Quick weeknight meals for busy families can be a struggle. No need to worry because I’ve got you covered with my family-friendly recipes, which are time-efficient, delicious, and not too bad for you health-wise.
Benefits of Easy Weeknight Meals
- Healthy meals for busy families will last through the week, making them perfect for meal prep.
- These family-friendly recipes take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, which is a win-win!
- Making meals at home for your family will be cost-effective and save you a ton of money by avoiding expensive restaurants.
- Nutritious!! Yes, this is my favorite. You can choose healthy ingredients such as lean proteins, fresh herbs, and vegetables. So, ultimately, your family can still enjoy wholesome meals without compromising health.
Ingredient Availability
I love using simple, fresh, and nutritious ingredients that make your tastebuds do the electric slide. Below, I will walk you through a few of my family recipes. I know you will enjoy these quick weeknight meals for busy families
Baked Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
· Chicken Drumsticks
· White rice uncooked
· Chicken Broth
· Butter
· Olive oil
· Salt to your liking
· Adobo Seasoning or Poultry
Preparation Steps:
- In a bowl, combine chicken with olive oil and your choice of seasonings.
- Begin to heat butter in a pan over medium-high heat until melted.
- Add the chicken to the pan and let it sear until golden.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté browned.
- Add red bell pepper, onion, and green bell pepper to the pan.
- Next, add white rice to the pan.
- Stir the rice for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to slightly toast. Then, pour in the chicken broth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
- Place pan into the oven and cook, no top, for 35 minutes or until the liquid has fully absorbed into the chicken and rice.
Cooking Time
- The cooking time from start to finish is rounded off to just about an hour.
White Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
· Chicken Breast
· Penne Pasta
· Pepper
· Bacon
· Broccoli
· Olive Oil
Preparation Steps
1. Boil your noodles and sit to the side.
2. Add seasoned chicken to a bowl.
3. Preheat your saucepan to medium-high and add in oil.
4. Once hot, add in your chicken and allow to cook for 10 minutes or until done (occasionally stirring)
5. Take your chicken out and sit on the side
6. To the same pot, add in butter; once melted, add in your garlic and cream cheese
7. Add in your cheese (wisp until it begins to dissolve)
Cooking Time
It takes around 30 minutes to complete this dish.
Baked Turkey Wings
· Turkey Wings
· Cajun Seasoning
· Chicken Bouillon
· Black Pepper
· Garlic Powder
· Butter
· Chicken Broth
· Onion
· Green Bell Pepper
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Add your seasoned meat to a dish.
3. Add your chopped onions and peppers.
4. Next, chicken broth along with gravy and bake.
Cooking Time
Bake them in the oven for one hour. Remove and check for tenderness. If not tender, place back into the oven in 20-minute20-minute increments until tender.
Rigatoni Pasta
Heavy cream
Mozzarella Cheese
Butter
Italian seasoning
Preparation Steps
Cook the rigatoni pasta as instructed by the package.
Start with melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika, stirring well.
Begin to pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Next, add spinach and allow to cook. Last, add back in mozzarella and eat up.
Tips for Efficient Meal Preparation
1. For these quick weeknight meals, you can gather all your ingredients to ensure you don’t forget any crucial steps.
2. Things can become hectic, especially for prominent families. So, try to involve other family members in the mix. This will be a great help if needed.
3. Clean as you go so you won’t have to clean after cooking.
4. Batch Cooking allows you to have several recipes ready for the coming weeks.
Ingredient Swap
· If you want to switch the ingredients for more nutritious ones. You can. For the broths, you can go organic.
· Switch up the seasonings for different types of herbs.
· Butter can be substituted with a healthier version. I would say something like ghee or vegan butter.
Conclusion
You will be able to make several different recipes that your family will love and adore. Oh, and let’s not forget that it’s quick and easy.