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21 Gourmet Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Without The Stress

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By Gina Matsoukas

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21 Gourmet Dinner Recipes That Will Impress Without The Stress

Preparing gourmet dinners at home doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. In fact, with the right recipes, you can whip up impressive meals without breaking a sweat. We’ve gathered a collection of dishes that are perfect for any occasion, from special dinners to easy midweek meals. These recipes bring big flavors with simple steps, so you can enjoy cooking and still feel like a pro.

Salmon with orange slices on a baking sheet.
Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Flank Steak Pinwheels

Flank Steak Pinwheels. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These flank steak pinwheels are stuffed with pesto, parmesan cheese, prosciutto, and spinach. Great for parties, special occasions, or a simple midweek family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Flank Steak Pinwheels

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with vegetables and cheese garnished with basil on a table next to a pepper mill and a linen napkin.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This sun-dried tomato pasta mixes rigatoni noodles with a creamy sauce, parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Pesto Salmon

Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pesto salmon is a quick oven-baked dinner needing only five ingredients. On the table in under 25 minutes, it’s a healthy and flavorful meal for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Chicken Sorrentino

Chicken sorrentino on a serving spoon.
Chicken Sorrentino. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken sorrentino features breaded chicken topped with prosciutto, eggplant, and cheese, baked in a hearty tomato sauce. An easy and irresistible dish to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Pan Seared Duck Breast

Pan seared duck sliced on a cutting board with cranberry sauce in a small bowl to the side.
Pan Seared Duck Breast. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This duck breast recipe is simple with a quick pan-sear method on the stovetop. Perfect for a special dinner at home, it’s elegant and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Duck Breast

Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

Slow cooker short rib ragu in a bowl over mashed sweet potatoes with a fork.
Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Serve this slow cooker short rib ragu over mashed sweet potatoes or pasta. It’s great comfort food for cooler weather, without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops

Pistachio crusted lamb chops served over mashed potatoes with cherry sauce.
Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pistachio crusted lamb chops come with a red wine cherry sauce and creamy parmesan polenta. Fancy food made simple, perfect for a special night in.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops

Balsamic Dijon Beef Tenderloin

Balsamic Dijon crusted beef tenderloin sliced on a cutting board.
Balsamic Dijon Beef Tenderloin. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This balsamic dijon beef tenderloin roast is both simple and impressive. Served with a Meyer lemon gremolata, it’s great for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Dijon Beef Tenderloin

Cod Piccata

Cod piccata on a plate with asparagus and rice.
Cod Piccata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cod piccata is a tangy seafood version of the classic dish. Tender cod filets are pan-fried with capers, lemon juice, and shallots for an easy, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata

Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Stuffed chicken marsala in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This stuffed chicken marsala is an even better take on the classic dish, with melted mozzarella, tomato butter, and fresh basil cooked inside the chicken.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto with peas and mushrooms in a pot with wooden spoon.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This mushroom risotto with peas is creamy and rich without any dairy. A comforting dinner packed with umami flavors, and perfect for a stress-free gourmet meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Plate of salmon with bacon.
Bacon Wrapped Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bacon-wrapped salmon is a decadent yet healthy and wholesome meal. Easy to prepare and perfect for a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Air fryer filet mignon with sliced potatoes.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

For a gourmet dinner without the effort, try air fryer filet mignon. Cooked to juicy, tender perfection every time, it’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions

Skillet lamb chops with tarragon mustard sauce and cipollini onions.
Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These skillet lamb chops are cooked with browned cipollini onions and topped with a tarragon honey mustard sauce. Quick and easy for a bright and refreshing dinner.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions

Reverse Sear Tri Tip

Reverse seared tri tip cut in half on a cutting board with fresh rosemary.
Reverse Sear Tri Tip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This reverse seared tri tip recipe locks in flavor with a crispy crust and tender, juicy steak. Perfect for a stress-free, gourmet meal.
Get the Recipe: Reverse Sear Tri Tip

Baked Sablefish

Honey lime sablefish with jalapeño corn salsa in a bowl with a fork.
Baked Sablefish. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Honey lime sablefish, also known as black cod, topped with a spicy jalapeno and corn salsa. Healthy, flavorful, and easy to make for a great dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sablefish

Grilled Pork Chops with Grapes & Fennel

Grilled pork chops sliced on a plate with grapes and fennel.
Grilled Pork Chops with Grapes & Fennel. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled pork chops paired with a grape and fennel salad, all made on the grill. An easy and elegant meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Grapes & Fennel

Lamb Bolognese

Lamb bolognese with tagliatelle noodles.
Lamb Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb bolognese is a flavorful twist on the classic recipe. Simmered with carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, red wine, and fresh herbs for a cozy and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Coconut Lime Baked Chicken

Baked chicken thighs with coconut lime sauce over white rice with mango.
Coconut Lime Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This coconut lime baked chicken is served with coconut mango sticky rice. Crispy, tender, and great for a tropical dinner.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Lime Baked Chicken

Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon

Baked sockeye salmon with herb caper crust and lemon slices on a sheet pan.
Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Wild sockeye salmon baked with an herbed garlic caper citrus crust. Ready in just 10-12 minutes, this is an easy yet impressive seafood dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon

Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Instant Pot coconut pulled pork served with turmeric rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Coconut Pork. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Instant Pot coconut pork cooked with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. Aromatic, juicy, and tender, served over turmeric ginger rice with dried fruit and sliced almonds.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Pork

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