20 dishes even first-time home-cooks can make and impress everyone with

Cooking for the first time ever? Scary. Having someone over for dinner? Even scarier.

We’ve all been there – feeling lost, confused and helpless upon seeing the complicated recipes; feeling as if you will mess things up. So, to help you out, we’ve compiled 20 of our favorite recipes we’ve found on the web that will get your friends fawning over your culinary skills. Best part? You can pull them off even as a first-time home cook.

1. Creamy Parmesan Risotto

This dish is the perfect choice for first time home-cooks – it’s almost foolproof. Inducing homely feels with the rich taste of cheese and cream, this risotto will probably make guests reach out for more!

Ingredients you’ll need: 

• 5 cups chicken stock
• 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil extra-virgin
• 1 cup onion diced
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 4 oz Parmesan grated
• 1 tbsp parsley chopped

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

2. Chicken Bacon + Ranch Baked Penne

If you’re looking for a new and delicious dinner to feed your friends then give this one a try! Especially on a night when you’re all about comfort food and endless fun around the dinner table, because that’s exactly what this recipe is.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 lb penne pasta, cooked and drained
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo pasta sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 6 slices chopped and cooked bacon
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)
• Chopped parsley, if desired

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

3. Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Stir fry by Migos have been hitting the charts. But this baby is a sure hit on the dinner table! Full of good ol’ protein and nutritious vegetables (this is entirely up to you, of course), it’s healthy goodness wrapped in a sweet and savory sauce. Serve it with rice and yo’re good to go!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil divided use
• 1 cup thinly sliced peeled carrots
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth or water
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• salt and pepper to taste

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

4. Cheesy chicken, broccoli and rice

This one-pan cheesy chicken, broccoli, and rice dish is perfect for a get-together on a busy weeknight. For first time home-cooks, the thought of a hectic scene in the kitchen might be the deterrent from hosting. However, with this recipe, have no fear!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion , diced finely
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts , cut into bite sized pieces
• 2 cloves of garlic , minced
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice
• 2 1/2 cups broccoli florets , cut into bite sized pieces
• 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

5. Cornbread Taco Pie

Who doesn’t love some fluffy cornbread and juicy tacos? Well, in this recipe, you get the best of both worlds! Bonus: it’s super easy and quick to prepare and make too.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1 packet Taco seasoning
• 1 cup Salsa
• 4 oz Cream cheese
• 1 can Corn
• 1 box Cornbread mix (8.5oz)
• 1 Egg
• 1/3 cup Milk
• 1/2 cup Shredded cheese
• 1 tablespoon Chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

6. Cheesy Potato Smoked Sausage Casserole

A creamy, cheesy meat & potatoes casserole, this dinner is a simple comfort food. You can’t go wrong with this heavenly combination of meat, cheese, and potatoes. We’ve got your back, fellow home-cook.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 3 cups peeled cubed Russet potatoes, boiled until soft but not mushy
• 1 lb smoked sausage* thinly sliced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp flour
• 2 cups half & half or milk
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1/2 lb Velveeta cheese cubed
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

7. Bacon Corn Chowder

Rich, creamy and with the right amount sweet to balance it out, this corn chowder is not only easy to make, but is super budget friendly too!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 lb small red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 bags (12 oz each) frozen whole kernel corn
• 3 cups chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 lb bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled

Try your hand at this recipe- read more here.

8. Skillet Mac and Cheese (Pizza Style)

For those nights when you can’t decide between pasta and pizza. With this twist on classic macaronis, you don’t miss out on anything.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 box of elbow macaroni {cooked according to the package directions}
• 4 Tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup AP flour
• 1 1/2 cups of milk
• 1/2 cup of pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 grated Parmesan cheese
• Pepperoni slices

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

9. Shrimp Scampi

This may be hard to believe but this beautiful pasta dish really comes together in just 15 minutes. The only time-consuming part may be the peeling of the shrimp, but if you’re short on time, you can purchase the pre-peeled ones. (we’ve been there.)

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 8 ounces linguine
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more, to taste
• 1/4 cup white wine*
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

10. Mongolian Beef

This Mongolian beef recipe, we assure you, will entrance friends and family alike. The reason?  People love anything that tastes like Chinese tze char. Crispy, sweet and full of garlic and ginger flavours, to flavour town you go!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 pound flank steak
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup canola oil oil
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced
• 1 tablespoon garlic minced
• 1/3 cup lite soy sauce low sodium
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 4 stalks scallions green parts only, cut into 2-inch pieces

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

11. Orange Chicken

Another Chinese tze char favourite taken to a culinary level, home-cooks can try their hand out at replicating the dish without fearing it’ll go wrong. Serve with rice for an extra substantial meal.

Ingredients you’ll need: 

• 1 large orange
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1.5 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 2 Tbsp cooking oil

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

12. Kung Pao Chicken

This popular Asian dish only takes 15 minutes to get the dish on the table, while the average recipes takes 30 minutes to an hour. A foolproof method for tender and moist chicken, you’ll now be able to make Kung Pao chicken away from the fear-inducing wok!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 (250 grams) chicken breast, cubed
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose chili garlic sauce (2 – 3 tablespoons for a less spicy dish)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup chopped Chinese scallion (or green onion)
• 1/2 cup cubed cucumber

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

13. Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for healthier, lighter options without skimping out on the hearty factor, this salad is the perfect choice for you.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1/2 c. mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp. yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 1 tbsp. vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 3 c. Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken Breast Strips
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 5 c. salad greens
• 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• 1/2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 c. red onion, slivered
• 2 boiled eggs, sliced

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

14. Strawberry Cobb Salad

An interesting mix of strawberry, avocado, ham slices and leafy greens, this is probably the prettiest salad you’ll be able to curate, all by yourself.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 c. store-bought ranch dressing
• 1/2 bunch flat-leaf parsley
• 3 tbsp. thinly sliced chives
• 8 large basil leaves
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 6-oz. boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 romaine hearts, shredded
• 12 strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/8 red onion thinly sliced
• 4 oz. crumbled goat cheese
• 2 oz. thinly sliced prosciutto
• 1 hard-boiled egg, quartered

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

15. Creamy Chicken Salad

Lastly, we have this beautiful creamy chicken salad that everyone will love. It’s the perfect mix and blend of succulent meat and crunchy vegetables, and a great addition to the table as well.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup chopped celery
• 1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 7 tablespoons (about 2 ounces) coarsely chopped cashews
• 6 cups mixed salad greens

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

16. Strawberry Pistachio Yogurt Pops

Finishing the meal on a sweet note, these tangy and fragrant strawberry yogurt pops will take you right back into summer. And you only need 4 basic ingredients!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 14 ounces strawberries washed
• 4 tablespoons honey plus extra to taste
• 2 1/4 ounces Greek Yogurt
• 5 ounces pistachios shelled weight

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

17. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Donut muffins are a super soft, homemade muffins that are easy to make, and even easier to devour. These buttery treats taste just like an old fashioned donut rolled in fragrant cinnamon and sugar!

Ingredients you’ll need: 

• 1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1/8 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 Large Egg
• 1/2 Cup Milk
• 1/3 Cup Butter, Melted and Cooled
• FOR THE TOPPING:
• 1/3 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
• 5 Tablespoons Butter, Melted

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

18. Chocolate Mousse

The weekdays are a wonderful time to try out this tasty treat. It’s the perfect pick-me-up, especially if you’re into chocolate, and let’s face it, who isn’t?

Ingredients you’ll need: 

• 300g good-quality dark chocolate, roughly chopped
• 3 eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup (55g) CSR Caster Sugar
• 1 tablespoon good-quality cocoa powder, sifted
• 300ml thickened cream, plus extra whipped cream to serve
• Grated chocolate, to serve

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.

19. Tres Leches Cake

An ultra light cake soaked in a sweet milk mixture and topped with fresh whipped cream and cinnamon. This simple Mexican dessert is one of our favorites, and we’re pretty sure you’ll love it too!

Ingredients you’ll need: 

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 large eggs , separated
• 1 cup sugar , divided
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 12 oz can evaporated milk
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 pint Heavy Cream , for Whipping
• 3 Tablespoons Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• Ground cinnamon , for topping

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here

20. No-bake Peanut Butter Pie

A simple recipe for creamy and delicious No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie. It only takes minutes to make with just a few ingredients- it’s time you graduate from getting your pies from the supermarket freeze section.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 8 ounces frozen cool whip, thawed
• 9- inch store bought chocolate Oreo pie crust
• Chocolate syrup for garnish optional
• Peanut butter chips for garnish optional

Try your hand at this recipe – read more here.