6 Quick & Easy Dinners for Crazy, Busy Nights

“Mom, what’s for dinner?”

Some nights (ok, most nights) this question makes me want to pull my hair out. They want to eat again?!? Yup! That’s why I put together this list of 6 quick & easy dinners for crazy, busy nights!

When you have nights with sports, or piano lessons, or just running around trying to do end of the day errands, instead of hitting the drive thru, keep this list and some pantry items on hand. You will be able to pull together one of these quick and easy dinners for crazy, busy nights that is both delicious and satisfying.

This list is my family’s tried and true quick meals that most of my kids will eat (there is always one child who’d rather have cheerios, or is that just us?). My kids are also able to help with or prepare most of these meals when there is time to get them involved.

The best part of this list is that you can keep most of the ingredients on hand in the pantry too. Make sure you scroll to the end to grab the FREE printable.

Easy Dinner #1 – Mexican Soup

Anything Mexican and my eyes open wide so I love simple fiesta meal options. These are also the easiest ones to keep pantry ingredients on hand. This one-pot Mexican soup is a family favorite and it is also packed with flavor.

               1 Can chicken broth
               1 Can black beans
               1 Cup frozen corn (or can)
               1 Can diced tomatoes with green chili’s
** Mix the above in a 4 quart pot until boiling then reduce to simmer. Spice it up with chili powder and cumin, salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado and a side of tortilla chips as desired.

Easy Dinner #2 – Pesto & Parmesan Pasta

A great quick pasta meal that is both delicious and filling is this simple pesto & parmesan one. I typically by the pesto already made but there are some great homemade recipes here (dairy free) and here.

               1 Box cooked pasta (your favorite)
               ½ Cup basil pesto
               ½ Cup milk or cream
               ½ Cup shredded Parmesan cheese
** Mix all ingredients in a large skillet until heated through. Cooked chicken and cherry tomatoes can be added also.

Easy Dinner #3 – Corn Chowder

On those colder, rainy nights this quick and easy corn chowder will fill hungry bellies. This is the recipe link that I have used and modified to make it super simple.

               1 Can chicken broth + 1 Can water + ½ Can milk
               1 Cup frozen corn
               ½ White Onion
               4-5 diced potatoes
** Saute onion in 1 TBSP butter in 4 Qt sauce pan. Add 1 TBSP flour and corn, mix. Add broth, water, milk (or cream), and potatoes plus salt & pepper to taste. Bring to a boil cook on medium heat for 20 minutes.

Optional – add ½ cup of cheddar cheese to the pot before serving. Serve with fresh bread.

Related post: How to Include Your Kids in Meal Planning & Prep

Easy Dinner #4 – Stove-top Chicken Pot Pie

This simple meal was given to me by a friend with 3 boys. It is super filling and super quick! It is also the most delicious chicken pot pie recipe I have tried and it is also the easiest to whip up. If you like the crust on your pie you can certainly add that and bake, but for the quickness, I usually just do it on the stovetop then serve.

               2 Cups cooked chicken
1/3 Cup butter
1/2 Cup flour
               1 Can chicken broth + 1 Can water + ½ Can milk
               ½ bag of frozen mixed veggies
** Melt 1/3 Cup butter in 4 Qt saucepan. Add ½ Cup flour and mix. Next add broth, water, milk (or cream), and vegetables plus salt & pepper to taste. Add cooked chicken. Cook on medium heat until heated through (10 mins).

Serve over cooked rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Easy Dinner #5 – Black Bean & Corn Burritos

Another quick and easy fiesta meal that takes less than 20 minutes to get on the table is burritos. Just 4 ingredients plus any favorite extras you like. Not too mention that you can drop the tortilla and just have burrito bowls if you prefer.

               1 Can black beans
               1 Cup frozen corn
               2 Cups cooked rice
               Small tortillas
** Mix black beans & corn in saucepan and add 1 TBSP chili powder, 1 tsp cumin. Add to a tortilla with rice.

Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, tomato, lettuce.

Easy Dinner #6 – Vegetable & Rice Soup

Simple soups for the win again! My kids enjoy this basic, quick version of vegetable soup. Grab a side of nacho chips and they can scoop it up. This one only takes 15-20 mins to get it on the table too.

              1 Can chicken broth + 1 can water
               ½ Cup uncooked rice
               ½ bag of frozen mixed veggies
** Mix in a 4 quart pot until boiling then reduce to simmer for 15 mins. Add seasonings to taste – salt, pepper, oregano, or basil.

Serve with Parmesan cheese and fresh bread or tortilla chips.

A few other quick and easy dinners for crazy, busy nights we love are Chili, Creamy chicken with noodles, Homemade Mac n’ Cheese with broccoli, or Quesadillas. You can check out my Quick & Easy Meals board on Pinterest too.

Here is my quick FREE printable to go along with the above meals that you can tack right to your fridge.