7 Family-Favorite Dinners You Will Make on Repeat

As a busy parent, I’ve discovered seven family-favorite dinners that never fail to delight my loved ones. These recipes are not just delicious but also simple enough to make on repeat, ensuring our weeknights are filled with joy!

1. Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and slice.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken, tossing to coat.
5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Approx. 600 calories per serving

2. Beef Tacos

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 12 taco shells
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add taco seasoning and follow package instructions, usually adding water and simmering.
3. Warm taco shells in the oven according to package instructions.
4. Assemble tacos by adding beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
5. Garnish with cilantro if desired and serve immediately.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Approx. 450 calories per serving

3. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a baking sheet, arrange salmon fillets. Drizzle with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Top with lemon slices.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
5. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Approx. 350 calories per serving

4. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1 minute.
3. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until tender-crisp.
4. Stir in soy sauce and cook for another minute.
5. Serve over rice or noodles.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Approx. 200 calories per serving

5. Spaghetti and Meatballs

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
3. In a skillet, brown meatballs on all sides, about 8 minutes. Pour in marinara sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Serve meatballs over spaghetti, garnished with fresh basil.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Approx. 500 calories per serving

6. Chicken Stir-Fried Rice

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Push chicken to the side, add beaten eggs, and scramble until cooked.
4. Add rice and frozen vegetables, stirring to combine. Pour in soy sauce and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Approx. 400 calories per serving

7. Baked Ziti

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 lb ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, salt, and pepper. Combine with cooked ziti and marinara sauce.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings

Serves 6

Nutrition Info

Approx. 500 calories per serving

Final Thoughts

These seven dinners have become staples in my household. Each dish brings comfort and warmth, making our family meals something we all look forward to. I hope they become favorites in your home too!