Elevating Three Ordinary Recipes | HomeLife Recipes

My husband, Thom, and I recently went out for a celebratory dinner in the neighboring college town of Sewanee, Tennessee. We took the scenic route up the mountain, winding through breathtaking glimpses of pink and white cherry blossoms and clusters of roadside daffodils. The setting sun peeked through still-bare trees. As we climbed higher, I realized we were looking for a little whimsy — maybe even hoping the fresh air and change of scenery would rinse away the winter rut.

We arrived right on time and were seated at a quaint little two-top in the corner. Determined to break out of habit, we decided to order dishes we’d never tried before — choices completely off-grid from our usual preferences. As I read through the ingredients, I noticed something interesting: Both entrées, despite their elevated presentation and price tag, used simple, familiar ingredients paired with just the right amount of imagination.

Dinner in that cozy, well-reviewed haunt set us back a C-note, but the inspiration proved priceless. The change in scenery, the fresh perspective, the reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be complicated felt like a gift.

The next morning I sketched out a meal plan for the week: three elevated ordinary recipes using just a handful of simple ingredients. I elevated the dishes with thoughtful touches, allowing us to bring that restaurant magic home for a fraction of the cost.

By Monday evening, that pencil had worked wonders. What began as a casual dinner out had evolved into something much more — an invitation to reawaken creativity in our own kitchen. I realized it wasn’t the price tag or the linen-draped table that made our night feel special. It was the reminder that even the simplest ingredients can transform into something meaningful with a spark of imagination.

So we made a pact: We’d recreate that Sewanee magic at home. No reservations, no mountain roads — just the two of us in our own kitchen with a few pantry staples and permission to have fun again. And as aromas filled the house — lemon and garlic sizzling in butter, tomatoes collapsing into sweetness, basil releasing its perfume under a quick
chiffonade — I felt that lingering winter heaviness begin to lift.

Sometimes renewal doesn’t come through grand gestures. Sometimes it arrives quietly, through one thoughtfully prepared dish shared across a familiar table — proof that inspiration is always within reach when we’re willing to look for it.

Check out these three elevated ordinary recipes, perfect for both a weeknight meal or hosting friends.

Three Ordinary Recipes, Elevated

Elevated Ordinary Chicken Recipe

Lemon-Butter Chicken With Burst Tomatoes and Thyme

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• 2 Tbsp. flour (for light dredging)
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

For the pan sauce:

• 1 c. cherry tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
• 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. capers (drained)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3-4 fresh thyme sprigs
• ¼ c. chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp. cold butter (to finish)
• Fresh basil, torn (as garnish)
• 1 small loaf rustic Italian bread or ciabatta

Directions

Pat the chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, and lightly dredge in flour. Sear in olive oil and butter over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side, then set aside. Reduce heat, sauté the garlic, and add the cherry tomatoes until they begin to blister. Deglaze with white wine vinegar, then stir in the capers, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, and broth. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer 6-8 minutes, spooning sauce over the top. Remove from heat, swirl in cold butter, and finish with torn basil and extra lemon zest. Serve with crusty bread.

Elevated Ordinary Orzo Recipe

Creamy Herbed Orzo With Spring Peas and Parmesan

Makes 2-3 servings

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. butter
• 1 small shallot (finely minced)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 c. orzo
• 1 c. chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ c. cream or half-and-half
• ¼ c. mascarpone (optional but luxurious)
• 1 c. frozen peas
• ½ c. freshly grated Parmesan
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp. lemon juice (optional, to brighten)
• ½ tsp. kosher salt (to taste)
• ½ tsp. cracked black pepper
• 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 Tbsp. fresh chives or tarragon (optional, for an elevated finish)

Directions

Heat the olive oil and butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the minced shallot and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Stir in the orzo and lightly toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the broth and simmer until the orzo is just tender, then stir in the cream and mascarpone to create a velvety base. Add the peas, Parmesan, lemon zest, and pepper, cooking until creamy. Taste and adjust with salt and a small squeeze of lemon juice if needed. Finish with parsley and chives (or tarragon for a more gourmet twist). Serve warm as a side dish or topped with grilled shrimp, roasted salmon, or chicken.

Elevated Ordinary Salad Recipe

Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Skillet Salad

Makes 2-3 servings

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• ½ tsp. kosher salt
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• 1 c. fresh strawberries (halved)
• 1 Tbsp. honey
• 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp. lemon zest
• 1 Tbsp. fresh basil (chopped, and more as garnish)
• 4 c. mixed greens (for serving)

Directions

Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove to a plate. Add strawberries to the same skillet and sauté briefly until they begin to soften. Stir in honey, balsamic, and lemon zest to create a light glaze, then return the chicken to the pan and coat it with the sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes to meld flavors. Finish with fresh basil and serve over mixed greens.

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These recipes are from the April 2026 issue of HomeLife Magazine. For more tasty recipes, check out other HomeLife recipe collections here!