It’s a busy week for most Australian families with school starting again, and it’s extra stressful for those juggling school and work …

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5 Simple Dinner Ideas for Busy Parents

In today’s fast-paced world, juggling between work, family commitments, and household responsibilities can leave parents feeling overwhelmed, especially when it comes to preparing dinner. Fortunately, preparing a nutritious and delicious meal doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task. Here are five simple dinner ideas that are quick to prepare, kid-friendly, and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

1. One-Pan Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts, cut into strips
• Bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
• Onion, sliced
• Fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken strips and cook until browned.
3. Toss in sliced bell peppers and onion, followed by fajita seasoning. Mix well.
4. Sauté everything for about 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve with tortillas, salsa, and your choice of toppings like sour cream and guacamole.

This one-pan meal not only cuts down on cleanup time but also creates a colorful and flavorful dish that children can customize to their liking!

2. Veggie-Packed Pasta

Ingredients:

• Whole-grain pasta (your choice)
• Mixed frozen vegetables (like peas, carrots, and broccoli)
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, adding frozen vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking.
2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Drain the pasta and vegetables, then toss them in the pan with garlic.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

This dish is a great way to sneak in veggies, and you can easily switch up the vegetables based on what you have on hand.

3. Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Ingredients:

• Salmon fillets
• Asparagus spears
• Olive oil
• Lemon slices
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a sheet pan, place salmon fillets and asparagus.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily and asparagus is tender.
5. Serve with quinoa or rice for a complete meal.

This meal is not only healthy but also takes minimal effort—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

4. Taco Night

Ingredients:

• Ground beef, turkey, or beans for a vegetarian option
• Taco seasoning
• Taco shells or tortillas
• Toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground meat or beans until heated through. Drain excess fat if using meat.
2. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
3. Set up a taco bar with shells/tortillas and an assortment of toppings, allowing everyone to build their own tacos.

Taco night is a fun, interactive way to engage kids in meal prep. Let them pick their toppings for a personal touch!

5. Breakfast for Dinner

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Spinach or other vegetables
• Cheese
• Whole-grain toast or English muffins
• Bacon or sausage (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat, and if using, cook bacon or sausage according to package instructions.
2. In the same pan, add spinach (or any vegetable of your choice) until wilted.
3. Scramble eggs in a bowl and pour into the pan, cooking until done. Sprinkle cheese on top before serving.
4. Serve with whole-grain toast or English muffins.

Breakfast for dinner is always a hit with kids and a great way to use up leftover vegetables!

Conclusion

When life gets busy, meal times can become stressful. However, with these five simple dinner ideas, busy parents can whip up tasty and nutritious meals in no time. Remember, the key is to keep it simple and involve the kids as much as possible to create a fun family experience. Enjoy your cooking!