Don't spend more time in the kitchen cooking dinner then you have to! Get a hot and healthy meal on the table quickly with any of these 20 minute gluten-free recipes.

Don't spend more time in the kitchen cooking dinner then you have to! Get a hot and healthy meal on the table quickly with any of these 20 minute gluten-free recipes. | iowagirleats.com

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!

plate of sausage brussels sprouts and parmesan pasta with a fork

Sausage, Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Pasta

4.7 from 16 votes
Sausage, Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Pasta will be on the table in just 20 minutes! Savory, satisfying, and simple to make too.
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Greek zoodles piled onto a dinner plate with a fork

Greek Zoodles

5 from 2 votes
Greek Zoodles cook in just 10 minutes and are full of fresh, zesty flavors. Pair this low carb dish with chicken or shrimp healthy dinner.
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Herb and Caper Crusted Salmon

4.3 from 3 votes
Herb and Caper Crusted Salmon is a light and healthy gluten-free dinner that takes just 20 minutes start to finish!
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big scoop of cheesy chicken and rice on a plate topped with green onions

Cheesy Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice

4.7 from 12 votes
Cheesy Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice is a one pan, 20 minute, 5 ingredient gluten-free dinner recipe that is lick your plate delicious! Cheesy and satisfying.
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Creamy summer veggie gnocchi in a skillet

Creamy Summer Veggie Gnocchi Skillet

5 from 4 votes
Creamy Summer Veggie Gnocchi Skillet combines fresh herbs and vegetables with sauteed gnocchi in this easy, gluten free comfort food recipe that's made in just 1 pan.
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bowl of cauliflower fried rice

Cauliflower Fried Rice

4.7 from 22 votes
Cauliflower Fried Rice will trick your tastebuds in the best way possible. This 20 minute low-carb recipe tastes like regular fried rice!
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filet of salmon with provencal sauce over cooked white rice

Salmon Provencal

5 from 4 votes
Salmon Provencal is an easy and mouthwatering restaurant-quality salmon dish. You will lick your plate clean of the sauce!
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mozzarella bruschetta chicken on a plate

Avocado, Mozzarella and Bruschetta Chicken

No ratings yet
Avocado, Mozzarella and Bruschetta Chicken is simple, flavorful and ready in 20 minutes. Fresh, healthy, and fast.
skinny shrimp piccata with zoodles on a plate

Skinny Shrimp Piccata with Zoodles

5 from 5 votes
Skinny Shrimp Piccata with Zoodles is low-carb, gluten-free, and cooks in under 20 minutes in just one skillet. Fresh, light, and delicious!
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bbq bacon avocado cheddar chicken with a salad on a plate

BBQ, Avocado, Bacon and Cheddar Chicken

4.7 from 6 votes
BBQ, Avocado, Bacon and Cheddar Chicken takes just 5 ingredients and 15 minutes to cook. Easy, cheesy, and totally irresistible!
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plate of homemade cheeseburger helper

Homemade Cheeseburger Helper

5 from 10 votes
Homemade Cheeseburger Helper is the healthier, homemade version of boxed Hamburger Helper.
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20 Comments

  1. Rachael says:

    What brand of vegan cheese do you use? And where do you find it?

    1. Kristin says:

      We use Daiya and you can normally find it in the “health food” section of the grocery store’s refrigerator case.

  2. Sara @ Last Night's Feast says:

    Great list! Thanks for sharing

  3. Hayley says:

    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!

    1. Kristin says:

      We just use Daiya!

  4. Holly says:

    The herb and caper salmon (along with the dill mashed potatoes!) are a weeknight go-to at my house!

    1. Kristin says:

      Oh I’m so glad to hear that!!

  5. Julie says:

    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!

    1. Kristin says:

      Awesome!! I have some shrimp in the freezer and zucchini in the fridge that are Shrimp Piccata-bound this weekend too. ;)

  6. Alexa says:

    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!

    1. Charlie says:

      Whoa! Chicken Sausage Polenta Pizza. Genius Alexa!

    2. Kristin says:

      Umm YUM!!! Love this easy idea – sounds so, so good!

  7. Charlie says:

    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

    1. Kristin says:

      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!

    2. Jill says:

      FYI: use the fresh riced cauliflower immediately after buying it. Let’s just say you don’t want that smell anywhere near you.

  8. Robyn says:

    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.

    1. Kristin says:

      Oh I’m so glad to hear it, Robyn!! And a thousand congrats to you on your new little guy!!

  9. Tori//Gringalicious.com says:

    OOOOooh! So many simple and delish recipes to try. Thank you so much for the inspo!

  10. Christina @ montessoriishmom.com says:

    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!

    1. Kristin says:

      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! :)