10+ Quick Dinner Recipes for Family Busy Mom: Easy Meals to Save Your Evenings

Balancing a busy schedule while making family dinners can be challenging. Many moms search for quick and simple recipes that are both nutritious and delicious. The right recipes can make mealtime enjoyable without spending hours in the kitchen.

This article will explore various quick dinner recipes perfect for busy moms. You will find easy-to-follow meals that your family will love. Let’s make cooking stress-free and fun so you can enjoy quality time with your loved ones at the dinner table.

1) One-Pan Taco Skillet

One-Pan Taco Skillet is a fantastic choice for busy moms. It’s quick to prepare and everyone in the family will enjoy it. You can make this meal in about 30 minutes.

Start with ground beef or turkey as the main protein. Add rice, taco seasoning, and corn for flavor. This dish is loaded with taste and can be served right from the skillet.

Feel free to top it off with some shredded cheese and diced tomatoes. A side of salad goes perfectly with this easy dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup (180g) rice
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese
• Optional: diced tomatoes and salad

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add rice, taco seasoning, and corn, stirring well.
3. Cook according to rice package instructions.
4. Once done, sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt.
5. Serve hot with optional toppings.

2) Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet-pan chicken fajitas are a quick and tasty dinner option for busy nights. You can make this dish in one pan, which makes cleanup easy.

Start by mixing chicken with sliced bell peppers and onions. Add some olive oil and fajita seasoning for flavor.

Spread everything on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C). In about 20 minutes, your fajitas will be ready.

Serve them in warm tortillas for a delicious meal that your family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 packet fajita seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine chicken, bell peppers, onions, olive oil, and fajita seasoning.
3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve in tortillas and enjoy!

3) Muffin-Tin Mini Meatloaves

Muffin-tin mini meatloaves are a fun, quick dinner idea for busy nights. They cook faster than traditional meatloaf, making them perfect for families on the go.

You can easily customize ingredients to suit your taste. Adding veggies like bell peppers or carrots can boost nutrition. Topped with your favorite sauce, they become even more flavorful.

These mini meatloaves are great for portion control too. Each person gets their own serving, which makes dinner easy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Grease a muffin tin and fill each cup with the meat mixture.
4. Top each loaf with ketchup.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

4) Quick Shrimp Stir Fry

Shrimp stir fry is a fast and tasty dinner option for busy moms. You can have it ready in about 20 minutes. Plus, it uses fresh vegetables and a simple sauce.

Start by heating some oil in a skillet. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink. Then, toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers and broccoli.

Next, stir in a sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and honey. Cook everything until the veggies are tender. Serve it over rice or noodles for a full meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add the mixed vegetables and stir.
4. Mix soy sauce, honey, and garlic in a bowl. Add to the skillet.
5. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Serve over rice or noodles. Enjoy!

5) Cheesy Spinach Quesadillas

Cheesy spinach quesadillas are a fast and tasty dinner option for a busy night. They are easy to make and loved by both kids and adults.

Start with a tortilla and fill it with fresh spinach and your favorite cheese. You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix for extra flavor.

Cook on a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve.

Ingredients

• 4 tortillas
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Melt butter in the skillet.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
4. Add half the cheese and spinach on one half of the tortilla.
5. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Flip and cook the other side until cheese is melted.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

6) Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a perfect dish for busy nights. It’s quick to make and full of flavor. You can whip up this meal in under 30 minutes!

Start by cooking your favorite pasta. While it cooks, prepare a sauce with fresh tomatoes, basil, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This blend creates a rich and creamy texture.

Once your pasta is ready, simply toss it in the sauce. Serve with a sprinkle of extra basil for garnish. This dish is sure to please your family and is easy enough for you to manage on a busy evening.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (like spaghetti or penne)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large pan, combine tomatoes and cream over medium heat.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese and basil.
4. Drain pasta and add to the sauce, mixing well.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

7) Gnocchi with Pesto and Shrimp

Gnocchi with pesto and shrimp is a fast and tasty dinner for your family. This dish takes just about 20 to 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up a gourmet meal at home.

Begin by cooking store-bought gnocchi according to the package instructions. While the gnocchi is cooking, toss shrimp in olive oil and garlic in a pan. Add asparagus for extra flavor and nutrition.

Once the shrimp are pink and cooked, mix in the cooked gnocchi and pesto. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top for brightness. Serve warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 package of gnocchi
• 1 pound of shrimp
• 1 cup of pesto
• 1 cup of asparagus, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 lemon
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the gnocchi as directed on the package.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add shrimp and garlic; cook until shrimp are pink.
4. Add asparagus and sauté for a few minutes.
5. Combine gnocchi and pesto in the pan; stir well.
6. Squeeze lemon juice over the dish.
7. Serve with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

8) Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a simple and quick recipe that fits perfectly into your busy schedule. You can have a delicious dinner ready in about 30 minutes.

Start by adding chicken thighs, rice, broth, and your favorite spices to the Instant Pot. Seal the pot and set it to cook on high for 10 minutes. This makes the chicken tender and flavorful.

While the chicken cooks, you can prepare some frozen veggies. After the cooking time, add them in and let them steam for a few minutes.

This dish is creamy and satisfying, making it a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken thighs
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen vegetables
• Spices of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Add chicken, rice, broth, and spices to the Instant Pot.
2. Seal the pot and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
3. After cooking, release the pressure and add frozen vegetables.
4. Let it steam for 3-5 minutes before serving.

9) BBQ Chicken Salad Bowls

BBQ Chicken Salad Bowls are easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights. You can customize them with your favorite toppings. Start with a base of greens and add your BBQ chicken for a fun twist.

Include ingredients like corn, beans, salsa, and avocado for flavor and nutrition. You can also sprinkle on crispy fried onions for a crunchy finish.

This dish is quick and perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s satisfying and packed with flavors everyone will enjoy.

10) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a quick and tasty dinner option. It only takes about 20 minutes to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. This dish is a classic Italian recipe that features garlic and olive oil.

Start by cooking your spaghetti in boiling water. While it cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and add thinly sliced garlic. Cook until the garlic turns golden, then add red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.

Once the spaghetti is ready, drain it and toss it with the garlic oil. Season with salt to taste and serve warm. It’s a perfect meal for busy nights!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
• ½ cup olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• Salt

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil water and cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add sliced garlic and cook until golden.
4. Stir in red pepper flakes.
5. Drain spaghetti and toss it with the garlic oil.
6. Add salt to taste and serve warm.