dinner ideas for family

10 Healthy and Easy Dinner Ideas for Family

ByFannie L

Looking for healthy and easy dinner ideas to keep the whole family happy during busy weeknights? Say goodbye to the stress of meal planning with these delicious recipes that are sure to become instant favorites. From slow-cooker wonders to quick one-pot meals, we’ve got you covered with a variety of options that will make dinnertime a breeze. Let’s dive into some mouth-watering dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Healthy and Easy Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights with the Family

When hectic weeknights roll around, the last thing you want to worry about is what to make for dinner. That’s where these healthy and easy recipes come in handy that a good for the whole family!

With simple ingredients and quick preparation, these dishes like slow-cooker bolognese and honey mustard chicken will save you time while providing nutritious meals for the whole family.

Slow-Cooker Bolognese

Looking for a simple yet delicious dinner idea for your busy weeknights with the family? Why not try making Slow-Cooker Bolognese! This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for those nights when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth or dry red wine
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream (optional)
  • Grated parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
  2. Transfer browned beef into the slow cooker. Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth/wine, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. Add the bay leaf.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
  5. Once done, remove the bay leaf. For a creamier sauce, stir in the milk or heavy cream.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve over cooked pasta like tagliatelle, pappardelle or spaghetti. Top with grated parmesan.

Honey Mustard Chicken

Looking for a flavorful and easy dinner idea for your busy weeknights with the family? Why not try making some delicious Honey Mustard Chicken! This dish is simple to prepare and packed full of sweet and tangy flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and dried thyme until well combined.
  3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the honey mustard mixture over them, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Optionally, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end to get a nice caramelized glaze on top.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a fantastic option to add some color and variety to your weeknight meals. This is a healthy and flavorful dinner idea that the whole family will love.

Filled with a delicious mixture of ground meat, rice, veggies, and cheese, these colorful bell peppers bake in the oven to perfection. Use a variety of bell peppers and stuffing based on your preference of vegetables and cheese. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish not only tasty but also satisfying for even the pickiest eaters at the table.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken with a spicy kick of cajun seasoning, all tossed together with creamy pasta. The bold flavors of the cajun seasoning paired with the creaminess of the pasta create a deliciously satisfying meal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s versatile – you can customize the spice level to suit your family’s taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and impress your loved ones with a tasty dinner option!

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz penne or other short pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
  5. Add the minced garlic and remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  7. Add the cooked pasta, chicken and grated Parmesan. Toss to combine everything together.
  8. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Sweet Potato Chili

When it comes to a hearty and nutritious meal that the whole family will love, Sweet Potato Chili ticks all the boxes. This flavorful dish combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the warmth of chili spices for a comforting dinner option.

Packed with protein-rich beans, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, this Sweet Potato Chili is not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the ground turkey/beef and cook until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and salt. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, broth, and cubed sweet potato.
  5. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, chili powder, etc. if desired.
  7. Serve the chili warm topped with desired toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, etc.

Spinach Artichoke Pasta

This creamy and flavorful dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your household.

With tender pasta, sautéed spinach, artichoke hearts, and a rich cream sauce, this recipe combines all the best flavors in one comforting meal. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something hearty but hassle-free. Give this Spinach Artichoke Pasta a try tonight and watch as it becomes a new family favorite at your dinner table!

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the chopped artichoke hearts and thawed, drained spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently.
  4. Pour in the milk and stir in the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper.
  5. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted and sauce is slightly thickened.
  6. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss until fully coated with the spinach artichoke sauce.
  7. Transfer to a baking dish and top with the panko breadcrumbs.
  8. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the panko breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Feta Pasta

Feta pasta to saves the day when you’re wondering what to cook for dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.

The combination of tangy feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a burst of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Plus, it’s super versatile – you can customize it with additional veggies or proteins to suit your family’s preferences. Give feta pasta a try for your next weeknight meal!

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
  • 1 block (7-8 oz) feta cheese
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
    • In a large baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center.
    • Surround the feta with cherry tomatoes.
  3. Season and Bake:
    • Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and tomatoes.
    • Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano (if using), salt, and pepper over everything.
    • Toss the tomatoes gently to coat them with the oil and seasonings.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and melty.
  4. Cook the Pasta:
    • While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
    • Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  5. Combine and Mix:
    • Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce.
    • Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce.
    • If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Serve:
    • Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
    • Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, delicious feta pasta!

Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi

This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors that everyone will love.

With just a few simple ingredients like sausage, gnocchi, spinach, and cream sauce, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time. The creamy texture of the sauce combined with the chewy gnocchi and savory sausage creates a perfect balance of flavors that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference), casings removed
  • 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Sausage:
    • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
    • Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. If there’s excess grease, drain it, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
    • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Gnocchi:
    • Add the gnocchi to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Cream and Broth:
    • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
    • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
  5. Combine and Simmer:
    • Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.
    • Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and the gnocchi is tender.
  6. Add Cheese and Spinach:
    • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines with the sauce.
    • If using, add the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve:
    • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
    • Serve hot, and enjoy your creamy one-pot sausage gnocchi!

Homemade Hamburger Helper

The Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and hearty dinner option that the whole family will love. This dish is a nostalgic favorite with a homemade twist that’s both easy and delicious.

With simple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, cheese, and spices, you can whip up this meal in no time. The best part is you control the ingredients, so you can make it healthier by using whole grain pasta or adding extra veggies. Enjoy a cozy night in with this satisfying and budget-friendly dinner idea!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1⁄4 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or other short pasta

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add the diced onions and garlic to the beef. Cook for 2 minutes until onions are translucent.
  3. Sprinkle in the flour, paprika, parsley, oregano and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir to coat the beef.
  4. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Add the dry macaroni and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender and sauce has thickened.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Coconut Chicken Curry

Coconut Chicken Curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Thailand. With tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and a blend of spices, this dinner idea is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Serve it over steamed rice or with naan bread for a satisfying meal that comes together in no time.

For the Marinade:

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

For the Curry:

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
  • 2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Marinate the Chicken:

  • In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with yogurt, turmeric, coriander, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best results.

Prepare the Curry:

  • Heat the oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir well and cook for another minute to toast the spices.

Cook the Chicken:

  • Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the chopped tomato and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the Coconut Milk and Simmer:

  • Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
  • Bring the curry to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish and Serve:

  • Garnish the curry with fresh cilantro.
  • Serve hot with rice, naan, or your favorite flatbread.

These healthy and easy dinner ideas for busy weeknights are perfect for those hectic evenings when you need something quick and delicious to feed your family. From slow-cooker bolognese to homemade hamburger helper, there’s something on this list for everyone. Say goodbye to stressful mealtimes and hello to tasty dinners that will bring joy around the table!

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