31 Easy and Impressive Dinners That’ll Make Hosting Family a Breeze

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31 Easy and Impressive Dinners That’ll Make Hosting Family a Breeze

When it comes to easy and impressive dinners, there’s no need to stress. These recipes are great for making family gatherings a breeze, giving you more time to enjoy the company and less time worrying about the kitchen. Your guests will be impressed, and you’ll look like a pro without breaking a sweat.

A pan with chicken, spinach and bacon in it.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is perfect for hosting family dinners. In just 30 minutes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are seasoned and cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. This one-pan dish is both flavorful and easy to prepare, making it an impressive yet simple meal for any family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a great choice for hosting family dinners. In just 30 minutes, shrimp are cooked with garlic, onions, and spices, then mixed with grape tomatoes, fresh spinach, and basil in a creamy coconut milk and chicken stock sauce. This one-pan dish is both flavorful and easy to make, making it perfect for impressing your guests without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are full of rich flavors from ground turkey, coconut aminos, canned coconut milk, curry powder, and red curry paste. Ready in just 30 minutes, they make for an easy yet impressive dinner. Hosting family has never been easier.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is perfect for hosting family dinners. It comes together in one pot and takes only 40 minutes. With nutrient-dense ingredients and filling tortellini, it’s a great way to impress your guests without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This White Bean Soup is a fantastic option for hosting family dinners. This one-pot wonder comes together in just 40 minutes, making it both quick and easy. Packed with white beans, fresh veggies, and a blend of herbs, it’s a hearty and nutritious choice. The creamy base, achieved by blending half the beans, adds a rich texture, while fresh spinach and a touch of lemon juice brighten up the flavors. Serve it with croutons and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a meal that’s sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Baked Ravioli is a game-changer when hosting family dinners. Using frozen cheese ravioli cuts down on prep time, and layers of marinara sauce and melted cheeses create a meal reminiscent of lasagna. Ready in just 1 hour, this dish is both easy and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lemon Garlic Scallops are quick and easy, ready in less than 30 minutes. Cooked in one pan with a mix of lemon and garlic, these scallops are perfect for a family dinner that feels a bit special without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy chicken dish garnished with bacon and herbs in a skillet with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dijon Chicken is a fantastic option for family dinners. This one-pan dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it both quick and impressive. Seasoned chicken thighs are cooked until perfectly tender, then paired with a rich Dijon mustard sauce. Fresh spinach and crumbled bacon add extra layers of flavor, while the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully. It’s an easy yet extra impressive meal that’s sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a one-pot dish you can whip up in just 30 minutes. With Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream, it has a rich flavor and texture. It’s great for an easy and impressive dinner when you have family over.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sear chicken thighs until the skin is crispy, then add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the pan. Pour in a creamy sauce and let everything simmer together for about 40 minutes. This one-pan dish is packed with flavor and makes for a filling and impressive family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is a hearty dish that’s both filling and nutritious. Cubed butternut squash and cauliflower are baked with red onion, bacon, and spinach, then topped with sour cream. It’s a great option for a cozy family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is a quick and easy meal, ready in just 30 minutes. This casserole features chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a weeknight family dinner that’s simple yet impressive.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reuben Bowls are a quick and easy meal, perfect for family dinners. In just 30 minutes, you can brown some deli corned beef, mix it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage and sauerkraut, melt on some Swiss cheese, and drizzle with Thousand Island dressing. This dish is both flavorful and simple to prepare, making it great for hosting.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Replace the potatoes with radishes to keep it low-carb, but still enjoy the same great taste and texture. Cook sausage, bacon, and onions in a pot, then add chicken broth and radishes. Let it simmer for a while, then stir in kale and cream. This flavorful soup is ready in just 1 hour, making it a great choice for a comforting family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Start by searing skinless chicken thighs in a hot pan until they’re golden brown. Next, add in artichoke hearts and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Pour in a creamy sauce and let everything simmer for about 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for a family dinner that’s both quick and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Begin by cooking chicken breasts on the stovetop until they’re nicely browned. In the same pan, make a creamy white sauce with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. Combine the chicken with the sauce and let it cook for a few more minutes. This one-pan meal is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a family dinner that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Bowl of instant pot butter chicken atop cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Marinate chicken thighs with spices and yogurt, then cook them in an Instant Pot. Add a rich sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and butter, and let it all come together under pressure. This Indian-inspired dish can be prepped the night before or made the same day, and it’s ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for a flavorful family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant pot chicken adobo in a bowl atop cauliflower rice.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is perfect for hosting family dinners. This dish features boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned with pepper and salt, then browned in avocado oil using the Instant Pot’s Sauté setting. The chicken is cooked in a flavorful mix of chicken stock, coconut aminos, diced onion, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, monk fruit sweetener, and paprika. After a quick 10-minute high-pressure cook, the sauce is simmered until thickened, creating a rich and savory base. Garnished with sliced spring onions, this meal is both easy and impressive, making it a hit for any family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Start by searing chicken breasts until they’re golden brown, then set them aside. In the same pan, sauté mushrooms and garlic before adding heavy cream and chicken broth to create a rich sauce. Let it simmer until thickened, then return the chicken to the pan to finish cooking. This one-pan meal comes together in 30 minutes, making it perfect for a family dinner that’s both easy and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Grilled chicken thighs garnished with chopped herbs and black pepper, shown on a beige plate, with visible grill marks and sauce.
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up a homemade hot honey sauce with honey, chili flakes, and vinegar. Marinate the chicken in half of this sauce for 15-30 minutes, then grill it to perfection, brushing on more sauce as it cooks. This dish is ready in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for a quick family dinner or a weekend cookout. The hot honey sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, and the marinated chicken can be prepped in advance for even more convenience.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

A dish of seasoned shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage slices, and potato chunks garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combine baby red potatoes, corn on the cob, sliced andouille sausage, shrimp, and lemon slices on a baking sheet. Season everything with Old Bay seasoning and bake until the potatoes are tender and the shrimp are cooked through. This sheet pan meal is ready in under an hour, offering a flavorful and filling family dinner that’s easy to prepare. Plus, the leftovers are just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage Curry is great for hosting family dinners. Start by browning sausages in a pan, then add your favorite vegetables. Pour in a creamy curry sauce and let everything simmer together. This one-pan recipe is quick and straightforward, making it easy to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Pollo Asado

Pollo asado on a white plate with lime wedges.
Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Marinate chicken thighs in cilantro, onion, orange juice, and lime juice for a burst of flavor. Cook the chicken on the grill, a grill pan, or in the oven. This Pollo Asado is perfect for family gatherings, giving you a flavorful and easy meal everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combine tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth in one pot. Ready in less than an hour, this Chicken Corn Soup is great for hosting family. The simple steps make it a reliable choice for a wholesome and impressive meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole mixes steamed frozen broccoli and cauliflower with a creamy cheese sauce and bacon, then bakes to a golden, bubbling finish. Ready in only 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an easy holiday side dish. Hosting family just got a whole lot simpler.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Hungarian Mushroom Soup comes together in just 45 minutes. Sauté mushrooms and onions, then add broth and seasonings to build rich flavor. This one-pot recipe is perfect for family dinners, making it a hit for cooks of all skill levels.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cook bite-sized pieces of chicken on the stovetop until they’re juicy and tender. In the same pan, make a buttery garlic sauce and toss the chicken back in to coat. This easy recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it great for a quick and impressive family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot until they’re soft. Add chopped sweet potatoes and red peppers, then pour in some broth. Let it all simmer until the vegetables are tender. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. This one-pot soup is ready in about an hour, making it great for a family dinner that feels both comforting and special.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bake some potatoes until they’re soft, then scoop out the insides into a bowl. Mix in sour cream, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits. Spread the mixture into a casserole dish and bake again until it’s golden and bubbly. This casserole can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for a family dinner that’s both easy and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Start by cooking chicken and vegetables in a pot until they’re tender. Add broth and let it simmer. Stir in some cream to make it rich and hearty. This one-pot soup is ready in about an hour and is perfect for a cozy family dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cook wild rice in one pot while you sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic in another. Combine the cooked rice with the sautéed vegetables and add broth. Let it all simmer until the flavors meld together. This hearty soup is ready in about an hour, making it great for hosting family dinners with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

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