Bring rich, golden flavor to every dish with recipes that make the most of butter. From sautéed vegetables to decadent sauces and baked mains, butter adds depth, moisture, and richness. These savory recipes balance seasoning, texture, and aroma for meals that feel indulgent yet approachable. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, each dish shows how butter elevates flavor beautifully. Taste the difference in every bite.

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

A serving of pasta topped with a seared scallops and a sage brown butter sauce.
Brown Butter Scallop Pasta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This Brown Butter Scallop Pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor in a simple homemade dish. Pan-seared scallops are finished with nutty sage-brown butter, creating a rich and elegant sauce. Tossed with pasta, it feels luxurious yet doable for weeknights. Perfect for when you want something special with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Zesty Butter Beans

Zesty Butter Beans . Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These zesty butter beans are creamy, flavorful, and naturally vegan and gluten-free. You can enjoy them stew-style or spooned over rice or quinoa for a filling meal. The fresh, zesty flavor brings a lively twist to traditional bean dishes. It’s a nutritious option you can enjoy anytime.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Butter Beans

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites cook quickly on the stovetop, making them perfect for busy nights. Each piece is juicy, tender, and coated in a rich garlic-butter sauce. The flavors come together in just 20 minutes. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser you can serve with pasta, rice, or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with melted butter, chopped chives, and a spoon.
Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Browned butter transforms ordinary mashed potatoes into a luxurious side dish. The nutty, toasted flavor adds warmth and depth to every bite. Creamy and irresistible, they’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy weeknights. You’ll never see mashed potatoes the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A stainless steel pan filled with cooked steak bites garnished with herbs. Nearby are butter, seasoning, and plates.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These garlic butter steak bites are juicy, tender, and full of rich, savory flavor. They cook in minutes, making them ideal for quick dinners or meal prep. Pair them with rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad. It’s a simple dish that always feels satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Salmon Lemon Herb Butter Sauce

Two salmon fillets with lemon sauce on a white plate.
Salmon Lemon Herb Butter Sauce. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This salmon dish is all about the bright, flavorful lemon herb butter sauce. The salmon stays mild, flaky, and tender while the sauce adds a refreshing tang. It’s a no-fail recipe that feels elegant but takes minimal effort. Great for both weeknight dinners and special meals.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Lemon Herb Butter Sauce

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This garlic butter shrimp pasta brings together tender shrimp, warm noodles, and a silky garlic-infused butter sauce. It’s flavorful without being heavy, making it great for any night of the week. The dish comes together quickly but tastes restaurant-worthy. Perfect for when you want something comforting yet elegant.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Butter Chicken

A white plate with chicken and parsley on it.
Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This quick and flavorful butter chicken comes together in under 45 minutes. It features tender chicken simmered in a creamy honey-butter sauce made with sugar-free honey for a low-carb twist. The flavors are rich and comforting while still fitting into a low-carb lifestyle. It’s perfect for easy dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Garlic Herb Butter Gnocchi

Roasted Garlic Herb Butter Gnocchi with peas and parmesan.
Garlic Herb Butter Gnocchi. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This garlic herb butter gnocchi is hearty, satisfying, and completely meatless. Pillowy gnocchi is tossed in a fragrant butter sauce that comes together in minutes. It’s ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for quick dinners. Simple, comforting, and likely to become a go-to favorite.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Butter Gnocchi

Butter Bean Salad

Bowl full of butter bean salad on a table.
Butter Bean Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This butter bean salad is bright, crunchy, and refreshing. Packed with beans and crisp vegetables, it’s tossed in a tangy oil-and-vinegar dressing that feels light and satisfying. It’s great as a summer side dish or a quick lunch. Simple to make and perfect for warm weather.
Get the Recipe: Butter Bean Salad

Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

A fast and easy plate of pasta with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Warm pasta is coated in a simple lemon-garlic butter sauce for a dish that’s bright and comforting at the same time. Parmesan adds a savory finish that makes it extra satisfying. It pairs beautifully with ham or other proteins. Quick, easy, and always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked butter fish on a plate with green beans.
Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This baked lemon butter fish is tender, flaky, and full of fresh flavor. The lemon butter sauce keeps the fish moist while adding a tangy, rich finish. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it great for beginners. A simple yet delicious dinner for any night.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

A plate of cauliflower rice topped with a creamy, orange-colored sauce that delivers a rich butter flavor, and garnished with chopped herbs—a delightful addition to your collection of savory recipes.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Instant Pot butter chicken balances rich marinade flavor with a creamy, low-carb sauce. Made with chicken thighs, it turns tender in under 40 minutes thanks to the pressure cooker. The dish is gluten-free and easy to prep ahead. It’s a flavorful, fuss-free take on a beloved classic.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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