15 Easy Christmas Dinner Recipes for Busy Families This Year

The Christmas season is a time for joy, laughter, and family gatherings. However, for busy families, preparing a festive dinner can feel overwhelming. 

Between holiday shopping, decorating, and attending events, finding time to cook elaborate meals can seem impossible. 

That’s why we’ve rounded up 15 easy Christmas dinner recipes that are not only delicious but also quick and simple to prepare. 

From classic roasts to hearty vegetarian options, this list will help you create a memorable meal without the stress. Let’s make this Christmas your easiest one yet!

Why Easy Recipes Are Perfect for Busy Families?

The holiday season is often packed with responsibilities. Between work deadlines and family commitments, carving out hours for cooking can be a challenge. Easy recipes are the perfect solution, offering:

• Time-saving solutions: Quick recipes allow you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
• Stress-free cooking: Simplified steps and minimal ingredients reduce the risk of kitchen mishaps.
• Customizable options: Many easy recipes can be tailored to suit dietary restrictions or family preferences.

Tips for Preparing a Quick and Easy Christmas Dinner

Here are some practical tips to ensure your Christmas dinner preparation is smooth and efficient:

1. Plan Ahead: Create a menu and shopping list a few days in advance.
2. Use Time-Saving Appliances: Rely on slow cookers, pressure cookers, or air fryers to cut down on cooking time.
3. Opt for Prepped Ingredients: Purchase pre-chopped vegetables, marinated meats, or ready-made sauces.
4. Focus on One-Pot Meals: Reduce cleanup by choosing dishes that can be made in a single pot or pan.
5. Delegate Tasks: Involve family members to share the workload—from setting the table to stirring sauces.

15 Easy Christmas Dinner Recipes

Here are the 15 Christmas dinner recipes you must try!

Recipe #1: Classic Roast Chicken with Herbs

A roasted chicken is a timeless Christmas dinner centerpiece. This recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs
• 1 lemon, halved

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the cavity with rosemary, thyme, and lemon.
4. Roast for 1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Why It’s Easy:

• Minimal prep work
• Cooks in under two hours

Recipe #2: Honey-Glazed Ham

This sweet and savory dish is a crowd-pleaser that requires only a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-cooked ham (5 lbs)
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix honey, mustard, and brown sugar to create a glaze.
3. Brush the ham with the glaze and bake for 1.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes.

Why It’s Easy:

• Pre-cooked ham reduces cooking time
• Simple glaze with pantry staples

Recipe #3: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Perfect for seafood lovers, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
4. Toss pasta with shrimp and Parmesan.

Why It’s Easy:

• Fast cooking time
• One-pot cleanup

Recipe #4: Vegetable Pot Pie

This hearty vegetarian option is comforting and easy to assemble.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes)
• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook vegetables in broth until tender.
3. Thicken with flour and butter.
4. Pour into a baking dish and cover with pie crust.
5. Bake for 25 minutes.

Why It’s Easy:

• Uses pre-made pie crust
• Minimal ingredients

Recipe #5: Sheet Pan Roast Beef and Vegetables

This one-pan meal is perfect for quick prep and easy cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs roast beef
• 2 cups baby potatoes
• 1 cup baby carrots
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season beef and vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange on a sheet pan and roast for 45 minutes.

Why It’s Easy:

• All-in-one dish
• Minimal hands-on cooking time

Recipe #6: Creamy Mushroom Soup

Warm and comforting, this soup is ideal as a starter or main dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms in a pot.
2. Add stock and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Blend until smooth and stir in cream.

Why It’s Easy:

• Simple ingredients
• Quick cooking time

Recipe #7: Herb-Crusted Salmon

A flavorful and healthy option that comes together in no time.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread Dijon mustard on each salmon fillet.
3. Mix breadcrumbs and parsley, then press onto the salmon.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.

Why It’s Easy:

• Simple preparation
• Quick cooking time

Recipe #8: One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

This creamy pasta dish is a family favorite that minimizes cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 12 oz fettuccine
• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté chicken and garlic.
2. Add fettuccine and milk, simmering until pasta is tender.
3. Stir in Parmesan and season to taste.

Why It’s Easy:

• One-pot meal
• Ready in under 30 minutes

Recipe #9: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Let your slow cooker do the work for this tender, flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast
• 1 cup beef broth
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, sliced

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender.
3. Serve with the cooked vegetables.

Why It’s Easy:

• Hands-off cooking
• Perfect for busy schedules

Recipe #10: Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

A vegetarian-friendly pasta bake that’s rich and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
2. Mix ricotta and spinach, then stuff into shells.
3. Arrange in a baking dish, cover with marinara and mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

Why It’s Easy:

• Simple assembly
• Uses store-bought marinara

Recipe #11: Baked Lemon Herb Cod

This light and zesty fish dish is both healthy and quick to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange cod fillets on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Sprinkle with oregano and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Why It’s Easy:

• Few ingredients
• Quick cooking time

Recipe #12: BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A great way to enjoy a hearty meal without much effort.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 6 burger buns

Instructions:

1. Cook pork shoulder in a slow cooker for 8 hours on low.
2. Shred the pork and mix with BBQ sauce.
3. Serve on burger buns.

Why It’s Easy:

• Minimal prep
• Hands-off cooking

Recipe #13: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans

A festive and nutritious side dish that’s simple to make.

Ingredients:

• 3 sweet potatoes, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup pecans
• 2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.
2. Add pecans and maple syrup, then roast for another 10 minutes.

Why It’s Easy:

• Minimal ingredients
• Quick roasting time

Recipe #14: Chicken Caesar Salad

A fresh and satisfying option for lighter appetites.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
• 4 cups romaine lettuce
• ½ cup Caesar dressing
• ½ cup croutons
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Toss lettuce with Caesar dressing.
2. Top with grilled chicken, croutons, and Parmesan.

Why It’s Easy:

• No cooking required for most components
• Ready in minutes

Recipe #15: Apple Crisp

End your Christmas dinner on a sweet note with this classic dessert.

Ingredients:

• 4 apples, sliced
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange apple slices in a baking dish.
3. Mix oats, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, then sprinkle over apples.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Why It’s Easy:

• Simple ingredients
• Quick prep time

Side Dishes to Pair with the Main Course

Desserts That Are Quick and Crowd-Pleasing

How to Plan Your Christmas Dinner Schedule?

Final Thoughts 

With these 15 easy Christmas dinner recipes, you can enjoy the holiday season without the stress of complicated cooking. 

These dishes are designed to save time, satisfy your family, and make your Christmas dinner truly special. Remember, the joy of the season comes from spending quality time with loved ones—not from spending hours in the kitchen. Happy holidays!