Making a meal full of chopping, sauteing, and cooking after a long day of parenting is, honestly, the last thing many of us want to do. And then you have to make sure your kids are getting some sort of nutrition, too. Just the thought makes us want to throw in the towel and head for the nearest takeout restaurant.
SPONSORED BY / MELISSA & DOUGspoiler: this one is 🫢
While many of us think that cooking something yummy and flavorful requires a ton of time, we’re here to prove you wrong. We rounded up our favorite, delicious 30-minute meals — and they’ll be so yummy that you won’t be able to tell you spent less time on them, either.
1. Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Stir Fry with Sweet Potato Noodles

Source: Ambitious Kitchen
2. Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Source: Natural Chow
3. Turkey Sloppy Joes

Source: Ambitious Kitchen
4. Cheesy Avocado Quesadillas

Source: Damn Delicious
5. One Pot Chicken Pesto Tortellini

Source: Chelsea’s Messy Apron
6. Asian Fish Tacos

Source: A Mindfull Mom
7. Vegan Avocado Caprese Salad

Source: Emilie Eats
8. Caprese Balsamic Chicken

Source: Yummy Healthy Easy
9. Creamy Pecorino Spaghetti

Source: Cooking and Beer
10. Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Source: Chelsea’s Messy Apron
11. Parmesan Chicken Sandwiches

Source: Taste of Home
12. Chicken Noodle Soup

Source: Iowa Girl Eats
13. Avocado Basil Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Source: Ambitious Kitchen
14. Hidden Veggie Macaroni and Cheese

Source: My Fussy Eater
15. Mini Margherita Pizzas

Source: Happy Food Healthy Life