Quick family comfort food recipes
Try quick classic comfort food recipes the whole family will love, from speedy creamy pasta bakes to no-fuss fajitas with all the trimmings.
When you're cooking a family meal after a busy day at work, you need it to be quick and comforting whether it's a steaming bowl of creamy pasta, hearty one-pot or simple stir-fry. So, forget slaving away in the kitchen – we've come up with recipes that take 30 minutes or less to make and plate.
If you're craving something that's wholesome as well as hearty, our healthy comfort food recipes are full of flavour and nutritional benefits. Also, check out our quick family recipes for more no-fuss dinners. Now, try our top comfort foods, vegetarian comfort food recipes and vegan comfort food ideas.
1. Chickpea, spinach & almond butter bowl
Looking for a speedy veggie supper? This gently spiced curry combines chickpeas with spinach in a creamy almond butter sauce, served on a bed of rice. Ready in just 25 mins, this veg-packed dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
2. Saucy bean baked eggs
What could be more comforting than a runny yolk? This healthy dish with baked eggs, beans and tomato sauce makes the most of store cupboard staples and is ideal for chilly evenings. Throw your four ingredients together and voilà, a rustic dish that's full of flavour. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
We've got plenty more storecupboard comfort food recipes, using basic ingredients like beans, lentils and canned veg.
3. Chicken alfredo
Satisfy a ravenous crowd by rustling up this rich and creamy chicken pasta dish using just a handful of ingredients. Both the chicken and cheesy, nutmeg-spiked sauce can be cooked on the hob, before combining with the pasta and swirling so it gets a good coating of sauce. If you want to add in some veg, frozen peas or broccoli could work well too.
Indulge in more cheesy pasta recipes.
4. Prawn fried rice
Comforting food doesn't have to be indulgent. This speedy prawn stir-fry is packed with veg and low in calories, yet full of flavour from zingy ginger and soy. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a reliable midweek meal and perfect for using up any other leftovers you have.
Check out more quick and easy stir-fry recipes.
5. Creamy garlic pasta
Garlic, black pepper, parmesan and cream do the heavy lifting when it comes to the flavour of this easy pasta dish. Adding pasta water helps bring the sauce together into a creamy, glossy coating for whatever long pasta you have available.
Discover more creamy pasta recipes.
6. Blackened salmon fajitas
Presenting a quick-fix Tex-Mex you can make with just five ingredients. Give your standard salmon a flavour boost with fajita seasoning and a super speedy guacamole. Add any tasty extras you like such as salsa, soured cream or zesty salads. Get everyone to tuck in and assemble their own just how they like them.
Browse more family-friendly fajita recipes.
7. Creamy carrot soup
Stir up this luxuriously creamy carrot soup in just 30 minutes for a warming lunch. The garlicky sourdough croutons and seeds really take it to the next level, providing a satisfyingly crisp topping. Drizzle with double cream for a final touch of indulgence and serve with crusty bread – colder months will be made so much better!
Whip up more of our quick soup recipes.
8. Enchilada pie
It doesn't get much more comforting than a pie. Make our Mexican-style twist for a satisfying veggie supper which makes the most of storecupboard staples. This easy enchilada pie features a hearty filling of spiced beans and peppers in tomato sauce is alternated with tortillas and soured cream. Finished with a layer of grilled cheese, it has all the components of a winning family dinner.
9. Sausage, kale & gnocchi one-pot
If the phrase 'sausage one-pot' leaves you longing for supper, then this warming kale, gnocchi and sausage one pot should be on the menu. Cooked in chicken stock, it has the comforting quality of a stew, yet can be ready on the table in just 20 minutes.
Enjoy more of our comforting family one-pots.
10. Sesame & spring onion stir-fried udon with crispy tofu
We've given a simple-stir fry the comfort factor by using thick udon noodles and satisfying crispy tofu. This vibrant vegan dish takes just 20 minutes to whip up and makes a healthy yet satisfying midweek meal. Green beans and spring onions add some extra texture as well as boosting your veg intake.
Want to know how to get extra crispy tofu? Follow our easy recipe with step-by-step instructions. Also discover more healthy vegan comfort food ideas.
Enjoyed these recipes? Check out other family meal ideas...
Top 10 vegetarian family comfort food recipes
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What's your favourite family comfort food? Leave a comment below...
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