21 Simple Weeknight Meals the Whole Family Will Love

Sometimes, after a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Here’s a collection of easy weeknight dinners that are perfect for family meals. These recipes offer a variety of flavors and ingredients to keep everyone happy, from spicy and savory to creamy and comforting. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta, tacos, or a stir-fry, there’s something here for everyone.

Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas are a delicious and colorful dish, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Start by marinating chicken strips in lime juice, garlic, and spices. Sauté the chicken with bell peppers and onions until everything is cooked through and slightly charred. Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, and salsa. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and tangy toppings makes this dish a family favorite. The flavors are vibrant and fresh, with a slight kick from the spices.

Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then toss it with a mixture of eggs, Parmesan cheese, and crispy bacon. The heat from the pasta cooks the egg mixture, creating a rich and creamy sauce. Top with extra cheese and freshly ground black pepper. This dish is both comforting and satisfying, with a luscious texture and savory flavor.

Beef Tacos

Beef tacos are a quick and versatile dinner option. Brown ground beef with onions and taco seasoning, then serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa. The beef is savory and slightly spicy, perfect for a customizable family meal. The crunchy lettuce and creamy cheese add great texture and flavor contrast.

Chicken Stir-Fry

Chicken stir-fry is a fast and healthy dinner choice. Slice chicken breast and your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry everything in a hot pan with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Serve over rice or noodles. The dish is fresh and vibrant, with a savory and slightly sweet sauce that brings all the ingredients together.

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a light yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Sauté shrimp in butter, garlic, and lemon juice until they are just cooked through. Toss with cooked linguine and parsley, adding a bit of pasta water to create a silky sauce. The shrimp are tender and juicy, while the garlic and lemon provide a bright, zesty flavor. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a hearty and comforting pasta bake that the whole family will love. Cook ziti pasta until al dente, then mix with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. Pour into a baking dish and top with more mozzarella before baking until bubbly and golden. The cheese melts into the pasta, creating a rich and gooey dish. It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures, with a satisfying cheesy crust on top.

Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki chicken is a sweet and savory dish that’s simple to prepare. Marinate chicken thighs in teriyaki sauce, then bake or grill until cooked through. Serve with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables. The chicken is tender and infused with the rich, sweet teriyaki glaze. It’s a deliciously sticky and flavorful meal that’s sure to be a hit with the family.

Beef and Broccoli

Beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese-American dish that’s easy to make at home. Stir-fry sliced beef with broccoli florets in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Serve over rice. The beef is tender and flavorful, while the broccoli adds a fresh, crunchy contrast. The sauce is umami-rich and slightly sweet, making this dish both satisfying and delicious.

Margherita Pizza

Margherita pizza is a simple yet delicious meal that’s quick to prepare. Use a store-bought or homemade pizza crust, spread with tomato sauce, and top with fresh mozzarella and basil leaves. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The flavors are classic and fresh, with the basil adding a fragrant touch. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy.

Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a creamy pasta dish that’s quick and easy to make. Cook fettuccine until al dente, then toss with a sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Add cooked, sliced chicken breast and mix until everything is coated in the rich, creamy sauce. The dish is indulgent and satisfying, with a velvety texture and savory flavor. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.

Creamy Lemon Chicken

Creamy lemon chicken is a light and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. Sauté chicken breasts until golden, then remove from the pan and make a sauce with cream, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through. Serve with rice or pasta. The dish is tangy and creamy, with a bright lemon flavor that complements the tender chicken.

Pork with Mustard Sauce

Pork with mustard sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Sear pork chops until golden, then make a sauce with Dijon mustard, cream, and chicken broth. Return the pork to the pan and simmer until the sauce thickens and the pork is cooked through. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice. The mustard sauce is tangy and creamy, complementing the juicy pork perfectly.

Healthy Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Healthy sweet and sour meatballs are a nutritious and tasty dinner option. Make meatballs with ground turkey or chicken, then cook in a tangy sauce made from pineapple juice, vinegar, and soy sauce. Serve over brown rice or quinoa. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, while the sauce is sweet and tangy. It’s a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will love.

Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets

Homemade baked chicken nuggets are a kid-friendly dinner that’s easy to make. Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, coat in breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and crispy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces. The chicken nuggets are juicy and flavorful, with a crispy exterior. They’re a healthier alternative to store-bought nuggets and just as tasty.

Quick and Healthy Sloppy Joes

Quick and healthy sloppy joes are a lighter take on the classic dish. Make the filling with ground turkey or chicken, bell peppers, and a tangy tomato sauce. Serve on whole wheat buns. The sloppy joes are savory and slightly sweet, with a deliciously messy texture. They’re a fun and easy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry me chicken pasta is a creamy and indulgent pasta dish. Cook pasta until al dente, then toss with a sauce made from cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Add cooked, sliced chicken breast and mix until everything is coated in the sauce. The dish is rich and flavorful, with a luscious texture and savory taste. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.

Coconut Chicken Tenders

Coconut chicken tenders are a fun and flavorful dinner option. Coat chicken tenders in shredded coconut and breadcrumbs, then bake until golden and crispy. Serve with a sweet chili dipping sauce. The chicken tenders are juicy and flavorful, with a crispy and slightly sweet coating. They’re a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional chicken tenders.

Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry with Lemon Sauce

Shrimp and asparagus stir fry with lemon sauce is a light and healthy dinner. Sauté shrimp and asparagus in a hot pan with garlic and lemon juice until the shrimp are cooked through and the asparagus is tender-crisp. Serve over rice or noodles. The dish is fresh and vibrant, with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that complements the shrimp and asparagus perfectly.

Hummus Pita Pizzas

Hummus pita pizzas are a quick and healthy dinner option. Spread hummus on whole wheat pita bread, then top with your favorite vegetables and a sprinkle of cheese. Bake until the pita is crispy and the cheese is melted. The pizzas are light and flavorful, with a deliciously crispy crust. They’re a fun and easy dinner that’s perfect for the whole family.

Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp is a fun and flavorful dinner option. Coat shrimp in shredded coconut and breadcrumbs, then bake or fry until golden and crispy. Serve with a sweet chili dipping sauce. The shrimp are juicy and flavorful, with a crispy and slightly sweet coating. They’re a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fried shrimp.

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Chicken tortellini soup is a comforting and flavorful dinner option. Sauté diced chicken breast with onions, carrots, and celery, then add chicken broth and cheese tortellini. Simmer until the tortellini are cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The soup is hearty and satisfying, with a rich and savory broth. It’s a perfect dinner for a cold night.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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