10+ Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes for Family to Enjoy Together

Finding time to prepare dinner can be challenging, especially for busy families. Quick and easy dinner recipes can turn the stress of meal prep into a fun and enjoyable routine. These recipes not only save time but also bring your family together over a delicious meal.

Simple meals can be both nutritious and satisfying. With a variety of easy options available, you can create dishes that please even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy making lasting memories in the kitchen while serving up delightful meals that everyone will love.

1) Chicken Goujons

Chicken goujons are a quick and tasty dinner option for your family. These crispy chicken strips are easy to make and loved by kids and adults alike. You can enjoy them with sides or in a wrap for a fun meal.

To get started, you will need boneless chicken breasts. You’ll also need breadcrumbs, which can be store-bought or homemade from stale bread. Adding spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika gives extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg (for coating)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut chicken into strips.
3. Dip chicken in the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs mixed with spices.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. Enjoy!

2) Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and potato soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any night. It’s simple to make and full of flavor.

To start, you’ll need a few basic ingredients like potatoes, leeks, and butter. This soup is creamy but easy to prepare. You can enjoy it hot on its own or with some crusty bread.

This recipe can also fit into different diets. You can make it vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’s a versatile meal that your family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add sliced leeks and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
5. Purée the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

3) Pasta with Pesto

Pasta with pesto is a quick and delicious option for dinner. You can prepare it in under 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights. The creamy texture and fresh flavors will please everyone at the table.

To start, cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, you can make your pesto sauce. Combine fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor. Drizzle in olive oil until smooth.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and toss it with the pesto sauce. Add extra ingredients like cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken for more flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, etc.)
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente.
2. In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan.
3. Gradually add olive oil until smooth.
4. Drain pasta and mix with pesto.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

4) Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Grilled shrimp tacos are a quick and tasty dinner option for your family. They take just about 30 minutes to make and are packed with flavor. You can customize them with your favorite toppings.

Start by marinating the shrimp in spices and lime juice. Then, grill them until they are perfectly cooked. Serve your shrimp in warm tortillas with fresh ingredients.

Add toppings like avocado, cilantro, and salsa for extra flavor. These tacos are fun to assemble and eat together.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 lime, juiced
• 8 small flour tortillas
• Avocado slices
• Fresh cilantro
• Salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix shrimp, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and lime juice.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
3. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked.
4. Warm the tortillas on the grill for 1 minute.
5. Assemble the tacos with shrimp and your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

5) One-Pan Chicken and Rice

One-pan chicken and rice is a quick and delicious meal for the family. You will love how simple it is to make everything in one dish. This recipe combines juicy chicken and fluffy rice, making clean-up a breeze.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic to add flavor. Then, brown the chicken before adding rice and broth. Allow it to cook until the rice is tender and absorbs all the flavors.

This meal is not just tasty; it’s also comforting. Everyone will enjoy this hearty dish.

Ingredients

• 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Herbs and spices (like thyme and paprika)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Brown the chicken on both sides.
4. Stir in the rice, then add the broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
6. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked.

6) Lemon Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry

This Lemon Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry is a simple and tasty option for dinner. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. The bright flavors of lemon and garlic make it delightful.

You will need lean chicken breast and fresh asparagus for this dish. The tangy lemon sauce adds a refreshing touch. It’s a healthy meal that your family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Push asparagus to the side and add chicken. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
5. In a bowl, mix chicken broth, lemon juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
6. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

7) Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic dish that’s quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious for your family. The rich meat sauce pairs perfectly with spaghetti.

You can prepare this meal in about 30 to 40 minutes. Start with ground beef or turkey for a savory base. Add onions, garlic, and tomatoes to build the flavor.

You can serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in ground meat and cook until browned.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
6. Serve sauce over spaghetti and enjoy!

8) Broccoli and Stilton Soup

Broccoli and Stilton soup is a quick and creamy dish perfect for a family dinner. This soup combines the fresh taste of broccoli with the rich flavor of Stilton cheese. It’s simple to make and only requires a few ingredients.

To prepare, you start by cooking the broccoli and potatoes until they are tender. Then, blend them with Stilton cheese until smooth. This soup can be ready in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.

Serve it hot with some crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup Stilton cheese, crumbled
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion until soft.
3. Add the potatoes and broccoli; cook for 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the broth; simmer until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Blend the mixture until smooth.
6. Stir in the Stilton cheese until melted.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve hot.

9) Veggie Garlic Noodles

Veggie Garlic Noodles are a quick and tasty option for a family dinner. They come together in about 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights. You can customize the vegetables based on what you have at home.

The key ingredients include garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, which create a rich flavor. You can toss in any veggies you like, such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli.

This dish is easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it with your favorite protein for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) noodles
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, etc.)
• Green onions, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Then, drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Toss in the mixed vegetables and cook for 3-5 minutes.
5. Add cooked noodles and soy sauce. Stir well.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.

10) Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is a flavorful and easy dish perfect for family dinners. With its vibrant spices and smoky flavor, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table. You can have it ready in under 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

To prepare tandoori chicken, you’ll need chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices. The marinade helps keep the chicken tender and adds a delicious taste. You can cook it in the oven or air-fryer for a quick meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons tandoori spice mix
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, tandoori spice, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Coat chicken pieces in the marinade. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) or preheat the air-fryer to 400°F (204°C).
4. Bake or air-fry chicken for about 20 minutes, until it cooks through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!