Don’t stress about dinner this month and save this 30-day meal plan in one click to MyRecipes. Each of these tasty casseroles, pasta dishes, soups and skillets meet the requirements for the Mediterranean diet, an eating pattern named the healthiest in the world for eight years in a row by U.S. News & World Report. Plus, with no added sugar, these dishes are healthy options that everyone at your table will love. Check December meal-planning off of your to-do list and try our comforting Chicken Fajita Rice Bake or our five-star Marry Me White Bean Soup.
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Creamy Spaghetti with Brussels Sprouts
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
This Brussels sprouts spaghetti is comfort food at its finest. The 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.
Chicken Fajita Rice Bake
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
This cheesy Chicken Fajita Rice Bake checks every box: bold flavor, hearty protein, plenty of veggies and minimal cleanup. Juicy chicken thighs mingle with a pantry-friendly mix of beans, tomatoes with green chiles and quick-cooking brown rice. A generous layer of melty cheese ties it all together. It’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that also doubles as a crowd-pleaser—you’ll want to keep this one on repeat.
Easy White Bean Skillet
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
This easy white bean skillet brings together pantry staples and fresh greens for a comforting plant-based meal. 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.
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.
Chickpea Casserole with Spinach & Feta
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
This Chickpea Casserole is a cozy, one-pan meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. Tender spinach, nutty chickpeas and brown rice are bound together with a touch of cream cheese and finished with 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 dish that feels comforting yet vibrant.
High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
This High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavor-packed one-skillet meal that balances protein with tender veggies and pasta. A finishing drizzle of balsamic and a sprinkle of chives add brightness, making each bite delicious. With minimal cleanup, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Kale Pasta Bake
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
This pasta bake is a cozy, flavor-packed dish that turns simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. Whole-wheat rotini and tender kale are tossed in a creamy, lightly spiced sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, then baked to bubbly perfection with a sprinkle of mozzarella on top. It’s a nutritious, family-friendly dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
Chicken Fajita Quinoa Bowl
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
These sheet-pan chicken fajita quinoa bowls are a colorful, flavor-packed dinner that comes together with minimal fuss. Chicken thighs, bell peppers and onions roast together in a bold spice blend, then get a quick broil for extra char and depth. Fluffy quinoa, brightened with cilantro and lime, forms a hearty base that soaks up the savory pan juices. A creamy, spiced yogurt sauce ties everything together.
Marry Me White Bean Soup
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
This Marry Me White Bean Soup borrows inspiration from the beloved Marry Me Chicken recipe with a combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream and Parmesan. Here, those same flavors are transformed into a hearty, soul-warming vegetarian soup with white beans taking center stage. Finished with basil and extra cheese, it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing and sure to win hearts at the table.
Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli
Ali Redmond
Fresh, fast and full of flavor, this sheet-pan salmon with broccoli is a healthy weeknight winner. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. A zesty mix of lemon, garlic and olive oil brings brightness to both the tender salmon and the roasted broccoli. Everything roasts together quickly, so cleanup is minimal and dinner is on the table in no time.
20-Minute Chickpea Soup
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
When dinner needs to happen fast, turn to this creamy chickpea soup that’s pulled together in just 20 minutes. Cream cheese melts right into this zesty soup for 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 one-pan chicken and rice skillet packs in protein, greens and flavor for a complete meal that comes together with minimal fuss. It’s a weeknight dinner that’s satisfying and delicious. And the best part? Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
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 recipe uses cornstarch to thicken the cream instead of cheese. This chicken recipe is simple enough for weekdays but also elegant enough for a dinner party.
Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
These broccoli-Cheddar butter beans are a cozy dish that 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. Everything comes together in one pan, creating a thick texture that’s perfect for scooping up with crusty bread.
Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchilada Skillet
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Josh Hoggle.
This Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is a delicious, one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor. Tender cubes of butternut squash and hearty black beans are simmered in green enchilada sauce, with tortilla strips stirred in. As it cooks, the tortillas soak up the sauce. A layer of melted cheese ties everything together. It’s a satisfying, vegetarian-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Rotisserie Chicken, Mushroom & Rice Casserole
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Pheobe Hausser, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.
This casserole is a hearty dish perfect for a cozy weekend at home. Tender shredded rotisserie chicken is combined with earthy mushrooms, fluffy rice and a creamy sauce that brings everything together. A layer of melted cheese on top adds a golden, bubbly finish.
Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes
Ali Redmond
This Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes is a bright, flavorful dish that comes together quickly. Pasta is cooked alongside frozen sweet peas, then tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and basil pesto for a fresh, herbaceous finish. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks or picnics. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon add the perfect final touch.
Spanakopita-Inspired Skillet Beans
Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Isabelle Easter, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee
Creamy, herbaceous and comforting, these skillet beans draw inspiration from spanakopita, the Greek spinach pie. Cannellini beans add plant-based protein and fiber to make this dinner filling while fresh dill, parsley and a squeeze of lemon provide brightness. Serve it straight from the skillet with multigrain pita chips for dipping.
Chicken & Sweet Potato Enchilada Skillet
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
This sweet potato–chicken enchilada skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chunks of sweet potato and shredded chicken combine with store-bought enchilada sauce for a flavorful shortcut. Corn tortilla wedges are stirred in, soaking up the sauce and giving the dish a comforting, casserole-like texture.
Marry Me White Bean Salad
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
This Marry Me White Bean Salad is a bright, flavor-packed dish that’s hard not to fall for and pulls inspiration from Marry Me Chicken. Tender white beans are tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy dressing that soaks into every bite. It’s quick to throw together and perfect for meal prep, picnics or pairing with grilled meats.
Ground Turkey Fajita Bowls
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
This ground turkey rice bowl is a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Lean ground turkey is cooked with savory seasonings like chili powder, cumin and oregano before being tossed with pico de gallo. The mixture pairs well with brown rice and sautéed onions and peppers to create a hearty dinner.
Creamy Basil-Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist:Hannah Greenwood
This creamy tomato-chicken pasta bake is comfort food at its finest. Tender chicken breast is baked along with juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy Boursin cheese for a rich, herby sauce. The chicken is shredded and returned to the dish with cooked pasta and fresh basil, then baked with fontina cheese on top until bubbly. This easy pasta bake is a complete meal that delivers big flavor.
20-Minute Black Bean Soup
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
This easy black bean soup takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Canned black beans help speed things up, and taco seasoning and fire-roasted tomatoes help build rich, savory flavor in just minutes. Cream cheese melted in at the end gives this soup a silky texture. Pair it with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a simple, comforting meal.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
This chicken Alfredo bake is a comforting, creamy casserole that combines tender chicken breast, whole-wheat pasta and a silky homemade Alfredo sauce, all baked together until golden and bubbly. The sauce coats every bite with ooey-gooey goodness, making it a hit with both kids and adults. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers the next day. Serve it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for an easy, satisfying meal.
Chicken Guacamole Bowls
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
These chicken guacamole bowls are a simple, flavor-packed meal where juicy chicken thighs and colorful veggies roast together on a single sheet pan for easy prep and cleanup.The chicken and veggies are served over a fresh and creamy guacamole with a sprinkle of tangy cotija cheese. A squeeze of lime at the end brightens up the dish and ties all the bold, fresh flavors together.
Black Bean & Pepper Jack Quiche
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
This black bean quiche with pepper Jack cheese is perfect for brunch or a light dinner. The creamy egg filling is packed with fiber-rich black beans, sweet peppers and spicy pepper Jack cheese for a flavorful kick. If you want to tame the heat, Monterey Jack cheese can be used in its place. Serve it with a simple green salad or fresh salsa on the side.
Sheet-Pan Mojo Chicken with Green Beans & Potatoes
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.
This sheet-pan mojo chicken is a bold, citrusy dinner that’s easy to throw together on a single pan. The chicken marinates in a zesty blend of citrus juices and oregano, infusing it with Cuban-inspired flavors. Instead of discarding all of the marinade, the onions and garlic are removed and roasted on the chicken as a savory topping that adds extra depth. Crisp-tender green beans and red potatoes round out the meal, soaking up the flavorful juices as they roast.
Chickpea Grain Bowl with Feta & Tomatoes
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.
This chickpea-farro grain bowl is a hearty dish that’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber and tons of fresh flavor. Farro, a whole grain with a nutty taste and chewy texture, forms the base and pairs perfectly with tender chickpeas and veggies. If you don’t have farro on hand, you can easily swap in quinoa, brown rice or barley.
Sheet-Pan Lemon-Garlic Cod with Roasted Vegetables
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.
This sheet-pan cod and vegetables recipe is a simple, flavorful meal where everything cooks together on one pan for easy cleanup. The cod is nestled in a foil packet, so the herbed butter and juices keep the fish tender and moist while the vegetables roast beautifully.
Canned Tuna Rice Bowl
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
This canned tuna rice bowl is a quick, flavor-packed meal combining a pantry staple and fresh ingredients. Flaky chunks of tuna combine with tangy kimchi and sit atop warm brown rice, paired with crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado and toasty nori. A drizzle of Sriracha mayo brings everything together. It’s easy to customize and comes together in minutes—perfect for a satisfying lunch or weeknight dinner.