The busy holiday season can leave our schedules and appetites a little out of sync. Set yourself up for an easy reset by saving these healthy dinner recipes now and revisiting them after the New Year. Each dish is satisfying and simple, perfect for catching up after the holiday rush and nourishing your body. Save tasty dinner options like our Creamy Skillet Chicken with Apples and our Garlic-Miso Chicken Soup to start 2026 on the right foot.
Creamy Skillet Chicken with Apples
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
This apple-Dijon chicken skillet is a cozy, one-pan dinner that captures the best flavors of fall. Golden seared chicken cutlets are simmered in a creamy Dijon sauce with sweet-tart Honeycrisp apples and caramelized onions, creating a balance of savory depth and gentle sweetness.
Creamy Spaghetti with Brussels Sprouts
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
Here, pasta simmers directly in broth for a starchy, full-bodied base that gets coated in a creamy Asiago sauce with a subtle kick of red pepper. Brussels sprouts and shallots add caramelized sweetness and earthy depth, while fresh basil brightens the final dish. It’s a one-pan dinner that’s perfect for a weeknight meal when the cozy vibes are calling.
Garlic-Miso Chicken Soup
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
This chicken-miso soup is a nourishing bowl that’s fresh and comforting. Sweet carrots, tender chicken and plenty of spinach simmer in a light broth, then get a savory boost from umami-rich white miso stirred in at the end. Ready in under an hour, it’s the kind of recipe that feels good on a chilly evening or anytime you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
White Bean Skillet
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
Sweet onion, tomatoes and garlic form a rich, savory base for creamy white beans. A handful of spinach adds freshness and color, and a sprinkle of Parmesan ties everything together with salty richness. Served alongside toasted whole-wheat baguette slices for dipping, it’s a fast, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend supper.
Lemon-Turmeric Cabbage & White Bean Soup
Photographer: Ali Redmond.
This cozy soup combines tender cabbage and creamy cannellini beans with aromatic spices. A splash of lemon juice brightens every spoonful. It’s light yet satisfying and easy enough for a weeknight.
Maple-Miso Chicken Thighs, Brussels Sprouts & Spaghetti Squash
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
Roasted spaghetti squash gets tossed with a maple-miso glaze that clings to each strand, creating a noodle-like base that’s topped with juicy chicken thighs and caramelized Brussels sprouts that are roasted alongside. This sheet-pan wonder delivers cozy comfort with a fall, veggie-forward feel.
Chickpea Casserole with Spinach & Feta
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
This cozy casserole combines tender spinach, chickpeas and brown rice with a touch of cream cheese and tangy feta. Fresh dill, nutmeg and lemon juice brighten the flavors, while a hint of red pepper adds gentle heat. Baked until bubbling and topped with lemon zest, it’s a comforting and vibrant dish.
High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
This creamy, flavor-packed skillet meal balances protein with tender veggies and pasta. A finishing drizzle of balsamic and a sprinkle of chives add brightness, making each bite delicious.
Baked Lemon-Pepper Salmon
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
This baked lemon-pepper salmon is a bright, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Baking the salmon on a bed of fresh lemon slices infuses it with citrusy flavor while keeping the fillets moist and tender. A simple seasoning of lemon-pepper, garlic and salt delivers a bold taste with minimal effort. Pair it with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad or fluffy brown rice for a complete meal.
Sun-Dried Tomato & Kale Pasta Bake
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
This pasta bake combines whole-wheat rotini and tender kale tossed in a creamy, lightly spiced sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes and garlic add even more flavor, along with a sprinkle of mozzarella.
High-Protein Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli
Ali Redmond
Fresh, fast and full of flavor, this sheet-pan salmon with broccoli is a healthy weeknight winner. A zesty mix of lemon, garlic and olive oil brings brightness to both the tender salmon and the roasted broccoli.
Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
This cozy, one-pot meal has all the flavors of a classic baked potato with a fresh, hearty twist. Tender potatoes, rotisserie chicken and broccoli simmer into a creamy base. Cheddar and sour cream give it that signature “loaded” flavor, along with a finishing touch of crispy bacon and scallions.
Chicken Fajita Quinoa Bowl
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
These quinoa bowls feature chicken thighs, bell peppers and onions coated in a bold spice blend. Fluffy quinoa, brightened with cilantro and lime, forms a hearty base and a creamy, spiced yogurt sauce ties everything together.
Creamy Chickpea Soup
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
This creamy chickpea soup comes together in just 20 minutes. Cream cheese adds a velvety texture that feels cozy and comforting. Garnished with cilantro and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s a one-pot meal that’s weeknight-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
High-Protein Lemon Chicken & Rice Skillet
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
This savory dish comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Juicy chicken breast, brown rice and Parmesan cheese deliver a hearty boost of protein and fiber to keep you full and energized.
Marry Me Tortellini
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Pheobe Hausser, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.
This Marry Me Tortellini is a quick and creamy pasta dish inspired by the viral “Marry Me” chicken recipe known for its sun-dried tomato sauce. Cheese tortellini are simmered right in the skillet in a brothy mix of tomatoes, shallots and garlic finished with cream.
One-Pan Chicken Florentine
Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist Natalie Ghazali, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth.
Classic chicken Florentine—creamy spinach served alongside sautéed chicken—is a fast and easy meal. This dish is simple enough for weekdays but also elegant enough for a dinner party.
Marry Me White Bean Soup
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
Here, the flavors of Marry Me Chicken (sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream and Parmesan) are transformed into a hearty, soul-warming vegetarian soup. Finished with basil and extra cheese, it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing and sure to win hearts at the table.
Rotisserie Chicken, Mushroom & Rice Casserole
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Pheobe Hausser, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.
Tender shredded rotisserie chicken is combined with earthy mushrooms, rice and a creamy sauce that brings everything together. A layer of melted cheese on top adds a golden, bubbly finish.
Salmon with Mango Salsa
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
This vibrant meal is bursting with freshness from the antioxidant-packed mango salsa, and we elevated brown rice with coconut milk to pair with the smoky, flaky salmon.
Guingambó Guisado (Okra Stew)
Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth
This okra stew is a Puerto Rican dish that showcases tender okra simmered in Spanish-style tomato sauce, onions, peppers, garlic and spices. The slow cooking allows the okra to release its natural thickening power, creating a silky, flavorful sauce that’s served over a bed of fluffy white rice, which soaks up the rich broth in every bite.
Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchilada Skillet
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Josh Hoggle.
Tender cubes of butternut squash and hearty black beans are simmered in green enchilada sauce, with tortilla strips stirred in. A layer of melted cheese ties everything together for a satisfying, vegetarian-friendly dish.
Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
This cozy dish will remind you of broccoli-Cheddar soup, but in a convenient skillet. Tender butter beans add creaminess and plant-based protein, making the dish filling enough for a main course. Broccoli florets bring color, while sharp Cheddar cheese melts in for that classic flavor.
High-Fiber Vegetable Stew
Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali.
This vegetable stew is a cozy dish for two that highlights the best of late-summer, early-fall produce. Simmered with warm spices and a savory broth, it’s delicious served with warm naan on the side for dipping.
