Easy & Delicious Family-Friendly Weeknight Dinners for Busy Parents

It might be difficult for us as busy parents to find the time to prepare wholesome and delectable meals on weeknights. This is why we've put up quick family-friendly recipes that are ideal for those busy evenings. These dinners will satisfy even the pickiest eaters, whether you're cooking after a demanding workday or balancing after-school activities. Additionally, they're kid-approved and simple to make, which makes dinnertime for the entire family less stressful and more fun! If you've been following us on Instagram lately, you know that we've been posting some really great, simple dinner ideas for your family, so we wanted to share some more for you in this blog post, and don't be afraid to make these recipes your own by adding your own touch! 

1. One-Pan Chicken & Veggie Bake

This simple recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup, perfect for busy parents. Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a well-balanced meal for your family.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place chicken breasts and vegetables on a lined baking sheet.
3. Drizzle olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over everything.
4. Toss veggies to coat, then arrange the chicken and vegetables evenly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and veggies are tender.

2. 15-Minute Turkey Taco Bowls

Tacos are always a hit with kids, and these quick turkey taco bowls are a healthy twist on the classic.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or just salt and ground cumin)
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Salsa and sour cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
2. Add taco seasoning and cook according to the packet’s instructions.
3. Heat the corn and black beans, then assemble the bowls by layering rice, turkey, corn, beans, lettuce, and tomatoes.
4. Top with shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream.

3. Cheesy Spinach & Sausage Pasta

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor but takes only 20 minutes to make. It’s a comforting meal for both kids and adults.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (your choice)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (or chicken sausage)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked.
3. Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
4. Pour in heavy cream and garlic powder, stirring until heated through.
5. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth.
6. Combine pasta with the sausage and spinach mixture. Serve hot.

4. Sheet-Pan Salmon & Asparagus

Sheet-pan dinners are lifesavers for busy parents. This healthy salmon and asparagus recipe is quick to prepare and full of nutritious ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh minced garlic (garlic powder as a substitute)
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Optional Ingredients (whole grain ground mustard & capers)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange salmon fillets and asparagus on a lined baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Place lemon slices on top of the salmon.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked.

5. Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu

For families looking to incorporate more plant-based meals, this stir-fry is full of flavor and can be made in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 block extra-firm tofu, cubed
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 Sliced yellow or red onion
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• Optional (Mushrooms, corn and bean sprouts)
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook tofu until golden and crispy, then set aside.
3. In the same skillet cook, carrots, onions, garlic, and ginger until tender, then add your bell peppers and snap peas last, as they don't need a long cook time.
4. Add tofu back to the skillet and stir in soy sauce and hoisin sauce. You can get fancy add toppings of your choice if your kids don't mind, some i like are fried shallots, green onions or your favorite chili crisp oil if you like it a little spicier. 
5. Serve with rice.

If you try any of these recipes, let us know how your little one liked them or how you made it your own & tag us, we'd love to see! 

@TheWindrowGroup