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By: Michelle Klug

When cooking for your family or yourself, presentation probably isn’t your first concern. Just getting dinner on the table (and not being on a first name basis with the pizza delivery man) is cause for celebration. Let’s just say that some dinners can look a little—um—unpalatable, think chili or slow cooker meals. But not these dinners.

Think of these 10 dishes when entertaining friends, to impress your in laws, or to jazz up date night.

Slow Cooker Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

Slow Cooker Chicken with 40 Garlic Cloves

Served with red potatoes and a lemon slices, this easy slow-cooker garlic chicken dinner is favorite.

Roast Chicken with Vegetables

Roast Chicken with Vegetables

Your guests will look at this dish and think, “Fresh.” It’s the ultimate spring and summer chicken dish.

Linguine and Clam Sauce

Linguine and Clam Sauce

Pasta is always a winner, especially when it’s flavored with clams, chiles, and white wine.

Charred Lemon Chicken Piccata

Charred Lemon Chicken Piccata

Fresh lemon and capers give this dish a great visual presentation.

Orange-Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin

Orange-Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin

Serve this 5-star winner with rice and sugar snap peas.

Salmon with Walnut-Avocado Guacamole

Salmon with Walnut-Avocado Guacamole

The walnut-avocado gives this delicious fish meal it’s cool, smooth taste (and pretty presentation).

Cajun Shrimp Linguine

Classic Cajun flavors--the smoky, spicy seasoning; sweet shrimp; and onion, green bell pepper, and celery trinity--give this pasta toss a New Orleans vibe.

Beef Tenderloin Steaks with Chipotle Butter and Bell Pepper Sauté

Beef Tenderloin Steaks with Chipotle Butter and Bell Pepper Sauté

If you’re cooking steak, you can’t go wrong with this classic recipe. Serve with peppers and Cilantro-Cumin Quinoa

Chicken with Artichoke Pan Sauce

Chicken with Artichoke Pan Sauce

Guests will be impressed by the artichoke sauce. Don’t tell them just how easy this recipe is. Serve with whole-wheat orzo or fettuccine to sop up the rich sauce.

Seared Scallops with Chestnut Puree

Scallops only take about 5 minutes each to fully cook, so you can have dinner on the table quickly with this recipe.