17 Quick and Healthy Weeknight Dinners for the Whole Family

Tired of trying to figure out what’s for dinner every weeknight? With busy schedules and hungry family members to feed, it can be tough to keep things healthy and fast. That’s why we’ve put together a list of quick and healthy dinners that the whole family will enjoy. These recipes are loaded with flavor, easy to make, and filled with nutritious ingredients that everyone will love.

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

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For this simple sheet pan meal, combine boneless, skinless chicken breasts with chopped broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Drizzle everything with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal. This one-pan dish makes cleanup a breeze and is loaded with protein and fiber to keep everyone satisfied.

Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos

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Start by warming whole wheat tortillas and filling them with a mixture of black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and chopped red onions. Add a squeeze of lime juice, a sprinkle of cumin, and some chili powder for extra flavor. Top with shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. These vegetarian tacos are not only quick to make but also packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats that will fuel the whole family.

Creamy Avocado Pasta

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Cook whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. In a blender, mix ripe avocados, garlic, lemon juice, and a bit of olive oil to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Toss the pasta with the avocado sauce and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. You can add cherry tomatoes and spinach for extra veggies. This creamy pasta is a perfect family dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes and is packed with healthy fats and fiber.

Honey Garlic Salmon

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Place salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet and drizzle with a sauce made from honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a bit of ginger. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is flaky and cooked through. Serve with steamed broccoli and quinoa for a complete, healthy meal. This sweet and savory salmon dish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious option that the whole family will enjoy.

Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

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Sauté diced chicken breasts in a hot pan with a bit of olive oil, then add a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Pour in a homemade stir-fry sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and a touch of cornstarch to thicken. Serve over rice or noodles for a quick and healthy dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The balance of lean protein and veggies makes this meal a great weeknight option.

Baked Zucchini Parmesan

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Slice zucchini into rounds and dip in beaten eggs before coating with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes until golden brown. Serve with marinara sauce and a side of whole wheat pasta or brown rice. This crispy, cheesy zucchini is a family favorite that sneaks in extra veggies while still feeling like a comfort food treat.

Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

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Cook lean ground beef with diced onions, garlic, and soy sauce until browned. Add shredded carrots and cabbage to the pan for extra crunch. Spoon the beef mixture into large lettuce leaves and top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions. These wraps are low in carbs, full of flavor, and easy to customize with different toppings like avocado or a drizzle of spicy sriracha sauce.

One-Pot Chicken and Rice

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In a large pot, brown chicken thighs with olive oil, then add diced onions, garlic, and chopped carrots. Stir in brown rice, chicken broth, and season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. This one-pot meal is a comforting and hearty dinner that’s full of flavor and easy to make with minimal cleanup.

Greek Chicken Salad Bowls

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Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano before grilling or baking. Slice the cooked chicken and serve over a bed of romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and Kalamata olives. Drizzle with a homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, dill, and garlic. This Mediterranean-inspired salad is light yet filling, offering a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies.

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken

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Butterfly chicken breasts and stuff them with a mixture of sautéed spinach, crumbled feta, and garlic. Secure the chicken with toothpicks and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until fully cooked. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes or a side salad. This dish combines lean protein and iron-rich spinach for a nutritious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Quinoa and Veggie Buddha Bowl

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Cook quinoa according to package directions and layer it in a bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, and chickpeas. Drizzle with a tahini-based dressing made from tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water. This nutrient-dense Buddha bowl is packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making it an excellent option for a quick, plant-based weeknight dinner.

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu

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In a hot pan, stir-fry cubed tofu with soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of sesame oil. Add a mix of bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli, and cook until tender. Serve over brown rice or noodles and sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra flavor. This vegan-friendly dinner is packed with plant-based protein and is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

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Fill whole wheat tortillas with a mixture of mashed sweet potatoes, black beans, and diced onions. Roll them up and place in a baking dish, then cover with enchilada sauce and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly. These enchiladas are a family-friendly, vegetarian dinner that’s rich in fiber and flavor.

Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

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Sauté garlic and shrimp in olive oil until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Add trimmed asparagus to the pan and cook until tender. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and a side of quinoa or whole grain pasta. This quick meal is full of protein and healthy fats, making it a great option for busy weeknights when you need something light and satisfying.

BBQ Chicken Flatbread

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Top whole wheat flatbread with shredded rotisserie chicken, your favorite BBQ sauce, and thinly sliced red onions. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve. This flatbread is a quick, delicious dinner that combines the smoky flavor of BBQ with the comfort of pizza.

Chickpea and Spinach Curry

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Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a large pot, then add chickpeas, canned tomatoes, and spinach. Stir in curry powder and coconut milk, and simmer until thickened. Serve over basmati rice or with naan bread. This plant-based curry is flavorful, filling, and packed with protein, making it a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

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Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles, then sauté them in olive oil for a few minutes until tender. Toss with homemade or store-bought pesto, and top with cherry tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. This low-carb, veggie-packed dinner is quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors. Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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