20 Recipes Every 20-Something Should Learn to Cook

If you're cooking in a kitchen with minimal space and cookware, this is the recipe for you. All of the ingredients (just seven total!) cook in the same large pot. Whether you make it on a busy weeknight or serve it for a dinner party with friends, this spaghetti is dressed to impress.

Everyone should get a roast chicken recipe under their belt, and in our humble opinion, this is the ultimate version. Our master method will teach you how to build flavor using citrus and herbs—plus, how to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Almost anyone can make eggs for breakfast, but creating a creamy omelet that isn't dry and has no breakage requires a bit more technique. This recipe introduces key techniques like how to thoroughly combine the yolks and whites, properly stir them in the skillet, and master the perfect fold.

It's one of the most versatile grains around, and learning how to properly cook brown rice will inspire stir-fries, grain bowls, and flavorful side dishes for years to come.

An adult upgrade to chicken nuggets, these crispy chicken cutlets are delicious served atop a green salad or alongside heartier side dishes like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Make a big batch to keep in the freezer; you'll be glad you have them on hand whenever you need dinner in a pinch.

Curb your takeout habit with our sweet, sour, and spicy take on this Chinese-American classic. This dish is nothing without its signature sauce—a host of ingredients including soy sauce, dried red chiles, garlic, ginger, scallions, and sesame oil build all the flavor here. It's well worth the effort.

Be the MVP at your next game day party with this essential dip. Ripe avocados are flavored with garlic, plum tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice—it's so much better than the store-bought kind and way more impressive.

Ladle it on top of our Quick and Easy Pizza Dough, twirl it with spaghetti, or bake it with meatballs. No matter how to use it, this is an essential marinara sauce recipe that will have you ditching the jarred variety in no time.

Skip the drive-thru and make your own number #1 at home. Juicy grass-fed beef is topped with slices of American cheese, tomatoes, dill pickles, shredded iceberg lettuce, ketchup, and mayonnaise.

Everyone loves eating this Italian-American classic but how many people actually make it at home for dinner? Our recipe takes you through the basics of making sauce and meatballs, plus how to assemble it all together for one spectacular main course.

Master this essential side dish with our tips and tricks. By using a potato ricer, hot dairy, and the right type of spud, you'll create creamy (not gummy!) mashed potatoes every time.

When you're feeling under the weather or just want a taste of something healthy and delicious, make this classic soup. It's pure goodness.

Planning a romantic date night with a loved one? Make a gorgeous, show-stopping porterhouse steak, which includes a strip steak and a filet—trust us, there is plenty of meat to go around.

Poaching fish, meat, or poultry is an essential skill. Getting the timing just right requires a bit of patience and practice, but once you nail it, it will transform your dinner routine.

Roasted potatoes is another back-pocket recipe you'll be glad you mastered. Here, we've infused them with fresh rosemary for earthy flavor. They're a delicious, classic side dish—and you'll be amazed at just how easy they are to make!

Creating a flavorful frittata that isn't overcooked nor undercooked may seem like a challenge, but this recipe is the perfect introduction. This recipe uses summer squash, but feel free to swap in any seasonal vegetable like mushrooms, Swiss chard, or bell peppers.

This is the ultimate recipe to satisfy the kid in you. The cheesy sauce for this classic comfort food starts with béchamel, a famed French sauce that is also the base for potato gratins. From here, add in three types of cheese—Monterey Jack, Gruyère, and Comté—for maximum flavor.

Here, slow and steady really does win the race. Learn how to make a basic risotto with arborio rice, onions, white wine, and Parmesan, and then mix it by adding in whatever you please—wild mushrooms, lobster and shrimp, or butternut squash are all tasty options.

Homemade soup is more wholesome and has so much more flavor than store bought options (it's cheaper, too!). This recipe is a good basic formula, but feel free to get creative by adding in whatever grains and vegetables you please. The student has become the master!

One of the secrets to flavorful cooking at home is often in a homemade broth. From risotto to homemade soup, a batch of made-from-scratch stock or broth is so versatile. Making your own broth with parsley stems, chicken bones, and vegetables is also a great way to reduce food waste.