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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Dinners That Make Cooking at Home Feel Fancy

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 9, 2025 · Published December 23, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    Cooking at home can be a rewarding experience, especially when you can whip up dishes that feel fancy and impressive. These 19 dinner ideas are designed to make you feel like a gourmet chef, with simple yet elegant recipes that will impress your family and friends. From savory pastas to beautifully plated meats, each dish brings a touch of sophistication to your dining table.

    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 is surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen. You'll feel like a gourmet chef without all the fuss.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta brings the flavors of a fancy restaurant right to your kitchen. With tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy garlic butter sauce, it's a meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Skirt Steak

    Sliced air fryer skirt steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Skirt Steak is quick and easy to make, taking only 6-10 minutes to cook. The marinade gives it great flavor and helps keep the meat nice and juicy.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Scampi can be made in just 10 minutes and doesn't require any wine. The mix of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley creates a wonderful smell that will make your kitchen feel inviting.

    Get the recipe

    Oven Roasted Five Spice Peking Chicken

    ©Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    This Chinese five-spice chicken is easy to make at home with a simple marinade of spices and soy sauce, then baked to a nice glaze. It's paired with a delicious ginger scallion sauce that really brings out the flavors.

    Get the recipe

    Apple Risotto with Marcona Almonds

    Apple risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Apple Risotto is a delicious dish that you can make in just 35 minutes, filled with the flavor of apples. It works great as a side or a main meal, especially with the added crunch of Marcona almonds, and you can achieve a creamy texture without all the stirring.

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    Sweet and Spicy Asian Pork Meatballs

    Sweet and Spicy Asian Pork Meatballs
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipes.

    These Asian pork meatballs are packed with flavor and come coated in a sweet and spicy sticky sauce. They're simple to whip up and will definitely impress anyone you serve them to.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These chicken enchiladas with green sauce are easy to whip up at home. With garlic chicken, soft tortillas, melted cheese, and zesty green chile sauce, they make for a great meal any day.

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    Vermicelli di Positano

    Vermicelli di Positano.
    Photo credit: The Pasta Project.

    Vermicelli di Positano is a tasty dish that highlights fresh tomatoes, making it ideal for the warmer months. Simply cook the pasta and toss it with marinated vegetables and herbs for a delightful meal.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Portobello Burgers

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

    Halloumi Burgers are a delicious option featuring mashed avocado, portobello mushrooms, chèvre cheese, arugula, and caramelized onions. They're easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table!

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

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

    This salmon pasta with crème fraîche, lemon, and chives comes together in just 15 minutes. It's a simple yet refreshing meal that's great for any evening, whether you use fresh or frozen salmon.

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    Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

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

    A slow cooker pork tenderloin with apples brings a touch of elegance to your dinner table. This easy dish combines sweet onions, tart granny smith apples, and a delicious maple gravy for a satisfying meal.

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    Air Fryer Salmon

    Air Fryer Salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Making delicious salmon at home is simple and quick with an air fryer, taking only 20 minutes. With lots of lemon juice and lemon pepper, this dish is full of flavor and sure to please everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Lamb With Garlic & Rosemary

    Slow Cooker Lamb With Garlic & Rosemary.
    Photo credit: Baking Queen 74.

    A slow-cooked leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary brings the flavors of a fine dining experience right to your home. This dish is perfect for those times when you want to impress at the dinner table.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A rich bolognese sauce can be made quickly using your Instant Pot. This recipe brings out the classic flavors of a slow-cooked pasta sauce with everyday ingredients you probably have on hand.

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    Tuna Niçoise Salad

    Tuna Niçoise Salad.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This Tuna Niçoise Salad is packed with flavor from the red wine dressing, fresh green beans, tender potatoes, savory olives, and hearty tuna. It's a great option for a light yet filling meal that you can whip up in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    A delicious Thai Basil Chicken dish can be made at home using diced or ground chicken, green beans, and fresh Thai basil in a savory sauce. This quick dinner can be ready in about 15 minutes with ground chicken, making it a great choice for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Cavatappi

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

    Pesto Cavatappi is a simple yet flavorful dish that you can whip up in your own kitchen. The fresh basil pesto brings a wonderful aroma and taste that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Baked Salmon

    Spicy Baked Salmon.
    Photo credit: Sims Home Kitchen.

    This baked salmon is bright and flavorful, making it a great choice for dinner. With a simple spicy marinade and dry rub, it comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with potatoes, veggies, or a salad.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • 25 Festive Appetizers That Will Start Your Christmas Party Right
    • Tater tot casserole.
      30 Super Easy Ground Beef Dinners That Are Fast and Flavorful
    • Miso ramen with eggs.
      14 Easy Ramen Recipes You Can Totally Master at Home
    • 20 DIY Takeout Recipes for When You’re Craving Comfort

    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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