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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    16 Fast Gourmet Dinners That'll Impress Your Guests

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated February 18, 2026 · Published February 27, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    If you're looking for quick and impressive dinner ideas, you're in the right place. This collection of gourmet recipes is perfect for those busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. From flavorful pastas to savory sheet pan dinners, these dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings in no time.

    Maple Mustard Salmon

    Maple Mustard Salmon.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    In this quick dinner recipe, you'll find cubed sweet potato, crispy Brussels sprouts, and fresh salmon fillets coated in a flavorful maple Dijon sauce - a meal that's sure to impress your family with its deliciousness and heartiness.

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    Pesto Cavatappi

    Pesto Cavatappi.
    Photo credit: The Belly Rules the Mind.

    In a hurry but still want to impress with dinner? Try making a quick and delicious Pesto Cavatappi, inspired by the popular Noodles & Company dish. This recipe features a flavorful homemade basil pesto sauce that will delight your taste buds and satisfy everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken
    Photo credit: always use butter

    Whip up a tasty Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken in only 20 minutes for a quick and easy dinner. The creamy sauce is made with crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried herbs for a burst of flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

    Baked parmesan crusted chicken.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    In under 30 minutes, whip up a delicious parmesan-crusted chicken dinner that's cheesy, crispy, and great for dipping. Your family will love this quick and easy meal that's sure to impress.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick and delicious pasta with smoked salmon and zesty lemon flavor that will leave you wanting more.

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    Creamy Gochujang Pasta

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta.
    Photo credit: Dished by Kate.

    In just 15 minutes, whip up this creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet gochujang pasta that's bursting with flavor. It's a quick and impressive dish that rivals pasta alla vodka but with a twist of gochujang.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Steak Bites

    Air Fryer Steak Bites.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In less than 10 minutes you can cook delicious steak bites in the air fryer. The steak is marinated in lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and herbs to make it tender and bursting with flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In a hurry but still want to impress? This quick dinner recipe features spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese for a delicious meal.

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    Air Fryer Salmon

    Air Fryer Salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 20 minutes, cook delicious skin-on salmon in your air fryer for a speedy and satisfying dinner. Seasoned generously with zesty lemon juice and lemon pepper, this dish is bursting with flavor and always a hit with guests.

    Get the recipe

    Mac and Cheese Pizza

    20 Minute Mac and Cheese Pizza
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a delicious bacon mac and cheese pizza using leftover mac and cheese.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Whip up this quick and tasty salmon pasta with crème fraîche, lemon, and chives in just 15 minutes. The creamy sauce with salmon is perfect for a light and flavorful dinner any day of the week.

    Get the recipe

    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

    Falafel Sandwich

    Falafel Sandwich
    Photo credit: Inquiring chef

    When you sink your teeth into this falafel sandwich, you'll enjoy the mix of soft bread, crispy falafel, fresh veggies, and a tasty tahini sauce drizzle.

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    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make this flavor-packed Marry Me Chicken Pasta in just 20 minutes - and don't be surprised if everyone asks for seconds (or your hand in marriage!). It's a super creamy sauce with a delicious flavor combo of crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika & oregano. All achieved with pantry staple dried herbs & minimal prep.

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    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make a delicious twist on carbonara that's bursting with flavor.

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    Cacio e Pepe

    A fork with cacio e pepe.
    Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Whip up a quick and impressive Italian pasta dish with just a handful of simple ingredients.

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    Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

    Fish tacos.
    Photo credit: Sweet Tea and Thyme.

    Whip up a delicious meal in no time with these tasty fish tacos topped with zesty mango salsa. The flavors are so delicious and satisfying, you'll want to make them again and again.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      17 Quick Ground Beef Dinners Perfect for Tonight
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      23 Simple Seafood Recipes That Take the Stress Out of Dinner
    • Spinach chicken artichoke casserole.
      15 Creative Ideas That Turn Rotisserie Chicken Into Something New
    • Greek chicken.
      24 Easy Dump-and-Bake Dinners That Are So Satisfying

    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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