18 Back-To-School Dinners Your Family Will Love

By Jenn Segal

Don’t let the back-to-school chaos drive you to frozen pizzas and cereal (at least not yet)! From penne alla vodka to sheet pan sausage and vegetables, these back-to-school dinners can be whipped up in a flash. You’ve got this!

Penne alla Vodka

Penne alla vodka, or penne with a bright tomato sauce enriched with heavy cream, makes a quick, family-friendly dinner.
Butter Chicken

This easy butter chicken recipe features ultra-tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy, spice-infused tomato sauce.
Chicken Piccata

The whole family will love this chicken piccata — and the dish comes together in a flash.
Turkey, Spinach & Cheese Meatballs

The addition of turkey sausage and cheese makes these meatballs tender and flavorful.
Beef Bulgogi

Beef bulgogi is tender, flavor-packed, and easy to make at home.
Sheet Pan Blackened Salmon with Garlicky Kale

From chef Alex Guarnaschelli, this sheet-pan salmon with kale makes a quick, healthy, and seriously delicious weeknight dinner.
Chicken Tacos

These chicken tacos are a healthier spin on traditional beef tacos — and they’re just as good, if not better.
Chicken Curry

This chicken curry recipe is family-friendly and easy enough for a busy weeknight. Serve it with basmati rice and dinner is done!
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

This orecchiette pasta dish is packed with flavor and quick to make — and the whole family gobbles it up, broccoli and all.
Thai-Style Pork Fried Rice

This Thai-style pork fried rice comes together in under 30 minutes, and it makes a satisfying one-dish meal.
Restaurant-Style Pan Seared Salmon

Golden-crisp on top and just barely cooked in the center, this pan seared salmon is easy to make and elegant to serve.
Thai-Style Red Chicken Curry

This fragrant Thai chicken curry is a one-pan dish that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao chicken, a classic Chinese takeout dish of stir-fried chicken, peanuts, and vegetables, is easy to make at home.
Shrimp Saganaki (Greek Shrimp with Tomatoes & Feta)

Greek-style shrimp saganaki makes a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Hoisin Beef Bowls

These easy Asian beef bowls made from ground beef, hoisin sauce, ginger and garlic are a family favorite!
Beef and Broccoli

Tender strips of steak with crisp broccoli in a rich brown sauce, beef with broccoli is a weeknight favorite.
Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e pepe, or pasta with Pecorino Romano cheese and fresh black pepper, proves that simple is often best.
Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables

This easy sheet-pan supper combines hearty Italian sausages with caramelized Brussels sprouts and carrots.