As the weather cools and the holidays approach, there’s nothing like a warm and cozy dinner to bring loved ones together. When it comes to special occasions, few chefs are more synonymous with comfort food than Barefoot Contessa’s Ina Garten. With her signature blend of elegance and ease, she’s created a collection of recipes that are sure to impress your guests. From classic roast chicken to decadent lobster mac and cheese, we’ve rounded up 20 of Ina’s most mouthwatering dinner recipes perfect for special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or a cozy night in with friends, these dishes are sure to become new favorites.
Stay tuned for the full list of recipes and get ready to cook your way into the hearts (and stomachs) of your loved ones.
Perfect Roast Chicken with Lemon and Herbs
Roasting a chicken to perfection can be a challenge, but this recipe makes it easy with the added brightness of lemon and herbs. The result is a juicy, flavorful bird that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 lemons, quartered
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Stuff the cavity with lemon quarters, rosemary, and thyme.
4. Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
6. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Garlic Roasted Shrimp with Linguine
Garlic Roasted Shrimp with Linguine: A flavorful and aromatic seafood dish that combines succulent shrimp with the perfect blend of garlic, herbs, and linguine.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– 8 oz linguine
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat with garlic mixture.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange shrimp in a single layer.
5. Roast for 8-10 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. While shrimp is roasting, cook linguine according to package instructions.
7. Remove shrimp from oven and add white wine and chicken broth (if using). Toss to coat.
8. Serve roasted shrimp over cooked linguine, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Beef Bourguignon with Mashed Potatoes
Experience the rich flavors of French cuisine with this classic recipe that combines tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck or short ribs
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup red wine
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Brown beef in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion, garlic, mushrooms, broth, wine, tomato paste, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
4. Braise for 2-1/2 hours or until beef is tender.
5. Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with butter, cream, and season to taste.
6. Serve beef Bourguignon over mashed potatoes.
Cooking Time: 3-1/4 hours (braising time included)
Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin
A flavorful and aromatic pork tenderloin dish infused with a blend of fresh herbs, perfect for a special occasion or family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6-8 oz) pork tenderloin
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
3. Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper, then brush the herb mixture evenly over the meat.
4. Place the pork tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Capellini with Asparagus
This recipe is a masterclass in simplicity, combining the delicate flavors of lemon and asparagus with the subtle nuance of capellini pasta. Perfect for a quick yet impressive spring evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz capellini pasta
– 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice and reserved pasta water. Add the cooked capellini pasta and toss to combine.
4. Add the cooked asparagus to the pasta mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce
Elevate your salmon dish with a bright and tangy dill sauce, perfectly complementing the rich flavor of this omega-rich fish.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each piece.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dill sauce.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon fillets, then spoon the dill sauce evenly over the top of each piece.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through, flaky, and slightly pink in the center.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chicken Piccata with Pasta
This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful piccata sauce and served over al dente pasta, making for a satisfying and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 oz pasta of your choice (e.g. spaghetti or linguine)
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Dip the floured chicken in eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs.
4. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
5. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
7. Remove the chicken and set aside. Add wine (if using), broth, and lemon juice to the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens.
8. Serve the chicken with pasta and spoon some of the piccata sauce over the top.
Cooking Time: approximately 20-25 minutes
Filet Mignon with Mustard Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this impressive yet effortless recipe that combines the richness of filet mignon with the tanginess of a homemade mustard sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 (6 oz) filet mignon steaks
– 1/2 cup whole-grain mustard
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season filets with salt and pepper.
3. Sear filets in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side; finish cooking in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until desired doneness.
4. While steaks rest, combine mustard, cream, and honey in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Reduce sauce to desired consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Serve filets with warm mustard sauce spooned on top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Total cooking time approximately 25-30 minutes, including searing and oven cooking time for the filets, and reducing the sauce.
Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe
A twist on the classic Italian dish, this roasted vegetable lasagna combines the flavors of tender vegetables with creamy ricotta cheese and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 large eggplant, sliced
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 lasagna noodles
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss eggplant, zucchinis, and red bell pepper with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast vegetables in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
4. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Assemble lasagna by spreading a layer of the cheese mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, followed by a layer of roasted vegetables, and finishing with a layer of lasagna noodles.
7. Repeat steps 5-6 until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
8. Bake in preheated oven for an additional 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 55-65 minutes
Seared Scallops with Corn Risotto
A delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of corn with the richness of seared scallops.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh corn kernels
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook Arborio rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add corn kernels and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly tender.
6. Season scallops with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil for 1-2 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Combine cooked risotto, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley (if using). Serve with seared scallops.
Cooking Time:
– Risotto: 18-20 minutes
– Scallops: 4-6 minutes
– Total: 22-26 minutes
Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto
Elevate your lamb chops game with this vibrant and flavorful dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender lamb, zesty mint pesto, and crispy garlic will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 4 lamb chops (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a food processor, blend mint leaves, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Season lamb chops with salt and pepper.
4. Grill lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Brush lamb chops with mint pesto during the last minute of grilling.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Parmesan Crusted Cod
Elevate your seafood game with this crispy Parmesan crust on tender cod, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and paprika.
4. Season cod fillets with salt and pepper.
5. Dip each cod fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Place coated cod on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the cod.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken dish with a flavorful combination of spinach, goat cheese, and herbs. This recipe yields moist and savory chicken breasts packed with creamy goodness.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together spinach, goat cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Lay the chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach-goat cheese mixture.
5. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grilled Ribeye Steak with Herb Butter
Elevate your steak game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the richness of a grilled ribeye with the brightness of fresh herbs. Perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) ribeye steak
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, parsley, chives, and lemon zest.
3. Season steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired level of doneness is reached.
5. During the last minute of grilling, spread herb butter evenly over the top of the steak.
6. Let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this decadent Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe, featuring succulent chunks of lobster meat smothered in a creamy bechamel sauce and baked until golden brown.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 pound cooked lobster meat, diced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine cooked macaroni, lobster meat, and bechamel sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese (optional).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Eggplant Parmesan with Fresh Basil
This eggplant parmesan recipe is a creative twist on the Italian-American classic, featuring the bright, citrusy flavor of fresh basil. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
– Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and pepper. Dip eggplant slices in the mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs.
3. Fry eggplant slices in olive oil until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).
4. Assemble the parmesan by spreading tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, followed by layers of fried eggplant, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Top with chopped basil leaves.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy
This recipe yields a perfectly roasted turkey breast with a rich and savory gravy, perfect for a special occasion or everyday meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you’ll be enjoying tender and flavorful turkey in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) turkey breast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, peeled and quartered
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the turkey breast and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, onion, garlic, and thyme. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the turkey breast.
4. Season the turkey with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for 2-1/2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
7. Strain the pan drippings into a saucepan, whisking in chicken broth to create a rich gravy. Serve hot over sliced turkey.
Cook Time: Approximately 2-1/2 hours
Wild Mushroom and Leek Risotto
Wild Mushroom and Leek Risotto Recipe
A hearty and earthy risotto dish that combines the rich flavors of wild mushrooms with the sweetness of caramelized leeks.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 medium leeks, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 8 oz mixed wild mushrooms (such as chanterelle, cremini, and shiitake), cleaned and chopped
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender, about 10 minutes.
2. In a separate pot, bring the broth to a simmer. Keep warm.
3. Add the Arborio rice to the skillet with the leeks and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the white wine (if using) and cook until absorbed.
5. Add 1/2 cup of the warmed broth and stir until almost fully absorbed. Repeat this process, adding the broth in 1/2-cup increments, until the rice is cooked and creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
6. Stir in the butter and mushrooms. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: About 30-35 minutes
Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this delectable combination of pan-seared duck breast and rich cherry sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 duck breasts (6 oz each)
– 1 cup cherries, pitted
– 1/2 cup port wine
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season duck breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add butter, and sear duck breasts for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to the preheated oven and cook for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
4. In the same skillet, reduce cherry juice and port wine by half over medium heat.
5. Add pitted cherries, honey, and butter to the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens.
6. Serve pan-seared duck breast with warm cherry sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and infused with the richness of garlic butter, these roasted potatoes are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine potato wedges, minced garlic, and softened butter. Toss until potatoes are evenly coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Arrange potato wedges in a single layer, leaving some space between each wedge.
5. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
In this collection of recipes, Ina Garten shares her favorite dinner ideas for special occasions. From classic comfort foods to elegant twists on familiar dishes, these 20 cozy recipes are sure to impress your guests. Try perfect roast chicken with lemon and herbs, garlic roasted shrimp with linguine, or beef bourguignon with mashed potatoes. Or, go bold with lamb chops with mint pesto or seared scallops with corn risotto. Whatever the occasion, Ina’s recipes will guide you in creating a memorable and delicious meal.