10 Brilliantly Simple Recipes That Keep Us Coming Back

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Sometimes a recipe hits so perfectly, it feels like the universe is giving you a standing ovation—and that’s exactly the vibe with winners like Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta, Garlic & White Wine Pasta with Brussels Sprouts, and Shrimp Scampi With Parmesan Risotto. Whether you’re stirring up a bright Carrot Hummus, swooning over warm, gooey Cinnamon Rolls, or plotting how to hide the last spoonful of Cherry Cobbler from your family, these simple, spectacular dishes prove that “easy” and “incredible” can absolutely hang out together!

Vegan Chocolate Croissants

A Vegan Chocolate Croissants with chocolate drizzle and a red raspberry on top sits beside a glass mug of coffee.
Photo credit: Namely Marly

These vegan chocolate croissants are a simple way to enjoy a delicious breakfast treat without any guilt. Using only 5 plant-based ingredients, including Pepperidge Farm puff pastry, vegan butter and dark chocolate, you can create these delicious pastries in no time. Add raspberries for an extra touch of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Croissants

Carrot Hummus

A hand reaches in to dip a chip in a bowl of carrot hummus.
Photo credit: Namely Marly

This Carrot Hummus recipe is a vibrant and tasty vegan snack that combines sweet carrots with savory spices. It’s a healthy and colorful way to enjoy a plant-based diet. Perfect as an appetizer or a nutritious snack, this hummus is sure to be a hit!
Get the Recipe: Carrot Hummus

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is the perfect quick and easy one-pot meal for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. It’s a hearty and delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce. Ready in under an hour, this pasta is sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta.

Apple Salad

crisp Apple Salad in a bowl
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This Apple Salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, combining crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed with mixed greens and a tangy Dijon vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing and satisfying dish. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side!
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

Cinnamon Rolls

the best cinnamon rolls in white baking dish, slathered with frosting
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

These cinnamon rolls are the perfect way to start your day! They’re incredibly soft and fluffy, and the buttery cream cheese icing is the perfect finishing touch. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls

Peas and Carrots

Peas and carrots on a white plate with potato cubes and chicken slices.
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

This simple side dish of Peas and Carrots is a classic for a reason. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients, and it’s a great way to get your vegetables in. The recipe also includes suggestions for making it even more special.
Get the Recipe: Peas and Carrots

Cherry Cobbler

Two plates of blueberry cobbler with ice cream.
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

This cherry cobbler features a buttery topping baked to golden perfection, with a hot and bubbly cherry filling. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert. Perfect for brunch, parties, or any occasion!
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cobbler

Poppy Seed Chicken and Grape Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad with Chicken Grapes and Poppy Seed Dressing
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This Poppy Seed Chicken and Grape Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on a classic side dish! Bow tie pasta is combined with chicken, grapes, celery, and a tangy poppy seed dressing for a flavorful and refreshing salad. It’s the perfect addition to any barbecue or summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Poppy Seed Chicken and Grape Pasta Salad

Garlic & White Wine Pasta with Brussels Sprouts

A plate of fettuccine alfredo topped with creamy sauce, halved Brussels sprouts, and chopped herbs.
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

This vegan Garlic & White Wine Pasta with Brussels Sprouts by Minimalist Baker is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The garlic and white wine infused sauce is what sets this recipe apart, making it a new favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes and requiring only 10 ingredients, this is a must-try for pasta lovers.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & White Wine Pasta with Brussels Sprouts

Shrimp Scampi With Parmesan Risotto

Presenting a delicious Shrimp Scampi With Parmesan Risotto
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

This Shrimp Scampi with Parmesan Risotto recipe is bursting with the flavors of lemon, butter, and garlic! It’s surprisingly quick and easy to make, perfect for a comforting and elegant weeknight dinner. Serve this decadent dish for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi With Parmesan Risotto

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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