17 of our favorite family meals no one complains about

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Looking for dinner ideas that won’t have you standing over the stove all evening or facing a chorus of complaints from the picky eaters in your household? You’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up some fantastic recipes that promise to be hits with everyone at the table, from the adventurous foodies to those with simpler tastes. These dishes are easy to whip up on a busy weeknight and packed with flavors that will have your family asking for seconds.

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken Sorrentino

Chicken sorrentino on a serving spoon.
Chicken Sorrentino. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Indulge in the layers of Chicken Sorrentino, a dish that combines breaded chicken with prosciutto, eggplant, and cheese, all baked in a tomato sauce. It’s a classic Italian recipe that’s easy to make and impossible to resist, offering a taste of Italy from the comfort of your home. This dish is a feast for the senses, making dinner a special occasion any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Gnocchi with ground pork, tomatoes, mozzarella and spinach in a cast iron skillet.
Baked Skillet Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into a skillet of baked gnocchi, where ground pork, juicy tomatoes, and spinach meet melty mozzarella. It’s the go-to for hassle-free dinners, bringing smiles and full bellies to the table without any fuss. Perfect for those evenings when you want to whip up something quick yet hearty, ensuring a meal that everyone rallies around.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Buffalo chicken soup with orzo served in a bowl with blue cheese crumbles and green onion.
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

If you love the kick of buffalo wings, you’ll adore this buffalo chicken orzo soup. It’s cheesy, spicy, and everything nice, ready in just 30 minutes. This soup turns up the heat on dinner, offering a comforting yet exciting bowl that’s a hit with everyone. Dive into a dish that’s both warming and exhilarating, proving that soup can be the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Unleash the simplicity of a meal that cooks itself on one sheet pan, combining tender chicken and sweet potatoes with a crunch of caramelized pecans. It’s the ultimate easy cleanup meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, ensuring a peaceful end to busy days. Gather the family for a dinner that’s straightforward yet scrumptiously fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Cheddar stuffed turkey meatballs served with zoodles.
Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Imagine biting into juicy turkey meatballs, each stuffed with a gooey cheddar core, simmered in rich marinara sauce. This dish turns an ordinary dinner into a feast of flavors, making it a family favorite that’s both simple to make and a joy to eat. It’s a win-win for flavor and ease, sure to gather everyone around the table with eager anticipation.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Get a taste of takeout at home with shaved beef and broccoli stir fry, ready in minutes and packed with flavors that beat any restaurant. It’s the quick, satisfying solution to weeknight dinner dilemmas, offering a sauce that’s utterly crave-worthy. This stir-fry is a testament to the joy of homemade meals that are easy, fast, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Poblano peppers stuffed with chicken and cheese.
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into the bold flavors of chicken-stuffed poblano peppers, oozing with cheese and seasoned with Mexican spices. It’s a dish that brings the heat and the comfort, making it a standout choice for dinner. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures that make every bite a celebration, all with the ease of a meal that practically cooks itself.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Coconut Lime Baked Chicken

Baked chicken thighs with coconut lime sauce over white rice with mango.
Coconut Lime Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Experience a tropical escape with coconut lime baked chicken, served alongside coconut-infused mango sticky rice. This dish is a vibrant, flavorful journey that’s surprisingly simple to make, offering a crispy yet tender chicken dinner that’s anything but ordinary. It’s a meal that brings a burst of sunshine to the dinner table, no matter the weather outside.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Lime Baked Chicken

Sausage Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with sausage and parsley.
Sausage Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into a bowl of creamy sausage mac and cheese, where velvety sauce meets hearty flavors, creating a meal that’s both comforting and irresistible. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence, ensuring that both adults and kids look forward to dinner time. This homemade classic is a testament to the power of cheese and sausage coming together in perfect harmony.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a one-pan wonder that brings the flavors of the Southwest straight to your table. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for meal-prepping, making leftovers something to look forward to. Gather round for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple, proving that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl.
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini with garlic shrimp is your answer to a gourmet dinner in less than 30 minutes, combining pasta with juicy shrimp and cherry tomatoes for a dish that’s effortlessly chic. It’s the perfect recipe for when you want to impress without the stress, bringing a touch of sophistication to your weeknight routine. This meal is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a spectacular way.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.
Pecan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pecan crusted chicken, served with a divine honey Dijon yogurt sauce, elevates your weeknight dinner to a whole new level. Crunchy, flavorful, and with a sauce that ties it all together, it’s a meal that asks for seconds. This dish strikes the perfect balance between easy and impressive, ensuring a dinner that’s a hit every time.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Let the slow cooker do the magic, transforming chicken into a honey garlic delight that rivals any takeout. With a sauce that’s sticky and sweet, plus the addition of pineapple, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that wins over everyone. This dish promises a hassle-free dinner with a taste that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Salsa Chicken

A white dish with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Salsa chicken is the easy, flavorful dish that will transform your weeknight meals. Baked with salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese, it’s a recipe that’s ready in less than 30 minutes and loved by all. This dish is your shortcut to a dinner that’s both simple and bursting with flavor, proving that great meals don’t have to take all day to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Creamy tomato farfalle with peas and prosciutto in a white bowl.
Creamy Tomato Farfalle. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

In just 20 minutes, creamy tomato farfalle brings a twist to your dinner table, featuring a light cream sauce, peas, and crispy prosciutto. It’s a quick, mouthwatering option that combines convenience with a touch of elegance. Perfect for those nights when time is of the essence but you still want a meal that’s warmly received by all.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Cheddar Chicken Bake

Chicken cheddar quinoa casserole in a pyrex dish.
Cheddar Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cheddar chicken quinoa bake is the cozy, healthy casserole you didn’t know you needed. With rotisserie chicken, it’s a breeze to prepare, making your busy nights a little easier and a lot more delicious. It’s a dish that embodies comfort, without the hassle, and is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Turmeric chicken with chickpeas over rice.
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Whisk your taste buds away with creamy turmeric chicken, a one-skillet wonder that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. With chickpeas and a sprinkle of cilantro, it’s a meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but crave something special. It’s a dish that combines health and comfort, making everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

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