17 Recipes That Make Family Dinners a Breeze

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Finding meals that everyone in the family loves can sometimes feel like a challenge, but this collection of 17 family-friendly recipes is here to make dinnertime a breeze! From cheesy classics like Chicken Parmesan and Meat Lovers Pizza to quick favorites like Spaghetti Bolognese and crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs, these dishes are packed with flavor and sure to please palates of all ages. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just looking for easy, delicious ideas, these recipes will have the whole family asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!

Classic Diner-Style Patty Melt

A hand lifts half of a grilled cheese burger sandwich with melted cheese and beef patty, revealing gooey cheese inside—an irresistible twist on classic ground beef recipes. The sandwich is served with golden French fries on a white plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Golden, buttery rye bread, juicy beef patties, gooey melted cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy burger sauce—this patty melt is pure comfort food with all the classic diner vibes in every bite.

Get The Recipe: Classic Diner-Style Patty Melt

Meat Lovers Pizza

A slice of pepperoni and sausage pizza is being lifted from a wooden board, with melted cheese stretching from the slice to the rest of the pizza—a mouthwatering classic among Italian recipes. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Dive into the ultimate indulgence with our Meat Lovers Pizza! Packed with gooey mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, crispy pepperoni, flavorful sausage, and smoky pancetta or bacon, every bite is a bold and hearty explosion of flavor. It’s the kind of pizza that satisfies every craving and keeps you coming back for more.

Get The Recipe: Meat Lovers Pizza

Coconut Shrimp With Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

A hand dips a crispy, golden-fried shrimp into a creamy dipping sauce, with lime slices and more fried shrimp on a plate in the background—perfect for your next round of picnic recipes.

Perfectly crispy, golden coconut shrimp fried to a mouthwatering crunch and paired with a creamy, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy chili sauce. Each bite is a burst of tropical flavor—crunchy, rich, and so good you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Get The Recipe: Coconut Shrimp With Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers

Grilled chicken and vegetable skewers glazed with sauce, garnished with chopped green onions, served with lime wedges and a bowl of dark dipping sauce on a white surface—perfect for Easy Dinner Recipes. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly tangy—these pineapple BBQ chicken skewers are a flavor explosion! Juicy, flame-grilled to perfection, and bursting with bold tropical vibes, each bite delivers a delicious hit of caramelized goodness you won’t want to miss.

Get The Recipe: Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers

Juicy Brined Grilled Chicken Breasts

Grilled chicken breast with visible char marks, garnished with fresh rosemary and thyme, served on a white plate with a fork—perfect grilled chicken for any occasion. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Want juicy, smoky, perfectly char-grilled chicken breasts every time? This easy grilling method has you covered. Great for summer cookouts or meal prep!

Get The Recipe: Juicy Brined Grilled Chicken Breasts

Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese twirled on a fork — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Craving a classic Italian dish but short on time? This Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe delivers a flavorful meat sauce that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Serve it over spaghetti with a generous sprinkle of Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

These Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are so easy to make, you’ll want to add them to your dinner rotation! This recipe uses minimal ingredients with maximum flavor, perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Enjoy this family-friendly recipe that’s great for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Penne Alla Vodka

This Penne Alla Vodka recipe is a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that’s better than takeout! The combination of tomatoes, cream, and vodka creates an irresistible sauce that coats every piece of penne. It’s quick, easy, and family-friendly, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Sticky Asian BBQ Chicken Thighs

These irresistible Sticky Asian BBQ Chicken Thighs are coated in a bold, mouthwatering glaze and ready to wow your taste buds in just 30 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Sticky Asian BBQ Chicken Thighs

Best Ever Fried Rice

Craving take-out but want a healthier option? This Best Ever Fried Rice recipe comes together in under 20 minutes and is packed with flavor. Using simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal that rivals your favorite restaurant’s fried rice.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Fried Rice

Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta

This Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta is a quick and easy one-pot dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes! Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with lemon flavor, it’s perfect as a main course or a delightful side dish.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Lemon Orzo Pasta

Chicken Francaise

This Chicken Francaise recipe features tender chicken cutlets coated in flour and pan-fried to golden perfection. Simmered in a luscious lemon white wine sauce, this dish is bright, flavorful, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Francaise

Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas

A Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla being picked up by a hand — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

These chicken and cheese quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that can be customized to your liking. Filled with seasoned chicken, cheese, and your favorite veggies, they’re perfect for a fast lunch or dinner. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken recipe is a quick and easy dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The dish features tender chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy parmesan sauce, making it a family-friendly meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

Classic Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan with pasta on a plate — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This classic Chicken Parmesan recipe features golden, crispy chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy Italian favorite that’s perfect for a comforting family dinner. Serve it with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken Parmesan

Ultimate Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie topped with slice potatoes and cheese — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Cottage Pie recipe is a modern take on a British classic. It features a hearty ground beef filling topped with cheesy, creamy, sliced potatoes. This comforting dish is perfect for a family-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Cottage Pie