10+ Healthy Homemade Recipes to Boost Your Wellness and Flavor

Making healthy homemade recipes puts you in the driver’s seat of your own nutrition. When you cook at home, you pick the ingredients, so you can focus on what feels good for your body and your taste buds.

Healthy homemade recipes let you enjoy tasty meals while working toward your health goals. Cooking at home can also save you money and gives you a chance to play around with new flavors or ingredients. There’s something satisfying about that.

1) Garlic Shrimp with Chorizo in a Rice Cooker

You can whip up a flavorful, healthy meal with just your rice cooker. Garlic shrimp with chorizo brings together smoky sausage and fresh shrimp for a dinner that feels both simple and special.

Start by tossing chopped chorizo, red bell pepper, and onion into your rice cooker. Add rice and sprinkle in some salt and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Top it all with peeled, deveined shrimp and plenty of garlic. The rice cooker will steam everything together, making your kitchen smell amazing.

This recipe brings bold flavors without much hassle.

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces cooked chorizo, chopped
• 1 pound peeled, deveined jumbo shrimp
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions:

1. Add chorizo, red bell pepper, and onion to the rice cooker.
2. Pour in rice, salt, and red pepper flakes.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Place the shrimp and garlic on top without mixing.
5. Close the lid and cook until the rice is done and shrimp are cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
6. Stir gently before serving.

For more details, check out the recipe for garlic shrimp with chorizo in a rice cooker.

2) Pork, Pepper and Rice Noodle Soup

This soup is a fast, healthy meal that’s ready in about 40 minutes. Savory ground pork, crunchy red bell peppers, and soft rice noodles come together in a light, flavorful broth.

You’ll toss in carrots and shiitake mushrooms for even more texture and heartiness. The fresh mix of ingredients keeps things bright and satisfying.

It’s easy to swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level. Perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you want something nourishing and easy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 6 ounces rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Cook ground pork until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add bell pepper, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes more.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add rice noodles and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

For more details, see this Pork, Pepper and Rice Noodle Soup recipe.

3) Green Goddess Chicken Quinoa Salad

This salad tastes fresh and feels light. Cook quinoa until it’s fluffy, then toss in tender chicken coated in a creamy Green Goddess sauce.

Snap peas and cucumbers add crunch, while a bit of lemon vinaigrette brightens up the whole bowl. It’s a protein-packed, veggie-loaded meal that works for lunch or dinner.

You can serve it warm or cold, depending on your mood.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or broth
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup sugar snap peas, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup Green Goddess dressing
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa and cook with water or broth until tender (about 15 minutes).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook in a skillet over medium heat until 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. Let rest, then slice.
3. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, snap peas, cucumber, and lemon juice.
4. Toss in sliced chicken and drizzle with Green Goddess dressing. Mix gently.
5. Serve immediately or chill for a cold salad option.

For a full recipe, check out this Green Goddess Chicken Quinoa Salad.

4) Cauliflower Fried Rice

Cauliflower fried rice gives you all the flavor of classic fried rice with a healthy twist. Grated cauliflower stands in for rice, cutting the carbs and sneaking in extra veggies.

You’ll usually find carrots, peas, and maybe some corn in the mix. Eggs add protein, and garlic plus soy sauce or tamari bring that familiar, savory taste.

If you want, toss in tofu or chicken for more protein. The whole thing comes together in about 15 minutes.

Just stir-fry the veggies and cauliflower, scramble in the eggs, and finish with your sauces. It’s fast, easy, and surprisingly filling.

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, grated or riced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 2 green onions, sliced

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in cauliflower and mixed vegetables, cook 5-7 minutes.
4. Push vegetables to one side, pour in eggs, scramble gently.
5. Mix eggs with veggies, add soy sauce, and cook 2 more minutes.
6. Sprinkle green onions and serve warm.

5) Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken

Here’s a recipe that’s as comforting as it is easy. You bake juicy chicken breasts, top them with cheesy ranch seasoning, and finish them off with crispy bacon.

The ranch gives everything a tangy kick, while the cheese melts into a gooey layer. Bacon adds a smoky crunch that makes the dish feel a bit indulgent.

Serve it with some veggies or a salad if you want to balance things out. It’s a crowd-pleaser and doesn’t take much effort.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 thick-cut bacon slices
• 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a pan until crisp, then set aside.
3. Sprinkle ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts.
4. Place chicken in a baking dish.
5. Top each breast with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Crumble bacon and sprinkle over the cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
8. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

6) Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti

Cottage cheese baked ziti is a lighter spin on the classic. Swapping in cottage cheese for ricotta cuts down the fat, but you still get that creamy, comforting vibe.

You can throw in veggies if you’re feeling it, or just stick with marinara and cheese. The pasta cooks up tender, and the top gets all bubbly and golden.

It’s budget-friendly and works for meal prep or busy nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb low-fat cottage cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta until al dente, drain.
3. Mix cottage cheese, eggs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine pasta with marinara sauce and half the mozzarella.
5. Stir in the cottage cheese mixture.
6. Pour into a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

You can see a detailed recipe for healthy baked ziti with cottage cheese here.

7) Roasted Cabbage Burgers

Want a burger without the bread? Try roasted cabbage as your bun. Thick cabbage slices get roasted until they’re tender with a bit of crispiness.

Cut the cabbage into ½-inch thick steaks and roast them in the oven. While that’s going, cook up some beef patties and melt cheese on top.

Stack the patties on your cabbage “buns” and add toppings like ketchup or mustard. It’s low-carb, crunchy, and honestly, a fun change from the usual.

Ingredients

• 1 small head of cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Ketchup or mustard (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut cabbage into ½-inch thick slices.
3. Place cabbage slices on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
4. Season ground beef with salt and pepper. Shape into 4 patties.
5. Cook patties in a skillet until done, about 4 minutes each side.
6. Place cheese on patties and cook until melted.
7. Top roasted cabbage slices with patties and condiments of your choice.

For details on this recipe, check oven-baked cabbage burgers.

8) High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

You can whip up a creamy, high-protein Marry Me Chicken at home. This version leans on cottage cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, protein-packed sauce.

It’s a solid pick if you’re after something hearty but want to skip added sugars. The recipe’s straightforward and doesn’t take long.

Just cook chicken breasts, then let them simmer in a sauce of bone broth, cottage cheese, and a splash of heavy cream. It’s perfect for meal prep or a busy weeknight.

Serve it with pasta, rice, or maybe some roasted veggies. If you’re chasing a higher protein meal but still craving comfort food, this dish nails it.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup chicken bone broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup whole milk cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken breasts.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium (about 350°F / 175°C).
3. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Take them out and set aside.
4. Toss sun-dried tomatoes and bone broth into the same pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
5. Stir in cottage cheese and heavy cream, mixing until the sauce turns smooth.
6. Put the chicken back in, spoon the sauce over, and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes.
7. Serve warm with whatever sides you like.

For more details on a similar recipe, check out this High Protein Marry Me Chicken.

9) Easy Pea & Spinach Carbonara

Easy Pea & Spinach Carbonara is a quick way to pack veggies into your pasta. It’s creamy, flavorful, and brings a burst of green from the spinach and sweet peas.

You don’t need a pile of ingredients. It comes together fast, and the peas and spinach make it look and taste fresh.

Toast some garlic and breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. That little bit of texture really makes the dish pop.

Ingredients

• ¾ lb linguine or tagliatelle
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 8 cups baby spinach
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil a big pot of salted water and cook pasta until it’s al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, toast breadcrumbs with garlic in olive oil until golden. Set those aside.
3. Add peas and spinach to the pasta during the last minute of cooking.
4. Whisk eggs with Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
5. Drain pasta and veggies, then quickly toss them with the egg mixture off the heat.
6. Top with toasted breadcrumbs and serve.

For more details, check out this Easy Pea & Spinach Carbonara recipe.

10) Classic Sesame Noodles with Chicken

You can whip up a tasty, healthy meal with classic sesame noodles and chicken. This dish brings together cooked noodles, a creamy sesame sauce, and lean chicken.

Add some fresh veggies if you want it even more filling. It’s a simple mix, but the flavors really work.

The recipe comes together fast, so it’s great for a weeknight dinner. Got leftover chicken? Even better—saves you a step.

The sesame flavor gives it that nutty, savory kick. Everything just kind of clicks.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz noodles (spaghetti or spaghetti-like)
• 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup sesame seeds
• 2 cups crunchy vegetables (like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers)
• 2 green onions, sliced

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the noodles according to the package, then drain and rinse them with cold water.
2. Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic in a bowl.
3. Toss noodles with the sauce, chicken, veggies, and green onions.
4. Sprinkle on sesame seeds before serving.
5. Serve right away, or chill it in the fridge if you’re prepping ahead.

For more tips on a similar dish, check sesame noodles with chicken recipes.