20 Recipes for an Extra-Special Quarantine Dinner Party with Your Immediate Family

Made with a number of pantry staples, like mixed olives (whatever kind you have on hand will do!), shallots, canned chickpeas, and spices, this is a perfect dinner to make during a pandemic. Plus, it uses chicken legs, which are probably easier to find than breasts or cutlets right now.

Comforting and crowd-friendly, this hearty pie is a delicious excuse to put fish stock, frozen puff pastry, and seasonal vegetables to use. It has multiple steps and is more time-consuming than an average weeknight dinner—a task that's just right for your special weekend meal.

With the exception of beef chuck, the ingredients for this all-time classic dish should be easy to shop for in your own pantry. Let the meat braise for a couple of hours so that it becomes tender and rich with savory flavors.

Take a look at this stunning dessert! Rhubarb is only in season in the spring, so make the most of it by whipping up this sweet tart. The flavor of vanilla bean is a luxurious contrast to the rhubarb.

When you need a taste of summer after being stuck inside for days on end, make this two-ingredient drink. Just combine watermelon juice with half-and-half lemonade and tea for a refreshing sip.

It doesn't take much to infuse pork shoulder with plenty of heat. Here we're using two staples—diced green chiles and green salsa—to build flavor in every scoop. Serve this casual, Mexican-inspired dinner along with our Kettle Cooked Nachos and Tequila Sunrise cocktails.

If you've recently made a big batch of basil pesto—or purchased some from the grocery store—make this cheesy starter. The pesto is a super flavorful swap for garlic butter and the combination of two kinds of cheese (mozzarella and Taleggio) makes the most incredible pull when melted.

Try your hand at making gnocchi, the diminutive Italian potato-and-flour based dumplings. We're using sweet potatoes for this version, which makes the gnocchi a pretty orange color and their flavor extra sweet. Tossed in a nutty, buttery sauce, this is a comforting dish that's dressed to impress.

Whether you pair it with pan-fried steak or Creamy Baked Ziti, this super simple side will go with practically anything on your menu. And you only need four ingredients and 10 minutes to bring it all together—if you can't find Meyer lemons, feel free to use regular lemons.

Grab a bunch of spoons and place this friendly dessert in the center of the dinner table. The contrast of sweet, melted chocolate chips and crunchy oats is an absolutely delightful bite (especially when served warm with vanilla ice cream).

This hot and hearty casserole is a baked pasta-lovers dream. It's made with Italian sausage, chopped kale, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. If you're planning ahead, you can make this entire dish in advance and store it in your freezer until it's time to cook.

This four-ingredient drink can be enjoyed by one and all (it's virgin!). Fill a glass with Sanbitter (a nonalcoholic soda similar in flavor to Campari), dry ginger ale, and fresh grapefruit juice for the most marvelous mocktail.

Start dinner off on a delicious note with this indulgent casserole made with asparagus, potatoes, prosciutto, and plenty of cheese.

Dress up rustic bread with garlic confit and slices of tomato. It's a fancier version of bruschetta that tastes even more spectacular.

A family comfort food favorite, meatloaf is the perfect quarantine project for a special family dinner. Try this Asian-inspired twist made with ground turkey, plus soy sauce and hoisin sauce.

Start with a vibrant vinaigrette made exclusively using pantry staples—lemon, garlic, anchovies, Dijon, and olive oil. Toss it over escarole and olives for a simple salad your family will ask for again and again.

Make a big batch of chili then serve it in creative combinations—over polenta, nachos, or tucked into bell peppers with rice, as we've done here.

Everyone at the table will be able to eat and enjoy this vegetable- and protein-packed main course, which features black-eyed peas, squash, okra, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers. Serve over rice for a colorful and comforting meal.

How pretty are these plant-based frosted sugar cookies? Decorate them in advance, or turn dessert into a cookie decorating party by setting out the cookies and individual bowls of multi-colored frosting.