30 + Family Friendly Gluten-Free Weeknight Dinners
In this collection of gluten-free weeknight dinners, we invite you to explore a world of flavors, textures, and wholesome ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
Gluten-free dining has come a long way, and the options available today are more diverse and exciting than ever before.
From mouthwatering Italian classics with gluten-free pasta to savory Asian stir-fries featuring rice or rice noodles, we’ve carefully chosen a range of dinner ideas showing how eliminating gluten doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or creativity.
Whether you’re a seasoned gluten-free chef or just beginning your gluten-free journey, these dinners are here to inspire. So, join us as we explore gluten-free dinner recipes with vibrant, wholesome ingredients that will become staples in your kitchen.
Today we are sharing 30 Family Friendly Gluten-Free Weeknight Dinners, from quick family meals on a budget to one-skillet recipes.
30 + Family Friendly Gluten-Free Weeknight Dinners
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Easy Gluten-Free Weeknight Dinners
recipe for One-Skillet Vegetarian Burrito
This gluten-free, vegetarian burrito has all the delicious ingredients of a burrito but without the tortilla. This Mexican dish is made with black beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, rice, cheese, and plenty of cilantro. A gluten-free weeknight dinner does not get any easier than this!
recipe for Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Peppers
You may think that making stuffed peppers is complicated? This gluten-free cheesy chicken stuffed pepper recipe is so simple to make even a novice cook can whip it up in minutes.
recipe for Gluten-Free Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
An easy version of gluten-free chicken cordon bleu. The tender chicken breast is layered with black forest ham, Swiss cheese and basil. Then, the casserole is baked in a creamy garlic sauce. The recipe is easy enough to appeal even for beginner chefs.
recipe for Gluten-Free One Pot Chicken Paprikash Penne
This one-pot wonder takes only 25 minutes to cook, making this an easy gluten-free weeknight meal that even the pickiest eater will love. What is so great about this recipe, is the easy cleanup. This is our favourite, gluten-free pasta meal!
recipe for Gluten Free Sheet Pan Spaghetti and Meatballs
Plenty of garlic, fresh vegetables and spices give this sheet pan spaghetti and meatballs robust Italian flavour. This recipe is an easy gluten free weeknight dinner made on one baking sheet and in less than 30 minutes.
recipe for Vegan Ramen Salad With Sesame Ginger Dressing
This is a gluten-free Vegan Ramen Salad is made with plenty of veggies, cashews and sesame seeds. This easy weeknight meal takes less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish.
recipe for Gluten Free One Pot Pasta Bake
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, you can have this Italian dish ready in under 30 minutes. This pasta dish is hearty and satisfying. A green salad or a side of garlic bread such Gluten Free Garlic Cheese Monkey Bread, or rolls like the Gluten-Free Parker House Rolls will complete this Italian meal.
recipe for Louisiana Chicken Gumbo – Easy Weeknight Dinner
This Louisiana dish is a thick stew made with chicken, chorizo sausage, veggies and spices. This thick, richly spiced stew has the most flavourful sauce showcasing Creole and New Orleans cuisine.
recipe for Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese
A robust bolognese sauce or as they call it in Italy ragout, is oozing of authentic Italian herbs and spices, a little cream, white wine and Parmesan cheese. An easy weeknight dinner recipe for the entire family.
recipe for Instant Pot Beef And Vegetable Soup With Gluten-Free Mini Dumplings
Nutritious, hearty, Beef And Vegetable Soup with Gluten-Free Mini Dumplings. This soup is thick, and every bite is filled with veggies, tender meat and gluten-free mini dumplings. This is a straight forward beef and vegetable soup recipe with easy to make mini dumplings.
recipe for One Dish Chicken Bake with Marinara Sauce Dinner
This gluten-free Italian recipe is made entirely from scratch using only one dish. Fresh veggies simmered in the most flavourful tomato sauce, then topped with chicken and creamy mozzarella cheese.
recipe for Gluten Free Nacho Dinner Casserole
This Mexican-style layered dish combines salty, spicy, meaty, cheesy, and fresh flavors. And, is simple and quick to make, making weeknight meals a breeze.
recipe for One Pan Chicken and Creamy Mushrooms Casserole
This casserole is a feel good dish with chicken and mushrooms in a cream sauce, kale, rice, lemon zest and cheese. A simple, satisfying meal packed with flavour.
recipe for One-Skillet Chicken Penne with Fennel Dinner
Chicken, Fennel, Lemon, garlic, fresh tomatoes, penne pasta, gruyere cheese and plenty of fresh parsley. So delicious, yet so simple! The gluten-free penne pasta is baked in a creamiest lemon garlic sauce and finished with gruyere cheese and fresh parsley.
recipe for Moroccan Chicken Rice Weeknight Dinner
A delicious Moroccan Chicken Rice Dinner using only one skillet. Using a blend of seven spices, raisins and dried apricots is what gives this chicken rice dinner the authentic Moroccan flavour. The best part, everything in this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
recipe for Gluten-Free Buttermilk Chicken Pasta Salad
Homemade, creamy buttermilk dressing, tossed with gluten-free pasta, chicken, hearts of palm, sweet cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, fresh cilantro, cubes of cheese and a kick of salsa verde.
recipe for Zucchini Baked Ziti (Keto, Grain-Free)
This Zucchini Baked Ziti is for nights when you are craving Italian, but want something low-carb and nutritious. This easy meal is zucchini baked in a basil tomato sauce, three different kinds of cheese and Italian chicken sausage. This is a flavourful low-carb Italian dish for any night of the week.
recipe for Gluten-Free (Yeast-Free) Thin Crust Pizza
A fresh homemade pizza in minutes with this Gluten-Free Yeast-Free Thin Crust Pizza recipe. The pizza crust is crispy and soft on the inside, just like a delicious pizza from an Italian bakery. The crust is thin and firm enough to hold plenty of toppings.
recipe for 20 Minute Gluten-Free Tomato and Feta Pasta
This pasta dish screams freshness! Using fresh tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, herbs, feta cheese and fresh parsley is what makes this Italian dish exceptional. The simplicity of this dish is what makes it so delicious, especially the saltiness of feta cheese. You need only 20 minutes for this recipe.
recipe for Shepherd’s Pie Double Baked Potato
Potato skin is filled with saucy meat and vegetable filling packed with exceptional flavor and topped with the fluffiest creamy potatoes flavoured with sour cream and green onions. YUM!
recipe for Gluten-Free Skillet Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups
Say goodbye to heavy, traditional lasagna and enjoy this lighter rendition created with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Enjoy these easy tips behind creating this mouthwatering Italian dish.
recipe for One Skillet Gluten-Free Alfredo Basil Pasta Dinner
The pasta is smothered with creamy, cheesy, basil pesto sauce, then baked with mozzarella cheese. The best part, all you need is 30 minutes, and seven ingredients plus salt and pepper to make the most delicious, satisfying gluten-free Italian pasta meal
recipe for Chicken Fajita Stew – A healthy Weeknight Dinner
The Chicken Fajita Stew is a refreshing twist on tex-mex food. In this quick and nutritious gluten-free meal, the chicken is marinated in fresh lime juice and Mexican spices. This easy weeknight meal has plenty of veggies including baby potatoes.
recipe for One Skillet Cheesy Brazilian Chicken Rice Bake Dinner
The easiest, mildly spicy weeknight style dinner One Skillet Cheesy Brazilian Chicken Rice Bake. The aromatic naturally gluten-free chicken rice bake is easy, cheesy and takes just over thirty minutes to make. In Brazil, this dish is called Galinhada.
recipe for 30 Minute Gluten-Free Beef Ramen Noodles
This gluten-free Asian inspired noodle dish is just the thing for when you crave take out food but are short on time. The beefy noodles are seasoned with ginger sauce and mixed with julienned carrots, peppers and corn. This noodle dish is quick and simple to make, with amazing flavours throughout.
recipe for Monday Night Spicy Soba Noodles – Gluten Free
This Spicy Soba Noodles recipe is the simplest of simple. This noodles dish is made with soba noodles, chicken, miso, garlic, nut butter, veggies, herbs and spices and sesame seeds. This mildly spicy noodle dish takes just minutes to prepare.
recipe for Gluten-Free Crazy Crust Pizza
This crazy crust pizza is one of our easiest gluten-free pizza recipes. Soft, crispy bottom crust topped with our favourite toppings.
recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken with Coconut Rice
Garlicky, gingery and a little sweet and spicy pan seared chicken baked with creamy coconut rice. For added flavours and textures, some green beans and fresh corn off the Cobb. This simple chicken dish has a mix of Thai flavours, coconut rice flavour, and all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
recipe for German Potato Soup With Wieners – Gluten Free
A taste of authentic German cuisine. This German Potato Soup with Wieners satisfies hunger and offers the warm feeling of a home-cooked meal.
recipe for Rotisserie Chicken Enchilada Casserole Dinner
If you get Mexican food cravings, look to our Rotisserie Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Rotisserie chicken, homemade enchilada sauce, tortillas, sour cream and green onions spiced with chilli powder, cumin, oregano and garlic. For an easy assembly, everything is layered in a casserole dish with cheese and baked until all the flavours are melted together.
recipe for Easy Thai Cashew Chicken Ramen
A flavourful creamy Thai Cashew Chicken Ramen is a hot, hearty meal cooked under 30 minutes. This recipe is based on Japanese noodle dish called ramen with added Thai flavours. The entire meal is made in one pot using fresh ingredients. Loaded with veggies briefly cooked in a creamy lightly spiced broth with chicken and gluten-free ramen noodles.
recipe for Instant Pot Coconut Chicken Curry
The entire recipe takes only 20 minutes to cook. But more importantly the chicken is juicier because it is cooked under pressure. The curry is mildly spiced and has a fragrant and delicate flavour.
recipe for Sheet Pan Spanish Chicken Dinner
This Sheet Pan Spanish Chicken Dinner takes only minutes to whip up! Sheet pan dinners are simple with minimal clean up. In this dish, the chicken and potatoes soak up the flavours from chorizo sausage, red onions, garlic, peppers, oregano and fresh lemon juice. This is an absolute must have gluten-free weeknight dinner recipe.
Key points about gluten free cooking
Before diving into cooking, there are several key things you should know about cooking without gluten.
Understand What Gluten Is:
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. It’s what gives dough its elasticity and bread its structure. Gluten can also hide in various food additives, so it’s important to learn to recognize these on ingredient labels.
Cross-Contamination:
Cross-contamination can occur when gluten-free foods come into contact with gluten-containing surfaces, utensils, or ingredients. To prevent this, thoroughly clean cooking utensils, cutting boards, and countertops before use. Consider designating gluten-free cooking equipment.
Gluten-Free Ingredients:
Familiarize yourself with gluten-free grains and flours, such as rice, corn, quinoa, almond flour, coconut flour, and tapioca starch. You’ll need these alternatives to replace wheat-based ingredients in recipes.
Gluten-Free Labeling:
Look for gluten-free labels on packaged products. Many countries have specific regulations regarding what can be labeled as gluten-free. These labels can help you identify safe options.
Read Labels Carefully:
Always read ingredient labels on packaged foods. Gluten can hide in unexpected places, like sauces, seasonings, and processed foods. Familiarize yourself with ingredients that may contain gluten, such as modified food starch, malt, and hydrolyzed vegetable protein.
Check Spices and Seasonings:
Some spice blends and seasonings may contain gluten as a filler or thickener. Purchase gluten-free versions or make your spice blends from single ingredients to be safe.
Gluten-Free Cooking Techniques:
Gluten-free flours and grains can behave differently than wheat-based ingredients. You may need to adjust cooking times and temperatures. For example, gluten-free baked goods might require extra moisture or binders.
Certified Gluten-Free Products:
If you have celiac disease or extreme gluten sensitivity, consider using products certified as gluten-free by reputable organizations. These products undergo testing to ensure they meet strict gluten-free standards.
Be Patient:
Transitioning to a gluten-free diet can be challenging at first. Be patient with yourself as you learn and adapt to new cooking techniques and ingredients.
By following these key steps, you’ll be better prepared to start your gluten-free cooking journey, whether for health reasons or to explore new culinary horizons. With the right knowledge and tools, gluten-free cooking can be simple, delicious, and satisfying.
Need more dinner ideas for the family? Check out our gluten-free casual meal recipes.
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Kristina xx