16 Quick Dinners For Busy School Nights
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Now that school is back in session and Fall is running full steam ahead getting a healthy dinner on the table every night can be a challenge. It doesn’t have to be though, you can skip the takeout and feed your family a delicious meal without spending a ton of time in the kitchen. Check out these sixteen quick dinners that are perfect for busy weeknights.
1. No Noodle Tuna Casserole
This no noodle tuna casserole is sure to become a dinnertime hit with the whole family. It’s easy to make, good for you, and delicious too!
2. Chili Mac
Made from ground turkey instead of beef, this healthy chili mac will be your go-to dinner during the cooler months. It’s quick, comforting, and family-friendly, so prepare to make it often.
3. Lemon Caper Chicken
A healthier version of chicken piccata, this 30-minute lemon caper chicken tastes divine even without butter. Serve with pasta, rice, or veggies for a quick and hearty meal. Don’t forget a green side salad to round out your dinner.
4. Pizzadillas
Pizzadillas are a cross between a pizza and a quesadilla. In other words, something the whole family will definitely enjoy. Serve these on their own or add a delicious side dish like a salad or some rice and beans.
5. Cavatappi Pasta
This easy Cavatappi pasta salad comes together quickly if you have some pre-cooked sausage on hand. Just toss in a few veggies and dressing, and dinner will be on the table in no time. (Hint: Buy a pre-cooked sausage)
6. Sheet Pan Nachos
These sheet pan nachos are the perfect “make-everybody-happy-for-dinner” meal! These meals are quick and easy to put together if you have all the ingredients in the fridge or cupboard or can make a quick run to the store.
7. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Personal-sized pizzas are one of the best, easy dinners you can make as a busy parent. If you use healthy ingredients, you can feel good about what you are feeding everyone while still giving both kids and adults the foods and flavors they love. This BBQ chicken pizza is definitely one to try.
8. Cheeseburger Pasta
Everyone loves this homemade cheeseburger pasta, made with real food ingredients. If you love traditional cheeseburger pasta, you’ll flip for this healthier pasta recipe. Serve with some crispy garlic bread and a side salad.
9. Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This summer-inspired bow tie pasta salad is the perfect pasta dish to share with friends and family this summer! Serve with a side of grilled chicken and a green salad for a complete meal.
10. Pesto Pita Pizza
This pesto pita pizza recipe is super fast, easy, and delicious with pesto and tomatoes. Pick up some ready-made pita bread and your favorite pizza toppings to get dinner on the table quickly tonight.
11. Easy Goulash
Easy goulash is one of those feel-good comfort foods you always like coming home to at the end of a long day. It’s got great flavor, it’s satisfying, and it’s not hard to make. It has that perfect trifecta happening, and we all love those!
12. Air Fryer Fish N’ Chips
Fish and Chips that aren’t deep fried and bad for you? Yep! This air fryer fish n’ chips recipe proves it. Delicious and nutritious, and even the kids will love it.
13. BLT Pasta Salad
This BLT pasta salad features freshly grilled bacon and an extremely simple mayo-based dressing. It’s a great dish to serve at a potluck, cookouts, barbecues, block parties, and any other social gathering.
14. Hawaiian Pita Pizza
This delicious Hawaiian pita pizza is vegetarian but can easily be made with your favorite ham to make it more authentically “Hawaiian.” Easily double, triple, or quadruple the recipe to feed as many people as you need to feed.
15. Bombay Potatoes
This wonderful Bombay potatoes recipe came about after I tried a packaged version from the health food store. The stuff from the store definitely fell short, but I recognized just how good it could be if it were homemade.
16. Baked Turkey Burgers
Baked turkey burgers are such an American classic. They are quick, tasty, and made with simple ingredients. They are also very easy to enjoy on a healthy meal plan. This recipe is one I’ve used for years. It’s about as easy as they come and positively delicious.
More From The Gracious Pantry
Need more dinner ideas? These can help. Chicken and turkey are very versatile foods that can be used to create an unlimited number of dinners. Here are 118 ideas to get you started.
