5 Quick & Easy Dinners for Busy Parents with Picky Eaters

As a busy parent, finding the time to cook a meal that everyone in the house will actually eat can feel like an Olympic sport. And when you’ve got picky eaters in the mix? That’s a whole new level of challenge. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! These five quick and easy dinner recipes are not only delicious but also kid-approved and parent-friendly. Best of all, they take 30 minutes or less and require minimal cleanup.

1. Hidden Veggie Cheesy Quesadillas

Crispy, cheesy, and packed with sneaky veggies—these quesadillas are perfect for little ones who usually turn up their noses at anything green.

Ingredients:

• 4 flour tortillas

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

• ½ cup cooked and finely chopped spinach or zucchini (or puréed for extra sneaky points)

• ½ cup shredded cooked chicken (optional)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Butter or cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly butter one side of a tortilla.

2. Place the tortilla (buttered side down) in the skillet.

3. Sprinkle cheese evenly over half the tortilla, then add veggies and chicken.

4. Fold the tortilla in half and press down lightly with a spatula.

5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

6. Cut into triangles and serve with salsa or sour cream!

2. Lazy One-Pan Pizza Pasta

Tastes like pizza but easier to make—and with only one pan to wash!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 2 cups water or chicken broth

• ½ cup mini pepperoni slices

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup cooked ground beef or sausage (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, combine pasta, marinara sauce, water, and Italian seasoning.

2. Cover and cook on medium heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Once pasta is tender, stir in mini pepperonis and cooked meat.

4. Sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt.

5. Serve warm, maybe with some garlic bread!

3. Chicken & Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups

Soft, cheesy, and fun to eat—these crescent roll-ups are perfect for little hands!

Ingredients:

• 1 can crescent roll dough

• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a bowl, mix chicken, cheeses, garlic powder, and salt.

3. Unroll crescent dough and place a spoonful of the chicken mixture at the wide end of each triangle.

4. Roll up and place on a baking sheet.

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Serve with ranch or honey mustard for dipping!

4. 10-Minute Sloppy Joe Sliders

Fast, fun-sized, and packed with flavor, these sloppy joe sliders are a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey

• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 pack of Hawaiian slider buns

• ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat; drain excess grease.

2. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.

3. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Spoon onto slider buns and top with cheese.

5. Serve with carrot sticks or apple slices for balance!

5. Easy Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken & Potatoes

A one-pan dinner with juicy chicken and crispy potatoes? Yes, please!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)

• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Toss chicken and potatoes with olive oil, honey, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread everything evenly on the baking sheet.

4. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or ranch dressing for dipping!