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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Fancy Dinners From Start to Plate in 5 Simple Steps

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated May 20, 2026 · Published June 2, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Creating a gourmet dinner at home doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just five simple steps, you can whip up gourmet meals that will impress your family and friends. From savory casseroles to one pan salmon meals, these recipes are designed to be easy to follow while still delivering on flavor and presentation.

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is super easy to make with just four ingredients and some ready-made items. You can have it prepped in 5 minutes and on the table in less than 40.

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    Air Fryer Steak Bites

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

    Air fryer steak bites are a quick and easy option for a family dinner, and they cook in under 10 minutes. Marinating the steak in lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and herbs gives it a tender and flavorful kick.

    Get the recipe

    Pasta with Pancetta & Peas

    Pasta with peas and pancetta.
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This pasta dish features crispy pancetta and fresh peas, making it a tasty dinner that comes together in no time. With orecchiette pasta and a sprinkle of parmesan, you can have a satisfying meal ready in under 20 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Salmon

    Air Fryer Salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Prepare a delicious salmon dish in just 20 minutes with your air fryer. With a sprinkle of lemon juice and lemon pepper, this recipe is sure to please everyone.

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    Nduja Pasta

    Nduja Pasta.
    Photo credit: This Italian Kitchen.

    Nduja Pasta is a flavorful and easy dish that brings a taste of Italy to your table. With spicy nduja, a spreadable salami from Calabria, this meal is both satisfying and quick to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Cashew Alfredo

    A skillet full of cashew alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    This vegan alfredo sauce is quick and simple, made with just 5 ingredients. It comes together in 15 minutes without any cooking, making it perfect for a fast meal.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Tacos

    A salmon taco.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These salmon tacos are a quick and delicious meal, made even better when served with a refreshing ginger avocado salsa.

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    Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

    Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This simple dinner comes together with just 7 ingredients and takes only 20 minutes to prepare. It's vegetarian but can be made vegan or you can add chicken if you want something more filling.

    Get the recipe

    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This carbonara is a straightforward take on the traditional dish, made with common ingredients you can find at any grocery store. It's a fast and simple meal that you can prepare in just five easy steps.

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    Creamy Gochujang Pasta

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta.
    Photo credit: Dished by Kate.

    This gochujang pasta is creamy and has a nice kick, making it a flavorful dish. You can whip it up in just 15 minutes, giving a fun twist to the classic pasta alla vodka.

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    Firecracker Salmon

    Firecracker salmon on a teal plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Firecracker Salmon comes together in just 15 minutes, featuring a zesty sauce that adds a kick to the perfectly cooked salmon. This simple dish is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

    Get the recipe

    Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

    Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta.
    Photo credit: I Heart Nap Time.

    Bang bang shrimp pasta is a tasty dish that combines shrimp and fettuccine in a creamy, spicy sauce. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that you'll want to make again.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is a straightforward and tasty comfort food that anyone can whip up in just five simple steps. It's all about enjoying cheesy goodness without the fuss.

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    Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

    Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta.
    Photo credit: From my Pantry.

    This cottage cheese pasta sauce is a creamy and flavorful twist on the classic tomato sauce. It's simple to whip up in just five easy steps.

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    Black Bean Tacos with Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo

    Vegetarian Tacos with Black Beans, Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Vegetarian Tacos are filled with refried black beans and crumbled feta cheese, then topped with fresh pico de gallo. This easy dish is sure to become a favorite you'll want to make again and again!

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    Matsutake Pasta with Miso Butter

    Matsutake Pasta with Miso Butter.
    Photo credit: The Sage Apron.

    Matsutake mushroom pasta is simple to prepare with just five ingredients, highlighting the rich taste of pine mushrooms. It's a great dish that brings a touch of gourmet flair to your dinner table.

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    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta features smoked salmon and lemon, making it a delightful meal you'll enjoy time after time. It's simple to whip up in just five easy steps.

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    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This Air Fryer Roast Beef is perfect for a tasty family dinner in just 50 minutes. With a simple herby crust and a juicy, tender center, it's easy to make with only a few ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pot Greek Salmon with Feta & Peppers

    A plate of rice, salmon and veggies.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This is a tasty and complete salmon dinner made with fresh ingredients, all cooked together in one pot along with the rice. It's an easy and hassle-free way to enjoy a fulfilling meal.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Chicken adobo.
      30 Easy Asian Recipes for Fast, Flavorful Weeknight Dinners
    • Cherry cheesecake.
      19 Simply Decadent Desserts You Can Make Tonight
    • 25 Quick Summer Dinner Ideas for Families on the Go
    • A cheesy pizza pasta bake.
      22 Easy Set-and-Forget Pasta Dinners for Busy Nights

    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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