19 Family-Favorite Dinner Ideas for Easy Weeknights

Cooking dinner every night can be a real challenge, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some easy dinner ideas that your family will absolutely love. These recipes are not only delicious but also quick to prepare, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos

A family favorite, these chicken tacos are made with minimal effort using a slow cooker. Combine chicken breasts, taco seasoning, salsa, and a bit of lime juice. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, shred the chicken, and serve with your favorite taco toppings. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a flavorful and tender chicken filling for tacos. Serve with tortillas, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream for a complete meal.

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta

This creamy Tuscan pasta is both delicious and easy to make. In one pot, sauté garlic and onions, then add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and chicken broth. Stir in pasta, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the pasta is tender. This recipe saves time on cleanup and provides a rich, comforting meal. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Creamy Noodle Casserole

A comforting classic, this noodle casserole is packed with creamy goodness. Combine cooked egg noodles with a mixture of cream of mushroom soup, milk, and shredded chicken. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden and bubbly. This dish is great for a cozy family dinner and can be easily prepared ahead of time. Serve with steamed vegetables or a green salad.

Beef & Bacon Gnocchi Skillet

This beef and bacon gnocchi skillet is a quick and satisfying meal. Cook ground beef and bacon, then add gnocchi and your favorite pasta sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This one-pan meal is easy to prepare and clean up, making it perfect for busy nights. Serve with a simple green salad.

Pork with Mustard Sauce

Tender pork medallions served with a tangy mustard sauce make a delicious dinner. Sear the pork in a skillet, then make a sauce with Dijon mustard, cream, and chicken broth. This dish is both elegant and easy to prepare, ideal for a weeknight meal. Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a complete meal. The mustard sauce adds a sophisticated touch.

Tex-Mex Slow Cooker Chicken

This Tex-Mex chicken is full of bold flavors and easy to make in a slow cooker. Combine chicken breasts with taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then shred the chicken and mix with the sauce. Serve over rice or in tortillas for a versatile and tasty meal. It’s a great way to enjoy Tex-Mex flavors with minimal effort.

White Chicken Chili

A hearty and flavorful dish, white chicken chili is perfect for a cozy dinner. Cook chicken with white beans, green chilies, onions, and chicken broth, then season with cumin and oregano. This chili is creamy and comforting, ideal for cold evenings. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro before serving. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make.

Beef Orzo Skillet

A quick and delicious meal, this beef orzo skillet is perfect for weeknights. Sauté ground beef with onions and garlic, then add orzo, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Cook until the orzo is tender and the flavors are well combined. This one-pan dish is easy to prepare and cleanup is a breeze. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Easy Beef Goulash

A comforting and hearty meal, beef goulash is easy to prepare. Brown beef with onions and garlic, then simmer with tomatoes, bell peppers, and paprika. Serve over egg noodles for a complete meal that the whole family will enjoy. This dish is perfect for a cozy evening and can be made ahead of time. Pair with a side of crusty bread.

Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken

This creamy garlic pesto chicken is full of flavor and simple to make. Sauté chicken breasts with garlic, then add heavy cream and pesto sauce. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened. This dish is rich and delicious, perfect for a family dinner. Serve with pasta or rice and steamed vegetables.

Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta

A light and flavorful dish, tomato spinach shrimp pasta is quick to prepare. Sauté shrimp with garlic and cherry tomatoes, then add spinach and cooked pasta. Toss with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh and vibrant meal. This dish is both healthy and satisfying, perfect for a family dinner. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Creamy Spinach Chicken

This creamy spinach chicken is both nutritious and delicious. Sauté chicken breasts with garlic, then add fresh spinach and a creamy sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This dish is rich and comforting, ideal for a cozy family dinner. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice and a side of steamed vegetables. The spinach adds a healthy touch.

Chicken Parmesan & Pasta Casserole

This chicken Parmesan casserole is a comforting and easy meal. Layer cooked chicken with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and cooked pasta in a baking dish. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a delicious and hearty dinner. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and can be made ahead of time. Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.

Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

A comforting and kid-friendly meal, this tater tot casserole is easy to prepare. Layer cooked ground beef with cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheese, and frozen tater tots. Bake until the tater tots are crispy and golden for a delicious and satisfying dinner. This dish is perfect for busy nights and can be made ahead of time. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables.

Lazy Lasagna

This lazy lasagna is a quick and easy version of the classic dish. Layer cooked lasagna noodles with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a delicious and comforting meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner and can be made ahead of time. Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.

30-Minute Chorizo Chickpea Stew

A flavorful and hearty stew, this chorizo chickpea stew is quick to make. Sauté chorizo with onions and garlic, then add chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer for 30 minutes for a delicious and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner and can be made ahead of time. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Chopped Chicken Salad

A fresh and healthy meal, this chopped chicken salad is easy to make. Combine cooked chicken with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite salad dressing. This dish is light and refreshing, perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. The salad is versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Spaghetti Carbonara

A classic Italian dish, spaghetti carbonara is both delicious and easy to make. Cook spaghetti and toss with a sauce made from eggs, Parmesan cheese, and crispy bacon. This dish is rich and comforting, perfect for a family dinner. Serve with a simple green salad for a complete meal. The creamy sauce is made without cream, using the heat of the pasta to thicken it.

Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken

This sheet pan lemon herb chicken is a quick and easy dinner idea. Toss chicken breasts with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then bake on a sheet pan with vegetables. This dish is healthy and flavorful, perfect for a busy weeknight. Serve with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. The sheet pan method makes cleanup a breeze.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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