15 Fast and Easy Dinners for Your Busy Weeknight

You’re running late from work, your kids have this activity or that practice to get to, there’s an evening Zoom meeting to attend and homework to check: sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day—and making dinner is simply not happening.

A busy schedule, however, does not have to derail your weight loss plans. Instead of hitting the drive-thru or calling for take-out, keep a stash of Nutrisystem meals on hand for when you’re pinched for time, or simply too tired to cook.

From classic comfort foods to gourmet dishes, you can choose from a variety of meals that are tasty, perfectly portioned and ready in minutes. Here are 15 fast and easy options for your next crazy-busy night:

1. Chicken Parmesan

An Italian classic made simple—what more could you want from a midweek meal? Well, how about cheese: lots and lots of low-fat mozzarella and tangy Asiago melted and sprinkled over a juicy piece of breaded chicken breast and zesty tomato sauce. But wait, there’s more! All that comfort is nestled on a bed of spaghetti that’s ready for twirling. This delicious Chicken Parmesan dinner is high in protein—mangia it all for 270 calories.

2. Salisbury Steak with Mac and Cheese

Yes, you most certainly can have steak for dinner; it can be smothered in seasoned mushroom gravy, too! You can also dig into side of creamy mac and cheese – and still lose weight. That’s because this hearty, homestyle Salisbury Steak with Mac and Cheese from Nutrisystem contains 22 grams of protein but less than 300 calories. Plus, it’s ready to eat in just about eight minutes.

3. Beef Lo Mein

Leave the takeout menu in your junk drawer—this pan-to-plate Beef Lo Mein dish is made to satisfy your noodle craving for far fewer calories. Tender strips of beef pair with a stir-fry of broccoli, peppers, snap peas and mushrooms; a smart-sized portion of Lo Mein noodles; and a mix of soy sauce and sesame oil for full Asian-style flavor. To prep, simply thaw, toss in a skillet to heat, and eat. We’re willing to bet waiting for delivery takes longer.

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4. Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

This is a Nutrisystem fan favorite for good reason: the combo of broccoli and creamy cheddar cheese sauce stuffed into a tender roasted chicken breast creates a winner, winner chicken dinner that totally tastes like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant. A blend of rosemary seasoning adds an extra pop of savory flavor. Our Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is high in protein, so you may not even be hungry for dessert.

5. Grain-Crusted Pollock with Vegetables

Seafood lovers, rejoice! You get all of the deliciousness of clean, cold-water Alaskan pollock inside a crispy crust of 10 different grains—including amaranth, quinoa and sorghum—for none of the work. Alongside this flaky Grain-Crusted Pollock is a pile broccoli and carrots, mixed with some roasted red-skin potatoes, to provide a combo of protein and fiber that will help you feel full and energized.

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6. Roasted Turkey Medallions

It’s got all the makings of your favorite day-after-Thanksgiving dinner: tender, Roasted Turkey Medallions are served with yummy gravy and side of creamy mashed potatoes. But because it’s ready in only five microwave minutes—or 40 in the oven—you can enjoy this dish of comfort anytime of the year, on any day of the week.

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7. Merlot Beef with Root Vegetables

It has the flavor of a slow-simmered meal, and will keep you feeling full—but this dinner only takes 10 minutes and a skillet to make. In our Merlot Beef with Root Vegetables, chunks of thick-cut beef are mixed with a medley of white and sweet potatoes, carrots and onions that are seasoned with rosemary and warmed in a real red-wine reduction.

8. Bourbon-Style Chicken

Your go-to order from that neighborhood restaurant chain is made weight loss-friendly with this Bourbon-Style Chicken dinner. It’s got seasoned chicken, roasted potatoes and crisp vegetables all covered and coated in a sweet and tangy bourbon-style sauce for all the flavor you crave, without any of the guilt. Enjoy this chicken dish for 360 calories.

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9. Mediterranean Flatbread

Close your eyes and take a bite: one taste of this fresh and tasty flatbread will transport you from your kitchen table to a coast-side bistro in the Mediterranean. But don’t eat it all without looking—layers of red ripe tomatoes, savory black olives and creamy white feta on top of a quinoa crust creates a beautifully simple, yet very sophisticated dish. Bake our Mediterranean Flatbread for 12 minutes, let it site for two more, and then top with a handful or peppery arugula for an extra dose of color and serving of veg, if you wish.

10. Sesame Beef and Broccoli with Brown Rice

When you’re craving Asian cuisine, all you need is a set of chopsticks and five minutes in the microwave to enjoy the classic flavors in Sesame Beef and Broccoli with Brown Rice. The meat is tender, the greens crisp, the rice brown and full of filling fiber, and the sweet and tangy sauce tastes just takeout, but for a fraction of calories.

11. Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Buon appetito! There’s nothing more classic Italian than a plate of tasty meatballs swimming in zesty tomato sauce. Enjoy it as is for just 160 calories, or serve our Meatballs in Marinara Sauce as a hero in a soft whole grain roll for a savory meal your whole family will love.

12. Meatloaf with Potatoes and Veggies

Indulge in a classic meatloaf crafted with real beef and pork, topped with our delicious tomato sauce. Served alongside roasted potatoes, fresh green beans, carrots, peas, and corn, this comforting meal is one to savor! Great for a hearty dinner experience.

13. Bistro-Style Toasted Ravioli

Nothing about “toasted ravioli” sounds like a mid-week meal. However, with this ready-made dinner from Nutrisystem, you can have your four-cheese stuffed pasta shells on Monday and Wednesday, if you wish. The mix of ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella pairs perfectly with the crispy coating of seasoned bread crumbs.

14. Bistro-Style Chicken Alfredo

The name only hints at its’ deliciousness: the strips of char-grilled chicken are bathed in an alfredo sauce that’s both rich and creamy, and oh so decadent. What you may not expect is the hearty helping of tender broccoli florets that elevate this Bistro-Style Chicken Alfredo entrée. So good, and packed with 30 grams of belly-filling protein.

15. Bean Bolognese

Put this Bean Bolognese meal on the menu for your next meatless Monday. Beans take the place of beef and veal in the tangy tomato sauce to create a Bolognese that’s just as thick and delicious over your dish of pasta. Who says plant-based meals have to mean boring salads and bland veggies?

Stock up on these fast and easy meals, plus so much more. Explore our full dinner menu and get started with Nutrisystem today!