You know that moment when you decide to eat “healthier” and suddenly, your plate looks like a sad arrangement of lettuce, air, and regret? Yeah… we’re not doing that.
Here’s the truth: eating under 500 calories doesn’t mean eating like a rabbit.
You CAN have creamy pasta, juicy chicken, hearty bowls of comfort, and yes—even cheese (GASP).
It’s all about flavor-packed, satisfying meals that keep you full, happy, and far away from the 9 p.m. snack spiral (been there, no judgment).
And let’s be real—no one should have to survive on just steamed veggies and grilled chicken forever.
That’s why these recipes are loaded with spices, sauces, and all the good stuff that makes food actually taste amazing.
So, if you’re looking for real food that won’t leave you questioning your life choices, these 13 easy recipes are about to be your new best friends.
Less guilt, more FLAVOR.
13 Easy Recipes Under 500 Calories
Eating light doesn’t have to mean eating less.
The secret? Packing your meals with bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and smart swaps that make every bite feel indulgent—without the calorie overload.
These 13 easy recipes prove that healthy eating can be delicious, filling, and totally crave-worthy.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, whipping up a quick dinner, or just looking for a guilt-free comfort food fix, these dishes have you covered.
Grab your forks (and maybe a napkin or two)—because things are about to get seriously tasty!
One Pan Caprese Chicken
"This One Pan Caprese Chicken is fresh, flavorful, and makes my kitchen smell incredibly delicious. And it's all done with just one pan! Enjoy this recipe on its own or pair with your favorite sides like pasta or roasted vegetables. It's guaranteed to impress!"
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Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans
"Searching for healthy meal prep recipe ideas? This low-cal one-pan chicken and beans dish ticks all the right boxes."
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Sesame Ginger Tofu and Veggie Stir Fry
"Crispy pan-fried Sesame Ginger Tofu and Veggie Stir Fry! This easy recipe starts with a homemade sesame ginger sauce that coats the crispy tofu and perfectly al-dente carrots and green beans. This easy stir fry recipe can be served with rice, quinoa, noodles, cauliflower rice, or on it’s own!"
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Garlic Butter Chicken
"This easy garlic butter chicken recipe is a weeknight favorite! Make juicy chicken breast with butter, garlic, and herbs in just 20 minutes."
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Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl
"This Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl is made with chunks of fresh tuna, avocado, cucumbers, spicy mayo and scallions cut on the bias served on a bed of steamed rice – YES please!!"
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Cold Peanut Noodle Salad
"Packed with tangy flavors and a deliciously creamy peanut sauce, this cold peanut noodle salad is so easy to make! This recipe is perfect as a side salad or main dish, and it's vegan and gluten-free optional."
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Healthy Fajita Chicken Burrito Bowls
"Delicious chicken burrito bowls are loaded with fajita chicken, bell peppers, black beans, sweet corn, red onion, cilantro lime rice, fresh romaine lettuce, avocado and an easy cilantro lime dressing.This burrito bowl recipe is super versatile and perfect for meal prep dinner or lunch. These easy, flavorful burrito bowls are sure to become a family favorite!"
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High Protein Pasta Salad
"Are you tired of the same old boring salads for lunch? Do you want to add some variety to your diet while still getting the necessary protein? Look no further than High Protein Pasta Salad!"
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Aubergine, Halloumi & Harissa Skillet Bake
"Make this special vegetarian aubergine, halloumi, tomato and harissa skillet bake for a midweek meal for two. It's an easy one-pan dinner to share"
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Crispy Tofu Noodle Bowls
"Crispy fried tofu glazed in an addicting sweet and spicy Malaysian Red Curry sauce makes a perfect topping to creamy noodle bowls."
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One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
"One pot creamy chicken and rice. A comforting 30-minute crowd-pleaser. Tender chicken fillets served with the most smooth rice imaginable, made super creamy with mascarpone and a handful of Parmesan. It’s like a hug in a bowl."
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Chorizo White Bean Soup
"Chorizo White Bean Soup with Parmesan and rosemary is the definition of a hug-in-a-bowl. If you’re looking for a hearty, warming dinner that you can enjoy all week and freeze for later, this soup is for you!"
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Moroccan-Inspired Chicken Couscous
"If you need a little inspiration to step up the chicken dinner game, today’s recipe is for you!This couscous chicken is a riff on my earlier Moroccan chicken. In this version, I use boneless skinless chicken thighs, coated with a Moroccan-inspired rub with garlic, tomato paste and warm seasonings including Ras El Hanout, cinnamon and ginger. I add in vegetables–carrots, celery, and onions–to make a one-pan baked chicken dinner.Couscous is the perfect thing to finish this pan of baked chicken thighs, and it literally takes only 10 minutes to make."
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