19 easy and fun recipes teens can master this summer

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Is it time to really start to teach your teen to cook? Make it fun and tasty with these 19 easy and fun recipes that teens can make, no fancy stuff needed. These are dishes with ingredients you probably already have at home, so your kid can be the star of the kitchen without breaking a sweat.

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey glazed chicken. Photo credit: Michelle Price.

Simple Marinara Sauce

Image shows an overhead shot of a blue enameled cast iron pot with freshly made Marinara Sauce.
Simple Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Ditch the jarred stuff and make your own pasta sauce! Packed with fresh tomatoes and herbs, this recipe is surprisingly easy. Plus, you get to be the flavor boss – want more garlic? You got it!
Get the Recipe: Simple Marinara Sauce

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This fancy-looking cheese pasta is actually a breeze to make. It’s ready in like 15 minutes and only uses a few ingredients. Bonus: it’s super cheesy and delicious, perfect for a cheesy craving.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Feeling like some comfort food? Try this creamy pea pasta. It’s quick and easy, and it’s not your typical spaghetti and meatballs. There’s even some sneaky veggies in there!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo

Image shows an overhead shot of Image shows in a white bowl and a black background.
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Take a trip to the Mediterranean with this easy chicken and orzo dish. Tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and creamy feta cheese come together for a delicious and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into cheesy heaven with these stuffed shells. Filled with savory ricotta cheese, they’re a satisfying and easy-to-make meatless meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Grown up mac and cheese in a casserole dish.
Grown Up Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Take your mac and cheese game to the next level with this grown-up version. This recipe adds tomatoes and bacon to the classic dish for an extra flavor explosion.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Calling all teens! This tuna and tomato pasta is so easy you can whip it up yourself. It’s packed with protein and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This chicken is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make at home. The sweet and sticky glaze makes it super tasty – you won’t be able to resist!
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Southwest Tortilla Pie

Image shows a slice of a Southwest Tortilla Pie sitting on a white plate.
Southwest Tortilla Pie. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Love Mexican food? This recipe lets you build your own mini fiesta! Layer chicken, beans, corn, and cheese between tortillas for a fun and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie

Veggie Pasta Salad

Image shows a closeup of a Summer Pasta Salad with Mediterranean flavors.
Veggie Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Ditch the mayo! This veggie pasta salad is light and refreshing. It’s packed with colorful veggies and a tangy dressing – perfect for a side dish at a potluck or barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad

Pesto Salmon

Image shows Salmon with pesto and rice on a blue plate.
Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Feeling fancy? Make this pesto salmon for a healthy and delicious meal. The pesto adds a burst of flavor to the salmon for a well-balanced dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Short on time? No problem! These enchiladas use rotisserie chicken, so you can still have a cheesy and delicious meal without all the work.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Short on time but still want something tasty? This tomato lime chicken is the answer. Just throw everything together and let it cook – perfect for busy teens. You can enjoy it in tacos, salads, or rice bowls.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken

Kefta Kebabs

Image shows kefta kebabs stacked on a white tray.
Kefta Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking to impress at your next barbecue? Try these easy and flavorful ground beef kebabs. They’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone!
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs

Meatballs and Sauce

Image shows Spaghetti and meatballs with a fork twirling pasta in a white bowl.
Meatballs and Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Make dinner in a flash with Instant Pot meatballs and sauce. Juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce – a classic and comforting meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce

Shortcut Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Beat the heat with this refreshing chicken salad. No cooking required, this recipe is perfect for a quick and easy lunch.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Honey Habanero Tacos

Image shows three honey habanero tacos with corn shells sitting on a wooden board.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want to spice up your Taco Tuesday? Try these honey habanero tacos! They’re quick and easy to make, but the delicious flavor will blow your usual recipe out of the water.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Italian Meatball Soup

Image shows A bowl of italian meatball soup with a basil leaf on top.
Italian Meatball Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Warm up with a bowl of Italian meatball soup. Hearty meatballs and savory broth make this soup a perfect choice for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup

Chicken Taco Wraps

Image shows an overhead shot of chicken taco wraps cut into pinwheels and on a wooden skewer.
Chicken Taco Wraps. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Skip the stovetop with these chicken taco wraps. Made with leftover rotisserie chicken, they’re a cool and flavorful meal that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps

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