15+ Main Course Recipes to Delight Your Dinner Table

Main course recipes are the centerpiece of any meal, bringing together flavors and ingredients to create satisfying dishes. These recipes can cater to various tastes and dietary needs, making them essential for any home cook.

Whether you’re planning a special dinner or a simple weeknight meal, there are endless options to explore.

In this article, you’ll find ideas that are easy to follow and delicious to eat. You can impress your family or friends with tasty meals that don’t require complicated techniques.

From hearty favorites to lighter fare, you’re sure to discover something new to try in your kitchen.

1) Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a tasty and creamy dish that is easy to make. You can enjoy it for dinner or any special occasion. The combination of chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce makes it a favorite for many.

To start, you will need fettuccine or your favorite pasta. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken by seasoning it with salt and pepper. Then, cook it in a skillet until golden brown.

Next, create the Alfredo sauce using butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Mix it well and let it thicken slightly.

Afterward, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce in a large bowl, stirring to coat everything evenly.

Ingredients

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Cook chicken in a skillet over medium heat until golden.
4. In another pot, melt butter. Add heavy cream and parmesan.
5. Stir until the sauce thickens.
6. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce in a bowl. Enjoy!

2) Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington is a delicious dish, perfect for special occasions. It includes tender beef wrapped in pastry, making it both impressive and tasty.

To make this meal, you start with a beef tenderloin. It’s coated in a mushroom mixture for added flavor. Then, you encase it in puff pastry.

Bake it until the pastry is golden brown. The inside should be juicy and cooked to your liking. Serve with vegetables or a rich sauce for the best experience.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900 grams) beef tenderloin
• 1 pound (450 grams) mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 4 ounces (120 grams) pâté (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Sear the beef tenderloin in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side.
3. Cook mushrooms in the skillet until moisture has evaporated.
4. Let the beef rest and spread pâté on it if using.
5. Wrap beef and mushroom mixture in puff pastry.
6. Brush with egg.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

3) Vegan Lasagna

Vegan lasagna is a delicious twist on the classic dish. You can layer it with vegetables, noodles, and a tasty vegan cheese. It is a great option for a healthy meal.

To make it, start by cooking your lasagna noodles. While they cook, prepare a filling using spinach, mushrooms, and a vegan cheese mixture made from tofu or cashews.

Once your noodles are ready, layer them in a baking dish with the vegetable filling and your favorite marinara sauce.

Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup vegan cheese (tofu or cashew-based)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions.
3. In a pan, sauté spinach and mushrooms in olive oil until soft.
4. Mix spinach, mushrooms, and vegan cheese in a bowl.
5. Layer noodles, the vegetable mixture, and marinara sauce in a baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

4) Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter

Grilled salmon with lemon butter is a delicious and healthy choice for dinner. The fish cooks quickly on the grill, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. The buttery lemon sauce adds a zesty flavor that enhances the salmon.

To prepare, start by seasoning your salmon fillets with salt and pepper. You can grill the salmon at about 400°F (200°C) until it’s cooked through, usually around 10-15 minutes.

Next, melt some butter in a pan and mix in fresh lemon juice. Drizzle this mixture over your cooked salmon for added richness. You can also garnish with parsley for a nice touch.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Unsalted butter
• Fresh lemon juice
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the salmon for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
4. In a pan, melt butter and mix in lemon juice.
5. Drizzle the lemon butter over the grilled salmon.
6. Garnish with parsley if desired.

5) Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and tasty main course. They are easy to make and can be filled with your favorite ingredients. You can use rice, meat, or vegetables to create a delicious combination.

To start, select bell peppers in various colors. Red, yellow, and green peppers not only look good but also offer different flavors. You will cut the tops off and remove the seeds.

Next, prepare the filling. Cook rice or quinoa, and mix in cooked ground meat, beans, or veggies. Add spices for extra flavor.

Once your mixture is ready, stuff the peppers and place them in a baking dish. Top with cheese for a nice finish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the peppers are tender.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
• 1 lb ground meat or 1 can beans
• 1 cup chopped vegetables
• 1 cup cheese
• Spices (salt, pepper, garlic)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix the rice, meat or beans, and vegetables.
4. Stuff each pepper with the filling.
5. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and top with cheese.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until peppers are tender.

6) Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a creamy and comforting dish that you can easily make at home. It requires basic ingredients and some patience for the best texture. This dish is perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in.

To start, gather your ingredients. Arborio rice is key for that creamy texture. You can use fresh mushrooms like portobello or button for great flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the broth in a pot and keep it warm on low heat.
2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions until they are translucent.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
4. Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Gradually add warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently.
6. When the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in Parmesan cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy your mushroom risotto!

7) Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni

Spinach and ricotta cannelloni is a tasty dish that’s fun to make. You get to stuff pasta tubes with a creamy filling and bake them in sauce.

For the filling, mix fresh spinach with ricotta cheese, garlic, and a pinch of salt. This combination is rich and flavorful.

Fill the cannelloni with the mixture, then place them in a baking dish. Cover the pasta with marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella on top.

Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 12 cannelloni tubes
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix spinach, ricotta, garlic, and salt.
3. Stuff each cannelloni tube with the spinach mixture.
4. Spread half the marinara sauce in a baking dish.
5. Place the stuffed cannelloni in the dish.
6. Top with remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella.
7. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

8) Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a simple and tasty dish. It combines shrimp, garlic, and a touch of lemon. You can enjoy it over pasta or with bread.

For this dish, use fresh or frozen shrimp. Cook it quickly in a skillet for the best flavor. The garlic adds a nice aroma that fills your kitchen, making everyone hungry.

Serve it hot and enjoy the mix of buttery sauce and tender shrimp. You can add parsley for extra color and a bit of freshness.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons (45 g) butter
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish
• 8 ounces (225 g) pasta (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve over pasta or with bread, and sprinkle with parsley.

9) Lamb Chops with Rosemary

Lamb chops with rosemary make a delightful main course. The combination of tender meat and fresh herbs creates a wonderful flavor. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or any occasion.

To start, season your lamb chops with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh rosemary. You can let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil and sear the lamb chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side.

For a delicious finish, you can add a touch of garlic and butter in the last minute of cooking.

This pairing works nicely with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 4 lamb chops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Season lamb chops with salt, pepper, and rosemary. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear lamb chops for 4-5 minutes on each side.
4. Add garlic and butter for the last minute, if desired.
5. Serve with your choice of sides.

10) Butternut Squash Ravioli

Butternut squash ravioli is a warm and tasty dish. It combines the sweet flavor of butternut squash with pasta, making it perfect for any occasion. You can serve it with a simple sauce or just some olive oil.

To make this dish, start with fresh or homemade pasta. The filling is made with roasted butternut squash, ricotta cheese, and a hint of nutmeg. This mix gives the ravioli a rich and cozy taste.

You can boil the ravioli until they float, about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss them gently with your favorite sauce. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Ingredients

• Fresh or homemade pasta
• 1 cup butternut squash, roasted
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Roast the butternut squash until soft.
2. Mix the squash, ricotta, and nutmeg in a bowl.
3. Roll out the pasta and cut into squares.
4. Fill each square with the mixture.
5. Seal the edges with water.
6. Boil water and cook ravioli until they float.
7. Toss with olive oil and top with Parmesan cheese.

11) Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes is a simple and tasty dish. It combines the fresh flavors of basil pesto with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes. This meal is perfect for a quick weekday dinner.

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Once it’s ready, drain and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix your pasta with pesto, stirring until it’s well-coated.

Next, add halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Toss everything together gently. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (about 225 grams) pasta
• 1 cup (about 240 ml) basil pesto
• 1 cup (about 150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain pasta and place it in a large bowl.
3. Mix in pesto until pasta is well-coated.
4. Add halved cherry tomatoes and toss gently.
5. Serve warm with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

12) Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

A Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is a delicious and satisfying meal. It combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. This dish is quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

To start, you will need cooked rice as your base. You can use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown. You can use thighs or breasts depending on your preference. Then, add a homemade teriyaki sauce for that sweet and savory flavor.

Top your rice with the chicken, sauce, and your choice of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for an extra touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs
• 2 cups (300 g) cooked rice
• 1 cup (150 g) broccoli florets
• 1 cup (150 g) sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup (150 g) sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) teriyaki sauce
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Green onions (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, cook chicken over medium heat until golden brown (about 6-7 minutes).
3. Add teriyaki sauce to the skillet and coat the chicken well.
4. Add vegetables and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until tender.
5. Serve chicken and vegetables over rice.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.

13) Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a tasty dish that layers fried eggplant, marinara sauce, and cheese. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and is loved by many.

To make it, first, slice the eggplant and salt it to remove bitterness. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.

Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown. In a baking dish, layer the fried eggplant, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers.

Top with grated Parmesan cheese and bake. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade Eggplant Parmesan!

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the eggplants and sprinkle with salt.
2. Let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
3. Fry the slices until golden brown.
4. In a baking dish, layer eggplant, marinara sauce, and mozzarella.
5. Repeat the layers.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
8. Let cool slightly and serve.

14) Beef Stir Fry with Broccoli

Beef stir fry with broccoli is a quick and tasty dish. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes.

For this recipe, you will need thin slices of beef, fresh broccoli, and some key sauces. The beef cooks fast, and the broccoli stays crunchy, making a perfect combo.

Serve this dish with rice or noodles for a complete meal. You’ll love how easy it is to make!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (150 g) broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add beef slices and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add broccoli and soy sauce. Sauté until broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

15) Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. You’ll enjoy layers of pasta, cheese, and rich tomato sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

To start, cook the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente. Then, mix it with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Spread it in a baking dish, and top with the remaining cheese.

Bake it in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Once it’s bubbling and golden, you can take it out. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 16 ounces (450 g) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti according to package directions.
3. In a large bowl, mix ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta, and half the mozzarella.
4. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
7. Cool for a few minutes before serving.