Quick Fall Dinner Ideas You Need to Try

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing better than sitting down to a warm, comforting meal. But who has time to spend hours in the kitchen on a busy fall evening? That’s where these quick and cozy recipes come in. From hearty classics like Salisbury Steak to creamy pasta dishes and even a lightning-fast faux pho, this collection has something to satisfy every craving. These recipes deliver big on flavor while keeping things simple, so you can enjoy the cozy comforts of fall without the fuss.

Quickie Faux Pho

Quickie Faux Phở is your go-to when you’re short on time but still crave something delicious! Enjoy hot broth, tender noodles, shredded chicken, and loads of fresh toppings!
Get the Recipe: Quickie Faux Pho

Quick Bbq Chicken

This Quick BBQ Chicken is a delicious and easy main dish that you can whip up in under 30 minutes, and it goes great with all sorts of sides. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Quick Bbq Chicken

Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp

Get ready to elevate any meal with this super quick Garlic Butter Shrimp! Bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect à la carte protein to spice up your dining experience. Dive in and enjoy the deliciousness!
Get the Recipe: Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp

Leftover Turkey Casserole

Close-up of a baked pasta dish featuring spiral noodles, cubes of chicken, peas, mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce. The top is garnished with breadcrumbs and herbs, creating a golden, crispy texture.

Turn your extra Thanksgiving turkey into a delightful Leftover Turkey Casserole with a creamy cheese sauce, pasta, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Enjoy some cozy comfort food!

Get The Recipe: Leftover Turkey Casserole

Creamy Tagliatelle and Mushrooms

A close-up photo of a white plate overflowing with creamy tagliatelle pasta and sliced cremini mushrooms. A silver fork rests on the side of the plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Create a restaurant-worthy meal in just 25 minutes! This creamy tagliatelle and mushrooms recipe uses fresh ingredients like parsley, white wine, garlic, and butter for a delightful flavor explosion. Enjoy cooking!

Get The Recipe: Creamy Tagliatelle and Mushrooms

Hamburger and Rice

This savory hamburger and rice recipe is a breeze to whip up, packing in tons of flavor without piling up the dishes. With tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a little magic (okay, some tasty seasonings), it’s the perfect meal for any busy night!

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

A close-up of an easy beef and mushroom stroganoff with wide egg noodles, garnished with chopped parsley. The creamy sauce coats the ingredients, making it perfect for simple yet satisfying dinners, and a wooden spoon is partially visible. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This super easy one-skillet ground beef stroganoff is creamy, delicious, and perfect for those busy weeknights. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes with just a few simple ingredients!

Get The Recipe: One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

Smothered Chicken

A close-up of a plate with grilled chicken, caramelized onions, and white rice, garnished with chopped herbs. A spoon is drizzling a golden-brown sauce over the chicken, creating a savory and appetizing presentation. This easy chicken dinner idea is sure to impress every time on your marble-like surface. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This smothered chicken recipe is super easy to make, whether you use the stove or a slow cooker. It’s all about those tender chicken thighs swimming in a tasty gravy that’s just right for comfort food lovers!

Get The Recipe: Smothered Chicken

Buttery Garlic Salmon

Two pieces of garlic butter salmon with roasted asparagus and rice pilaf. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Buttery Garlic Salmon is a quick and easy delight, ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for a busy weeknight, it’s simple to prepare yet packed with flavor. Enjoy the satisfying cooking process and the even greater pleasure of eating this dish.

Get The Recipe: Buttery Garlic Salmon

Easy Saffron Risotto

a close up image of The cooked Saffron Risotto in a black pan with a wooden spoon — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

The luxurious flavor of saffron forms the base, while the lemon zest, parsley, and Parmesan cheese add a delightful finishing touch. Feel free to get creative and customize it with your favorite vegetables or seafood for a truly personalized dish.

Get The Recipe: Easy Saffron Risotto

Easy Shrimp Pasta

a landscape image of a white plate full of shrimp pasta — Image Credit: Mateusz Gzik

Tender shrimp is transformed into a delightful pasta dish in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that proves ease doesn’t have to compromise on flavor.

Get The Recipe: Easy Shrimp Pasta

Miso Ramen

Warm your soul with this Japanese-inspired Miso Ramen. Savory miso broth and tender ramen noodles meet crisp bok choy for a satisfying and easy weeknight meal.

Get The Recipe: Miso Ramen

The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

A close up image of pair of cooking tongs serving a portion of Fettuccine Alfredo into a bowl. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Forget everything else – this Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is pure indulgence! A luxurious cream sauce coats perfectly cooked fettuccine, creating a symphony of creamy richness that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s the ultimate comfort food fix!

Get The Recipe: The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas

A stack of sliced quesadillas filled with melted cheese, chicken, and colorful bell peppers, garnished with cilantro. Accompanied by dollops of guacamole and diced tomatoes on a white surface. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These easy chicken and cheese quesadillas are loaded with juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and veggies. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or as a snack that everyone will love!

Get The Recipe: Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas

Cavatelli and Broccoli

Elevate your weeknight routine with this incredibly easy Cavatelli and Broccoli recipe. Despite its simplicity, the dish packs a flavor punch that will leave you surprised. It’s a perfect example of how effortless preparation can lead to a delicious and satisfying meal.

Get The Recipe: Cavatelli and Broccoli

Smothered Pork Chops

A plate of mashed potatoes and pork chops smothered in mushroom gravy, served with a side of steamed broccoli, reminiscent of classic smothered pork chops. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Weeknight dinners don’t get much better than this! These juicy pork chops practically cook themselves, bathed in a luxuriously rich caramelized onion and mushroom gravy. A quick sprinkle of melted cheese adds the finishing touch to this simple yet satisfying comfort food classic.

Get The Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops

Salisbury Steak

Delight your family with this amazing Salisbury Steak recipe, ready in just 30 minutes! Transform your weeknights into a delicious culinary experience that everyone will love!

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Quick Veggie Pasta

A cozy plate of linguine pasta with mushrooms, spinach, and cherry tomatoes awaits. A fork lifts a portion, inviting you to savor this quick delight. Garnished with herbs and spices, the dish sits against a light blue background—perfect for fall dinners. — Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Use up your leftover odds and ends in the kitchen because “anything goes” with this Quick Veggie Pasta! Make it vegetarian or vegan!
Get the Recipe: Quick Veggie Pasta