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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    25 Unbelievably Easy Gourmet Dishes for Busy Cooks

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated January 20, 2026 · Published September 20, 2024 · Leave a Comment

    Looking to impress your guests with minimal effort in the kitchen? Check out these 25 gourmet dishes that are surprisingly easy to make, perfect for busy cooks who want to whip up something special without the hassle. From simple yet elegant appetizers to flavorful main courses, these recipes will make you feel like a culinary pro in no time.

    Air Fryer Salmon

    Air Fryer Salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cook up a gourmet skin-on salmon dish in just 20 minutes using your air fryer. Seasoned with zesty lemon juice and pepper, it's a flavorful crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is incredibly cheesy and comforting, made in one dish without any pre-cooking. It's loaded with mozzarella and gorgonzola for the ultimate cheesy goodness.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Salad with Spinach & Cashews

    Caprese salad with cashews.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This caprese dish is a simple and satisfying meal for any time of day.

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    Firecracker Salmon

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

    Whip up this speedy Firecracker Salmon in only 15 minutes for a tasty dinner featuring a zesty sauce and perfectly cooked fish. This flavorful spicy salmon dish is a simple and quick meal that will steal the show at your table.

    Get the recipe

    Sweetheart Cabbage Salad with Gyoza Chickpeas

    sweetheart cabbage salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    With just 15 minutes of prep, make this tasty salad with spinach, sweetheart cabbage, flavorful chickpeas, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It's a simple, healthy, and delicious dish perfect for busy cooks.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Steak Bites

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

    Whip up delicious steak bites in the air fryer in less than 10 minutes. The steak is marinated in lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and herbs for a flavorful and tender dish that's perfect for a quick family dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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

    Whip up this tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta in no time - it's a creamy dish bursting with flavors like crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika, and oregano. You'll love how easy it is to make using basic dried herbs and minimal prep work.

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    Orange Ginger Chicken

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

    This Orange Ginger Chicken recipe turns a whole chicken and oranges into a delicious roast dinner with a flavorful sauce. The dish combines sweetness from oranges, a kick from ginger, and a salty tang from dark soy sauce for a perfect weeknight meal.

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    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies

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

    In just 25 minutes, whip up a tasty potato stir-fry with halloumi and veggies for a quick and delicious dinner. This one-pan dish is healthy, flavorful, and gets a boost of amazingness with a hint of lemon.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 10 minutes, whip up a tasty Shrimp Carbonara that puts a new spin on the classic Italian pasta. Enjoy the creamy goodness of Carbonara with the extra deliciousness of juicy shrimp - a delightful combo of flavors for seafood and pasta lovers alike.

    Get the recipe

    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant Moussaka with Lamb.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Eggplant Moussaka is a simple dinner packed with veggies, ground beef (or lamb), and plenty of cheese. It skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, opting for more eggplant, creating a healthy, tasty, and easy Mediterranean dish.

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    Air Fryer Skirt Steak

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

    Cook a delicious Air Fryer Skirt Steak in no time, using a tasty marinade to make it tender and juicy with minimal effort.

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    Buffalo Shrimp

    Buffalo shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Whip up some speedy buffalo shrimp for a delicious appetizer ready in under 10 minutes. With minimal ingredients, it's a healthy option bursting with flavor that you'll want to make on repeat!

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy pesto pasta is a great go-to meal with just three ingredients and ready in 10 minutes. Mixing vibrant pesto sauce with Greek yogurt creates a simple and comforting dinner option.

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    Salmon Stir-fry

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

    This veggie-packed stir-fry is bursting with a fresh citrusy taste that's perfect on its own or paired with rice.

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    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

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

    Cook up some incredibly juicy Cast Iron Pork Chops in only 25 minutes. These chops are seared with garlic, mushrooms, and thyme, then simmered in red wine for the best flavor ever.

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    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cook up a delicious meal with these simple baked cod packets. Packed with cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon for a complete fish and potato dinner in one easy dish. Keep the fish from overcooking by using frozen cod.

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    Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Whip up a delicious Lemon Chicken Marinade using basic, wholesome ingredients in no time. Perfect for grilling, pan frying, or baking, this marinade with olive oil, lemon, and basil ensures juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Rib Eye

    How To Cook A Rib Eye Steak
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This simple air fryer rib eye steak will make you want to cook all your steaks in the air fryer. It's juicy, flavorful, and less greasy, making it a healthier option for steak lovers.

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    Shrimp Asparagus Risotto

    A spoonful of shrimp risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In this dish, you'll find a rich and creamy risotto packed with shrimp, asparagus, lemon, basil, and parmesan. It's a simple and quick meal ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for any occasion. Master the no-stir risotto technique for consistently velvety results.

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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 lemon butter caper sauce is smooth and tasty, perfect for fish and broccoli cooked along with it all in a single pan.

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    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

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

    In just 10 minutes, you can prep these delicious chicken enchiladas with green sauce, a comforting meal for any busy night. The dish includes garlic-seasoned chicken rolled in tortillas, smothered in melted cheese, and topped with a flavorful green chile sauce. You can make it all from scratch or take a shortcut - it's up to you!

    Get the recipe

    Crispy Furikake Salmon

    Fruikake salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make a delicious salmon dish with just salmon, soy sauce, and furikake seasoning.

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    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts

    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Whip up a delicious dinner by air frying thin chicken breasts in just 6 minutes. Seasoned with garlic and basil for extra flavor.

    Get the recipe

    French Mustard Chicken

    French chicken in a sauce with bread in it.

    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    Prepare to fall madly in love with this creamy Mustard Chicken. It's a classic French dish that tastes outstanding, and is surprisingly easy to make.

    Get the recipe

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      17 Simple Summer Treats Worth Making All Season
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      22 Minimalist Pasta Recipes That Will Save You Time
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      21 Dump-and-Go Beef Dinners That Rescue Your Evenings
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      20 Casseroles for Busy Nights: Just Prep, Set and Forget!

    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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