Shake up your dinner routine with these 17 fast family recipes

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Finding fast family recipes that everyone will enjoy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing creativity or flavor. Let’s face it — dinner routines can quickly become dull, and there’s something refreshing about changing it up. We’ve all found ourselves in a cooking rut, making the same go-to dishes week after week. These 17 recipes are quick, practical, and designed to bring a new dynamic to your table. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, these dishes fit seamlessly into your busy life while adding that needed spark to your menu.

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Prepare a family dinner effortlessly with marinated chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach. This baked dish is simple to assemble and cooks in the oven, freeing up your stovetop for other tasks. The blend of cheeses and spinach gives a layered texture and flavor. It’s an easy, fast family recipe that offers a practical approach to weeknight cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole dish combines broccoli, cauliflower, a cheese sauce, and bacon for a hearty meal. It’s an excellent option for a fast family recipe, with minimal prep work required. Everything goes into a single casserole dish, making both cooking and cleanup simple. The blend of vegetables and bacon offers a varied texture and flavor profile. Choose this dish for an efficient and straightforward addition to your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This shrimp and spinach dish is a fast family recipe that takes little time to prepare. The shrimp are cooked in a garlic sauce, accompanied by grape tomatoes and fresh spinach, all contributing to a rich array of flavors. It’s a great way to serve seafood in a convenient one-pan setting. The tomatoes and spinach also cook quickly, making this an efficient choice for a busy weeknight. Consider this recipe for a change of pace that’s quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Ground Beef And Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

A single skillet is the cornerstone of this fast family recipe, which blends ground beef with cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms. Quick to cook, this dish requires only basic culinary skills for a rewarding outcome. This skillet meal is an efficient way to serve a meal that is both filling and flavorful. Ground beef and cauliflower rice are key components, providing both protein and fiber. Opt for this recipe when you’re short on time but want a substantial dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef And Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Opt for this quick dinner recipe to make meal preparation and cleanup a breeze. Using a single sheet pan, this dish combines sausages and a variety of vegetables. You can have dinner ready and served in less time, leaving you more family time in the evening. The sheet pan cooking method ensures that all ingredients absorb flavors efficiently. This is a fast family recipe that offers a convenient alternative to your regular dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken marinated in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce forms the base of this one-pan dish. Fresh spinach and crumbled bacon are added for extra flavor and texture. The recipe requires minimal preparation and has a quick cooking time. It’s a fast family recipe that simplifies your dinner routine while providing a well-rounded meal. This dish is ideal when you need a meal that’s both quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick dinner option, this one-pan dish features cabbage and sausage. The two main ingredients are filling and quick to cook, making this a practical meal for busy weeknights. One-pan cooking means easy cleanup afterward. This fast family recipe is designed to provide a substantial meal without much fuss. Consider this option for a different yet simple way to serve dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream for a hearty meal. It’s made in a single pot, so cleanup is as uncomplicated as the cooking process. This fast family recipe is ideal for evenings when you’re looking for both comfort and convenience. The variety of ingredients ensures a robust flavor profile. Opt for this dish to add a simple yet hearty meal to your dinner options.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

A casserole dish with meat and spinach in it.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese come together in this easy-to-assemble casserole. Preparation is quick, and the cooking process requires little attention, freeing you up for other tasks. The blend of beef and vegetables offers a filling meal that’s rich in both protein and fiber. This is a fast family recipe that minimizes time spent in the kitchen. It’s an efficient way to serve your family a balanced and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish pairs chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce for a balanced meal. It’s a high-protein option that cooks quickly, making it a convenient choice for a family dinner. The sauce adds both flavor and moisture to the chicken. You’ll find that preparation and cooking are straightforward, requiring a single pan for execution. Choose this fast family recipe for a quick and balanced dinner offering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken With Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Transform your leftover chicken thighs into a new meal with this recipe. Green chiles and shredded chicken come together quickly for a practical and flavorful dish. The repurposing of leftover meat adds a layer of convenience to this fast family recipe. One-pan preparation ensures easy cooking and cleaning. This dish is a smart option for a quick and efficient family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Bowl of creamy bacon asparagus pasta with a fork.
Bacon Asparagus Pasta. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Transform asparagus into noodles with bacon into a creamy pasta-like dish for a well-rounded meal. This dish can be prepared quickly, making it a great option for a fast family dinner. The asparagus provides a fresh component, while the bacon adds a savory note. With all ingredients cooked together, flavors meld efficiently. Opt for this pasta dish when you’re seeking a quick and diverse meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnished creamy garlic chicken over cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan dish features marinated chicken breasts in a creamy garlic sauce. You can pair it with cauliflower rice or jasmine rice, depending on your preference. The fast cooking time and single-pan preparation make this a convenient family dinner option. With its straightforward method and quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Choose this dish for a practical and quick dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Easy keto cauliflower cheddar cheese bacon soup in a pot with a spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combine cauliflower, butter, cheese, and bacon to craft a hearty soup. Quick to prepare, this soup offers a variety of textures and flavors. The single-pot preparation ensures that cleaning up won’t be a chore. This fast family recipe is an excellent way to serve a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Choose this soup for a simple yet hearty dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In this fast family recipe, tender chicken thighs are cooked in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce. This one-pan dish is both convenient and quick to prepare. The chicken and sauce offer a hearty and fulfilling dinner experience. Because it’s a one-pan meal, cleanup is a breeze. Choose this recipe for a quick yet richly flavored family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This fast family recipe requires you to sear chicken thighs and then blend them with a garlic cream sauce, artichoke hearts, and a touch of lemon juice. The meal is cooked quickly, providing an efficient way to serve dinner. The chicken thighs are skinless, making them a leaner meat choice. A single pan is all you need, simplifying both cooking and cleaning. This dish is a convenient and flavorful way to change up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Layer chicken breasts with cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and mozzarella, then bake. The oven does the work once the chicken is in, freeing you up for other activities. The combination of cheese and peppers enhances the chicken’s flavor. This quick recipe is practical for busy families and uses straightforward ingredients. Choose this dish for a dinner that’s both easy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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