20 Simple Dinners That Feel Like Restaurant Meals
Looking for a way to jazz up your weeknight dinners? These 20 simple recipes will make you feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant, without the hefty price tag or complicated cooking techniques.
You’ll find easy-to-make dishes that pack a flavorful punch, from perfectly seared scallops to juicy chicken bowls with homemade bruschetta.
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up impressive meals that’ll have you forgetting all about takeout.
1) Chicken Marsala
You can make a fancy Italian dish at home in just 20 minutes. Chicken Marsala is easy and tastes like it’s from a restaurant. You pan-fry chicken and add a rich sauce made with Marsala wine, mushrooms, and broth.
It’s a great choice when you want something special but don’t have much time. You can serve it with pasta or vegetables for a complete meal.
2) Pasta Primavera
Pasta primavera is a great choice when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home. You can make it with your favorite pasta and a mix of colorful vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. The dish is often tossed in a light cream sauce, but you can also use olive oil for a healthier option.
It’s quick to prepare and lets you use whatever veggies you have on hand. You can add chicken or shrimp if you want some protein. This versatile pasta dish is perfect for warm evenings and can easily feed a crowd.
3) Beef Bourguignon
You can make a restaurant-quality beef bourguignon at home in just 30 minutes. This quick version gives you all the rich flavors of the classic French dish without the long cooking time.
The beef is tender and tasty in a red wine sauce with mushrooms and pearl onions. It’s perfect for a special dinner when you want something fancy but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete meal that will impress your family or guests.
4) Lemon Herb Salmon
You’ll love this lemon herb salmon dish. It’s quick, easy, and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. The bright lemon flavor and fragrant herbs make the salmon taste amazing.
You can cook it all in one pan, so there’s less cleanup. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something special but don’t have much time. The salmon comes out flaky and full of flavor. You can pair it with any sides you like, such as roasted veggies or rice.
5) Risotto Milanese
Risotto Milanese is a great choice when you want to impress. This classic Italian dish looks fancy but is simpler than you might think. The golden color from saffron makes it look special. You can serve it as a side or main dish.
It’s creamy and rich, with a unique flavor that will make your dinner feel like a restaurant meal at home.
6) Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make at home. You can whip up this creamy pasta dish in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The rich, velvety sauce pairs well with tender chicken and fettuccine noodles. For extra flavor, try adding some garlic or Cajun spices. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp or smoked sausage if you want to mix things up.
7) Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a great choice when you want a meal that looks fancy but is actually simple to make. You can fill them with a mix of rice, ground meat, veggies, and cheese for a tasty and colorful dinner.
They’re easy to customize based on what you like or have on hand. Plus, the peppers make their own edible bowls, so there’s less cleanup after. It’s a fun way to eat your veggies and feel like you’re having a special meal at home.
8) Eggplant Parmesan
You can make restaurant-quality eggplant parmesan at home. This Italian classic is perfect for a cozy dinner. Crispy eggplant slices layered with cheese and tomato sauce create a tasty meal. It’s great for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Serve it with a simple salad and some bread for a complete dinner. Your family will love this comforting dish.
9) Coq au Vin
You can make a fancy French dinner at home with coq au vin. This classic dish of chicken cooked in wine is easier than you might think. It’s perfect for a special night in.
The rich flavors come from bacon, mushrooms, and red wine. You can use a slow cooker to make it even simpler. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the tasty sauce.
10) Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a quick and easy dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. You can whip it up in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The combination of garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats the shrimp and pasta. It’s a versatile recipe too – you can use fresh or frozen shrimp and swap out the linguine for your favorite pasta shape. For a special touch, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
11) Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce
You’ll love this fancy yet easy dinner. Lamb chops with mint sauce taste like a meal from a high-end restaurant. The rich, tender meat pairs perfectly with the cool, refreshing sauce.
It’s quick to make – you can have it ready in about 30 minutes. Serve it with some roasted veggies or a simple salad for a complete meal. This dish is sure to impress your family or dinner guests.
12) Potato Gnocchi
Potato gnocchi can turn your dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience. These soft, pillowy dumplings are easy to prepare and incredibly versatile. You can buy them pre-made or try making them from scratch for a fun cooking project. Pair gnocchi with a simple butter and sage sauce for a classic Italian dish.
Or toss them with creamy Alfredo sauce and broccoli for a quick, comforting meal. For a heartier option, add some Italian sausage. Gnocchi also work well in soups or baked dishes. With so many delicious ways to serve them, potato gnocchi are perfect for an impressive yet effortless dinner.
13) Mussels in White Wine Sauce
You can feel like you’re dining at a fancy seafood restaurant with this quick and easy dish. Mussels in white wine sauce look impressive but are simple to make at home.
The briny mussels cook quickly in a flavorful broth of white wine, garlic, and herbs. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the tasty sauce. It’s a great choice for date night or when you want to treat yourself to something special without much fuss.
14) Steak Frites
You can’t go wrong with steak frites for a restaurant-quality meal at home. This French bistro classic pairs a juicy steak with crispy fries for a simple yet satisfying dinner. You can use different cuts like ribeye or New York strip, depending on your preference.
The key is cooking the steak to your desired doneness and getting those fries perfectly crispy. Add a rich sauce like béarnaise for extra flavor. It’s an easy way to turn an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion without much fuss.
15) Vegetable Stir-fry with Tofu
You can whip up a tasty vegetable stir-fry with tofu in about 20 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and feels like takeout. Mix colorful veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots with crispy tofu cubes.
A flavorful soy-sesame sauce brings it all together. This meal is packed with protein and veggies, making it both healthy and satisfying. Serve it over rice for a complete dinner that’s sure to impress.
16) Spaghetti Carbonara
You’ll love this classic Italian dish that feels fancy but is actually quick and easy. Spaghetti carbonara combines pasta with a creamy sauce made from eggs, cheese, and crispy bacon or pancetta. It’s ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
The silky texture and rich flavor will make you feel like you’re dining at a high-end restaurant. Try adding fresh peas for a pop of color and sweetness. This simple meal is sure to impress your family or dinner guests.
17) Roast Duck with Orange Sauce
You’ll feel like a top chef when you serve roast duck with orange sauce. This fancy dish is easier to make than you might think. The crispy skin and juicy meat pair perfectly with the tangy, sweet orange sauce.
It’s a great choice for a special dinner at home. You can add some flair by garnishing with fresh orange slices and herbs.
18) Osso Buco
Osso buco is a fancy Italian dish that’s easier to make than you might think. You can wow your dinner guests with this tender, fall-off-the-bone veal or beef shank. It’s cooked slowly with veggies, wine, and broth, creating a rich sauce. The marrow in the bone adds extra flavor.
Serve it over creamy risotto or polenta for a restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s perfect for a special date night or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
19) Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter
Lobster tail with garlic butter is a treat that’s easier to make at home than you might think. You can whip up this fancy dish in about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for date nights or when you want to feel like you’re dining out without leaving your kitchen.
The garlic butter adds rich flavor to the tender lobster meat. Cooking the tails under the broiler gives them a nice golden color. This meal feels special but doesn’t take too much effort to prepare.
20) Chicken Tikka Masala
You can’t go wrong with chicken tikka masala for a tasty meal that feels like dining out. This creamy, flavorful dish combines tender grilled chicken with a rich tomato-based sauce. The chicken is marinated in spices and yogurt, giving it a tangy kick.
You can use a grill pan or oven to cook the chicken if you don’t have a tandoor. The warm, aromatic spices like garam masala and cumin make your kitchen smell amazing. It’s perfect served over rice with some naan bread on the side.