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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    16 Gourmet Meals That Are Easier Than You Think

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 19, 2025, updated July 8, 2025 - 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. Here are 16 gourmet recipes that are easier to make than you might think.

    Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs

    Slow cooker country style ribs served with mashed potatoes.
    Photo Credit: The Cheerful Cook.

    These ribs are simple to prepare and come out tender and tasty. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, they’re ideal for a quick dinner when time is tight.

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    Salmon Burgers

    Quick and Easy Salmon Burger Recipe
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This salmon burger is a simple meal that comes together in about 20 minutes. It features roasted salmon, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon, making it a filling choice for busy evenings.

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    Bruschetta Pasta Salad

    Bruschetta Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Walder Wellness.

    Bruschetta pasta salad is a quick and tasty dish that's perfect for busy evenings. It features fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil, all topped with crunchy sourdough breadcrumbs. This meal is easy to throw together and brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table.

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    Pappardelle Pesto Pasta with Veggies

    A bowl of pappardelle pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This pasta dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something a bit special without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines tasty noodles with zesty pesto and fresh veggies, giving you a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. It's a quick and easy way to enjoy a gourmet dinner at home.

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    Green Mango & Seafood Salad

    Green Mango & Seafood Salad.
    Photo credit: Delightful Plate.

    This dish is vibrant and packed with a variety of flavors and textures. It's easy to whip up, perfect for busy evenings when you want to enjoy something a bit more special without spending hours cooking.

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    Honey Glazed Pork Chops

    Honey Glazed Pork Chops.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Honey Glazed Pork Chops are marinated in a tasty honey garlic sauce, then seared and baked all in one skillet. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner that everyone will enjoy, using just a few simple ingredients to create flavorful pork chops. It's an easy meal that brings a bit of gourmet flair to your table.

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    Seafood Boil Recipe with Garlic Butter Sauce

    Seafood Boil Recipe with Garlic Butter Sauce.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Tea & Thyme.

    This garlic butter seafood boil is a family favorite that everyone loves. It features juicy jumbo shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, buttery lobster tails, and succulent snow crab legs, all cooked together for a delicious meal. With two amazing garlic butter sauces, this dish is perfect for any celebration.

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    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. It comes together in just 40 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal with minimal effort. Whether you're short on time or just looking for a quick dinner idea, this recipe fits the bill.

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    Smoked Salmon Nicoise Salad

    Smoked Salmon Nicoise Salad.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    This salad is colorful and full of flavor, making it a great choice for a quick and tasty meal. It's a fantastic option for a busy evening or a laid-back brunch with friends.

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    French Onion Pork Chops

    French onion pork chops.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Juicy and tender boneless pork chops come together easily in the air fryer, paired with a quick and tasty pan sauce made on the stove. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of the air-fried chops and the flavorful sauce makes for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Scampi comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a great choice for dinner or as a starter. The combination of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley creates a delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen. This dish is simple yet elegant, perfect for a quick gourmet meal.

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    Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

    Baked parmesan crusted chicken.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    A delicious parmesan-crusted chicken dinner can be ready in just half an hour. This crispy and cheesy dish is perfect for busy evenings when you need something quick and satisfying for the whole family.

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    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This carbonara offers a modern twist on the traditional dish, perfect for evenings when you want something special without spending too much time in the kitchen. Using just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up a tasty dinner in a flash.

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    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken
    Photo credit: Always use butter

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken is a quick and tasty dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. The creamy sauce is rich with flavors from crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of dried herbs. It's a satisfying meal that doesn't require much time or effort.

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    Pork Chops with Creamy Peas and Tomatoes

    Pork Chops with Creamy Peas and Tomatoes
    Photo credit: Tried and true.

    Pork chops paired with creamy peas and tomatoes create a satisfying meal that's perfect for a busy evening. This dish is simple to adjust to your taste, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the year.

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    Air Fryer Flank Steak

    Sliced flank steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is quick and delicious, ready in just 8-10 minutes. It's marinated to ensure it's tender and juicy, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings when you want something a little special without a lot of work.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      16 Meals You Can Grab and Go Without Missing a Beat
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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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