12 Dishes That Steal Hearts

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Dinner doesn’t have to be a battle between effort and flavor. When in doubt, Make-Ahead Lasagna means future-you already won. Need something foolproof? Baked Chicken Breasts never let anyone down. Want to feel fancy with minimal work? Marry Me Chicken Meatballs and Chicken Milanese have date-night energy without the restaurant bill. If pasta is the move, go classic with Cacio e Pepe or lean into comfort with Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese. And if you’re feeling wild, Bacon Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Spaghetti proves that vegetables are just better when tangled up with cheese and bacon.

Bacon Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Spaghetti

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 Spaghetti served with sautéed brussels sprouts and crispy bacon, creating a savory and appetizing dish.
Image Credit: Ambitious Kitchen

Indulge in a symphony of flavors with this Bacon Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Spaghetti. The rich, smoky bacon, nutty parmesan, and slightly sweet Brussels sprouts create a taste sensation that’s both satisfying and surprisingly light. This simple recipe uses readily available ingredients for a delicious and memorable meal.

To learn more: Bacon Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Spaghetti

Baked Chicken Breasts

Juicy baked chicken breasts topped with lemon slices and sprinkled with parsley, served elegantly on a dish.
Image Credit: Feasting At Home

Perfectly juicy and flavorful Baked Chicken Breasts, guaranteed! This foolproof recipe takes only 10 minutes of prep time before roasting, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

To learn more: Baked Chicken Breasts

Baked Spaghetti

A baked spaghetti dish in a white casserole dish features melted cheese and tomato sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves. A serving spoon is partially disrupting the left side, revealing some noodles.
Image Credit: Carlsbad Cravings

Effortless Baked Spaghetti, bursting with flavor! A rich tomato cream meat sauce coats delicate spaghetti, layered with double the cheese for a truly indulgent experience. Easy to make, freezes beautifully, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

To learn more: Baked Spaghetti

Bruschetta Pasta

A serving of spaghetti adorned with vibrant tomato sauce and aromatic basil, showcasing a classic Italian dish.
Image Credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Elevate the classic Italian appetizer to a satisfying main course! Bruschetta Pasta offers all the fresh, bright flavors you love, transformed into a hearty and flavorful pasta dish.

To learn more: Bruschetta Pasta

Cacio e Pepe

 A serving of spaghetti elegantly garnished with a generous layer of parmesan cheese, highlighting its rich flavor.
Image Credit: Xoxo Bella

Experience the magic of Cacio e Pepe: a Roman classic that’s quick, easy, and unbelievably flavorful. With only four ingredients—spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, butter, and black pepper—this ultimate comfort food proves that sometimes, less is more.

To learn more: Cacio e Pepe

Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

A close-up view of creamy macaroni and cheese served on a white plate, showcasing its rich texture and golden color.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

There’s nothing quite like Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese. This recipe delivers a truly comforting and cheesy experience, starting on the stovetop and finishing in the oven for a perfectly baked finish.

To learn more: Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

Grilled Flank Steak

Grilled steak accompanied by asparagus and corn, elegantly presented on a white plate, emphasizing a savory meal.
Image Credit: Carlsbad Cravings

Melt-in-your-mouth Grilled Flank Steak, guaranteed! A flavorful marinade of soy sauce, balsamic, lemon, brown sugar, and spices creates a tender, juicy steak with complex sweet and savory notes. Get ready for requests for this recipe!

To learn more: Grilled Flank Steak

Chicken Milanese

Three fish fillets served with lemon wedges and sprinkled with parsley, arranged on a plate.
Image Credit: Xoxo Bella

Experience the delightful crunch of perfectly pan-fried Chicken Milanese! This surprisingly simple recipe creates juicy chicken cutlets with a crispy, garlicky, cheesy breadcrumb crust. It’s a taste sensation you won’t forget.

To learn more: Chicken Milanese

Honey Teriyaki Salmon and Veggies in Foil

Salmon and assorted vegetables wrapped in foil packets, showcasing a healthy and flavorful meal option.
Image Credit: Cooking Classy

This Honey Teriyaki Salmon and Veggies in Foil recipe is a delicious and nutritious meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. The salmon and vegetables bake together in a foil packet, creating a flavorful and healthy dinner with minimal cleanup.

To learn more: Honey Teriyaki Salmon and Veggies in Foil

Hungarian Goulash Recipe

A close-up of a spoonful of beef stew, highlighting tender meat, vibrant tomatoes, and aromatic herbs.
Image Credit: Carlsbad Cravings

This Hungarian Goulash is a flavor explosion in a single pot! Tender beef and vegetables swim in a rich, paprika-laced broth, creating a delicious and comforting meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s destined to become a new favorite.

To learn more: Hungarian Goulash Recipe

Make Ahead Lasagna

 A hand grips a spatula poised over a casserole dish brimming with lasagna, showcasing a tempting culinary delight.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill

The ultimate Make-Ahead Lasagna: three cheeses, two meats, homemade sauce, no-boil noodles. Freezer-friendly and award-winning—a recipe I’ve loved for over ten years!

To learn more: Make Ahead Lasagna

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

A white plate featuring a serving of chicken garnished with fresh spinach leaves.
Image Credit: Xoxo Bella

Dinner is ready in 35 minutes! These Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are incredibly juicy and flavorful, smothered in a creamy, irresistible sauce. Legend has it, this dish inspires marriage proposals—it’s that good! The perfect blend of comfort food and gourmet flair.

To learn more: Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

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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