Eat well all month long. Each of these tasty mains can be made in 30 minutes—or less!
28 Quick Dinners to Make in February
Updated on Feb. 24, 2023
Day 1: Penne alla Vodka
This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I have new friends over for dinner. Years later, they’ve asked me to make this penne alla vodka recipe again. —Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas
1/27
2/27
Day 2: Pear 'n' Fennel Pork
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh fennel has a large bulbous base and pale green stems with wispy foliage. Often mislabeled as sweet anise, it has a sweeter and more delicate flavor than anise. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 431 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
3/27
Easy Salisbury Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup create the speedy simmered sauce that covers these ground beef patties. The family-pleasing entree is perfect for a busy weeknight. —Elouise Bonar of Hanover, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 212 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 599mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
4/27
Hamburger Stew
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this hamburger stew recipe from a woman at our church, Lois Henry, when I needed a way to use up our bounty of home-canned tomatoes. My husband loves it, and I like that it's easy to warm up for a carefree dinner in the winter months. —Marcia Clay, Truman, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
5/27
Thai Chicken Linguine
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I’m feeding a crowd, I multiply this Thai-inspired chicken with pasta and snow peas. The merrymaking begins when everybody digs in, even the kids. —Teri Rumble, Jensen Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 377 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 697mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
6/27
Day 6: Stovetop Meat Loaves
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who says meat loaf has to bake in the oven for hours? For this convenient recipe, all you need is your stovetop and 30 minutes. It’s a quick, simple dish to make for one or two people. —Emily Sund, Geneseo, Illinois.
Nutrition Facts:
1 meat loaf: 292 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
7/27
Day 7: Big Kahuna Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A prebaked pizza crust and refrigerated barbecued pork make this tasty supper idea super fast and super easy. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and it can double as a great last-minute appetizer, too! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 343 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 856mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
8/27
Day 9: Salmon with Tomato-Goat Cheese Couscous
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich with goat cheese and tomato, this recipe works for a weeknight supper or an elegant company dinner—and can be easily adjusted to serve more people. —Toni Roberts, La Canada, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1 cup couscous mixture: 414 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
9/27
Day 10: Saucy Mediterranean Chicken with Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The hints of Mediterranean flavor in this chicken dish make it a family favorite. —Tabitha Alloway, Edna, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 394 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 2 fat.
10/27
Day 11: Breaded Turkey Breasts
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A tasty crumb coating seasoned with Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs gives the turkey slices a delicious flavor. The thin turkey slices take just a few minutes on the stovetop, so be careful not to overcook them. —Rhonda Knight, Hecker, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 cutlets: 303 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 363mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
11/27
Day 12: Easy Chicken Alfredo
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish’s classic sauce is almost as simple as opening up a jar but tastes so much better. The easy chicken Alfredo recipe can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 998 calories, 77g fat (46g saturated fat), 326mg cholesterol, 1015mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
12/27
Day 13: Pizza Potato Toppers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only is this recipe quick and easy to make, but it's an economical treat as well. I don't know of a more satisfying way to stretch a half-pound of meat! —Sheila Friedrich, Antelope, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 486 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 7g fiber), 26g protein.
13/27
Day 14: Basil-Butter Steaks with Roasted Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A few ingredients and 30 minutes are all you’ll need for this incredibly satisfying meal. A simple basil butter gives these steaks a very special taste. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 538 calories, 29g fat (13g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 740mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
14/27
Chicken Parmesan
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband used to order chicken parmigiana at restaurants. Then I found this recipe in our local newspaper, adjusted it for two and began making the beloved dish at home. After more than 50 years of marriage, I still enjoy preparing his favorite recipes. —Iola Butler, Sun City, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 444 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 166mg cholesterol, 1496mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
15/27
Ground Beef Stroganoff
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to lighten my mother-in-law's wonderful recipe and came up with this tasty beef Stroganoff. In our home, we call it special noodles. —Jennifer Riordan, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup beef mixture with 3/4 cup noodles: 333 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
16/27
Day 17: Deviled Chicken Thighs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this dish when I invite my next-door neighbor over for supper. It's just enough for the two of us. The tasty chicken is tender and moist with a bit of crunch from the cashews. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 246 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
17/27
Tomato Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this soup is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. — Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 104 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
18/27
Day 19: Broccoli Beef Braids
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 loaves (4 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Each slice of this fast-to-fix golden bread is like a hot sandwich packed with beef, broccoli and mozzarella. —Penny Lapp, North Royalton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces : 396 calories, 23g fat (6g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
19/27
Skillet Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
20/27
Day 21: Hamburger Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a quick, easy hamburger stir-fry that uses ground meat instead of the traditional beef strips. It has a nice sauce and is different enough to feel like a treat for the taste buds! —Kathi and John Horst, Westfield, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 399 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
21/27
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 428 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
22/27
Day 23: Tangy Beef Turnovers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom’s recipe for these flavorful pockets called for dough to be made from scratch, but I streamlined it by using crescent rolls. My children love them plain or dipped in ketchup — mustard works, too. —Claudia Bodeker, Ash Flat, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
2 turnovers: 634 calories, 35g fat (7g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1426mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
23/27
Day 24: Orange Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves this orange chicken stir-fry, so we have it quite often. I’m delighted with the ingredients as we have six orange trees in our backyard. —Bunny Bronson, Lake Placid, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 277 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 653mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
24/27
Day 25: Peppered Pork with Mushroom Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Using pre-seasoned pork tenderloin gives us flavorful, quick and satisfying meals without a big mess or leftovers. I have used all flavors of pork tenderloin for this recipe. Making the sauce doesn't take much extra time and results are well worth it. —Jolene Roszel, Helena, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with 1/4 cup sauce: 208 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 785mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein.
25/27
Day 26: Hearty Pita Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't need to skimp on flavor when trying to eat healthy. Our 9-year-old daughter enjoys helping us make these tasty tacos, and likes eating them even more. —Jamie Valocchi, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 339 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 787mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
26/27
Day 27: Pasta Fagioli Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys my version of this soup so much that he stopped ordering it at restaurants. He’d rather savor the version we can have at home. It’s so easy to make, yet hearty enough to be a full dinner. —Brenda Thomas, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 228 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
27/27
Day 28: Pretzel-Crusted Catfish
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not a big fish lover, so any concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my books. This combination of flavors just works for me. It's wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with butter and honey. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 610 calories, 31g fat (4g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 1579mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
