We Skipped Takeout—19 International Recipes Were Better

ByMandy

It started as a way to avoid waiting an hour for cold noodles, and ended with 19 homemade dishes that felt like a win. The table looked like a global sampler without the restaurant bill taped to the fridge. People kept saying things like “we should do this more often,” which usually means it worked.

A colorful dish of shrimp stir-fry with noodles, vegetables, and sesame seeds, garnished with basil leaves and green onions. Chopsticks rest on the dish.
Thai Drunken Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A plate of creamy penne pasta garnished with chopped parsley and grated cheese, featuring pieces of sun-dried tomatoes. A black fork is resting on the plate.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combining delicious flavors with creamy textures creates something worth talking about. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is packed with layers of flavor and makes a satisfying meal for any occasion. Perfect for feeding a group or treating yourself to something hearty and appealing.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Chili Relleno Casserole

A slice of lasagna with beef, mushrooms, cheese, and vegetables being lifted from a baking dish.
Chili Relleno Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A mix of bold tastes makes this dinner hard to forget. Chili Relleno Casserole brings classic flavors to life, offering a dish that’s flavorful and filling without being overly complex. It’s a great option if you’re craving something warming and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Chili Relleno Casserole

Lemongrass Chicken

Grilled chicken with herbs on white rice, garnished with shredded carrots and cabbage.
Lemongrass Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Unique and aromatic, this dish stands out for its fresh, rich qualities. Lemongrass Chicken combines bold flavors with a balance that feels refreshing yet comforting. It’s a meal that pairs well with different sides, making it versatile for any table.
Get the Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pasta dishes don’t often have this level of richness while remaining approachable. Penne Alla Vodka delivers smooth flavors with just enough boldness to keep things interesting. It’s ideal for dinner plans where you want something special but not overly complicated.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Sesame Chicken

A close-up of glazed chicken pieces with sesame seeds and chopped scallions on a bed of rice.
Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crisp textures and bold tastes make this dish unforgettable. Sesame Chicken blends sweet and savory elements, creating a meal that’s exciting and filling. It’s a great recipe to share or enjoy when you want something packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Combining the textures of pasta and richness in one dish brings great results. Ravioli Casserole is perfect for filling meals and combining bold flavors without needing extra sides. It’s a recipe sure to impress during dinnertime or family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

A plate of sliced, roasted baby potatoes is garnished with herbs. A small bowl of creamy sauce is placed in the center.
Mini Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Perfectly portioned bites bring fun to the plate without taking away from the flavor. Mini Hasselback Potatoes are easy to enjoy and make great additions to any meal. Their balanced taste makes them a crowd-pleaser for casual or special meals.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Chicken Alfredo

A plate of bowtie pasta with creamy sauce topped with cooked chicken pieces and garnished with parsley, with a black fork on the side.
Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creaminess and bold flavor set this pasta apart and make it a staple choice. Chicken Alfredo offers a balance of hearty protein and smooth textures that work well together. It’s ideal for a quick dinner or a larger occasion where comfort food is wanted.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo

Beef Chili

Two bowls of chili with kidney beans, meat, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and cilantro. A black spoon in one bowl. Additional chili flakes in a small dish nearby.
Beef Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bold flavors and hearty textures make this a go-to meal for gathering or everyday dinners. Beef Chili delivers a lot of taste with a warm and filling quality that works well throughout the year. Easy to customize for a group or personal preference.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Three cooked chicken breasts in a creamy sauce, topped with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes, presented in a round dish.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slow-cooked flavors take this dish to another level, making it rich and filling. Crockpot Marry Me Chicken combines convenience with standout taste, offering a dependable option for a hearty dinner. Perfect for busy days or when you want to let your crockpot do the work.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Three Cheese Manicotti

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil.
Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cheesy layers make this dish an easy favorite at any table. Three Cheese Manicotti blends bold flavors, smooth textures, and pasta into one hearty meal. It’s great for when you want something filling and perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Close-up of sweet and sour chicken with bell peppers and pineapple chunks in a thick sauce.
Sweet and Sour Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Balanced between sweet and tangy elements, this dish remains a staple for any occasion. Sweet and Sour Chicken combines bold flavors with a gratifying simplicity that’s hard to beat. It’s ideal for those looking for something flavorful and adaptable.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli in a mixing bowl with a spoon in it, garlic cloves, and dill around it.
Garlic Aioli. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The rich taste adds depth to meals without needing too much effort. Garlic Aioli serves as a versatile addition to a variety of dishes, elevating their overall appeal. Perfect for dipping, spreading, or enhancing your main meal ideas.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Close-up of a serving of chicken cordon bleu casserole with shredded chicken, ham, melted cheese, and breadcrumb topping, garnished with parsley.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Classic flavors get a fresh twist in this comforting dish. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole offers layers of taste making it versatile for families or gatherings. It’s filling, flavorful, and pairs well with a variety of sides.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Vegan Ratatouille

Vegan Ratatouille. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich and well-balanced without compromising on plant-based flavors. Vegan Ratatouille uses simple yet bold ideas to create a dish that appeals to vegans and non-vegans alike. Great for a family meal or just adding variety to the week.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm and full of flavor, this soup brings excitement to the table. Marry Me Chicken Soup combines everything you love about comfort food into a filling liquid meal. Ideal for those days when you want bold flavors without a heavy dish.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Flour Tortilla

Someone placing a tortilla on a stack of tortillas.
Flour Tortilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A reliable base works wonders for meals large and small. Flour Tortilla keeps things simple yet appealing, offering endless possibilities for meals or snacks. Great for everything from wraps to side options that need versatility.
Get the Recipe: Flour Tortilla

General Tso’s Chicken

Stir-fried chicken pieces in a spicy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions, served in a round metal dish on an orange placemat.
General Tso’s Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweet and spicy flavors meet bold textures to create a standout dish. General Tso’s Chicken never fails to impress with its strong combination of tastes and crispy appeal. Perfect for when you’re craving bold combinations that still feel balanced.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Thai Drunken Noodles

A colorful dish of shrimp stir-fry with noodles, vegetables, and sesame seeds, garnished with basil leaves and green onions. Chopsticks rest on the dish.
Thai Drunken Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bold flavors with a fun twist make this pasta dish unforgettable. Thai Drunken Noodles bring an exciting mix of tastes and textures that work well together. Perfect for when you’re looking for something slightly different yet satisfying and filling.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

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