With school back in session that means it's time to get back into the swing of things. And, that means we need some new quick dinner ideas. So, I've gathered up this list of 30-minute Kid-Friendly Meals to help make your menu planning easier for busy weeknights.
Are you tired of trying to find dinner ideas every night of the week? It can be exhausting and overwhelming, which is why I've made this list of easy weeknight dinners that the whole family will love. So, you can stress less and spend more time with your family.
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Why You'll Love 30-Minute Meals
- These quick meals only require simple ingredients so you don't have to worry about spending a ton of money at the grocery store.
- With these 30-minute recipes, you can get your picky eaters to eat something other than chicken nuggets on busy nights.
- These recipes are also a great way to breathe some new life into your weekly meal rotation, so your family doesn't get bored of eating the same things.
No matter which one of these easy dinner recipes you decide to give a try first, you can rest assured that you will have a delicious meal that even the kids will enjoy. So, that means no more dinner-time complaints!
Seafood Recipes
One of the best things about making seafood is that it doesn't require a lot of prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Here are a few of my favorite simple seafood recipes.
Shrimp Scampi Without Wine is a quick and easy shrimp scampi recipe that is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Spicy Shrimp With Wild Rice is another quick and easy one-pot family meal. It's always a crowd-favorite and you can control the spice level to suit your family's needs.
Fried Tilapia is a flavorful and delicious meal. This delicate fish is coated in a light batter and pan-fried to golden perfection, creating a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner.
These Shrimp Fajitas only require a few pantry staples and come together in under 20 minutes. Plus, you can top them with sour cream and fresh cilantro for a little extra flavor.
Shrimp and Chicken Cajun Pasta is a delicious and filling meal that is perfect for any night of the week. The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick of flavor to the dish, and it's ready in just 30 minutes.
Shrimp Chop Suey is a tasty mixture of juicy shrimp, and fresh vegetables, in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. It's a one-pot meal that your family will rave about.
Tilapia with Pineapple Avocado Salsa is a light and refreshing meal that is perfect for summer. The combination of tilapia, pineapple, and avocado creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
Soup Recipes
Soup recipes are one the best ways to get the most bang for your buck on your grocery budget, they can feed a crowd and usually only require common ingredients.
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup is a simple and creamy one-pot meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes, and it's a great way to warm up on chilly winter nights.
Carrot Lentil Soup is a sweet, creamy, and flavorful soup that comes together with a few simple ingredients and comes together in 30 minutes. It's a great hearty and comforting meal that everyone will love.
This Seafood Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for those chilly nights. It's packed with shrimp, fish, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. And, it can be on the dinner table in about 30 minutes.
Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic soup that is easy to make at home. It's loaded with tender chicken, egg noodles, and vegetables in a rich and flavorful broth. This soup will become a family favorite!
Creamy Sweet Potato Soup is a delicious and easy soup that is perfect for any cozy night. It's made with tender sweet potatoes, onions, and a touch of cream for an irresistible creamy texture.
This Spicy Cabbage Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for those looking for a little kick in their soup. Loaded with vegetables and spices, it's a filling meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
Beef Recipes
Does your family love beef as much as mine does? If so, these beef recipes are going to be a huge hit with your entire crowd. They are simple, delicious, and super quick to make.
Pizza Burgers are an all-time family-favorite dinner recipe that is full of flavor and super easy to make.
20 Minute Steak Fried Rice is a restaurant-quality meal that is so much easier to make than you think it is. You won't regret making this simple dish.
Stuffed Peppers are made with a delicious mixture of ground beef, bell peppers, and lots of seasonings. It's one of my favorite healthy dinner recipes to make on a school night.
Sloppy Joe Sliders are made with a mini twist on this classic dinner staple. They make a great appetizer but an even better weeknight dinner when you pair them with your family's favorite side dishes.
This Shipwreck Casserole may have a strange name, however, it's a delicious blend of boxed mac and cheese, seasoned ground beef, and juicy tomatoes.
There is no better family-friendly meal than this Crockpot Cheeseburger Casserole. It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein and carbs to keep you full all night long.
Chicken Recipes
These easy chicken recipes all come together in 30 minutes or less, only require a few simple ingredients, and are picky eater-approved. If your family loves chicken then you need to give these weeknight meals a try.
Mushroom Chicken is a creamy and delicious healthy family meal that comes together in just 25 minutes.
This Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken in your fridge and turn it into a creamy yet flavorful busy night meal for your whole family.
Low Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a super simple meal that is full of tender chicken and gooey melted cheese. It's one of the best easy weeknight family dinners you will ever make.
Lemon Artichoke Chicken is a base of tender chicken breasts cooked in a tangy lemon sauce that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
Chicken Grilled Cheese this protein-filled twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
This Sundried Tomato Chicken Skillet is a one-pan wonder filled with tender chicken, sundried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce. It's the perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying.
Pasta Recipes
Pasta is a staple meal in our household because not only is it easy to make, but it's also incredibly versatile. Here are some of our favorite pasta recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.
Ricotta Pasta is a great meal to make for Meatless Monday when you want something filling yet super easy to make.
Alfredo Tortellini Bake is a creamy, and cheesy dish that will quickly become one of your favorite weeknight dinner recipes.
This Stovetop Mac and Cheese is a crowd-pleasing recipe that combines sharp cheddar, tender pasta, and a creamy sauce for a satisfying meal.
Chicken Broccoli Ziti is one of my go-to one-pot meals when I am craving something hearty, filling, yet flavorful. I know that your family will love it as much as mine does.
Spaghetti Arrabiata is a classic Italian dish that packs a punch of flavor with its spicy tomato sauce. This quick recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spare.
Greek Spaghetti is a light and refreshing twist on traditional spaghetti. The combination of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, and cucumbers makes a healthy meal that you can feel good about eating.
With all of these delicious 30-minute dishes, there are bound to be some leftovers. But don't worry, they make for great next-day lunches. Or they can be easily frozen for a quick dinner option in the future.
So add one of these recipes to your next meal plan and enjoy a stress-free dinner in no time!
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