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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Irresistible Dinners That’ll Make You Love Cooking Again

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 11, 2025 · Published January 7, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Cooking at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you have some delicious recipes to try. From comforting pasta dishes to perfectly cooked duck, these 18 dinner ideas will inspire you to whip up something special in your kitchen. Whether you're looking for quick meals or something a bit more adventurous, there's something here for everyone.

    Basil-Parmesan Turkey Meatballs with Stewed Tomatoes and Rice

    Basil-Parmesan Turkey Meatballs with Stewed Tomatoes and Rice
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This dish is full of great flavors and easy to make. It's perfect for anyone looking to enjoy cooking again.

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    Gorgonzola Gnocchi

    Grogonzola gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines creamy, tangy, and crunchy flavors that you'll really enjoy. It's a tasty meal that will remind you how fun cooking can be.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Risotto with Leeks & Lemon

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

    This dish features lemon, leeks, and parsley, creating a simple yet elegant meal perfect for any gathering. It's a great choice for when you want something special without too much effort.

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    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This twist on gnocchi is pan-fried until golden and mixed with savory bacon and mushrooms, creating a dish full of flavor. It's a great way to enjoy cooking again and make a satisfying meal.

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    Mushroom Truffle Risotto

    Mushroom Truffle Risotto
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This Mushroom Truffle Risotto is a quick and tasty dish that will rekindle your passion for cooking. Loaded with mushrooms, truffle oil, and white wine, it's an impressive meal that's easy to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Pork Chops with Sautéed Pears

    Pork Chops with Sautéed Pears
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This dish is a favorite because it's easy to prepare and really delicious. It's perfect for anyone looking to enjoy cooking again.

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    Miso Mushroom Ramen

    a bowl of miso mushroom ramen.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick dashi broth combined with flavorful mushrooms makes a satisfying meal that will remind you how enjoyable cooking can be. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Duck With Orange Sauce

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

    This Duck with Orange Sauce is a delightful dish that will remind you why you enjoy cooking. The sweet and tangy sauce pairs wonderfully with the tender duck, making it a great choice for any meal.

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    Citrus Herb Grilled Shrimp

    Citrus Herb Grilled Shrimp.
    Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

    This simple and tasty dish is great for having friends or family over. It can be served as an appetizer or a main dish and is sure to wow your guests.

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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 on the stove. This dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner that doesn't require much work.

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    Shrimp Kabobs

    Shrimp Kabobs.
    Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This dish features grilled shrimp and vegetables, all drizzled with a zesty banana pepper sauce. It's a refreshing and tasty choice for dinner that will remind you why you love cooking.

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    Apple Risotto with Marcona Almonds

    Apple risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Apple Risotto is a delicious dish that combines the sweetness of apples with creamy rice, ready in just 35 minutes. It can be served as a side or a filling meal, topped with crunchy Marcona almonds for extra flavor.

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    Sweet Chili Salmon

    Sweet Chili Salmon.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    In under 20 minutes, you can prepare a tasty salmon dish. The fillets are brushed with a sweet chili, soy sauce, and lime juice glaze, then baked until just right.

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    Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breasts

    Stuffed chicken breast on a black skillet.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These chicken breasts are packed with Mediterranean flavors like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and feta cheese. This is a great dish that will remind you how enjoyable cooking can be.

    Get the recipe

    New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

    Easy New Orleans Bbq Shrimp
    Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

    This Cajun shrimp dish is quick and full of flavor, perfect for a busy evening. With shrimp cooked in a tasty sauce made from garlic, beer, Worcestershire sauce, Creole spices, and butter, it's ready in just 20 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Herb Marinated Pork Chops with Apple Chutney

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

    These tasty pork chops are perfect for when you want a filling meal. They soak up flavor from a quick marinade and are served with apple chutney for a nice sweet and tangy kick.

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    Halloumi Portobello Burgers

    A portobello halloumi burger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi Burgers are packed with creamy mashed avocado, a flavorful portobello mushroom, tangy chèvre cheese, spicy arugula, and sweet caramelized onions. They're easy to make and are sure to please everyone at the table!

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    Beef Chow Fun

    beef chow fun.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This Beef Chow Fun is a quick and easy dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. With rice noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, and flank steak, it's a satisfying meal that you'll enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      19 Delicious Grilled Cheese Recipes That Will Make You Excited for Lunch

    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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