10 Dinner Ideas That Impress Without Trying Hard

Cooking an impressive dinner doesn’t have to mean juggling complicated steps or shopping for hard-to-find ingredients. These dinner recipes are proof that you can wow your guests (or your family!) with meals that are quick, flavorful, and beautifully simple. Each dish brings that cozy-yet-polished vibe that doesn't require you to spend the whole day in the kitchen!

30-Minute Creamy Sausage Pasta

Tan bowl with tomato and sausage pasta on gluten-free rice noodles topped with green onions and spoon in the bowl — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

An irresistible, creamy, one-pot sausage dish! This tomato sausage pasta is a 30-minute weeknight meal recipe that no one can refuse. Naturally dairy-free and made with gluten-free noodles this one-pot meal will become a family favorite!

Get the recipe: Creamy Sausage Pasta

Sheet Pan Beef Steak Fajitas

Baking tray with cooked steak, bell peppers, and veggies with a steel bowl of fresh tomatoes in the middle and flour tortillas folded to the side — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

No mess and no fuss! These sheet pan steak fajitas make the perfect weeknight dinner recipe. Made with fresh veggies, lean beef, and homemade fajita seasoning, this easy, healthy dinner comes together in under 20 minutes.

Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

One Pan Maple Cranberry Chicken

Baked chicken thighs in a white baking pan with cranberries and rosemary. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Marinated until juicy and baked in just one pan, these maple cranberry chicken thighs are the perfect holiday dinner. With a sweet and savory flavor, these chicken thighs are tender and indulgent and beautifully dressed up making them great for any dinner table. To learn more: Maple Cranberry Chicken

Baked Sausage and Green Beans

Sausage, green beans, cherry tomatoes, on a sheet pan with sauerkraut beside it. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

An easy sheet pan dinner recipe for busy nights! This sausage and green beans come together in just 30 minutes. Juicy sausage bites covered in a quick honey garlic sauce and paired with whole-30 approved vegetables. To learn more: Sheet Pan Sausage and Green Beans

Gluten-Free Green Chili Chicken

Three chicken tacos topped with cilantro, avocado and red onions on a wooden cutting board. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Deliciously simple this crockpot green chili chicken is the ultimate meal prep recipe. Tender, juicy shredded chicken in a strong, spicy seasoning. This gluten-free weeknight dinner comes together with only 5 main ingredients. To learn more: Green Chili Chicken

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes with Sloppy Joe stuffing on a baking tray. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Your favorite meal as a kid just got a healthier upgrade! These sloppy joes stuffed sweet potatoes are a savory blend of juicy sloppy joe mixed, stuffed into a tender, seasoned sweet potato, and topped with your favorite fixings. The perfect Sunday night dinner that the whole family loves.

Get the recipe: Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Wooden spoon scooping our dairy-free chicken pot pie from a slow cooker. — Photo Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Thick, creamy, comfort food made all in just one slow cooker. This dairy-free chicken pot pie has all the traditional pot pie flavors but with a healthy gluten-free twist. And because it’s made in a slow cooker, it’s a great option for chilly, busy weeknights.

Get the recipe: Chicken Pot Pie In The Slow Cooker

Dutch Oven Roasted Whole Chicken

Roasted whole chicken topped with green onions in a Dutch oven with a blue linen, cutting board, knife and baster behind it — Photo Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

This easy Dutch oven whole chicken comes out to juicy perfection every time. Seasoned with cumin and garlic, with a crispy skin on top, this roast chicken recipe is one you’ll want to hang on to!

Get the recipe: Dutch Oven Whole Chicken

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

white bowl with chicken pasta with sundried tomatoes and peas and garlic and a light linen around the bowl — Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Save time in the kitchen and enjoy a classic comfort with this slow cooker chicken alfredo! Made with a creamy, dairy-free alfredo sauce this crockpot chicken recipe is a staple for busy weeknights.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Savory Mushroom Salisbury Steak

White plate with salisbury steak on it and a mushroom on top of them. — Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Deliciously seasoned ground beef patties cooked in the slow cooker and then smothered in a savory mushroom gravy. This gluten-free Salisbury steak recipe makes for a tasty Sunday night dinner. To learn more: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak