The Top 10 Nutrisystem Dinners—and What to Add to Them

Do you ever feel lost when it comes to putting together a whole meal? Nutrisystem makes your life easier with easy-to-prep dinners that simply need to be heated up and are ready-to-go. But we’re often told that folks like you are looking for ideas on what to add to these meals to either make them feel even more complete, or simply to switch up the flavors.

Simple changes can go a long way in making it feel like a totally different meal, even if you’ve eaten it more than once this month. That’s why we’ve put together this list of our top 10 Nutrisystem dinners and the foods we think pair well with them. These are all compliant with our Grocery Guide to help keep you on track.

For each dinner, we’ve provided ideas for a PowerFuel, SmartCarb, Vegetable, Extra and Free Food that can make these already delicious meals even better. While you won’t add all of them at every meal time, we wanted to make sure that you have plenty of ideas and inspiration for when you need to incorporate a grocery add-in into your Nutrisystem meal.

Please Note: The number of SmartCarbs and PowerFuels that you will add each day will vary based on your specific meal plan. Be sure to check the NuMi app for your specific meal plan guidelines. You can rearrange your PowerFuels and SmartCarbs throughout the day to have them at different meal times. (Rearranging is OK, but adding is not. Stick to the number of PowerFuels and SmartCarbs outlined in your NuMi journal.)

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Check out these Nutrisystem dinner ideas for a smart and satisfying meal!:

1. Italian Sausage and Turkey Pepperoni Pizza

PowerFuel: Parmesan Cheese, low sodium, grated, ¼ cup

Our pizza is a delicious main course to your meal if you’re craving the goodness of your own personal pie. Want to make your pizza even more cheesy? Top it with some parmesan cheese to add a PowerFuel. 

SmartCarb: Corn, ½ cup

Add some extra texture and fiber to your pizza with a sprinkle of cooked corn. It adds a lightly sweet taste and delicate crunch that pairs perfectly with the ooey gooey cheese and hearty meat. It also is great on a veggie lover’s pizza with non-starchy options like broccoli, onions and tomatoes.

Vegetable: Tomatoes or Broccoli, unlimited

One serving of diced tomatoes can add some veggie power atop this perfectly portioned pizza. Or, go for a side of broccoli to get some antioxidant power and fiber.

Extra: Olives, Black or Green, 6–7 small

Add a new flavor profile to your pizza with some diced black or green olives as an Extra. It takes this already delicious pizza to the next level. Can’t get enough olives? You can count them as your PowerFuel instead if you use a larger serving size (½ cup)

Free Food: Jalapenos, unlimited

Free foods are unlimited on the Nutrisystem plan as they are 10 calories or less per serving. Jalapeno peppers can make a great addition to your Italian pizza to give it some low-calorie spice. You can also have some fun with dried red chili flakes or cayenne pepper!

2. Chicken Parmesan

PowerFuel: Mozzarella Cheese, low sodium, 1 slice

If you are craving some classic comfort food, few things beat chicken parmesan. This frozen dinner can be heated up quickly in the microwave and is served atop a bed of spaghetti. Although this dish already comes with tangy Asiago, you can make it even cheesier with some mozzarella cheese.

SmartCarb: Bread, whole grain, 1 slice

Want to imagine you’re dining at an Italian restaurant, where the breadbasket always kicks off dinner? Add a side of whole grain bread as a SmartCarb. Spray it with a little butter spray, add a sprinkle of garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then dunk it into this restaurant worthy dish.

Vegetable: Lettuce or Mixed Greens, unlimited

Sticking with your full-course Italian dinner theme, add some lettuce or mixed greens as a vegetable to this meal. You can easily whip up a side salad with your favorite non-starchy veggies.

Extra: Salad Dressing, light or reduced-fat, 1 tsp.

Make your lettuce or mixed greens into a side salad by adding some salad dressing. Opt for light or reduced fat versions of your favorites and stick to one teaspoon. You could also toast up your whole grain bread SmartCarb and cut it into cubes for homemade croutons.

Free Food: Oregano, unlimited

Sprinkle some oregano atop of this dish for even more flavor. You can use fresh or dried oregano, or go for other herbs like thyme or basil.

3. Roasted Turkey Medallions

PowerFuel: Turkey Breast, 2 oz.

With this slow-roasted turkey topped with savory turkey gravy and a side of creamy mashed potatoes, you can make any ordinary dinner feel like a holiday feast. Add some extra turkey breast to make this tasty meal even more hearty.

SmartCarb: Peas, green, ½ cup

If you’re sticking with the homestyle feel for your dinner, cooked green peas make for a satisfying SmartCarb that will remind you of mom’s cooking. You could also mix them with corn and enjoy a ¼ cup of each as one SmartCarb.

Vegetable: Carrots or Green Beans, unlimited

This turkey dinner would pair excellently with a side of carrots or green beans—just like a traditional Turkey Day meal.

Extra: Butter, 1 tsp.

You could use a pat of butter as your Nutrisystem Extra to add a little bit of flavor to your mashed potatoes and veggies.

Free Food: Garlic Powder, unlimited

Sprinkle on the garlic powder for tons of low-calorie flavor! Another option: Instead of using up your Extras on butter or margarine, consider using buttery spray to flavor the veggies for 10 calories or less.

4. Meatloaf Sandwich

PowerFuel: Egg, 1 large

With a chargrilled meatloaf patty peppered with seasoned veggies and served on a hearty whole grain bun, this is a filling meal that is high in fiber and protein. This is already a high protein dish, but you can add a fried egg on top for even more of this filling nutrient. Cook one up with some zero-calorie cooking spray and serve it open-faced. You’ll feel like you’re dining at your favorite gourmet sandwich shop!

SmartCarb: Sweet Potato, cooked, ½ cup

Chargrilled and filled with cookout flavor, this meatloaf sandwich would be great served with a side of sweet potato fries! With just some zero-calorie cooking spray and a little cinnamon, you can bake healthy sweet potato fries that count as a SmartCarb. Get our recipe here! >

Vegetable: Mushrooms and Onions, unlimited

Cooked mushrooms and onions could be a delicious topper on this already yummy sandwich. Or you might top it with some sliced tomato and lettuce for a classic sandwich.

Extra: Ketchup, 1 Tbsp.

If you’re someone who likes their meatloaf with ketchup, then this condiment will be the perfect Extra.

Free Food: Salsa, unlimited

Want to spice things up? Add some bean-free salsa to this sandwich to incorporate a new flavor without excess calories. Just be sure to choose a salsa that only consists of non-starchy veggies and Free Foods.

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5. Thick Crust Pizza

PowerFuel: Ham, low fat, lower sodium, 2 oz.

Here’s another delicious pizza option if you’re in the mood for a pizza night. As a plain cheese pizza, there’s lots of ways you can dress it up and change the flavor factor. How about making a Hawaiian pizza with some low-fat ham?

SmartCarb: Pineapple, 1 cup

Fruit will give you some sweetness and provide a boost of fiber. Stick with the Hawaiian theme and add some diced pineapple to your pizza. You could also enjoy a side of fresh fruit with a cup of grapes or even a cup of fruit cocktail.

Vegetable: Roasted Red Peppers or Spinach, unlimited

Maybe you want a veggie pizza instead. You can add some fresh greens like spinach or kale for an added boost of fiber. Roasted red peppers also add a whole new flavor profile to this classic pie.

Extra: Popcorn, 1 cup

Sitting down to a movie night with your personal pizza? Cook up some plain air-popped popcorn for a satisfying side! It’s a great low-calorie option that will provide the crunch you’re craving.

Free Food: Red Pepper Flakes, unlimited

Added spices like oregano or red pepper flakes are always an easy way to spice up your pizza without adding lots of calories.

6. Artichoke and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

PowerFuel: Edamame, cooked, deshelled, ½ cup

This delicious entrée will have you feeling as though you’re dining at a restaurant. The seasoned chicken breast is stuffed with artichokes, spinach and a blend of cheeses. Some cooked edamame would make a yummy side dish while boosting the protein AND fiber factor of your meal.

SmartCarb: Pasta, whole wheat, cooked al dente, ½ cup

How about a side of whole wheat cooked pasta to serve alongside or underneath the chicken? This will certainly make it feel even more like a restaurant quality meal.

Vegetable: Asparagus, unlimited

Some steamed asparagus will make this meal even more filling. It will add some beautiful color to your dish while giving you some crunch factor to enjoy.

Extra: Honey, 1 tsp.

You can use your Extra to top your veggie side dish. A little honey mixed with lemon juice and fresh herbs would add a deliciously sweet flavor to your asparagus.

Free Food: Lemon Juice, unlimited

For a different flavor profile, you might consider squirting some lemon juice on top of the chicken. It is also tasty with asparagus. You can always add spices like parsley or paprika to change up the taste.

7. Salisbury Steak with Mac and Cheese

PowerFuel: Milk, low-fat or soy, 8 oz. (1 cup)

Another comfort food favorite, this hearty Salisbury steak is topped with seasoned mushroom gravy and served alongside creamy homestyle mac and cheese. If you’re someone who grew up drinking a glass of milk with dinner, consider bringing back the tradition with this homestyle meal.

SmartCarb: Corn, ½ cup

You can’t go wrong with a side of corn to add even more comfort to this comfort food favorite.

Vegetable: Brussels Sprouts, unlimited

Give this dish a fiber boost with a side of Brussels sprouts, carrots, collard greens or asparagus. Roast them in the oven to bring out their natural sweetness.

Extra: Oil (e.g. Canola, Olive, Peanut, Sunflower), 1 tsp.

You can add some additional flavor to your veggie side with a little bit of olive oil oil or perhaps a pat of margarine. Just stick to the serving size!

Free Food: Green Onions, unlimited

We think some green onions or scallions would be a yummy addition to your steak and mac. They make it look a little fancier, too!

8. Bean Bolognese

PowerFuel: Ground Beef, lean, 2 oz.

Turn this bean bolognese into beef bolognese by adding some ground beef. Parmesan cheese is another PowerFuel option that can add more Italian flavor.

SmartCarb: Apple or Orange, 1 medium

You can never go wrong with a side of delicious fruit. How about a diced apple or some orange slices? It can be something sweet to eat after your savory dinner.

Vegetable: Onions, unlimited

This pasta already comes pretty packed with veggies but toss on some cooked onion or maybe some cooked artichoke hearts for even more flavor.

Extra: Nutritional Yeast, 1 Tbsp.

Add some cheesy, savory flavor to your pasta dish with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.

Free Food: Hot Sauce, unlimited

You can never go wrong with adding some hot sauce to your meal! You could also spice things up with some peppers or jalapenos.

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9. Chicken Enchilada

PowerFuel: Avocado, 1/3 of a medium fruit

In this meal, a corn tortilla is stuffed with white meat chicken, peppers, onions and tomatoes, then topped with sour cream and melted cheddar. It’s also served with a side of hearty Spanish-style brown rice and cooked in seasoned tomato sauce. While the dish is already filling, some rich and creamy avocado would make it even more satisfying.

SmartCarb: Beans, cooked, ½ cup

Make the side of Spanish-style rice heartier with some low sodium black beans. You could also bulk up the dish with some brown rice, quinoa or cooked couscous.

Vegetable: Bell Peppers or Onions, unlimited

This enchilada already has lots of yummy vegetables, but you can always add more bell peppers or onions. We think tomatillos would also go great with this dish.

Extra: Cream Cheese, reduced-fat or fat-free, 1 Tbsp.

Add a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream to this Chicken Enchilada dinner to add decadence and cool down your taste buds.

Free Food: Green Chiles, unlimited

Green chiles would be a great addition to the already-flavorful rice in this easy-to-prep meal. You could also sprinkle on some fresh cilantro!

10. Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

PowerFuel: Shrimp, 3 oz.

Another option for pasta night! This Italian dinner favorite features tender fettuccine and chicken, all covered in a rich, creamy alfredo sauce with Parmesan and Romano cheese. This dish already has chunks of chicken, but you might also consider adding shrimp or maybe a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for even more protein power.

SmartCarb: Crackers, whole grain, ¼ cup

Like we mentioned with the Chicken Parmesan, a side of whole grain bread makes this lasagna feel more like an Italian restaurant meal. But you could also go with some whole grain crackers on the side.

Vegetable: Zucchini, unlimited

Sauté some zucchini with onions and garlic for a savory side dish that’s filled with flavor.

Extra: Tomato Paste, 1 Tbsp.

While you’re cooking up your veggie, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the pan. It will complement the creamy alfredo sauce while making your zucchini more flavorful.

Free Food: Red Pepper Flakes, unlimited

Finally, feel free to spice it up with some red pepper flakes or some oregano. Or you can add some garlic to the top of it all.