My Favorite Recipes for When I Crave Takeout Without the Price Tag

Craving takeout but don’t want to splurge? I’ve got you covered with my favorite recipes that satisfy those takeout cravings without the hefty price tag. From savory Chinese Chicken and Broccoli to creamy Fettuccine Alfredo, these dishes are quick, easy, and bursting with flavor—just like your favorite restaurant meals. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy shrimp tacos or comforting curry, these recipes bring the best of takeout-style food right to your kitchen, saving you both time and money while delivering delicious, homemade goodness.

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Chicken and broccoli get perfectly cooked in a savory sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up!

Get The Recipe: Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Baked Eggplant Parmesan

This Italian Baked Eggplant Parmesan recipe uses roasted eggplant instead of fried eggplant, creating a simple, cheesy vegetarian meal.

Get The Recipe: Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Butter Chicken Curry

A bowl of vibrant orange color butter chick with a swirl of yogurt and fresh cilantro. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

No need to visit a restaurant! Our butter chicken recipe unlocks the secrets of this Indian classic. Tender chicken bathed in a creamy and flavorful sauce, bursting with fragrant spices, awaits you for a delightful culinary journey at home.

Get The Recipe: Butter Chicken Curry

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Skip the jar! These homemade Italian meatballs are simmered in rich spaghetti sauce for a taste of authentic Italian comfort food.

Get The Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Chicken Lo mein

Craving lo mein, your way? This recipe is your blank canvas! Tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a savory-sweet sauce come together in under 30 minutes.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Lo Mein

Easy Spicy Shrimp Tacos

Whip up these spicy shrimp tacos in no time flat. Juicy, marinated shrimp bursting with spice is nestled in warm tortillas, ready for your favorite toppings. Dinner doesn’t get much faster or tastier!

GET THE RECIPE: Shrimp Tacos

Red Lentil Dahl Curry

A close up image of a spoon serving up vibrant red lentil dal from a bowl, with fluffy white rice and lemon wedges in the background. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Brimming with flavor, cost-effective, and nutritious, this Indian Red Lentil Dahl Curry is incredibly tasty and easy to prepare!

Get The Recipe: Red Lentil Dahl Curry

Easy Oven Fried Chicken

A plate filled with crispy, golden-brown southern fried chicken pieces garnished with chopped parsley. The background shows a white marble surface with plates and bowls, suggesting a dining setup. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving crispy, delicious fried chicken but short on time and patience? This recipe is your answer! It delivers all the flavor and crunch you love, minus the hassle of deep frying.

Get The Recipe: Easy Oven Fried Chicken

Steak Stir Fry

This recipe features marinated steak bursting with flavor, all thanks to a savory-sweet sauce infused with fresh ginger and garlic. Served with a symphony of crunchy vegetables, it’s a quick and healthy dinner that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

Get The Recipe: Steak Stir Fry

Italian Sausage and Peppers

This easy Italian sausage and peppers recipe can be made on the grill or in the oven. Serve in a roll, alongside pasta, or as a pizza topping.

Get The Recipe: Italian Sausage and Peppers

Oven Baked Nachos and Cheese

Hot nachos fresh from the oven topped with guacamole and sour cream. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These oven-baked nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for both game days and after-school cravings. Melty cheese, crispy chips, and endless topping possibilities make this a fun and easy recipe the whole family can enjoy.

Get The Recipe: Oven Baked Nachos and Cheese

Sweet Sour Chicken with Pineapples

a bowl full of Sweet and sour chicken with white rice in the background. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Restaurant quality in a flash! This sweet and sour chicken with pineapple delivers the takeout taste you love and is ready in just 25 minutes. Serve it over rice or noodles for a quick and flavorful meal.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Sour Chicken with Pineapples

Best Ever Fried Rice

Weeknight magic in 20 minutes! This best-ever fried rice recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.

Get The Recipe: Best Ever Fried Rice

Quick and Easy Saag Bhaji {Spinach Curry}

Sag Bahji {Spinach Curry} served over rice in bowl — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This tasty and aromatic Quick and Easy Saag Bhaji {Spinach Curry} recipe is ideal as a vegetarian main course or as an Indian side dish.

Get The Recipe: Saag Bhaji {Spinach Curry}

The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

A close up image of pair of cooking tongs serving a portion of Fettuccine Alfredo into a bowl. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Forget everything else – this Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is pure indulgence! A luxurious cream sauce coats perfectly cooked fettuccine, creating a symphony of creamy richness that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s the ultimate comfort food fix!

Get The Recipe: The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

Katsu Curry

This recipe delivers a dynamic flavor and texture experience! The crispy panko-crusted chicken adds a delightful crunch, while the velvety curry sauce provides a smooth and flavorful base. It’s a scrumptious dish that’s sure to please.

Get The Recipe: Katsu Curry

Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup

Chinese Noodle Soup in a bowl with sliced green onions on top. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Skip the complicated recipes and embrace this flavorful soup! It comes together effortlessly in a single pot, bursting with vibrant ingredients that create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Get The Recipe: Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup