There are nights when I want to eat something that feels restaurant-worthy — but I definitely don’t want to cook like a chef. That’s where M&S comes in. Their ready-made dinners and quick-cook meals somehow look elegant, taste incredible, and take less time than it takes me to find my apron. Whether you’re hosting, date-nighting, or just treating yourself, these M&S dinners look fancy, taste indulgent, and come together in under 15 minutes.
M&S Collection King Prawn Linguine
This dish is the definition of “effortless but impressive.” The pasta cooks perfectly in minutes, coated in a buttery garlic and chilli sauce that smells heavenly. The prawns stay juicy, not rubbery, and the whole thing looks like you’ve been stirring a pan for hours.
I like to plate it with a twist of black pepper and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Add a glass of white wine, and suddenly it feels like an evening out — without leaving the kitchen.
M&S British Beef Steak with Peppercorn Sauce
A proper steak dinner in under 15 minutes? Yes, please. M&S’s pre-prepared steaks cook quickly and evenly, and the peppercorn sauce is creamy, rich, and full of flavour. It’s the kind of dish that looks like you’ve gone all-out — but takes less time than setting the table.
I serve mine with a simple side of salad or M&S’s ready-to-cook chips. It’s classic, satisfying, and the perfect balance between low effort and maximum reward.
M&S Chicken Kievs
Chicken Kievs might sound old-school, but M&S has perfected them. The chicken is juicy, the breadcrumb coating crisps beautifully, and that garlicky butter centre is pure joy. They bake or air fry in minutes and make the kitchen smell incredible.
Serve them with buttery mash and peas, and you’ve got comfort food that feels completely homemade. It’s hearty, familiar, and always impresses guests — especially when they realise you didn’t spend an hour cooking.
M&S Collection Salmon en Croûte
Few things look fancier than a golden puff pastry parcel, and M&S’s salmon en croûte nails it every time. The salmon stays tender while the pastry turns crisp and flaky, and the creamy spinach filling feels luxurious.
I like to serve it with steamed green beans and a squeeze of lemon. It looks like a restaurant main course but takes less than 15 minutes to cook and plate. Bonus: it makes you look like you really know your way around an oven.
M&S Chicken Tikka Flatbreads
For something quick but full of flavour, these flatbreads are unbeatable. The spiced chicken is tender, the bread perfectly soft, and the sauces balance everything beautifully. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a takeaway — but cleaner, cheaper, and faster.
I slice them into pieces and serve with a bit of salad and raita on the side. They’re ideal for casual dinners or movie nights when you still want something that looks (and tastes) impressive.
M&S Mushroom Risotto
Risotto usually takes patience, but M&S’s version skips straight to the good part. It’s creamy, perfectly seasoned, and full of earthy mushroom flavour. The texture is spot-on — not gluey, not watery, just silky and rich.
Top it with a sprinkle of parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil, and it instantly looks like a chef’s dish. It’s elegant enough for guests, comforting enough for a quiet night in, and genuinely hard to tell it came from a packet.
M&S Duck Breast with Plum Sauce
This meal tastes like fine dining without the price tag or the prep. The duck breast cooks quickly, crisping beautifully on the outside while staying tender inside. The plum sauce adds a tangy sweetness that balances it perfectly.
I like to slice the duck and fan it out on the plate — it looks sophisticated, and it’s ready in minutes. Pair it with microwavable jasmine rice or roasted potatoes, and you’ve got a dinner that looks five-star with zero stress.
The Takeaway
Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. These M&S favourites prove you can eat beautifully — even on busy nights. With a few clever shortcuts, you can set the table, pour a drink, and enjoy a meal that looks like you’ve gone all out when, really, it took you less than a quarter of an hour.
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