Hosting dinner doesn't have to mean spending the entire evening in the kitchen. These recipes include comforting baked dishes, quick skillet meals, slow cooker favorites, and elegant dinners that are easier to manage than they look. With the right main course planned, you can spend more time enjoying your guests and less time juggling dinner.
Ravioli Casserole with Meat Sauce (10 Minutes to the Oven)

Tender ravioli, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese make this casserole a comforting dinner guests will enjoy. With about 10 minutes of preparation before it goes into the oven, it leaves you more time to get ready for company.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole with Meat Sauce (10 Minutes to the Oven)
Creamy, Cheesy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Cheese tortellini and tender chicken are coated in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce for a restaurant-style dinner. It takes about 30 minutes, making it an appealing choice for a casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta

Flaky salmon and pasta are tossed with a creamy Parmesan pesto sauce for an impressive dinner that takes about 30 minutes. It feels special enough for guests without requiring an elaborate menu.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Salmon Pesto Pasta
Steak Marsala with Mushroom Sauce

A rich Marsala mushroom sauce makes skillet-cooked steak feel like a special occasion dinner. Fresh cremini and dried porcini mushrooms add plenty of savory flavor to the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Steak Marsala with Mushroom Sauce
Chicken in White Wine

This one-skillet chicken dinner uses a short list of ingredients but delivers a sauce worthy of company. It's a good option when you want to serve something elegant without filling the sink with dishes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken in White Wine
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken with Creamy Pesto

Prosciutto adds savory flavor to tender chicken, while a creamy pesto sauce makes the dish feel restaurant-worthy. Serve it with pasta or a simple vegetable side for a dinner party main course.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken with Creamy Pesto
Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce

Italian sausage and creamy béchamel sauce make this homemade lasagna rich and satisfying. It is a comforting centerpiece for a dinner party, especially when you want to serve everyone from one baking dish.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce
Shrimp Pasta with Mascarpone

Mascarpone gives this shrimp and spinach pasta a silky, creamy sauce without heavy cream. Using precooked shrimp helps make this an approachable option when guests are coming over.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pasta with Mascarpone
Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe with Capers

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Bright lemon and briny capers give this chicken piccata its signature flavor. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it's an elegant main dish that won't require spending the entire evening at the stove.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe with Capers
Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken

Chicken cooks with garlic, spinach, and Parmesan in a creamy sauce while the slow cooker handles most of the work. It's a practical dinner party option when you'd rather focus on guests than cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken
Smothered Beef Skirt Steak Crock Pot Recipe

Skirt steak becomes tender in the slow cooker with mushrooms and a creamy onion gravy. Serve it over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal that requires less last-minute cooking.
Get the Recipe: Smothered Beef Skirt Steak Crock Pot Recipe
Juicy Oven Pork Chops with Potatoes: Sheet Pan Dinner

Seasoned pork chops and golden roasted potatoes cook together on one sheet pan. With the main dish and side handled together, there's less to coordinate when dinner guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Oven Pork Chops with Potatoes: Sheet Pan Dinner
Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Acorn Squash

Roasted acorn squash makes a seasonal companion to savory pork chops in this one-pan dinner. It's a fitting choice for a fall gathering when you want to keep the menu uncomplicated.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Acorn Squash
Italian Sausage and Broccolini Pasta with Lemon Cream

Savory Italian sausage, tender broccolini, and a lemon cream sauce give this pasta a balance of rich and bright flavors. Serve it with a simple salad for an inviting dinner with friends.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Broccolini Pasta with Lemon Cream
Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta (One Pot)

Chicken and orzo cook in a creamy lemon sauce for a fresh-tasting dinner with easy cleanup. This 30-minute, one-pot recipe is a helpful choice for a relaxed gathering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta (One Pot)
Chicken with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Sun-dried tomatoes give this creamy chicken dish a rich flavor with a little heat. It takes about 30 minutes, making it suitable for a dinner party that doesn't require an all-day cooking project.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Authentic Mexican Steak Picado Recipe

Tender beef, peppers, jalapeños, and tomatoes simmer together in the slow cooker for a smoky, savory main dish. It's a flavorful option for hosting without spending the entire evening preparing dinner.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Mexican Steak Picado Recipe

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