Family-Friendly Weeknight Dinner Recipes

Please the whole family with these quick and easy weeknight dinner recipes from Food Network chefs.

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Salmon Cakes with Salad

Crab cake fans will love these less-expensive seafood cakes made with salmon and spiced with Old Bay.

Get the Recipe: Salmon Cakes With Salad

Baked Pork Chop

This simple preparation is perfect for a weeknight — just shake and bake!

Get the Recipe: Baked Pork Chop

Beef and Cheddar Casserole

Try a new take on the casserole — a standby one-dish dinner. This one combines hearty ground beef with cheddar and egg noodles.

Get the Recipe: Beef and Cheddar Casserole

Chicken Tamale Pie

Food Network Kitchen turned classic tamales into this shepherd's pie-style casserole with a cornmeal topping.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie

Crispy Pork Chops with Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

This dinner for four is ready in just 40 minutes thanks to boneless pork chops. Plus, change up the everyday roasted sprout with a quick honey-Sriracha sauce.

Get the Recipe: Crispy Pork Chops with Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

Baked Tortellini with Kale Pesto

This baked pesto pasta is rich, cheesy and flavorsome, so the kids will love it, but it's also loaded with kale, so even the adults can feel good about scarfing it down for dinner. Plus, it's ready from start to finish in under an hour.

Get the Recipe: Baked Tortellini with Kale Pesto

Bacon-Tomato Linguine

A brighter riff on carbonara, this cheesy, bacony weeknight pasta feels somehow more substantial thanks to the addition of tomatoes and basil.

Get the Recipe: Bacon-Tomato Linguine

Salmon and Polenta

Salmon fillets are perfect for family dinners. Serve them with grilled polenta, a sweet and comforting carb alternative to potatoes, which take forever to cook.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon and Polenta

Meatball Marsala

Why should chicken have all the fun? Give meatballs the Marsala treatment and prepare to be amazed (and in only 40 minutes).

Get the Recipe: Meatball Marsala

Barbecue Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Chicken thighs mopped with barbecue sauce make for a hearty meal when served with halved Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes dusted with chili powder.

Get the Recipe: Barbecue Chicken and Brussels Sprout Sheet Pan Dinner

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Here's a family dinner trick from Ree: Make meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for later. When you and the fam need to eat next, just pop them out and cook them in this quick Asian-inspired sauce.

Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Lighter Chicken Parmesan

Can you believe The Pioneer Woman's version of chicken Parmesan is not only lighter but also takes just 16 minutes to cook?

Get the Recipe: Lighter Chicken Parmesan

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Sunny uses quick-cooking chicken tenders and cuts them into bite-size chunks for her easy, satisfying pot pie.

Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole

Turn prepared gnocchi into a satisfying meal with the addition of peas, ham and a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole with Ham and Peas

Maple-Mustard Chicken Thighs

Ellie proves that white meat isn't the only "good-for-you" part of the chicken. She uses bone-in chicken thighs and removes the skin, brushing the meat with a tangy glaze.

Get the Recipe: Maple-Mustard Chicken Thighs

Pork Chops with Roasted Kale and Walnut Pesto

This recipe makes more pesto than you will need, but the leftovers will not go to waste. Try adding a spoonful to scrambled eggs, mix with mayonnaise for a sandwich spread, toss with some hot pasta and pasta cooking water, or even stir a bit into your favorite brothy soup.

Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Roasted Kale and Walnut Pesto

Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad

Ree's pasta salad is loaded with bacon and cheese, so even the kids will devour it.

Get the Recipe: Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad

Lighter Taco Skillet

Ree's taco skillet dinner is delicious and easy, and thanks to ground turkey, a lighter (but still satisfying) way to feed the fam in one fell swoop.

Get the Recipe: Lighter Taco Skillet

Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp is perfect for workdays because it cooks up fast. Take, for instance, The Pioneer Woman's shrimp tacos; they're ready from start to finish in just 16 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

Chicken Noodle Soup

Thanks to the help of quick-cooking chicken breasts, Ree's pot of comforting chicken noodle soup is ready in just 35 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup

Ohio Turkey Chili

There's nothing more Ohio than Valerie's Cincinatti-style chili spaghetti.

Get the Recipe: Ohio Turkey Chili

Waffle Chicken Fingers

Combine chicken and waffles for an inventive take on a classic.

Get the Recipe: Waffle Chicken Fingers

One-Pot Super Easy Fusilli

This dinner is as simple as dumping everything into a pot — dry noodles, tomatoes and all — and letting it simmer. The liquid from the stock will absorb into the pasta and create a rich, flavorful sauce.

Get the Recipe: One-Pot Super Easy Fusilli

Fast Fake-Baked Ziti

Rachael Ray's crowd-pleasing pasta is cooked on the stove and needs only a few minutes under the broiler to get the cheese bubbly and brown. She serves it with a super-quick salad of fresh spinach and artichoke hearts.

Get the Recipe: Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti

Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner

Enjoy all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors in a comforting casserole that's fast and easy to throw together.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner

Pizza Pot Pies

Giada De Laurentiis transforms a family favorite, cheesy pizza, into individual pot pies loaded with chicken and broccoli.

Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies

Spinach-and-Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Frozen spinach is clutch for pulling off these tender stuffed chicken rolls, since, unlike fresh spinach, it won't shrink up when it cooks. Just defrost the spinach in the microwave, then wring it out in a clean kitchen towel before mixing it with your sauteed mushrooms, garlic and fresh ricotta.

Get the Recipe: Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Garlic Oil Sauteed Pasta with Broccoli

Melissa's veggie-packed pasta can be on the table in less than 20 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Garlic Oil Sauteed Pasta with Broccoli

Sesame Soba Noodles

Get your family eating healthy with Rachael's delicious alternative to take-out. This noodle dish is loaded with fresh veggies and a flavorsome honey-soy dressing even the kids will love.

Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs

Using ground chicken, make Giada's zesty meatballs to serve in a hearty pasta dish with orecchiette and fresh mozzarella.

Get the Recipe: Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs

Couscous-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Leave it to Guy to come up with a recipe for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that's anything but boring. He stuffs them with a Mediterranean couscous studded with feta, olives and tomatoes.

Get the Recipe: Couscous Stuffed Chicken Breast with Feta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Kalamata Olives

Lemon-Herb Roasted Chicken

Bring the family together for a whole chicken dinner. Tyler's recipe is simple and classic: He stuffs the cavity with lemon, garlic and herbs and roasts it over new potatoes that absorb the bird's flavorful juices.

Get the Recipe: Lemon And Herb Roasted Chicken With Baby Potatoes

Classic Chicken Parmesan

Pair these breaded and sauced chicken breasts with some quick penne and a side salad for a well-rounded weeknight dinner.

Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken Parmesan

Shake and Shimmy Pork Chops

Pat and Gina Neely crust these juicy pork chops in a mixture of panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan and parsley. Get the kids involved — they can shake the chops in plastic bags to coat them.

Get the Recipe: Shake n' Shimmy Pork Chops

Beef and Black Bean Sliders

Melissa d'Arabian stretches her dollar by subbing some of the beef for mashed black beans in these kid-sized burgers.

Get the Recipe: Beef and Black Bean Sliders

Roasted Tomato Bisque

Jeff Mauro's thick and rich-tasting tomato soup might fool you into thinking it's loaded with cream. Actually, there's just a dash — 1/4 cup for the entire recipe.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Bisque

North African Chicken and Chickpeas Sheet Pan Dinner

Rub chicken thighs with berbere (an African spice mix), chili powder and cumin powder. Pair with canned chickpeas tossed with olive oil, and carrots seasoned with za’atar and a cinnamon stick.

Get the Recipe: North African Chicken and Chickpeas Sheet Pan Dinner

Glazed Salmon and Bok Choy Sheet Pan Dinner

Glaze salmon fillets with hoisin sauce, and roast with halved baby bok choy and asparagus tossed with grated ginger and chopped scallions.

Get the Recipe: Glazed Salmon and Bok Choy Sheet Pan Dinner

Salmon and Zucchini Sheet Pan Dinner

Try a big piece of salmon, zucchini sprinkled with Parmesan, and tomato halves topped with parsley, oil and breadcrumbs.

Get the Recipe: Salmon and Zucchini Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and Peppers Sheet Pan Dinner

For a nearly hands-off take on this classic dish, place sweet Italian sausage, sliced bell peppers and onions on the pan.

Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Sheet Pan Dinner

Crumble sweet Italian sausage out of its casing, and add sliced fennel and broccoli rabe tossed with garlic slices and red pepper flakes.

Get the Recipe: Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Sheet Pan Dinner

Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Sheet Pan Dinner

Pair kielbasa with sauerkraut (add caraway seeds, if you like their sharp aroma) and fingerling potatoes.

Get the Recipe: Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Sheet Pan Dinner

Pork Chops and Apples Sheet Pan Dinner

Roast pork chops seasoned with mustard and herbes de Provence next to sliced apples with cinnamon and thyme, and parsnips with thyme.

Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Apple Sheet Pan Dinner

Crispy Tofu and Delicata Squash Sheet Pan Dinner

Dip tender tofu slices in egg, coat with panko breadcrumbs, and season with salt and pepper. Slice half-moons of delicata squash and brush with honey and chili powder, and finish the meal by placing spinach in a foil packet with sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds.

Get the Recipe: Crispy Tofu and Delicata Squash Sheet Pan Dinner

Glazed Chicken and Broccoli Sheet Pan Dinner

Fill the pan with chicken drumsticks tossed with teriyaki, broccoli florets sprinkled with packaged fried shallots, and fingerling potatoes with salt and pepper. Depending on their size, the potatoes might need a little longer to cook, so put them in 5 to 10 minutes before everything else.

Get the Recipe: Glazed Chicken and Broccoli Sheet Pan Dinner

Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Cook pork shoulder low and slow for hours with brown sugar, spices and a little apple cider vinegar until it becomes smoky and pull-apart tender without ever entering a smoker.

Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

30-Minute Lasagna

Food Network Magazine came up with a lasagna that's as satisfying as it is quick and easy. Cook the noodles and sauce on the stovetop, then assemble and broil it for three to five minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Get the Recipe: Stovetop Lasagna

Orzotto with Peas

You'll have more luck getting your little ones to eat vegetables when you pair the veggies with something kid-friendly, like pasta. Follow Kelsey Nixon's lead by cooking up some orzo or pearl barley and then combining the cooked pasta or grain with cream, Parmesan and defrosted green peas.

Get the Recipe: Orzotto with Peas

Oven-Fried Chicken

If traditional fried chicken is a family favorite in your house, try this healthier take. Oven-"fried" chicken is still nice and crisp, but with less fat. And because it’s made in the oven instead of fried on the stovetop (which requires constant supervision), it gives you more time for dinner prep.

Get the Recipe: Oven-Fried Chicken

Fontina Risotto with Chicken

A whole cup of grated fontina takes Food Network Magazine's easy risotto recipe to new levels of indulgence. Stir in some diced smoked chicken to complement the cheese's nutty flavor.

Get the Recipe: Fontina Risotto with Chicken

Chicken with Apple, Onion and Cider Sauce

Apples and red onion are cooked down until sweet and tender, then spooned over tender baked chicken breasts for a fast yet flavorsome weeknight dish. The tangy cider-vinegar pan sauce pulls it all together.

Get the Recipe: Chicken with Apple, Onion and Cider Sauce

Mexican Tortilla Pizzas with Chorizo

Creamy avocado and smoky chorizo crumbles unite over a crunchy baked tortilla in this easy Mexican pizza recipe. Refried beans stand in for classic tomato sauce, and Oaxaca cheese makes an excellent substitute for standard mozzarella.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Tortilla Pizzas with Chorizo

Skillet Chicken Parmesan with Artichokes

Chopped rotisserie chicken stands in for whole chicken breasts in this timesaving skillet dinner from Food Network Magazine. Though the process is simplified, all of the usual accoutrements are here: San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. Throw in some thawed artichoke hearts for more meaty texture.

Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Parmesan with Artichokes

Pepperoni and Cheese Scrambled Eggs

Who doesn't love breakfast for dinner once in a while? Robert Irvine's simple, classic scrambled eggs — amped up with pepperoni, grated cheddar and scallions — make a satisfying meal at any time of day.

Get the Recipe: Pepperoni and Cheese Scrambled Eggs

Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs

Introduce the kids to nutrient-rich spaghetti squash by serving it like pasta with juicy meatballs and a quick homemade marinara.

Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs

Tortellini with Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce

Adding canned pumpkin to crowd-pleasing creamy Alfredo sauce gives a boost of flavor and nutrients.

Get the Recipe: Tortellini With Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce

Bacon and Broccoli Rice Bowls

These Asian-style rice bowls make a great stand-in for takeout. Set out toppings like cilantro, scallions and pickled jalapenos so everyone at the table can pick and choose.

Get the Recipe: Bacon and Broccoli Rice Bowl

Pasta with Broccoli and Almond Tomato Sauce

Change things up for pasta night with this hearty dish made with roasted broccoli and a pesto-inspired sauce using almonds and basil.

Get the Recipe: Pasta With Roasted Broccoli and Almond-Tomato Sauce

Turkey and Green Bean Stir-Fry

Food Network Magazine's stir-fry is full of Asian flavors. Hold back on the chile paste or sambal for a milder dish.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Turkey and Green Bean Stir-Fry

Tofu Reubens with Salad

Try a new twist on the Reuben sandwich. You'll be surprised at how well baked tofu subs in for the corned beef. Round out this sandwich supper with a simple green salad.

Get the Recipe: Tofu Reubens With Salad

Cubano Sandwich with Quick Pickles

A traditional Cubano is made with homemade mojo sauce, slow roasted pulled pork, ham cheese and pickles. This shortcut version relies on dressed ham, mojo made with Italian dressing and quick homemade pickles for a sandwich that packs a ton of flavor into 35 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Cubano Sandwich with Quick Pickles

Barbecue Mac and Cheese

Damaris adds barbecue sauce and beer for a twist on this classic dish. Shred your own cheese for the creamiest mac and cheese – pre-shredded packages often includes cellulose to help prevent clumping, but can leave you with a gritty cheese sauce.

Get the Recipe: Barbecue Mac and Cheese

Tortellini Soup

Trisha's one-pot 30-minute meal is loaded with veggies and cheese tortellini, and topped with a nice grating of Parmesan cheese to bring out the soup's savory depths.

Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Pork Chops with Wine and Garlic

Ree's 16-minute pork chops are finished with a balsamic-red wine sauce and lemony green beans.

Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Wine and Garlic

Spaghetti with Chianti and Fava Beans

Giada's spaghetti is colorful and rich with a spicy sausage kick.

Get the Recipe: Spaghetti with Chianti and Fava Beans

Lemon Capellini

Pasta, butter and lemons: literally the only ingredients (other than salt, pepper and olive oil) for Ina's 15-minute lemon capellini, the perfect weeknight dinner.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Capellini

Pasta Pizza

Store-bought pizza dough makes Trisha's tortellini-topped pizza a breeze to make.

Get the Recipe: Pasta Pizza

Fire Engine Meatballs

For a fun and vibrant twist on meatballs and marinara, try pepperoni meatballs with roasted red pepper sauce.

Get the Recipe: Fire Engine Meatballs

Crunch-Topped Mac and Cheese

Carrots and turmeric help give this mac and cheese its extra-bright color. Don't worry — kids won't detect the added nutrition behind the American and cheddar cheeses.

Get the Recipe: Crunch-Topped Mac and Cheese

Mango Wings

To introduce new flavors to picky eaters, start with subtle changes to familiar foods, like mango glaze with chicken wings.

Get the Recipe: Mango Wings

Broccoli-Cheddar Soup

Bacon and cheese are obvious ways to make broccoli more appealing, but the real star in this soup is the edamame.

Get the Recipe: Broccoli-Cheddar Soup

Cranberry-Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Combine cranberry and red currant jelly to make a beautiful glaze for pork tenderloin. With everything ready in less than an hour, you'll want this recipe in your weekly roundup.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry-Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Pasta e Fagioli with Chickpeas

Comforting pasta e fagioli, or pasta and beans, gets a weeknight makeover in this easy version that uses chickpeas instead of the usual cannellini.

Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli with Chickpeas

Fish Sticks with Broccoli

These 35-minute fish sticks from Food Network Magazine provide the perfect excuse to introduce your family to new flavors: Serve them with sweet Thai chili sauce instead of ketchup — it has a slight kick but isn't super-spicy.

Get the Recipe: Fish Sticks with Broccoli Rice

Halibut Fish Tacos

Start a new taco night tradition — forgo meat and cheese fillings in favor of fresh fish and vibrant salsa verde.

Get the Recipe: Halibut Fish Tacos with Cilantro Savoy Slaw