It’s time. Your kids need to learn how to cook before they fly the nest, and they need to be able to make dishes that they’ll actually want to eat. These 19 recipes are perfect beginner recipes that use basic ingredients and techniques that are sure to get your kid comfortable in the kitchen.
![Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Honey-glazed-chicken-on-a-blue-plate-1024x576.jpg)
Cacio e Pepe
![Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cacio-e-Pepe-on-a-plate.jpg)
This fancy-looking cheese pasta is actually super easy to make, even for beginners. It’s ready in about 15 minutes and uses simple ingredients for a cheesy and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
![Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Tuna-and-tomato-pasta.jpg)
Calling all teens! This tuna and tomato pasta is so easy you can make it yourself. It’s a quick and tasty meal with protein, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Southwest Tortilla Pie
![Image shows a slice of a Southwest Tortilla Pie sitting on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Southwest-Tortilla-Pie.jpg)
Love the flavors of Mexican food? Try this easy Southwest tortilla pie! Layer rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese between tortillas for a fun and filling dish.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Shortcut Chicken Salad
![Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Canned-Chicken-Salad.jpg)
Beat the heat with this refreshing chicken salad. No cooking required, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick lunch on a hot day. Enjoy it on a sandwich, as a wrap, or just by itself.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
![Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Chicken-enchiladas-in-a-blue-pyrex.jpg)
Short on time? Make these cheesy chicken enchiladas with rotisserie chicken. They’re a delicious and easy weeknight meal your whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Honey Glazed Chicken
![Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Honey-glazed-chicken-on-a-blue-plate.jpg)
This honey glazed chicken is a healthy and flavorful dinner that’s easy for teens to make at home. The sweet and sticky glaze makes this chicken irresistible and so much cheaper than relying on takeout.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Pesto Salmon
![Image shows Salmon with pesto and rice on a blue plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Pesto-Salmon-for-FDL-and-TD.jpg)
Feeling fancy? Make this pesto salmon for a healthy and delicious meal that’s ready in under 15 minutes. The pesto adds a burst of flavor to the salmon for a well-balanced dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Veggie Pasta Salad
![Image shows a closeup of a Summer Pasta Salad with Mediterranean flavors.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Summer-Pasta-Salad.jpg)
Skip the mayo! This veggie pasta salad is a refreshing and light side dish. It’s packed with colorful veggies, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, perfect for picnics or barbecues.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
![Grown up mac and cheese in a casserole dish.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Grown-up-mac-and-cheese-in-a-casserole-dish.jpg)
Take your mac and cheese to the next level with this grown-up version. This recipe adds tomatoes and bacon to the classic dish for an extra burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Creamy Pea Pasta
![Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Creamy-Pea-Pasta.jpg)
Craving comfort food? Try this creamy pea pasta. It’s quick and easy to make, and it has flavors outside the usual spaghetti and meatballs. There are even veggies in the dish that your kid will enjoy eating!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
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.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Easy-Cheesy-Stuffed-Shells.jpg)
Dive into cheesy goodness with these stuffed shells. Filled with savory ricotta cheese, they’re a satisfying and easy-to-make meatless meal that’s a comforting meal from childhood but one your teen still loves.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Italian Meatball Soup
![Image shows A bowl of italian meatball soup with a basil leaf on top.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Italian-Meatball-Soup.jpg)
Warm up with a bowl of Italian meatball soup. Hearty meatballs and savory broth make this soup a perfect choice for a cozy dinner. It requires minimal ingredients and techniques, so it’s perfect to introduce kids to cooking.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
![Image shows an overhead shot of Image shows in a white bowl and a black background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Chicken-with-Orzo.jpg)
Explore the flavors of 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
Meatballs and Sauce
![Image shows Spaghetti and meatballs with a fork twirling pasta in a white bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Spaghetti-and-meatballs-with-a-fork-twirling-pasta.jpg)
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
Simple Marinara Sauce
![Image shows an overhead shot of a blue enameled cast iron pot with freshly made Marinara Sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Marinara-Sauce.jpg)
Elevate your pasta dishes with this homemade marinara sauce. Packed with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and garlic, this sauce is easy to make and bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Simple Marinara Sauce
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.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bite-of-tomato-lime-chicken.jpg)
Short on time? This tomato lime chicken is a dump-and-go recipe that’s perfect for busy teens. It’s full of flavor and can be enjoyed in tacos, salads, or rice bowls.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Chicken Taco Wraps
![Image shows an overhead shot of chicken taco wraps cut into pinwheels and on a wooden skewer.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/chicken-taco-wraps.jpg)
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. It’s a great make ahead meal for those summer jobs, too.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Kefta Kebabs
![Image shows kefta kebabs stacked on a white tray.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kefta-kebabs-on-skewers-on-a-white-platter.jpg)
Looking for a new grilling recipe? Try these easy-to-make and flavorful ground beef kebabs. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with fabulous flavor that beats a plan old hamburger any day!
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Honey Habanero Tacos
![Image shows three honey habanero tacos with corn shells sitting on a wooden board.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Honey-Habanero-Tacos.jpg)
Spice up your Taco Tuesday with these honey habanero ground beef tacos. They’re quick and easy to make, but the delicious flavor will have you ditching your usual recipe.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos