21 Easy, Family-Friendly Meals to Rule the Table

Forget frantic fridge raids and "what's for dinner" panic attacks! We've got your family feasts covered with 21 easy, kid-approved recipes that'll rule the table (and maybe even silence the "eww!"s). Think juicy baked chicken that disappears faster than lightning, creamy pasta twirls that everyone begs for seconds of, and one-pan wonders that practically clean themselves.

Cod Piccata

This Easy Cod Piccata in a creamy Picatta sauce makes a quick 30-minute dinner recipe your family will love. Creamy, a bit briny and so so good! Get the recipe.

Creamy Pad Thai

This Pad Thai dish combines the essence of Thai cuisine with plant-based goodness. This vibrant and satisfying recipe features tender rice noodles, crispy tofu, and a colorful array of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a luscious peanut sauce. Get the recipe.

Mushroom Stroganoff

No more bland mushroom pasta! This incredibly delicious Mushroom Stroganoff recipe packs a seriously flavorful punch. It's so creamy and satisfying, the perfect comfort food for long winter days. Get the recipe.

Greek Lemon Roasted Chicken

One of the easiest recipes in Mediterranean cuisine... Chicken Riganati, or Greek Lemon Roasted Chicken, is juicy and tender and requires just a handful of ingredients. Prepare it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You'll love the lemon and oregano flavor of the dish and the easiness of putting it together. Get the recipe.

Penne Rosa Pasta

Penne rosa pasta is an easy pasta dish with a creamy sauce. You can make the whole penne rosa recipe in one pot. This quick and simple Italian pasta with tomato cream sauce is ideal for a busy weeknight supper. It’s tasty, comforting and filling. So if you want to make something creamy and satisfying, you can’t go wrong with this penne pasta recipe spicy tomato cream sauce. Get the recipe.

Chicken Ragu Pasta

This simple chicken ragu pasta may be easy to make and use everyday ingredients, but there's nothing basic about its flavor. This yummy, savory, and quick-to-make dinner idea is bound to become a favorite family meal. Enjoy this homemade pasta with ground chicken in just half an hour. Get the recipe.

Cajun Shrimp

This Cajun shrimp is made with bold Cajun spices, the richness of butter, the tanginess of lemon juice, and a savory hint of garlic. It’s absolutely delicious, and you know the best part? You only need 5 ingredients to make it from scratch in 10 minutes! Get the recipe.

Creamy Salmon Pasta

This Easy and Creamy Salmon Pasta features quickly seared salmon tossed in a creamy smoky sauce along with your favorite pasta. This hearty and satisfying dish is loaded with flavor and comes together in no time. Get the recipe.

Polish Dill Pickle Soup

Dill Pickle Soup is my all-time favorite soup recipe for busy weeknights. It requires merely 30 minutes of your time and provides you with a hearty and satisfying bite. This easy soup is savory and creamy and kids love it too. Perfect for lunch or dinner, especially in cold winter weather. Get the recipe.

Hearty Eggplant Potato Stew

This thick and hearty Eggplant Potato Stew Recipe features chewy eggplants, tender potatoes, and aromatics full of flavor. Made with plenty of veggies in just under an hour, it's the ultimate vegan stew. Get the recipe.

Creamy Miso Pesto Pasta

This 30-minute Creamy Miso Pesto Pasta with Pecans is simply the best. Packed with a savory white Miso paste, garlic and crunchy Pecans, this easy vegan pasta makes a perfect recipe for busy weeknights. Get the recipe.

Finnish Salmon Soup

Tired of baked salmon dishes? Try my Lohikeitto recipe - delicious and the easiest ever salmon soup that is so popular in Finland. Made in just under 40 minutes, this cozy and hearty fish soup is sure to warm you on chilly winter nights. Get the recipe.

Pumpkin Chicken Curry

Pumpkin Chicken Curry is juicy, tender chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces and simmered in a flavorful and creamy canned pumpkin sauce. This easy and quick one-skillet recipe is bursting with flavor and is perfect for a cozy autumn meal. Get the recipe.

Kielbasa and Veggies Sheet Pan

This Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Veggies is a quick and fuss-free dinner recipe for busy weeknights. Just dump all of the ingredients on a cooking tray and bake. This recipe can be made with regular sausages and any vegetables you have in your fridge. Get the recipe.

Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast

Now that the cooler weather is here, you might like to get back into pressure cooking and tasty Instant Pot recipes. This Instant Pot pork loin roast is an especially great recipe because you can make it in a fraction of the time you’d spend using a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Pork roast with vegetables makes a very easy dinner for busy weeknights. Get the recipe.

Eggplant Bolognese

Eggplant Bolognese! You’ve gotta try this plant-based eggplant ragu, so hearty and full of flavor. Roasted eggplant bolognese with mushrooms served over pasta with plenty of basil. The perfect late summer dinner. Get the recipe.

Farro Risotto with Mushrooms and Peas

Hearty and healthy mushroom dinner that features Farro, Porcini and Shiitake mushrooms. Burst of flavor in a one simple dish. Get the recipe.

Pineapple Pork Tenderloin In Ginger Sauce

I've always had a thing for sweet and sour meat dishes. The simple combination of lovely ingredients brings out the most unexpected flavors. Pineapple Pork Tenderloin is a filling and comforting food that always goes well. It is one of the most popular dishes in Chinese cuisine. And since the ingredients are so widely available, it's a no-brainer not to make this deliciousness at home. Get the recipe.

Crepe Recipe with Chicken and Cheese 

My Easy Crepe Recipe With Chicken And Cheese is truly a comfort food. Made with ingredients you already have in your fridge, these traditional French treats will become your family's favorite. Get the recipe.

Korean Beef and Rice

If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, then try this Korean beef and rice! It’s the perfect combination of flavors for a meal that’s going to become a new family favorite! With a few pantry staples, you can make a delicious meal from start to finish in just 15 minutes! Get the recipe.

French Mustard Chicken

Prepare to fall madly in love with this Creamy, dreamy Mustard Chicken Recipe. Classic French dish that tastes outstanding. 
Friends, this is going to be a long post, but I get lots of questions so I try to add plenty of information to help you make the best creamy Mustard Chicken ever! Get the recipe.

More from Lavender & Macarons

Potluck dinners at church are a cherished tradition, and we've curated a list of 15 irresistible dishes that will leave everyone wanting more. Read More - 17 Church Potluck Recipes To Share With Your Church Family.