**Simple Dinner Recipes for Families**
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding time to prepare a wholesome dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy can often feel like a daunting task. However, with a collection of easy-to-follow recipes, you can transform mealtime into a stress-free and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Here, we explore a variety of simple yet delicious dinner ideas that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
### 1. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta
**Ingredients*
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups (400g) penne pasta
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions*
1. In a large skillet or pot, cook the diced chicken over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the penne pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
### 2. Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
**Ingredients*
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (240ml) BBQ sauce
- 1 lb (450g) baby potatoes, halved
- 1 lb (450g) mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion), chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions*
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Place the chicken breasts on one side of the baking sheet and brush with BBQ sauce.
3. In a large bowl, toss the baby potatoes and mixed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out on the other side of the baking sheet.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, stirring the vegetables halfway through cooking.
5. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
6. Serve the BBQ chicken with roasted vegetables, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
### 3. Quick and Easy Beef Stir-Fry
**Ingredients*
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 cups (300g) mixed vegetables (such as broccoli florets, bell peppers, and snap peas)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
**Instructions*
1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat.
2. Add the thinly sliced beef to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
5. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
### Conclusion
These simple dinner recipes are designed to simplify your evenings while ensuring that your family enjoys delicious and nutritious meals together. Whether you opt for a creamy pasta dish, a hearty sheet pan meal, or a quick stir-fry, these recipes are versatile enough to accommodate various tastes and dietary preferences.
#dinner