In today’s fast-paced world, making a delicious and nutritious dinner every night can feel overwhelming — especially for busy families juggling work, school, and daily routines. But don’t worry! We’ve compiled 10 quick, easy, and family-approved dinner recipes that require minimal time and ingredients — perfect for weeknights when you just want something simple and satisfying.
1. One-Pot Chicken Biryani
A Pakistani favorite, this shortcut version of chicken biryani is made in just one pot — saving both time and clean-up!
Ingredients: Chicken, basmati rice, yogurt, onions, tomatoes, biryani masala
Time: 30–40 minutes
Tip: Use pre-fried onions to save even more time.
2. Creamy Chicken Pasta
Kids love it and adults do too! This creamy chicken pasta is both comforting and filling.
Ingredients: Boneless chicken, pasta, cream, garlic, cheese
Time: 25 minutes
Tip: Add frozen peas or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
3. Anda Shami Burger
A desi twist to the classic burger using shami kebabs and fried eggs — perfect for tiffin or dinner.
Ingredients: Shami kebab, eggs, burger buns, lettuce, ketchup
Time: 15–20 minutes
Tip: Use store-bought frozen kebabs to save prep time.
4. Qeema Aloo (Minced Meat with Potatoes)
Simple, spicy, and best served with roti or rice — a classic dinner in many Pakistani homes.
Ingredients: Minced meat, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, spices
Time: 30 minutes
Tip: Make extra and use leftovers for lunch the next day.
5. Chicken Quesadillas
A quick Mexican-inspired meal with desi flavors that your kids will love!
Ingredients: Cooked shredded chicken, cheese, tortillas, capsicum
Time: 15–20 minutes
Tip: Use a sandwich maker or tawa to toast the quesadillas.
6. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice
Fast, healthy, and perfect for Meatless Mondays!
Ingredients: Mixed vegetables, soy sauce, garlic, cooked rice
Time: 20 minutes
Tip: Add tofu or leftover chicken to make it protein-rich.
7. Desi Style Macaroni
A favorite among kids, this macaroni dish is cooked in a spicy tomato base.
Ingredients: Macaroni, chicken or beef, tomatoes, onions, ketchup
Time: 25 minutes
Tip: Serve with ketchup or chili garlic sauce for extra flavor.
8. Aloo Anday (Potato & Egg Curry)
The ultimate comfort food when you’re short on time and ingredients.
Ingredients: Potatoes, eggs, onions, tomatoes, green chilies
Time: 25–30 minutes
Tip: Serve with hot chapati or paratha.
9. Chicken Wraps with Yogurt Sauce
Wraps are fun, easy to make, and customizable for picky eaters.
Ingredients: Boneless chicken, lettuce, yogurt, garlic, parathas or tortillas
Time: 20 minutes
Tip: Let your kids build their own wraps for a fun dinner experience.
10. Masoor Dal with Zeera Rice
Simple, nourishing, and comforting — this is a staple you’ll keep coming back to.
Ingredients: Masoor dal, garlic, cumin, turmeric, rice
Time: 25–30 minutes
Tip: Add a spoon of ghee for a richer taste.
👩🍳 Final Thoughts
Dinner doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. With just a bit of planning and smart ingredient choices, you can make delicious meals that bring your family together — without spending hours in the kitchen.
Let us know in the comments: Which of these recipes will you try first?
And if you want a downloadable recipe book with these meals — just ask, and I’ll send you one for free!