Winter break means cozy mornings, movie marathons, and… a lot of “What’s for lunch?” moments. To make your week easier, here are four quick, family-friendly recipes that keep kids full without keeping you in the kitchen all day.
1. One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Veggie Pasta
Serves: 4
Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups dry pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup shredded parmesan
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add chicken and season. Cook until lightly browned.
- Add pasta, broth, carrots, and milk/cream. Bring to a low boil.
- Cover and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in peas and parmesan until creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm and cozy.
2. Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas
Serves: 4
Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, sliced
- 3 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
- Tortillas, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Spread chicken and veggies on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with seasoning. Toss to coat.
- Bake 18–20 minutes, stirring once.
- Serve with warm tortillas and whatever toppings your kids love.
3. Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Serves: 6
Time: 10 minutes prep, 4–6 hours cook
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can of kidney or pinto beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 packet chili seasoning
- 1 small onion, diced
Instructions
- Brown turkey in a skillet and transfer to a slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir.
- Cook on low 6 hours or high 3–4 hours.
- Serve with cheese, chips, or sour cream for a warm winter meal.
4. Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Dippers
Serves: 4
Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread
- 8 slices of cheese
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1–2 cans of tomato soup
Instructions
- Butter bread and assemble four grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Cook in a skillet until golden and melty.
- Slice into strips for easy dipping.
- Warm tomato soup and serve together — instant winter comfort.
Make Mealtimes Easy All Winter Break Long
These quick, reliable recipes help you enjoy the week instead of worrying about what to cook next. Save them for busy afternoons, snow days, or whenever the “I’m hungry!” chorus starts again.
