What’s for dinner tonight? If you’re like many busy families, the question can come with a sense of dread, especially when trying to please everyone’s taste buds. Finding recipes that are both easy to make and loved by the whole family can feel like a difficult task. But it doesn’t have to be! Here are five easy dinner recipes that stand ready to impress your loved ones while keeping dinner stress-free.
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Chicken Marsala
Let’s kick things off with a classic dish that isn’t just easy but also packed with flavor. Chicken Marsala is a delightful combination of tender chicken, mushrooms, and a sweet Marsala wine sauce. It’s a dish that feels fancy but comes together in no time.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, for seasoning
- 1 cup flour, for dredging
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- ¾ cup Marsala wine
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Dredge in Flour: Coat each piece of chicken lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Cook the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and tender.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the Marsala wine and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom. Add the chicken broth and cook until reduced by half.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for another 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Chicken Marsala is not only savory but also gives an impressive flair to the dinner table. Plus, you can serve it alongside some mashed potatoes or pasta to soak up that delicious sauce.
Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
Next, let’s go for a comforting casserole that’s sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. This Cheesy Tortellini Casserole combines the goodness of pasta, cheese, and spinach in a gooey mix that’s bound to be a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (20 ounces) frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking dish by greasing it lightly.
- Boil the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the tortellini and spinach, stirring gently to combine.
- Layer in the Baking Dish: Spread half of the tortellini mixture in the baking dish and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Layer the rest of the mixture on top and finish with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
This dish is great for a busy weeknight because it can be prepped in advance and simply baked when you’re ready to eat. Not to mention, it’s also perfect for leftovers!
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Salisbury Ground Beef
Nothing beats classic comfort food, and Salisbury Ground Beef is a recipe that your family will appreciate. This dish brings back nostalgic flavors with its savory gravy, making it a favorite for both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
Instructions:
- Form the Patties: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Shape into thick patties.
- Brown the Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to form a roux. Gradually add beef broth while stirring continuously until smooth.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the patties to the skillet, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes until everything is cooked through and the flavors meld.
Serving Salisbury Ground Beef with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of green beans makes a fulfilling meal that brings comfort and joy to your family dinner.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Mushrooms, Sausage, and Kale
The next recipe is all about minimal effort with maximum flavor. Sheet Pan Gnocchi is an easy, one-pan dish that combines potatoes with hearty vegetables and sausage, creating a delightful medley of tastes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 8 ounces Italian sausage, sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven: Get your oven preheated to 425°F (220°C).
- Combine Ingredients: On a baking sheet, toss together the gnocchi, sausage, mushrooms, and kale. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Roast and Serve: Spread the mixture in an even layer and roast for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until everything is golden and slightly crispy.
This dish is incredibly versatile; feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand. The gnocchi becomes lightly crispy as it roasts, providing a perfect contrasting texture that’s a huge hit at the dinner table.
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Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon
For those nights when you’re pressed for time but still want something nutritious and delicious, this Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon fits the bill. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prep the Sauce: In a microwave-safe dish, combine the coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, and lime juice.
- Add the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets into the sauce, skin side down. Spoon some sauce over them.
- Microwave: Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid and cook in intervals, about 3-4 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Cooking times may vary based on your microwave’s wattage.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving over rice or with steamed vegetables.
This salmon recipe offers a gourmet touch to your weeknight meals and is an excellent way to incorporate more fish into your family’s diet, all while keeping the process straightforward and quick.
Wrapping Up
Getting the family together for dinner doesn’t have to feel like a daunting task. With these five easy recipes, you can bring everyone to the table without stress. Each dish balances flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
You’ll not only satisfy a variety of palates but also create memorable moments over a shared meal—one of life’s joys. So, grab your apron and get cooking! Your family is sure to appreciate the effort, and who knows? You may even start a new family tradition around your dinner table. Enjoy!
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