18 Easy Gourmet Recipes That Look Complicated But Aren’t

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18 Easy Gourmet Recipes That Look Complicated But Aren’t

So, you want to whip up some easy gourmet recipes that’ll have your friends thinking you’re a secret chef? Look no further! This collection of 18 recipes packs a punch in the flavor department but won’t leave you tangled in apron strings all day. These are the kind of recipes that make you look like a culinary rockstar, minus the complicated steps or the need for those weird gadgets gathering dust in your drawers. Perfect for impressing a date or just treating yourself because, let’s be real, you deserve food that’s a notch above the everyday.

Seared scallops garnished with chopped parsley in a black skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp with Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp with Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish features shrimp combined with minced garlic, onions, grape tomatoes, and spinach for a colorful, nutritious mix. The sautéing process infuses the shrimp with a bold garlic flavor, and all you’ll need is one pan! The best part is it takes little time to prepare — only 25 minutes — creating a gourmet experience that’s simple to achieve.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp with Spinach

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A spoon is serving Hungarian mushroom soup into a bowl.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a gourmet dish that’s hearty yet easy to prepare. The recipe begins with mushrooms and onions sautéed together in butter. These ingredients then simmer in a creamy broth of milk and sour cream thickened with flour, finished off with seasonings and herbs for a soup that’s rich in flavor. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a more filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy chicken dish garnished with bacon and herbs in a skillet with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In this one-pan recipe, chicken thighs are seared and then simmered in a cream-and-dijon-mustard sauce alongside bacon, onion, cheese, and spinach. This dish is a balance of sharp and creamy tastes, presenting a luxurious meal ready in about 30 minutes. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles for a complete, effortlessly gourmet dinner that’s simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Sausage Curry

A bowl of rice and sausage curry on a table.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage Curry recipe simmers sausages and vegetables in a tomato-and-coconut based broth for a flavorful dish. This curry can be paired with different foods, such as rice, potatoes, bread, and vegetables, making it a versatile option for dinner. It can be ready in 45 minutes and comes together in one pan, perfect for a gourmet meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For times you want to dish out something that looks like you’ve worked on it for hours, this Baked Ravioli has your back. Think of it as the laid-back cousin of lasagna. You skip the hassle by using frozen cheese ravioli, throw in some marinara sauce, top it with cheese, and let the oven do the heavy lifting. In just about an hour, you’ve got a great meal that screams gourmet without the complicated steps. It’s the perfect recipe for anyone looking to create that wow factor on the dinner table, minus the stress.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White Bean Soup creates a gourmet flavor with simple steps. This dish highlights tender white beans and other vegetabels simmered in vegetable broth to create a flavorful and filling soup. The beans are partially mashed to naturally thicken the soup and achieve a creamy texture. In only 40 minutes, you’ll have this dish ready to serve with a sandwich, bread, or salad!
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For an impressive gourmet dinner that doesn’t require extensive kitchen time, try making this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. It combines chicken thighs, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce. Finished with grated Parmesan cheese, this dish is refined yet easy to prepare in only 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you want to make a gourmet-level dish in only 25 minutes, try this Lemon Garlic Scallops recipe. Sear scallops in a cast iron skillet until golden to maintain a tender, juicy interior. Then, enhance their flavor with lemon and a sauce made of garlic, butter, and vegetable stock for a bright, tangy flavor. This simple recipe brings out the natural richness of the scallops, making a meal that’s perfect to serve with a light salad or steamed vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This creamy soup combines poached chicken, vegetables, and cheese tortellini in a savory broth. The tortellini gives the dish a gourmet feel, though it can be made with only a few steps in 40 minutes. The soup has a chicken broth base to keep it hearty yet not too heavy, perfect for serving at a dinner party or a family dinner. For a more complete meal, pair this soup with bread or salad!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Create Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts in only 30 minutes. Chicken thighs and artichoke hearts are cooked in a creamy, lemony sauce, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish. Requiring only one pan, this recipe is great for making a big impression with minimal kitchen time. Serve it with pasta or steamed vegetables for a meal that tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This hearty Italian sausage soup combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream, simmered together to create a deep, rich flavor. For a touch of heat, you can even add in jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or cayenne. Ready in just 30 minutes and made in one pot, this dish is perfect for impressing guests with a gourmet meal without the huge cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy a rich and flavorful meal with creamy garlic chicken. This dish combines chicken in a thick creamy sauce made of chicken stock, onions, and garlic, highlighting basic ingredients that come together for an easy, gourmet meal. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect over pasta, veggies, or rice, this recipe is a quick way to prepare a versatile dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Transform the humble cauliflower into a gourmet dish with this risotto recipe. Cook cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and onions in chicken broth, cream, and cheese, garnish with thyme and pepper, and serve! This dish is seasoned to perfection and ready in only 30 minutes. Using one pan, it keeps cleanup light and easy while delivering a comforting, sophisticated meal.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe captures the essence of a classic chicken pot pie in a hearty soup. It features chicken mixed with carrots, peas, potatoes, and other vegetables in a creamy broth. The soup is thickened with flour, giving it a velvety texture, and is finished with a sprinkle of parsley for color and freshness. It’s a comforting meal that creates a gourmet soup in one pot, ready in about 1 hour.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Recreate a gourmet meal with this Zuppa Toscana. Garlic, Italian sausage, radishes, and kale simmer together in a creamy broth, creating a rich, layered taste experience. Swapping traditional potatoes for radishes makes it healthier without sacrificing flavor. It’s a one-pot meal that only takes 1 hour and is perfect for a fancy dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Treat yourself to the flavors of sweet potato and red pepper soup. Creamy sweet potatoes and red peppers are pureed in one pot, easily creating a rich texture and hearty taste. This soup is ready in about an hour with minimal effort, making it a great choice for those seeking something gourmet without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup features earthy mushrooms and nutty wild rice in a smooth broth, creating a rich flavor in only 1 hour and 5 minutes. Such complex flavors are typically found in dishes that take much longer to cook, making this a great option for a gourmet meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s also a one-pot meal that’s quick to clean up after, perfect for a lazy night in.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish pairs the savory crunch of bacon with tender fried cabbage, creating a filling meal with just a few ingredients and steps. Use a large skillet or Dutch oven to comfortably cook everything. With its big flavors and minimal effort, this recipe is perfect for adding a gourmet touch to any weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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