Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, there are a few recipes that everyone should have in their repertoire. These dishes are crowd-pleasers, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress. Ready to level up your cooking game? Let’s dive in!

1. Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

There’s something magical about this Italian dish. With just a few ingredients—pasta, eggs, Parmesan cheese, pancetta (or bacon), and black pepper—you can create a creamy, flavorful masterpiece. The key to perfect carbonara is tossing the pasta with the egg mixture off the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs. Pair it with a glass of wine, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal at home.

2. Homemade Margherita Pizza

Skip delivery and make your own pizza! A Margherita pizza is a celebration of simplicity: a thin crust topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own from scratch. Bake it in a hot oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. It’s so good, you’ll never go back to frozen pizza again.

3. Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup

This comforting classic isn’t just for when you’re sick. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked noodles, chicken noodle soup warms the soul. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for a rich base, then add chicken and your choice of noodles. Bonus: it’s a great recipe to customize with fresh herbs or extra veggies.

4. Foolproof Chocolate Chip Cookies

Everyone needs a go-to cookie recipe, and chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate comfort food. The secret to the best cookies? Use both brown and white sugar for a chewy texture and don’t overbake—take them out when they’re slightly underdone for a gooey center. Serve with a cold glass of milk, and watch them disappear in no time.

5. One-Pan Lemon Herb Salmon

For a healthy yet fancy dinner, lemon herb salmon is unbeatable. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, parsley, and dill, then top with lemon slices. Bake for 12-15 minutes, and voila! You’ve got a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Pair it with roasted veggies or a side of rice for a complete meal.

These five recipes are staples everyone should try at least once. They’re versatile, easy to master, and guaranteed to make you fall in love with cooking (if you haven’t already). Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these dishes have got you covered.

What’s a recipe you swear by?