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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Amazing Recipes to Make Your Evening Feel Special

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated February 4, 2026 · Published February 17, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Evenings are the perfect time to enjoy good food and great company. Whether you're hosting friends or just treating yourself, these 22 recipes will bring warmth and flavor to your table. From comforting classics to exciting new dishes, there's something here for every occasion.

    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

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

    This dish is very easy to prepare and full of rich flavors.

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    Air Fryer Meatballs

    A stack of meatballs.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These air fryer meatballs are a simple and tasty option for dinner. Made in the Swedish style, they're juicy and tender, and you can whip them up in less than an hour without using eggs or breadcrumbs.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Dirty Rice With Smoked Sausage

    Cajun Dirty Rice With Smoked Sausage
    Photo Credit: Pink Owl Kitchen.

    This Cajun dirty rice dish is loaded with smoked sausage and a mix of flavorful spices. It's a satisfying meal that everyone in the family will love.

    Get the recipe

    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 simple recipe for lemon butter caper sauce with fish and broccoli makes for a great dinner. With just one pan, you can whip up a smooth and flavorful dish that's sure to satisfy.

    Get the recipe

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This dish makes for an easy and enjoyable dinner any night of the week. It's healthy, quick to prepare, and packed with flavor, all made in one pan with a touch of lemon for extra brightness.

    Get the recipe

    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Cast iron skillet pork chops.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These juicy pork chops make for a tasty dinner that you can whip up in just 25 minutes. With garlic, mushrooms, and thyme, they're seared and simmered in red wine, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Enjoy a simple and tasty salmon dish for a delightful dinner with your family. With just three easy ingredients, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Gnocchi

    Grogonzola gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This simple dish is perfect for a cozy evening. It's creamy, tangy, crunchy, and packed with flavor!

    Get the recipe

    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This easy recipe brings together a spicy tomato sauce and crispy bacon for a satisfying dinner. It's a great way to enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

    An air fryer turkey burger on a blue plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These easy Turkey Burgers make for a delicious dinner. Juicy and full of flavor, they can be ready in just 10 minutes using an air fryer or grill.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a simple and flavorful meal that comes together in less than 45 minutes. With fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano, it's a great choice for a busy evening.

    Get the recipe

    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is a simple and tasty option for a relaxed dinner. With plenty of veggies and rich flavor, it comes together in under 30 minutes with very little effort.

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Sweet Potato & Feta Cheese Salad

    A plate of sweet potato salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sweet potato salad is warm and satisfying, making it a great choice for dinner. It's also healthy and works well as leftovers for the next day.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans

    Easy Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This chili is loaded with zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this tasty dish that offers a great mix of flavors and textures.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These marinated chicken legs make for a great dinner. The lime juice in the marinade gives them a nice kick and keeps the meat juicy.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Vodka Pasta is a simple and tasty option for dinner. It's creamy and has a nice kick, and you can easily make it without the vodka if you prefer.

    Get the recipe

    Orange Ginger Chicken

    Whole orange ginger chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Orange Ginger Chicken is a flavorful roast dinner featuring a whole chicken, fresh oranges, ginger, and soy sauce. It's simple to prepare and perfect for any evening meal.

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    Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Garlic Butter

    Bacon wrapped salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This bacon-wrapped garlic butter salmon is a simple and delicious choice for a cozy dinner. It's a dish that your family will love and enjoy together.

    Get the recipe

    Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

    A skillet of pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is packed with flavor and is perfect for a cozy evening. With sun-dried tomatoes and dried herbs, it makes for an easy and satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Stir-fry

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

    This veggie-packed stir-fry makes for a simple and tasty dinner. With its bright and zesty flavors, it can be enjoyed on its own or paired with rice.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Chicken Soup

    Spicy chicken soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This spicy chicken soup is a great choice for a cozy Sunday night dinner. With half a chicken and two kinds of chili, it's packed with flavor and has a nice variety of textures, all while being low in carbs.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

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

    This is a quick and easy way to make a hearty pasta sauce. It combines all the classic flavors into a simple meal using everyday ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Red wine pasta sauce.
      Short on Time? These 17 Pasta Dinners Are Ready in 30 Minutes
    • Italian meatball soup.
      30 Easy Dinner Ideas That Will Save Your Evening
    • Carne guisada.
      19 Recipes That'll Make You Feel Like You're Dining Out
    • Air fryer salmon.
      22 Easy Date Night Dinners That Still Impress

    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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