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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Quick Dinners That Taste Like They Came from a Five-Star Restaurant

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 18, 2025, updated June 26, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking a fancy dinner doesn't have to take hours or require a lot of complicated techniques. With these 18 quick recipes, you can whip up meals that feel special and satisfying, perfect for impressing family or friends. From elegant pasta dishes to gourmet-style chicken, these dinners are sure to make any evening feel like a special occasion.

    Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

    Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin.
    Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    A quick and elegant dinner can be a real lifesaver on busy nights. This pork tenderloin with apples is a great choice, cooked slowly to bring out the flavors. It features sweet onions and tart Granny Smith apples, all topped off with a rich maple gravy. Perfect for when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Air Fryer Steak Bites

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

    Air fryer steak bites come together in just 10 minutes. Marinated in a mix of lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and herbs, these tender pieces of steak are great for a quick and tasty family dinner.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish features a creamy mac and cheese that's easy to whip up without any pre-cooking. Combining mozzarella and gorgonzola, it offers a rich flavor that’s perfect for a quick yet fancy dinner. It's a great option for busy cooks looking to impress without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Air Fryer Salmon

    Air Fryer Salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A flavorful skin-on salmon can be ready in just 20 minutes using your air fryer. With a zesty kick from lemon juice and lemon pepper, this dish is perfect for any evening meal. It's simple to prepare and brings a touch of elegance to your dinner table.

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    Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

    Chicken and mushroom stroganoff with sour cream in a sour cream sauce.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a tasty Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff that's rich and full of flavor, drawing inspiration from Eastern European cuisine. This simple dish is great for a cozy dinner, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours cooking.

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    Tandoori Pasta

    Tandoori Pasta.
    Photo credit: My Vegan Minimalist.

    This tandoori pasta is perfect for when you're pressed for time but still want something special. It's a quick dish that brings comfort and flavor, making it a great choice for a hectic day. Enjoy a taste of gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Easy Korean Beef Rice Bowls

    Easy Korean Beef Rice Bowls.
    Photo Credit: The View from Great Island.

    Korean beef rice bowls come together in just 30 minutes, making them a great choice for dinner. Packed with rich, savory flavors, this dish can be adjusted to suit everyone's taste, so even kids will enjoy it. It's a quick and satisfying meal that brings a bit of gourmet flair to your table.

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    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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

    This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. Using common ingredients like dried herbs, crème fraîche, and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a great option for busy evenings. This meal is sure to impress without taking up too much of your time.

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    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Frozen shrimp can be transformed into a quick and elegant meal using an air fryer. With just a few simple ingredients like garlic, paprika, and fresh parsley, you can have a flavorful dish ready in no time. Serve it alongside a salad or your favorite sauces and sides for a satisfying dinner that doesn’t take much effort.

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    Massaman Chicken Curry

    A bowl of massaman chicken curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Massaman Chicken Curry is a quick and elegant dinner option that’s perfect for busy evenings. It’s a one-pot meal that combines curry paste, coconut milk, chicken, potatoes, and peanuts. The dish is creamy with a hint of sweetness and a touch of spice, making it a satisfying choice for any night.

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    Warm Vegan Pasta Salad

    Warm Vegan Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Healing Tomato.

    When time is tight but you still want a nice meal, this cauliflower gnocchi salad is a great choice. It comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. With its elegant flavors, this dish is sure to impress without requiring a lot of effort.

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    Mediterranean Pizza Pasta Salad

    Mediterranean Pizza Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: A Taste For Travel.

    This pizza pasta salad is a fun and easy take on a classic dish. It's loaded with pepperoni, fresh veggies, and a zesty vinaigrette, making it a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy nights, this salad combines the best of pizza and pasta in one bowl.

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    Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta

    Cherry tomato pasta.
    Photo credit: It's Not Complicated Recipes.

    Roasting tomatoes and mixing them with pasta creates a simple yet delicious meal. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without putting in a lot of effort. It's a great way to enjoy fresh flavors with minimal work.

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    Smoked Italian Pasta Salad

    Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing.
    Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    This smoked Italian pasta salad is a delicious twist on the classic pasta salad, bringing in a rich smoky flavor that will impress your guests. It's a simple yet elegant dish that can elevate any meal. Perfect for gatherings or a special dinner, this salad combines fresh ingredients with a unique taste that stands out.

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    One Pan Fish & Broccoli in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce

    A skillet full of fish and broccoli in lemon caper sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features a tasty lemon butter caper sauce that really enhances the flavors of the fish and broccoli. It's simple to prepare and only needs one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something a bit special without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Red wine chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Creamy Chicken Pasta is ready in just 30 minutes and is always a hit. With rich flavors from red wine, mushrooms, and thyme, it’s a simple yet satisfying dinner option. It’s also great for leftovers, making it a perfect choice for lunch the next day. This dish is sure to become a staple in your weeknight meals.

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    Easy Chickpea Tacos

    Easy Chickpea Tacos Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Vegan Chickpea Tacos are a great option for a quick and elegant dinner. They come together easily and are packed with tasty taco flavors. The addition of a zesty Cilantro Lime Slaw adds a refreshing touch that everyone will enjoy.

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    Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas

    Tacos on a plate.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    Vegan fajitas are packed with colorful bell peppers, onions, and hearty portobello mushrooms, topped off with guacamole, salsa, black beans, and vegan sour cream. They come together easily and are sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Perfect for busy nights, these fajitas are satisfying and delicious.

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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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