Main dish recipes are typical the largest, or primary, item served at a meal. Often, these dishes highlight a protein-packed ingredient such as chicken, fish, or beans. Main dishes are often referred to as entrees and may range from a simple pasta and sauce dish to an elaborate roasted meat with numerous seasonings. When searching for main dish recipes, some cooks find it best to match the type of protein preferred, then narrow down the selection further based on seasonings, complimentary ingredients, and cooking method.

Many chain restaurants feature their main dishes as the pinnacle of a meal. Fast food chains offer entrees such as fried chicken and sandwiches, while sit-down restaurants such as Olive Garden feature a wide range of menu options. These dishes are often influenced by regional, international, and cooking style differences. For those on a restricted diet, preparing restaurant copycat recipes at home gives them the chance to make necessary adjustments.

Flickr: ifindkarma
Also known as	Main course, entree, primary selection
Main ingredients	Chicken, beef, pork, lamb, seafood, beans, cheese, pasta, tofu
Cooking methods	Broiled, baked, fried, stir-fried
Served at	Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse and most restaurant chains
Cost	Varies

Chicken Main Dish Recipes

Chicken main dishes can be broiled, baked, fried, braised, or stir-fried. Some dishes such as Carrabba's Chicken Bryan and Olive Garden's Chicken Marsala combine high quality ingredients for a balanced, yet smooth taste. Other main dishes focus on favorite flavors such as Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters. Diners who prefer the taste of deep-fried chicken might like learning to make KFC's Extra Crispy Fried Chicken or Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken. Chicken also works well in a sandwich or a salad dish such as Panera Bread's Frontega Chicken Panini or Applebee's Santa Fe Chicken Salad.

Pizza Main Dish Recipes

Pizza is another main dish option at several restaurants. At home, you can make a pizza with just about any topping you like. For example, if you enjoy fruity tastes on your pie, you might enjoy making Domino's Fiery Hawaiian Pizza, which includes jalapeno peppers and pineapple tidbits. On the other hand, if you prefer a meatier taste, try preparing Pizza Hut's Meat Lovers Pizza. Kids who like cheese pizza might enjoy Domino's Wisconsin 6 Cheese Pizza.

Pasta Main Dish Recipes

Pasta main dishes combine multiple ingredients for a filling, yet budget-friendly dish. Restaurant pasta dishes such as Romano's Macaroni Grill's Penne Rustica and Scaloppine di Pollo offer an elegant and flavor-packed main dish. The Olive Garden also serves many hearty pasta entrees that you can make at home such as Lasagna Classico and Cheese Ravioli with Mushroom Ragu. The Italian restaurant chain Maggiano's Little Italy also features pasta dishes you can make yourself, including Spaghetti and Meatballs. For a Caribbean flavor, try making Bahama Breeze Lobster and Shrimp Pasta.

Seafood Main Dish Recipes

Many delicious and healthy main dish recipes focus on seafood ingredients. For something spicy, the Red Lobster Shrimp Diablo may be in order, while Ninety Nine's Panko Crusted Cod offers a beautiful presentation and crunchy texture. If you like the taste of fish, try to prepare Red Lobster's Macadamia and Coconut Crusted Salmon or Mimi's Cafe Fish Tacos. To enjoy shellfish for dinner, go for Joe's Crab Shack Fire Grilled Crab Legs. If you're in the mood for several seafood flavors at once, Bahama Breeze Seafood Paella may be just the thing you're looking for.

Other Main Dishes

In addition to chicken, pasta and seafood, a wide-range of other restaurant main dishes can be prepared at home. Consider making a hearty soup such as Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana or a filling salad like Wendy's Taco salad. For a special occasion, dishes such as Texas Roadhouse Prime Rib or a HoneyBaked Ham may be perfect for a large crowd.

Saving with Olive Garden Coupons

References