t had HH in over a decade but hubby thought it tasted spot on! Thank you for coming up with a healthier recipe for one of his childhood faves where every ingredient is able to be pronounced! And it was ready in the 20 minutes as promised.”
[…] I found this recipe on Iowa girl eats […]
[…] The Recipe can be found HERE […]
What brand of vegan cheese do you use? And where do you find it?
We use Daiya and you can normally find it in the “health food” section of the grocery store’s refrigerator case.
Great list! Thanks for sharing
These sound delicious – thank you!! I’m curious what kind of vegan cheese you use for the grilled cheese sandwiches? Looking for a good one!
We just use Daiya!
The herb and caper salmon (along with the dill mashed potatoes!) are a weeknight go-to at my house!
Oh I’m so glad to hear that!!
I just made the shrimp piccata this wknd. It’s on our regular rotation. SO quick & easy & YUMMY! Your site is my go-to for quick & easy & yummy. ;) Can’t wait to try a few of these others. I don’t know how the balsamic bruchetta chicken made it past my radar!
Awesome!! I have some shrimp in the freezer and zucchini in the fridge that are Shrimp Piccata-bound this weekend too. ;)
One of my fav, easy and fast gluten free meals is the tube of polenta from trader joes, sliced into rounds, topped with trader joes chicken sausage that’s been pan fried and then their tomato sauce and sprinkled with goat cheese. It’s filling, delicious, fast, gluten free, and pretty affordable too!
Whoa! Chicken Sausage Polenta Pizza. Genius Alexa!
Umm YUM!!! Love this easy idea – sounds so, so good!
Hey Iowa Girl,
Don’t know if other readers have suggested it but Trader Joe’s sells bagged fresh riced cauliflower that is great to cook with. My wife & I love it. Just don’t freeze it. It’s a mess if you do.
Charlie
I’ve heard that before and will definitely have to pick up a bag to give it a try myself. Thanks so much for the tip!
FYI: use the fresh riced cauliflower immediately after buying it. Let’s just say you don’t want that smell anywhere near you.
We LOVE your 20 Minute Sausage, Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Pasta recipe!! I’ve made it 4 times now – and actually I made it last night! It was the first meal I “cooked” since having my son 3 weeks ago. It’s such an easy dish to make and it tastes so good! I usually use whole what pasta and sub sausage for ground turkey. Turns out amazing! I’ll have to give the other recipes on this list a shot. It was great being able to prepare and eat this meal all while my little guy was napping.
Oh I’m so glad to hear it, Robyn!! And a thousand congrats to you on your new little guy!!
OOOOooh! So many simple and delish recipes to try. Thank you so much for the inspo!
This is just what I’m looking for right now! Out little guy is just starting solids so one of my major goals for April is to get back into the habit of making real family dinners. These look so good and manageable, thank you!
I’m so glad it will be helpful to you! We just started oatmeal with Cameron – can’t wait until we can move onto finger foods! :)