19 Dinners For Busy Parents On The Go (Because Nobody Wants Hangry Meltdowns in the Minivan)

Let's face it, between work, school activities, and everything else on your plate, weeknight dinners can feel like a battle. Don't worry, parents! We've got your back.

We curated a collection of 19 mouthwatering recipes that are meant for busy weeknights. Here you'll find speedy sheet pan meals, 30-minute chicken recipes, pasta, and so much more. There's something for everyone on this list.

Chicken Fried Rice

This chicken fried rice recipe is a game-changer, combining tender chicken, peas and carrots, and leftover rice into a Chinese takeout dish that's bursting with flavor. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this Chinese classic is a recipe you'll come back to time and again. Get the recipe.

Easy Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe

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.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

It's a Ukrainian Mushroom Soup. After you take the first sip of it, you'll instantly feel cozy and warm. Classic autumn soup with a ton of flavor. 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.

Sheet Pan Greek Chicken And Vegetables

This Sheet Pan Greek Chicken And Vegetables recipe is the perfect example of delicious flavors and easy cooking. The best part? It's a one-pan wonder, delivering tender, juicy chicken and perfectly crisp veggies with minimal cleanup. Get the recipe.

Easy Stir Fry Noodles

Stir Fry Noodles are incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and the perfect recipe for busy weeknights! It features perfectly stir-fried veggies, tasty tofu, and delicious noodles coated in a simple, flavorful homemade stir-fry sauce! Get the recipe.

Creamiest Tomato Risotto

This Tomato Risotto is an incredibly simple recipe but is still packed with flavor in each bite to give you a dinner meal that's sure to become a family favorite! It features perfectly cooked risotto with a beautiful, creamy texture and the fresh summer flavors of cherry tomatoes. What's best is that it's also vegan and can be made in just 30 minutes from scratch! Get the recipe.

Shawarma with Mushroom and Vegetables

This easy shawarma with fresh vegetables and homemade garlic yogurt sauce is a real crowd-pleaser. The traditional Middle Eastern recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for dinner or a party. Get the recipe.

Turkish Lentil Soup

This traditional Turkish Lentil Soup is a uniquely fragrant, cozy and satisfying soup perfect for chilly days. You can make it in no time and enjoy for lunch or hearty dinner. Get the recipe.

Coconut Curry Chicken

Coconut Curry Chicken is always welcome in our home, and when you can make it quickly and easily, it makes it even better! Get the recipe.

Potato Stir Fry with Halloumi & Veggies

This 25-minute (prep included!) potato stir-fry loaded with halloumi & veggies is sure to become your new weeknight favorite! Healthy, quick and easy to make it's a delicious dinner dish that's packed full of flavor and all done in one pan - with just a touch of lemon to take it from great to amazing. Get the recipe.

Easy Chicken Laksa Curry

If you are a fan of curry and laksa and are looking for a tasty and comforting meal to indulge in, this chicken laksa curry recipe is for you. Get the recipe.

Creamy Miso Pesto Pasta with Pecans

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.

Seared Salmon with Potatoes and Green Beans

Crispy Seared Salmon with lightly Browned Potatoes and Garlicky Green Beans make a quick and no-fuss weeknight meal you and your family will enjoy. Get the recipe.

30 Minute Pesto Chicken, Kale + White Bean Soup

This 30 Minute Pesto Chicken, Kale + White Bean Soup is the perfect cozy recipe to whip up on a cold night when you want something healthy and easy. Get the recipe.

Vegetarian Skillet Enchiladas 

These vegetarian skillet enchiladas are made with a red enchilada sauce, and can be completely made in ONE pan in about 30 minutes. This dish will become your new family favorite dinner! Get the recipe.

Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe

This orecchiette pasta with sausage and broccoli has all of the components you need for a quick and easy meal AND it comes together in 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. It has got protein, it has veggies, it has got major flavor, and it has pasta, which always seems to help any situation. You might even have everything you need to make this orecchiette pasta dish in your kitchen already, it’s made with just five simple ingredients. Get the recipe.

20-Minute Taco Meat

This easy Taco Meat recipe is the secret to the absolute BEST tacos you'll ever make at home! With a homemade blend of taco seasonings and tomato sauce, this recipe delivers the most flavorful taco meat in just 20 minutes. Get the recipe.

Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

This Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is the perfect one-pot meal that'll be ready in under 30 minutes to give you a deliciously satisfying meal without having to slave away in the kitchen all day! It features chicken stroganoff, the chicken version of this incredibly popular East European dish that we've all come to know and love. Get the recipe.

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