I reached out to 25 busy parents to find out their go-to weeknight dinner staples, and here are the top 10 they swear by.

As fall settles in, parents with school-aged kids are dealing with the all-too-familiar stress of dinnertime. The daily challenge of preparing a nutritious meal that kids will actually eat is a real struggle, especially with packed schedules full of sports, lessons, clubs, homework, and bedtime routines.

While we love a quick fast-food option on especially busy nights, most of us prefer simple, budget-friendly meals—ideally with something fresh from the garden or orchard. Classics like tacos and spaghetti are always a hit, but after years of cooking them, even our go-to favorites can start to feel a bit monotonous.

Whether you're a parent or not, we can all relate to the struggle of falling into a cooking rut. The best way to break free is by getting inspiration from others. While they might not cook dinner for you, sharing meal ideas can help spark creativity and make the nightly routine feel a little less like a chore and a bit more exciting.

I asked parents across the country for their go-to meals on the busiest of nights, and their suggestions may just give you a fresh idea for your own dinner table.

The Ultimate Collection of Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinners, as Chosen by Busy Parents

Oven-Baked Salmon

Sheet pan dinners have been a popular choice for nearly 20 years—and for good reason. They’re simple to prepare, clean up is a breeze, and you can cook both your protein and vegetables at the same time. Kim Miceli, a mom from Tennessee, swears by this method for hectic nights. 'Salmon baked with lemon, butter, and garlic is super quick and always a hit,' she says. Pair it with a veggie that bakes in roughly the same time (like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots), and you’ve got an effortless dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

Spinach and Feta Crescent Rolls

Crescent rolls have been a staple on American dinner tables for years, from pigs in a blanket to basket-style breads. This new twist on a Pillsbury classic takes inspiration from the Greek dish spanakopita. Amber Swanson, a mom of three from Illinois, swears by this recipe for those hectic sports practice evenings when even 30 minutes is a luxury. 'I make chicken spanakopita with crescent rolls (phyllo cups are better, but that’s not happening midweek!)' she says. This quick three-ingredient recipe calls for fresh spinach, but Amber simplifies it even further by using frozen spinach and adding chicken, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta for a hearty, fast meal.

Quick and Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Fried rice is one of those go-to meals that nearly everyone can enjoy. This homemade version lets you skip the takeout and make use of what’s already in your fridge—leftovers! With cooked rice and shredded chicken, this dish comes together quickly, perfect for when you’re pressed for time. Florida dad Peter Fulton shares, 'This is as adventurous as my son gets with food. We’re glad to have a change from the usual grilled chicken and pasta.' This recipe is highly adaptable to different tastes and dietary restrictions. You can easily swap the chicken for fried eggs to make it vegetarian or switch the white rice for brown rice to provide a sustained energy boost—something every busy parent can use.

Shredded Chicken Tacos

We’ve long touted the convenience and deliciousness of rotisserie chicken, and it turns out, parents are huge fans too. Whitney Parker, a mom of three from Florida, loves them so much she buys two at a time. 'I usually grab two and shred both to use for chicken tacos the next night!' she shares. We love this idea and can think of so many ways to use the leftover shredded chicken—like in chicken noodle soup, barbecue chicken sandwiches, or chicken Caesar wraps. But starting with Rotisserie Chicken Tacos is a great place to begin.

Greek Chicken Bowls

These Greek Chicken Bowls are loaded with fresh veggies and lean protein. They're easily customizable to suit your family's tastes, and you can even turn it into a 'bar' so everyone can add their favorite toppings. For a quicker version, use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling your own, and feel free to swap couscous for rice or quinoa. Amber Swanson loves this meal as well but prefers using ground turkey with shawarma seasoning: 'I use any type of ground meat with shawarma seasoning, Greek yogurt or sour cream with garlic and lemon for the sauce, and chopped veggies.' Shawarma seasoning is a Middle Eastern blend that includes garlic, chili powder, oregano, and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.

Naan Pizzas

Pizza night is a family favorite, but even with speedy delivery, sometimes it’s faster—and healthier—to make your own at home. The biggest time-saver? Skipping the pizza dough and using pre-made naan as the base. Courtney Malone, a mom of three, swears by naan for pizza night, topping it with rotisserie chicken (a clear favorite among parents), pesto, and mozzarella. Launa Taylor swaps naan for pita bread and adds the veggies her 4-year-old will actually eat. We especially love this Naan Margherita Pizza with Prosciutto because none of the ingredients need cooking, and it looks gorgeous. But feel free to experiment with other flavor combos like Naan Hawaiian Pizza or Spinach-Artichoke Garlic Naan Pizza.

DIY Poke Bowls

For families with adventurous eaters, DIY Poke Bowls are a hit. These bowls are fully customizable, and with ingredients like rice, sashimi-grade tuna or salmon, avocado, and edamame, no one will leave the table hungry. Karen Culp, a mom of three from Canada, shares, 'We keep poke fish (usually salmon) in the freezer, and I thaw it overnight. I throw the sushi rice in the Instant Pot, and we always have homemade eel sauce, avocados, and frozen edamame on hand. It’s healthy, delicious, and everyone loves it! Plus, I have rice molds, which make the bowls extra cute and fun.'

Crockpot Pork and Sweet Potatoes

If there’s one kitchen gadget every parent should have, it’s a slow cooker. And if there’s one protein that works perfectly in that slow cooker, it’s pork. The secret is to use a Boston butt (despite the name, it comes from the shoulder) roast instead of a pork loin roast. The marbled fat in this shoulder cut creates juicy, flavorful meat that falls apart with ease. Florida mom Ashley Murphy loves serving it 'on top of sweet potatoes or Hawaiian rolls.'

Ground Turkey-Ricotta Meatballs

Make-ahead meals are a lifesaver for busy families, especially those that can be stored in the freezer. These meatballs are a favorite not only because they use healthier ground turkey but also because the ricotta adds moisture. Nebraska mom Gayle Hoybook shares, 'These would be so easy to make ahead and freeze. We’re adding them to our dinner rotation for a change from always using ground beef.'

Texas Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas might not win any awards for originality, but we absolutely love this Texas twist on a family favorite. The recipe combines shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, and onions to add some extra flavor. Texas mom Haley Armand, who has three kids, takes it up a notch: 'You can put anything in quesadillas. We stick with the traditional taco meat, but also mix in chicken, cheese, and smoky black-eyed peas. It all works!'