Easy family dinner: Love at first bite with these delicacies

SOMETIMES, after a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is stand in front of a stove for hours. Making quick meals does not mean you have to sacrifice flavour.

Also read: Three quick, budget-friendly lunchbox recipes

Here are three quick and delicious recipes, perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want to treat your family to something special.

 1. Marry Me Chicken

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

This dish is creamy, cheesy and incredibly satisfying – perfect for when you need an impressive meal without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 650g skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 4)
• 50g plain flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
• 150g sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp paprika
• 150ml double cream
• 200ml chicken stock
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 15g fresh basil leaves
• ½ lemon (juice)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Coat chicken breasts in flour. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat and cook chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden.
2. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. Lower the heat, then add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano and paprika. Cook for 3–5 minutes.
3. Stir in cream, chicken stock, parmesan, salt and pepper. Place chicken back in the pan, cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes (flipping halfway through).
4. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove from heat and sprinkle with basil and lemon juice.

What to serve with Marry Me Chicken

• Rice
• Green vegetables

 2. Tomato and Basil Pasta with Mozzarella

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

This classic Tomato and Basil Pasta is a simple yet flavourful vegetarian dish.

Ingredients

• 650g salad tomatoes, chopped
• 250g cherry tomatoes
• 1 head garlic, unpeeled (top chopped off)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 30g fresh basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 300g pasta
• 125g buffalo mozzarella, drained

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. In a baking dish, toss the tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, tomato purée and half the basil. Roast for 40 minutes.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
3. Squeeze out the roasted garlic into the dish, then blend the sauce with the remaining basil and balsamic vinegar until smooth.
4. Pour the sauce over the pasta, toss well and break the mozzarella on top before serving.

 3. Big Mac Tacos

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

This fun recipe is perfect for a weekend treat or even a quick midweek dinner that your family will love.

Ingredients

8 small tortillas
2 tbsp sunflower oil
500g lean beef mince
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic flakes
2 tsp tomato sauce
Salt and pepper
10g mayonnaise
1.5 tsp paprika
2 tbsp chopped gherkins
2 tbsp pickle juice
1 tsp mustard
8 cheese slices
Iceberg lettuce, gherkins and finely chopped white onion (for serving)

Instructions

1. Mix beef mince with onion powder, garlic flakes, tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Divide into 8 balls.
2. Place each ball on a tortilla and press flat. Heat oil in a pan and cook meat-side down for 4–5 minutes until golden. Flip, add cheese and cook for 4–5 more minutes.
3. In the meantime, mix the sauce ingredients – mayonnaise, paprika, gherkins, pickle juice and mustard.
4. Serve the tacos with sauce, lettuce, gherkins and chopped onion.

These recipes offer convenience without compromising taste. Whether it’s the rich, creamy Marry Me Chicken, the hearty Tomato and Basil Pasta or the fun Big Mac Tacos, each dish will leave your family satisfied.

Recipes courtesy of Sarah Rossi of the Taming Twins blog.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.