Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! 13 entrees that’ll make you feel like a culinary wizard (without the sorting hat)

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Want to impress in the kitchen without all the stress? Here’s your chance to shine with dishes that are super simple to make but look like you’ve spent all day on them. Whether you’re new to cooking or just don’t want to deal with complicated recipes, these meals are perfect. They come together quickly, yet each one packs a flavor punch that will impress anyone. Wrap up your chef’s apron and prepare for these 13 entrees that’ll make you feel like a culinary wizard without the sorting hat!

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sometimes you just need something classic and foolproof like Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter to impress everyone at the dinner table. It turns a simple meal into a flavor-packed feast without much hassle. Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds, making you the hero of backyard barbecues. Even if you’re not the most experienced cook, mastering this can make you feel like a grill master.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish. The meal is set on a white wooden table beside silver cutlery and a floral napkin.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Bringing back the nostalgic flavors of a classic diner dish, Diner Style Salisbury Steak makes comfort food easy and accessible. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, providing a generous helping of home-cooked goodness. There’s something about recreating a familiar favorite that feels incredibly satisfying, especially when it turns out just as delicious as you remember.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from recreating a restaurant favorite like Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken right in your own kitchen. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s sure to please a crowd, or just make your dinner a little more special. Easy enough for weeknights but delicious enough for guests, it’s a versatile option you’ll find yourself turning to again and again. It’s all about making something mouth-wateringly good with minimum fuss.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Pizza Pasta Salad

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

When the heat’s too much to handle, and firing up the oven for pizza sounds like a chore, Pizza Pasta Salad swoops in to save the dinner day. It’s a quirky twist on a classic that unites two of your all-time favorites into a dish that’s bound to be a hit at any gathering. You’ll be the talk of the potluck, and the best part is nobody has to know just how simple it was to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Marsala

A plate of chicken marsala with chopped green onions.
Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Sticking to a diet doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, and Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Marsala is living proof. It’s a beautiful balance of rich and comforting, without knocking you off the low-carb wagon. Thanks to its deep flavors and satisfying nature, friends and family won’t even realize it’s diet-friendly. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for when you’re craving something indulgent but need to keep things low carb.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Marsala

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

A plate of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp served on a white rectangular dish.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Forget about heading out to the restaurant when you can create magic in your own kitchen with a recipe like Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. It’s a game changer for Friday nights when the craving for takeout kicks in, but you’re feeling a bit adventurous. The satisfaction of recreating a fast-food favorite at home is unbeatable, and this dish will have your family applauding your culinary skills. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory that can make any evening feel special.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

On those days when you’re looking for something light but satisfying, look no further than a Chinese Chicken Salad. It’s a vibrant, crunchy dish that combines healthiness with heartiness, ensuring you’re left feeling full yet refreshed. It’s beautifully balanced, catering to a variety of taste preferences with its mix of textures and flavors. This salad is a great way to shake up your meal routine without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Bringing the taste of Italy home has never been easier or more indulgent than with a dish like Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket, but in the form of food that fills you with warmth and happiness. You don’t have to be a professional chef to whip up something this delicious, and it’s sure to become a requested favorite among friends and family. Whether it’s date night or you’re just looking to treat yourself, this recipe is like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Just when you thought pasta couldn’t get any better, a recipe like Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka proves that a few simple tweaks can transform it into a sophisticated, deeply flavorful dish. It’s the ultimate way to impress guests or just upgrade your weeknight dinner routine without going overboard on prep or cleanup. You’ll feel like you’re dining out in style, right from the comfort of your own home, making it the perfect choice for when you’re longing for something special.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding a cut steak quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Wasting food is a no-go, and this ingenious recipe for a Leftover Steak Quesadilla ensures that last night’s steak doesn’t go to waste, turning it into today’s gourmet lunch. It’s a clever twist on a familiar favorite that packs a mighty flavor punch, guaranteeing no two meals feel the same. Not only is this dish a time saver, but it also makes meal planning a breeze, ensuring nothing goes to waste. It’s all about transforming something good into something even better, proving leftovers don’t have to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

There’s no need to book a plane ticket when you can bring the exotic flavors of Thailand to your backyard with Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. This dish is a testament to the fact that adventurous eating doesn’t require complicated ingredients or cooking methods. It’s a quick and easy path to a meal that’s bursting with flavor, promising a culinary adventure from the comfort of your home.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Four bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a white rectangular plate garnished with sprigs of parsley.
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When you’re looking to impress without the stress, a recipe like Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts has got you covered. It combines two favorites—chicken and bacon—in a way that’s sure to make everyone ask for seconds. The recipe lends a unique flavor that upgrades this dish beyond your typical weeknight dinner. It’s surprisingly easy to make, ensuring you get to enjoy the accolades without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Who needs a subscription box when you can whip up something as tasty as Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes in your own kitchen? This recipe brings a touch of gourmet right to your table without the complexity. It’s a fun and fancy way to break the monotony of weeknight dinners, offering a taste of something different. A certain pride comes from recreating a popular meal at home, and this one’s sure to earn you some culinary kudos.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

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