15 30-Minute Low-Calorie Dinners for Healthy Aging

Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist Natalie Ghazali, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth.

Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist Natalie Ghazali, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth.

As our bodies change with age, so do our nutritional needs. Essential nutrients like fiber, protein, calcium and vitamin D can support healthy aging by aiding with healthy digestion, bone health and muscle maintenance. Luckily, these 30-minute dinner recipes prioritize those nutrients, making them great options to help support longevity. Try meals like our White Bean Skillet and our One-Pan Chicken Florentine for a nourishing dinner that will help you feel your best at any stage of life.

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White Bean Skillet

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

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. 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.

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Baked Lemon-Pepper Salmon

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

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.

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Marry Me White Bean Soup

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

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.

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04 of 15

One-Pan Chicken Florentine

Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist Natalie Ghazali, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth.

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.

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Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This cozy dish will remind you of broccoli-Cheddar soup—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 umami flavor.

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06 of 15

20-Minute Chickpea Soup

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

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.

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07 of 15

Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes

Ali Redmond

Ali Redmond

Pasta is cooked alongside frozen sweet peas, then tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and basil pesto for a fresh, herbaceous finish. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon add the perfect final touch.

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Chopped Salad with Italian Vinaigrette

This chopped salad is a crisp, colorful mix of veggies. It’s tossed with a zesty homemade vinaigrette while chickpeas bring on the plant-based protein and fiber. Everything is chopped small for the perfect forkful every time.

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09 of 15

Lemony Orzo & Tuna Salad with Broccoli

Leigh Beisch

Leigh Beisch

This pasta-salad and tuna-salad mashup gets a boost of color and texture from broccoli. Plenty of Kalamata olives add a briny bite, which pairs perfectly with the lemony dressing.

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10 of 15

Skillet Shrimp with Rice & Peas

Jennifer Causey
Jennifer Causey

This simple skillet dinner can be on the table in 20 minutes flat. The shrimp cooks quickly and pairs well with the tender veggies and crisped rice.

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Chicken Hummus Bowls

The spiced chicken atop these bowls is ready fast with the help of the broiler. Serve with warm whole-wheat pita for scooping up extra hummus at the bottom of the bowl.

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Peanut Zucchini Noodle Salad with Chicken

You’ll end up with more peanut sauce than you need in this zucchini noodle recipe, and that’s a good thing! It makes a great dip or stir-fry sauce.

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Grilled Peach & Brie Smothered Chicken

This super-fast and healthy smothered chicken features the creamy taste of brie that pairs nicely with the juicy sweet peaches.

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Ricotta-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Arugula Salad

This easy vegetarian meal gets a double hit of umami from mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes. Grill some crusty bread, then rub it with garlic and drizzle it with olive oil to serve alongside these stuffed portobello mushrooms.

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Crispy Cod with Charred Snow Peas & Creamy Herb Sauce

This crispy cod recipe shows you how to make golden fish that’s not deep-fried, to put a healthy twist on a classic. Pat it dry and dredge it with a bit of flour before sautéing in a hot pan.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/30-minute-low-calorie-dinner-recipes-for-healthy-aging-11873118