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Home » Dinner

40 Super-Easy Fall Dinners That Non-Cooks Can Totally Nail

Published: Oct 5, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Fall dinners are all about easy meals that make you feel good as the weather gets cooler. This collection of recipes is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick but still packed with flavor. You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to whip up these simple dishes; they’re designed for non-cooks who want great meals without the hassle. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your cozy fall evenings. Get ready to impress yourself with these easy-to-make dinners that will fill your home with the tastes of the season!

An overhead view of a cooked spicy vodka pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Vodka Pasta (with or without vodka!). Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Close-up image of broccoli cheddar soup.

Creamy and cheesy, this broccoli cheddar soup is packed with veggies and ready in just 35 minutes. It's a comforting fall dinner that's easy to prepare, making it perfect for non-cooks looking for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza.
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

This quick homemade Margherita pizza features fresh ingredients and is ready in just 20 minutes. It's the go-to recipe for a simple, flavorful fall dinner that even those without cooking experience can handle with ease.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Overhead view of rigatoni arrabbiata dish placed on a white plate and baking dish. 
Rigatoni Arrabbiata. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Rigatoni arrabbiata, made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil, delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Ready in under 20 minutes, this pasta dish is perfect for non-cooks seeking an easy yet flavorful fall dinner.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)

A straight view of cooked jeera rice in a white plate.
Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Jeera rice, or cumin-infused basmati rice, is an easy dish that brings warm, aromatic flavors to your meal. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have fluffy rice that complements any fall dinner effortlessly, perfect for those who want simplicity in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)

Penne Pomodoro

An close up photo of cooked penne pomodoro in a pot.
Penne Pomodoro. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Penne Pomodoro is a budget-friendly pasta dish that comes together quickly for a fall meal. Ideal for busy weeknights, it offers a nutritious dinner option with minimal ingredients, great for those who prefer straightforward cooking.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side.
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

One-pot lemon ricotta pasta offers a creamy texture with a bright touch of citrus, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple recipe adds a bit of flair to fall dinners while staying easy for non-cooks to tackle.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Spicy Vodka Pasta

An overhead view of a cooked spicy vodka pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Vodka Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy vodka pasta, with or without the vodka, is versatile and rich in flavor, coming together in under 20 minutes. It's a quick fall dinner that delivers restaurant-level taste in a way that’s approachable for those with limited cooking skills.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta

Mushroom Stroganoff

An image of mushroom stroganoff and white rice on a plate, with a fork on the side.
Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy mushroom stroganoff is a hearty and comforting dish that’s ready in 30 minutes, perfect for fall evenings. It pairs well with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, making it a great choice for non-cooks craving a quick but satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

A close up image of a spaghetti squash scraped out by a spoon placed on a white plate.
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot spaghetti squash creates tender squash with minimal effort, making it an easy side dish for fall weeknights. Ready in under 20 minutes, this is the perfect way to add vegetables to your meal without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Kimchi Grilled Cheese

An image of a sliced kimchi grilled cheese sandwich resting on the other slice.
Kimchi Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kimchi grilled cheese combines tangy kimchi and creamy cheese for a crispy, flavorful sandwich that’s ready in just 20 minutes. This fusion dish is an easy fall dinner for non-cooks looking to elevate a classic comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Grilled Cheese

Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

A close-up image of gochujang cauliflower tacos on a plate, accompanied by a small bowl of lime slices and sliced red onions.
Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crispy Korean-spiced cauliflower tacos are a versatile meal that can be prepared ahead and personalized with different toppings. These easy tacos are perfect for a flavorful fall dinner that comes together with minimal effort, great for non-cooks.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Horizontal image of fried rice in a white bowl with brown chopsticks on the side.
Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick and easy fried rice makes use of day-old rice and whatever ingredients you have on hand. Done in 15 minutes, it’s the ultimate go-to meal for fall weeknights when you need something fast and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Fettuccine Alfredo

A close up image of pair of cooking tongs serving a portion of Fettuccine Alfredo into a bowl.
Fettuccine Alfredo. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

In just 20 minutes, this easy pasta recipe brings authentic Italian flavors to your dinner table. A practical choice for weeknight meals, it's perfect for those wanting a taste of Italy on a busy fall evening without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Fettuccine Alfredo

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans in a white bowl with a fork.
Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Skillet chicken thighs with bacon and green beans create a nutritious, one-pan dinner in only 20 minutes. It's an excellent choice for non-cooks wanting an easy fall weeknight meal with big flavors and minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

A pan of beef and broccoli stir fry with a brown sauce.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Marinated steak with broccoli stir-fry is a quick dish that packs in fresh ingredients for a hearty fall dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s great for those needing a nutrient-rich weeknight meal with minimal time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

Lettuce wraps filled with shredded chicken, shredded carrots, and peanut sauce on a plate.
Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Lettuce wraps with rotisserie chicken, crunchy veggies, and peanut sauce are light but packed with flavor. They come together quickly for a healthy fall dinner option, perfect for those wanting something tasty and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies

Chicken sausage and veggies on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Sheet pan chicken sausage and veggies is a no-fuss dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for fall weeknights, this dish saves time on prep and cleanup while delivering a well-rounded and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies

Golden Noodles

Golden Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Silky noodles coated in a sauce made with Earth Echo Golden Superfood Bliss make for a quick, wholesome dinner. Ready in under 20 minutes, this plant-based recipe is an easy fall dinner for non-cooks wanting something simple and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Golden Noodles

20 Minute Chicken Caesar Flatbread

Small flatbread toped with salad and chicken.
20 Minute Chicken Caesar Flatbread. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Chicken Caesar flatbread makes use of store-bought flatbread and cooked chicken to create a filling meal with little effort. A perfect option for weeknight fall dinners, this dish is quick and satisfying for anyone looking for an easy way to cook.
Get the Recipe: 20 Minute Chicken Caesar Flatbread

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This quick stir-fry brings together simple ingredients in just 20 minutes, making it a practical fall dinner choice. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, delivering hearty flavors with minimal cooking skills required.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Sheet Pan Honey Soy Cashew Chicken

Sheet Pan Honey Soy Cashew Chicken with sesame seeds and chopsticks.
Sheet Pan Honey Soy Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Sheet pan honey soy cashew chicken is both easy and flavorful, ready in just 20 minutes in the oven. This fall dinner is a great choice for busy weeknights, with minimal effort needed for maximum taste.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Honey Soy Cashew Chicken

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

A bowl of Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Loaded with spice and flavor, this smoked chicken tortilla soup is perfect for a comforting fall dinner. Whether you use smoked, rotisserie, or grilled chicken, this soup is a straightforward recipe for non-cooks looking to whip up something rich.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Sheet Pan Salmon Asparagus on a parchment paper lined sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Baked salmon and asparagus is a healthy sheet pan meal that’s ready in 20 minutes, great for weeknights. It delivers a nutritious fall dinner with minimal prep, making it perfect for those who want a quick and easy cooking experience.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried cabbage with bacon is ready in just 25 minutes, providing a balanced fall side dish that pairs with many main courses. The combination of cabbage, bacon, and onions brings bold flavors without much effort, making it a simple choice for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy White Chicken Chili

Overhead image of creamy white chicken chili in a bowl.
Creamy White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

White chicken chili is a classic comfort dish made with tender chunks of chicken, creamy white beans, and spices. It's perfect for a fall dinner that’s easy to make, giving non-cooks a hearty option without much complexity.
Get the Recipe: Creamy White Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Close-up image of slow cooker beef stew in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker beef stew is rich and hearty, bringing amazing flavors to every bite without requiring much active prep time. This recipe is perfect for non-cooks wanting a super-simple yet comforting fall dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Curry Chicken with Onion

Curry Chicken with Onion inside golden pan.
Curry Chicken with Onion. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Chicken and caramelized onions cooked in a spicy curry sauce makes for a flavorful, warming fall dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s great for those who need an easy but tasty dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken with Onion

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Plate of butternut squash in front of an air fryer with a blue napkin in the background.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer butternut squash makes a savory roasted side dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes, great for fall dinners. It’s a healthy and simple way to add a flavorful veggie dish to your meal without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green chile chicken made with shredded chicken thighs is a quick, one-skillet fall dinner ready in just 20 minutes. This is an easy and hearty weeknight meal that anyone can pull off with minimal cooking skills.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Maple mustard chicken breasts with brussels sprouts, squash and cranberries.
Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Maple mustard chicken with Brussels sprouts and squash is an efficient fall dinner made on one sheet pan. It brings bold flavors together with minimal time and cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips on a white plate with white sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air fryer chicken breast strips are juicy and full of flavor, ready in only 20 minutes. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight fall dinner, providing a healthy, no-fuss option for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted chicken and sweet potatoes on one sheet pan make for an easy fall dinner with just 45 minutes of cooking time. It’s a simple option for weeknights, delivering a hearty meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner

A picture of ketchup over cheesy onion and ground beef skillet dinner.
Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Cheeseburger skillet dinner delivers all the flavors of a cheeseburger in one pan, without the bun. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy fall dinner option that brings comfort food to the table without much time or effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer Mongolian beef features tender pieces coated in a savory sauce, ready in just 20 minutes. This easy weeknight recipe is perfect for those craving takeout-style flavors with minimal prep, perfect for fall dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders

Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders on a black plate with dill.
Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air fryer ranch chicken tenders are crispy and kid-friendly, with very little prep needed. Ready in 20 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a quick fall dinner that keeps everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders

Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Baking tray with cooked steak, bell peppers, and veggies with a steel bowl of fresh tomatoes in the middle and flour tortillas folded to the side.
Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Sheet pan steak fajitas with lean beef, fresh veggies, and homemade spices come together in 20 minutes. It’s a convenient fall dinner option that requires minimal effort while still packing a punch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Sausage

A plate of sheet pan gnocchi and sausage.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Sausage. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted gnocchi and sausage is a quick sheet pan dinner ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a fall evening. This Italian-inspired dish simplifies dinner prep while delivering big flavors with little work.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Sausage

Creamy Butternut Squash Macaroni & Cheese

Creamy butternut squash macaroni and cheese in a bowl.
Creamy Butternut Squash Macaroni & Cheese. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Gluten-free butternut squash mac and cheese combines creamy, cheesy flavors with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It's an easy way to put a comforting fall dinner on the table without too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Macaroni & Cheese

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

A plate of air fryer chicken tenders with a dip.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air fryer chicken tenders offer a no-mess, crispy dinner ready in 20 minutes. Perfect for fall weeknights, they’re great for busy evenings when you need something simple, flavorful, and quick.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

A picture of cabbage stir fry in cast iron skillet.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Ground beef and cabbage stir-fry is a weeknight game changer, providing a hearty meal in under 20 minutes. Perfect for easy fall dinners, this recipe is a quick, flavorful option for those wanting something filling without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Fall Baking Recipes

An image of Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Try 25 easy fall baking recipes perfect for beginners—enjoy cozy classics and simple treats packed with seasonal flavors!
Read it Here: 25 Easy Fall Baking Recipes That Even Beginners Can Master

One-Pot Fall Dinners

Cabbage vegetable soup in a white pot.
Cabbage Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cozy up with 31 easy one-pot fall dinners—perfect for chilly nights with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
Read it Here: 31 One-Pot Fall Dinners That Will Warm You Up FasterThan Your Favorite Sweater

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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