Deciding on dinner plans can be a frustrating task when you’re a busy mama with a picky eater in the house! Don’t worry, mama – it doesn’t have to be that hard. Here are four of our favorite, easy meals that are guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters!

 

Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole

Indulge your little pasta lovers with a mouthwatering treat. The irresistible creaminess of alfredo sauce elevates this casserole to a whole new level of yum. Your family won’t be able to resist asking for seconds of this filling dish!

Ingredients

• 16 oz package of rotini pasta

• 22 oz jar of alfredo sauce (or 1.5 15 oz jars)

• 3 c chicken stock

• 2 c diced cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well!)

• 2 tsp minced garlic

• 2 c shredded mozzarella cheese

• Parmesan and other herbs (oregano, basil, etc.) to taste

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425°

• In a large baking dish, stir together uncooked pasta, alfredo sauce, chicken stock, chicken, and garlic

• Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes

• Uncover and stir. Check the pasta to see if it is properly cooked. If the pasta is still a bit hard, cook for another 10-15 minutes, until cooked al dente

• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole and bake another 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted

• Garnish with parmesan cheese and herbs of your choice

 

Credit: The Seasoned Mom

Cheesy Pizza Rolls

Pizza is an all-time favorite of kids and parents alike! These pizza rolls are not only delicious but are also easy to make and portable! They taste great whether hot, cold or room temperature, so if you’re looking to add some excitement to your packed meals, then this recipe is the perfect place to start!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pizza dough (store bought or homemade)

• ⅔ c marinara sauce

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

• 8 oz grated mozzarella cheese

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 475°

• Flatten the dough on a lightly floured surface, to about a 12” x 18” rectangle

• Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough

• Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the sauce – parmesan first, then mozzarella

• Roll up the dough, starting with the long side

• Pinch the seam shut and slice the roll into about 12 pieces

• Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and allow to rise for 20 minutes

• Bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown

 

Credit: My Kitchen Escapades

Crispy Parmesan – Ranch Chicken Tenders

Nothing beats a perfectly cooked chicken tender to satisfy a crowd! This simple recipe is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s an excellent protein source and pleases even the pickiest palates!

Ingredients

• 1 c crushed corn flakes

• ¾ c grated parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp black pepper\

• 1 package (1 oz) Hidden Valley Ranch dry ranch dressing mix

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into the desired size for chicken tenders

• ½ c melted butter (you may want a bit more)

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°

• Grease a 13 x 9 baking dish

• In a shallow dish,  mix together crushed corn flakes, parmesan cheese, black pepper, and ranch dressing mix

• Place the melted butter in a separate, shallow dish

• Coat each chicken piece with melted butter, then roll in cornflake mix

• Place in baking dish and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until cooked through. Smaller tenders will need less cooking time!

 

Credit: Food.com

Easy Paella

If you’re ready to switch up your dinnertime routine and explore new, international flavors, this easy paella is a simple and appetizing go-to dish that’s ready in a snap! Although it may not be an authentic paella, it’s perfect for introducing your family to something new, without overwhelming their taste buds.

Ingredients

• 4 tsp olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, crushed

• 4 oz chorizo, chopped

• 8 oz frozen peas

• 9 oz cooked chicken

• 35 oz microwave rice

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 6-8 tbs water

 

Instructions

• Add oil, garlic, and chorizo to a large frying pan and cook over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes

• Add chicken, rice, peas, smoked paprika, and 4 tbs water

• Cook for 5-8 minutes, until rice is piping hot

• Add 1-2 tbs water if needed

 

Credit: My Fussy Eater

Simplify your evenings with these four easy, yet delicious recipes. Using basic ingredients your kids love, these dishes will keep your family’s bellies satisfied and take the stress out of the dinnertime crunch. What’s your go-to family meal? Let us know in the comments!