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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Simple Dinners That’ll Make You Feel Like a Top Chef

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 10, 2025 · Published December 12, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    Cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be complicated to impress. Here are 19 simple meals that are not only easy to prepare but also make you feel like a pro in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

    Sweet Chili Salmon

    Sweet Chili Salmon.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    This salmon dish comes together in under 20 minutes. Simply coat the fillets with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice, then bake them until they're nice and flaky.

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    Shrimp Mei Fun

    Shrimp mei fun.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shirmp Mei Fun is a classic dish that anyone can make with just a few simple steps. It's perfect for a quick meal and tastes just as good as the takeout version!

    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish puts a fun twist on classic carbonara. It's a great way to impress your family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Baked Salmon

    Spicy Baked Salmon.
    Photo credit: Sims Home Kitchen.

    Baked salmon is a tasty and filling dish that's easy to make. With a simple marinade and dry rub using common ingredients, it comes together in under 30 minutes and goes great with potatoes, veggies, or a salad.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta combines spicy buffalo sauce and tangy blue cheese with tender chicken and pasta for a delicious meal. It's a quick and easy dish that brings bold flavors to your table.

    Get the recipe

    Pork Chops with Creamy Peas and Tomatoes

    Pork Chops with Creamy Peas and Tomatoes
    Photo credit: Tried and true.

    Pork chops with creamy peas and tomatoes are quick to prepare and can be made any time of the year. This dish is flexible and perfect for a hassle-free meal.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Stir-fry

    Salmon stir-fry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This stir-fry is loaded with vegetables and has a bright, zesty flavor. It's great to enjoy by itself or served over rice.

    Get the recipe

    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This is a simple yet classy dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It's great on its own, but adding some mozzarella or burrata cheese takes it to the next level.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Vodka Pasta is full of rich flavors, combining a spicy and creamy sauce that everyone will love. You can easily make it even without using vodka!

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    Sheet Pan Salmon with Brussels Sprouts

    Sheet pan salmon with brussels sprouts.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Make a full meal on just one sheet pan. Combine delicious brussels sprouts with salmon and serve it alongside rice for a filling dinner.

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    Sweetheart Cabbage Salad with Gyoza Chickpeas

    sweetheart cabbage salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    With just 15 minutes of prep you can make a delicious warm salad with spinach, sweetheart cabbage, chickpeas, and a good amount of Parmesan cheese. It's a great mix of healthy ingredients that are easy to put together.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Lemon Salmon on Veggies

    Baked Lemon Salmon on Veggies.
    Photo credit: Oh Sweet Culture Shock.

    This salmon dish is both healthy and easy to prepare. With fresh lemon and herbs, it's baked to perfection, making it a tasty option for any day.

    Get the recipe

    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Red pesto pasta is a simple meal that comes together in less than half an hour, with just 15 minutes spent on prep and cooking. Packed with vegetables and flavor, it works well with either homemade or store-bought pesto and is delicious served hot or cold.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Salmon with Black Rice

    Salmon with black rice.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    This salmon and black rice dish is a delicious combination that you'll love to prepare time and time again. It's simple to make and feels special enough for any occasion.

    Get the recipe

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken
    Photo credit: Always use butter

    This is a simple chicken pasta that you can whip up in just 20 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner. The creamy sauce combines crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried herbs, giving it a rich and flavorful kick.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Pork Chops with Alabama White Sauce

    Grilled Pork Chops with Alabama White Sauce.
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    Grilled pork chops with a zesty Alabama white sauce make for a satisfying meal that you can whip up in less than 25 minutes. This dish is perfect for a quick and tasty dinner that feels special.

    Get the recipe

    Sweet & Spicy Glazed Salmon

    Sweet & Spicy Glazed Salmon.
    Photo credit: Cassidy's Craveable Creations.

    This easy salmon dish is both simple and impressive. With a sweet and spicy glaze, it comes together in just 20 minutes using only one pan.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken

    Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken.
    Photo credit: Food Meanderings.

    This quick chicken dinner comes together in under thirty minutes, making it a great choice for impressing family and friends. It's packed with flavor and easy enough for anyone to make.

    Get the recipe

    Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs

    Slow cooker country style ribs served with mashed potatoes.
    Photo Credit: The Cheerful Cook.

    These ribs are incredibly easy to make and turn out so tender that they practically fall off the bone. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, this dish is perfect for those busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Baked gnocchi with veggies.
      32 Comfort Food Dinners That Taste Better Than Any Restaurant
    • Pulling apart a cheesy risotto ball.
      22 Christmas Potluck Favorites That Make You the Guest Everyone Loves
    • Air fryer salmon.
      28 Salmon Dinners So Good You’ll Want to Make Them Every Week
    • Chicken tikka masala.
      28 Dump-And-Cook Chicken Dinners for Exhausted Cooks

    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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