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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    36 Beginner-Friendly Recipes That Always Come Out Great

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated November 29, 2025 · Published November 29, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 36 beginner-friendly recipes are simple to make and always turn out well. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for friends and family, these dishes are perfect for anyone just starting out in the kitchen. From easy pastas to simple roast chicken, you'll find something for every occasion.

    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

    Fried spaghetti.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai curry and spaghetti come together in a delicious meal that you'll want to make often. This dish is easy to prepare and offers a satisfying blend of flavors that everyone will love. It's a great way to enjoy the comforting taste of pasta with the vibrant spices of Thai cuisine.

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    Chicken & Feta Cheese Pasta

    Chicken feta cheese pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is packed with flavor, combining feta cheese, fresh basil, and juicy cherry tomatoes. It's an easy recipe that you'll find yourself wanting to prepare time and time again.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Red Wine Chicken Pasta with Mushrooms

    Red wine chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines red wine, chicken, mushrooms, and thyme with pasta for a delicious meal. It's straightforward to prepare and perfect for anyone looking to whip up something satisfying. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for family, this recipe is sure to please.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Alfredo sauce can be a bit more exciting with a touch of spice. Using everyday seasonings that you probably already have at home, this sauce is easy to whip up and won't break the bank. It's a great addition to any meal, bringing a little extra flavor without requiring much effort.

    Get the recipe

    French Fry Casserole

    Leftover french fries casserole topped with sour cream.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Leftover french fries can easily be turned into a delicious casserole that everyone will love. This dish is cheesy with a hint of spice, and it's really easy to put together. It works well as a side for any meal, adding a fun twist to your dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    A spoonful of cheesy tortellini casserole.

    Easy, cheesy and totally delicious - this is comfort food at its best!

    Get the recipe

    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta with bacon.

    A spicy, creamy tomato sauce paired with bacon - what's not to love?!

    Get the recipe

    Paella with Chicken & Shrimp

    Paella.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Paella is an easy and delicious dish that everyone will love. Loaded with shrimp, chicken, green peas, and bell peppers, it's perfect for get-togethers and still tastes great the next day.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

    Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Beef.
    Photo Credit: Dude That Cookz.

    Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is a hearty meal that brings together tender pasta, ground beef, sausage, and lots of cheese in a flavorful marinara sauce. This dish is great for any day and is especially good when you need to feed a crowd.

    Get the Recipe

    Brie Roast Chicken

    Cast-Iron Roast Chicken.
    Photo Credit: My Chef's Apron.

    Roast chicken turns out beautifully golden brown and is full of flavor thanks to the garlic and olive oil in the juices. With creamy Brie stuffed inside, this dish is perfect for family dinners and special celebrations.

    Get the Recipe

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Vegetarian halloumi pasta is a simple dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes, including prep time. It's a light and fresh meal loaded with vegetables, making it a great choice for dinner any night. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for anyone looking for a quick and tasty option.

    Get the recipe

    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

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

    This pork chop dish works well for any occasion, from a simple weeknight dinner to a more special gathering. The red wine simmer helps keep the chops juicy, so you can relax and enjoy cooking without worrying about overcooking them.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Tacos

    A salmon taco.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon is quickly seasoned and pan-fried, making a delicious filling for tacos. The addition of a simple ginger avocado salsa brings a fresh flavor that complements the dish perfectly. This meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Gnocchi

    Grogonzola gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is full of flavor and has a great mix of textures. It's simple to prepare and ideal for anyone wanting to create something delicious without much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Greek Chicken Souvlaki

    Chicken souvlaki.
    Photo credit: Recipes from Europe.

    Chicken Souvlaki is a well-loved Greek dish that's simple to prepare. It consists of fresh chicken that's soaked in a blend of oil and spices, then grilled or baked on skewers. This dish is perfect for a quick meal and is sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Salmon

    Pesto salmon on a serving platter.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pesto Salmon is quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights. This baked salmon is topped with a blend of Greek yogurt and pesto, giving it a burst of flavor while being simple to make.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cooking shrimp from frozen in an air fryer is quick and easy, taking only 3-5 minutes. A little garlic and paprika add great flavor, while fresh parsley gives it a nice touch of color. This dish is perfect for a fast and tasty meal.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.

    This 15-minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is an irresistible combination of tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and flavorful garlic butter sauce. Follow this simple recipe to create an effortless meal that blends the best of seafood and pasta into a delicious dish the whole family will love.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

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

    This salmon dish is super simple to prepare, needing just three basic ingredients. It's a quick and tasty choice that anyone can whip up in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta

    Cherry tomato pasta.
    Photo credit: It's Not Complicated Recipes.

    Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta brings together fresh ingredients and simple cooking. It's a quick and satisfying meal that's packed with flavor. With only a handful of items, you can create a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This spicy pasta is easy to make and full of flavor. It's a great option for anyone who wants to prepare a delicious meal quickly and with minimal effort. Perfect for busy nights, this dish brings a satisfying kick to your dinner table.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken

    Baked prosciutto wrapped chicken.
    Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    This dinner is simple and can be made all on one sheet pan. It takes hardly any time or effort, which is great for a busy weeknight. You can have a delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Garlic Butter

    Bacon wrapped salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon filets are covered in garlic butter and wrapped in bacon, creating a delicious dish that everyone will love. This easy recipe is great for a family dinner, offering a satisfying meal without a lot of work. It's a simple way to impress your loved ones with a flavorful and enjoyable dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew with Lemon & Rosemary

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.

    This stew is super quick to make thanks to the use of store bought rotisserie chicken. And so flavorful!

    Get the recipe

    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

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

    Pan fried gnocchi is a delightful dish that offers a richer taste compared to the boiled kind. Adding bacon and mushrooms enhances the overall flavor, making it a satisfying meal. This recipe is simple enough for anyone to try, and it's perfect for a cozy dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Lemon Chicken Marinade is simple to prepare and uses healthy ingredients. It's great for grilling, pan frying, or baking, ensuring the chicken stays juicy and flavorful with just olive oil, lemon, and basil.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines spicy sausage and pasta, all topped with Parmesan cheese for a tasty meal. It's a simple dinner that anyone can whip up without much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Sweetheart Cabbage Salad with Gyoza Chickpeas

    sweetheart cabbage salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salad is a simple mix of spinach, sweetheart cabbage, and chickpeas, finished off with a good amount of Parmesan cheese. You can whip it up in just 15 minutes, making it a healthy and filling option that even those who aren't big fans of salads will appreciate.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Miso Ramen

    Easy miso ramen.
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Instant ramen can quickly become a colorful and delicious meal in just 30 minutes by adding a few simple ingredients. It's easy to adjust based on what you have on hand, making it a great option for a cozy dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are a favorite for everyone, whether you're cooking for kids or food lovers. They come together in just 20 minutes and are packed with delicious halloumi cheese, red pesto, creamy avocado, and crunchy walnuts. This dish is perfect for a quick meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is full of flavor and is perfect as a topping for pasta or as a delicious appetizer with some bread. It's easy to make and will satisfy anyone who gives it a try.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish brings together all the classic buffalo flavors in a straightforward pasta meal. It's a simple one-pan recipe that makes dinner easy and quick to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Chicken

    Caprese chicken.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Caprese Chicken is an easy one-pan dish that's hearty and satisfying. With only five ingredients, it comes together quickly and is bound to be a hit at the dinner table. This meal is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

    Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This dish is easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. It puts a fun twist on the classic tater tot casserole, making it a great choice for family dinners. With its comforting flavors, it's a meal that brings everyone together.

    Get the Recipe

    Mushroom Truffle Risotto

    Mushroom Truffle Risotto
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Mushroom Truffle Risotto is a flavorful dish that combines the rich tastes of mushrooms, white truffle oil, and white wine. You can have it ready in under 40 minutes, making it a great option for dinner parties. This risotto is simple to prepare, so you can impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

    Sun-dried tomato chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish has a creamy sauce made with crème fraîche, combined with the tasty flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and a blend of dried herbs. It's an easy meal that anyone can prepare, perfect for a satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

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    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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