Grandma's Plates

Category: Easy Family Dinners

Simple, comforting dinner recipes for busy families.

  • Creamy Tomato Pasta for Busy Weeknights

    A cozy tomato pasta made with pantry staples and finished with a little cream for a smooth, family-friendly sauce.

    Ingredients
    – 12 ounces pasta
    – 1 tablespoon olive oil
    – 1 small onion, finely chopped
    – 2 garlic cloves, minced
    – 1 can crushed tomatoes
    – 1/2 cup heavy cream
    – 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    – Salt and black pepper
    – Grated Parmesan, for serving

    Instructions
    1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
    2. Sauté the onion in olive oil until soft, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
    3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
    4. Lower the heat, stir in the cream, and season to taste.
    5. Toss with the pasta, loosening the sauce with reserved pasta water as needed.
    6. Finish with Parmesan and serve warm.

    Helpful tip
    Use a short pasta shape to help the sauce cling to every bite.

  • One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken

    A simple family dinner with tender chicken, a glossy honey-garlic sauce, and vegetables cooked in one pan.

    Ingredients
    – 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
    – 2 tablespoons honey
    – 3 garlic cloves, minced
    – 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    – 1 tablespoon olive oil
    – 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    – 2 cups broccoli florets
    – Salt and black pepper

    Instructions
    1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
    2. Whisk honey, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
    3. Season the chicken, place it in a baking dish with the broccoli, and pour the sauce over everything.
    4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
    5. Rest for five minutes and serve with rice or potatoes.

    Helpful tip
    Add a splash of water to the pan before baking if you want extra sauce for serving.