Struggling for inspiration when it comes to cooking nutritious midweek meals? We have speedy family dinner ideas using storecupboard ingredients to make recipes even more easy and convenient. Whip up a hearty and wholesome soup, a pasta dish to impress, or the easiest biryani you'll ever make. Whatever you choose, you know that something healthy and full of flavour will be ready in 20 minutes tops.

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Get even more ideas for healthy family meals.

Minestrone in minutes

Minestrone soup in bowl with mixed vegetables

Dish up bowlfuls of warming spaghetti-filled soup with chunky ciabatta pieces – a simple supper that everyone will enjoy. Our easiest ever minestrone uses ingredients you'll have to hand like tinned tomatoes and frozen veg to create this warming veggie meal.

Dip into our healthy soup collection.

Beany pasta pot

Tomato penne pasta in bowl

This easy beany pasta recipe uses apple to enhance the sweetness of the tomato sauce, borlotti beans for a chunky texture and a swirl of red pesto for a final flourish. Open a couple of tins and spend just 5 minutes prepping this filling family meal. Serve with hunks of crusty bread and for an extra dose of veggies, try adding ribbons of courgette or mushrooms when softening your onions.

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Storecupboard spaghetti puttanesca

Spaghetti with olives and tomatoes in pan being scooped up

Forget that last-minute supermarket run and dig into the kitchen cupboards to make our storecupboard spaghetti puttanesca. This Italian classic lends itself well to feeding a crowd with just a few key ingredients. Don't skimp on the grated parmesan to finish it off and add a splash of red wine to the sauce for an even richer flavour. You can also freeze the sauce for future speedy meals.

Spanish rice & prawn one-pot

Rice with vegetables and chorizo in pan

Give your standard midweek rice dish some Spanish spice with our easy prawn one-pot. Take your tastebuds to the Mediterranean with chunks of chorizo, plump prawns and fresh peppers. Don't fancy spending time at the stove? Make this dish even simpler by baking in an oven-proof dish and take a holiday from boring and bland dinners.

Lemon spiced chicken & chickpeas

Chicken and green veg in pan with wooden spoon

We do love a one-pot, especially if it involves just five minutes prepping and 15 minutes relaxing. This lemon-spiced chicken with chickpeas only calls for storecupboard spices, a couple of tins and a bag of fresh spinach, adding up to two of your five-a-day. It's an adaptable dish, too, and a midweek must in our book. Try serving with rice or quinoa.

Easy veggie biryani

Rice with nuts and vegetables in glass serving bowl

Forget calling the local takeaway and try our easy veggie biryani with crunchy cashews and juicy raisins. We predict it'll be on the table faster than a delivery man can get to you and with more fresh flavour. Plus, it will still taste great the next day if you need something for your lunchbox. This nutty, fruity bowlful of goodness isn't overwhelmingly spicy either, so it's great for kids and adults alike.

Roasted red pepper & parsley pesto with penne

Penne with red pepper pesto in bowls with sprig of parsley

Try jazzing up a standard pasta sauce using our recipe for roasted red pepper pesto. Who knew a fresh Italian-style sauce could be so easy to make? Simply whizz up your peppers, cashews, parsley, garlic and a drizzle of olive oil and you've got yourself a mouth-watering partner to penne.

You may also want to try our 10-minute kale pesto recipe.

Crispy chicken & asparagus pie

Chicken and asparagus traybake with breadcrumbs in dish

Our chicken & asparagus bake is a simple twist on a classic traybake with creamy crème fraîche and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Once you've tasted this crispy, meltingly tender chicken masterpiece, you'll never look back. If you're looking for something extra luxurious, try a potato topping with fish fillets or prawns instead of chicken.

Enjoyed these recipes? Try other family classics...

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