Cooking without gluten can sometimes feel like navigating a maze blindfolded—especially when you’re trying to please a crowd. But fear not, for these 12 dinner ideas are more like a comforting hug on a chilly day, blending rich flavors and textures that make you forget gluten was ever invited to the party. I once whipped up the lemon herb chicken for a last-minute gathering, and the compliments kept coming even as the plates were being cleared—proof that gluten-free can be both easy and absolutely delightful!
Steps
- Instant Pot Taco Pasta
- Brown ground beef in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Mix in the Healthy in a Hurry Taco seasoning for added flavor.
- Prepare the silky veggie-based, dairy-free nacho sauce and combine it with the cooked beef.
- Add pasta to the pot, cover with water, and cook under pressure. Stir everything together once cooked for a creamy taco-inspired pasta dish.
- Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Pasta
- Roast spaghetti squash in the oven until tender. Meanwhile, cook chicken seasoned with buffalo spices.
- Shred the squash to form strands resembling pasta, and mix it with the cooked chicken.
- Drizzle with a dairy-free herb ranch dressing for a flavorful and easy meal that takes about 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Thai Basil Beef
- Sauté garlic and chiles in a pan, then add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in coconut aminos-based sauce and fresh Thai basil leaves.
- Serve hot and enjoy a dish that’s ready in under 15 minutes and can be made Whole30 compliant.
- Roasted Garlic Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce
- Roast a whole head of garlic until sweet and tender. Blend it with cottage cheese for a creamy sauce.
- Mix the sauce with pasta or use it as a base for other dishes.
- Optionally, top with blackened spiced chicken for added protein and flavor.
- Chicken Tray Bake with Potatoes and Meyer Lemon Olive Salsa
- Arrange chicken pieces and potatoes on a sheet pan. Roast until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
- Prepare a salsa with Meyer lemons and olives to top the dish.
- Serve the tray bake hot, bringing a Mediterranean flair to your meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Healthy in a Hurry Taco seasoning
- Pasta (gluten-free)
- Spaghetti squash
- Chicken breast
- Buffalo hot sauce (sugar-free for Whole30)
- Dairy-free herb ranch dressing
- Garlic
- Chiles
- Coconut aminos
- Thai basil (or regular basil with a dash of anise or fennel)
- Roasted garlic (one head)
- Cottage cheese
- Chicken breast (for blackened spiced chicken)
- Potatoes
- Meyer lemon
- Olive salsa
FAQ
- What makes the Instant Pot Taco Pasta a quick and easy meal?
- The Instant Pot Taco Pasta combines the comfort of pasta and tacos, made swift and simple by using the Instant Pot, which reduces cooking time and eases cleanup. The dish features a dairy-free nacho sauce enhanced by ground beef and a quick taco seasoning.
- Is the Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Pasta suitable for a Whole30 diet?
- Yes, this dish can fit a Whole30 diet as long as you select a compliant hot sauce without sugar or make the linked version in the recipe. It’s a straightforward meal with minimal active cooking time, taking about 40 minutes primarily for roasting the squash.
- What can I substitute for Thai basil in the Thai Basil Beef recipe if I can’t find it?
- If Thai basil is unavailable, you can substitute it with regular basil and add a touch of anise or fennel to replicate the unique flavor profile of Thai basil. This dish is ready in under 15 minutes and is also Whole30 compliant.
- How is the Roasted Garlic Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce different from traditional Alfredo sauce?
- This Alfredo sauce uses roasted garlic and cottage cheese as its base, providing a creamy texture without the usual heavy cream. Roasting the garlic changes its flavor to sweet and tender, which blends perfectly with the cottage cheese, offering a unique twist on traditional Alfredo.
- What makes the Chicken Tray Bake with Potatoes and Meyer Lemon Olive Salsa a good option for entertaining?
- This Mediterranean-inspired dish is cooked on a single sheet pan, making preparation and cleanup simple. Its vibrant flavors, reminiscent of a sunny day, make it impressive enough for guests while allowing you to spend more time with them. It’s also Whole30 compliant.
Tips
- For the Instant Pot Taco Pasta, prepare the pasta and taco seasoning in advance to save time on busy nights. This dish brings together comfort foods with ease, making it perfect for a quick dinner solution.
- When making Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Pasta, ensure you select a Whole30-approved hot sauce to keep the meal compliant. Roasting the squash whole before shredding will ensure tender, non-mushy strands.
- If you can’t find Thai basil for the Thai Basil Beef, substitute with regular basil and a hint of anise or fennel to capture the authentic flavor. This dish can be ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for a quick meal.
- For the Roasted Garlic Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce, roasting a whole head of garlic transforms its flavor, creating a sweet and tender base. Blend well with cottage cheese for a creamy sauce that pairs excellently with spiced chicken.
Equipment
- Instant Pot – Useful for making the Instant Pot Taco Pasta and Instant Pot Dairy-Free Chicken Broccoli Casserole quickly and with easy clean-up.
- Blender or Food Processor – Needed for blending the Roasted Garlic Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce to achieve a smooth texture.
