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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    16 Fancy Meals That Are Easier Than You Think

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated April 15, 2026 · Published April 16, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Cooking gourmet meals at home can seem intimidating, but many dishes are surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few fresh ingredients and some basic techniques, you can create impressive meals that look and taste like they came from a fancy restaurant. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just want to treat yourself, these easy gourmet recipes will help you impress without the stress.

    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Prepare a simple and tasty Shrimp Scampi that takes only 10 minutes to make, and you won't need any wine. The combination of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley will make your kitchen smell fantastic.

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    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Cast iron skillet pork chops.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These juicy pork chops are a quick and tasty dinner option that you can whip up in just 25 minutes. Searing them with garlic, mushrooms, and thyme, then simmering in red wine makes for juicy and flavorful chops.

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    Salmon Piccata

    Salmon piccata in a skillet.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This delicous salmon dish is all done in under 20 minutes, and you just need one pan to make. It comes out super creamy with lots of buttery lemon flavor - and with a sauce so good you will want to eat it by the spoonful!

    Get the recipe

    Duck With Orange Sauce

    Duck Breasts with Orange Sauce
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Duck breasts with orange sauce make for a tasty and impressive meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for those who want to enjoy something special without the stress of complicated cooking.

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    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This carbonara is a quick and easy take on the traditional recipe and made with common ingredients. It's perfect for a delicious meal without a lot of fuss.

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    Slow Cooker Pot Roast

    Slow Cooker Pot Rost.
    Photo credit: One Happy Housewife.

    This dish is easy to prepare and requires no complicated techniques. The beef is tender and juicy, while the vegetables are perfectly cooked, making it a hassle-free meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Salmon Risotto with Leeks & Lemon

    Salmon Ristotto with Leeks & Lemon
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This Salmon Risotto comes together in under 40 minutes and doesn't require you to stir it constantly. With fresh lemon, leeks, and parsley, it's a flavorful dish that's perfect for impressing guests or enjoying on a busy weeknight.

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    Ham and Swiss Quiche

    Ham and Swiss Quiche.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This quiche is a tasty dish that works well for any meal of the day. It features a flaky crust filled with creamy eggs, ham, and Swiss cheese, making it a satisfying choice.

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    Beef Chow Fun

    beef chow fun.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Beef Chow Fun is a tasty dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. With rice noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, and flank steak, it's a satisfying meal that you'll want to enjoy again.

    Get the recipe

    Herb Marinated Pork Chops with Apple Chutney

    Herb Marinated Pork Chops with Apple Chutney
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    These flavorful pork chops make for a satisfying meal. A quick marinade enhances their taste, and the apple chutney brings a nice sweet and tangy kick.

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    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A spicy and creamy tomato sauce pairs perfectly with crispy bacon, making for a tasty dish that's simple to prepare. This meal is easy enough for anyone to whip up in their own kitchen.

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    New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

    Easy New Orleans Bbq Shrimp
    Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

    This Cajun shrimp dish comes together in just 20 minutes and is packed with flavor. Sauté shrimp in a rich sauce made with garlic, beer, Worcestershire sauce, Creole spices, and plenty of butter for a satisfying meal.

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    Ricotta Spinach Tortellini Bake

    Ricotta spinach casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Make this delicious tortellini bake in under 30 minutes, with a few simple steps. It's loaded with two types of cheese and lots of spinach for an indulgent dinner that's still full of nutrients. Perfect for weeknight dinners, or any time you need a quick meal!

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    Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

    Salisbury steak in mushroom gravy.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    This classic Salisbury steak is smothered in a thick, luscious Mushroom Gravy and is a fast, easy, and inexpensive comfort food recipe to make in only 30 minutes! Everything cooks in one skillet for an easy and hearty dinner. If you've never had Salisbury steak, here's the deal: it's essentially a giant meatball, formed flat like a steak and pan-seared. This version is then smothered in a thick mushroom gravy cooked up in the same pan (though you can skip the gravy if it's not your thing)

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    Lamb Meatballs with Cilantro & Lemon

    Lamb Meatballs with Cilantro & Lemon
    Photo credit: always use butter

    These meatballs are simple to make and packed with fresh lemon and cilantro flavor. They work great as a side with mashed potatoes or as a tasty snack for gatherings.

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    Seafood Pasta Bake

    Baked seafood pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines creamy cheese and seafood with pasta in a convenient casserole. It's a delicious and easy meal that brings comfort to the table.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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