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Home » Recipe Collections

You’ll Want to Cancel Plans for These 21 Cozy Nights In

Published: Jun 13, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Cozy nights in just hit different, especially when there's something great cooking. These are the kinds of recipes that make you want to text your friends and cancel plans without a second thought. They’re easy to throw together, big on comfort, and perfect for stretching out on the couch while dinner does its thing. When it’s cold out or you’re just over people, this is exactly what you want.

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side.

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

An overhead image of baked cauliflower with cheese with a serving missing at the bottom.
Baked Cauliflower with Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baked cauliflower cheese, made with a creamy Mornay sauce, comes out rich and crisp around the edges. It’s a great comfort dish to make when staying in sounds better than going out.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

An image of a white plate with a serving of cheesy green bean casserole with a fork on the side, and the casserole behind it.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This cheesy green bean casserole has a golden topping and comes together fast. It’s a strong pick when you want something quick and cozy with barely any prep.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Squash Casserole with Stuffing

An image of Squash Casserole in a baking dish.
Squash Casserole with Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Squash casserole with hatch chiles, stuffing, and mushroom soup hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of side that makes staying in feel like the better plan.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side.
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli cheese casserole takes just three ingredients and 30 minutes to pull together. It’s the kind of simple comfort that makes staying in the easy choice.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Instant Pot Jollof

A close-up of a pot with cooked jollof rice with a person's hand holding a red spatula.
Instant Pot Jollof. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Nigerian Jollof Rice, packed with tomatoes and peppers, is full of flavor and easy to make. It’s a no-fuss meal perfect for laid-back nights at home.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jollof

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

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

Rigatoni arrabbiata comes together fast with tomatoes, garlic, and a little heat. It’s a great meat-free dinner when you want something bold but still comforting.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Vegan Bolognese

An image of bolognese in a bowl with basil on top.
Vegan Bolognese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lentil and mushroom bolognese in tomato sauce is hearty without the meat. It’s a great go-to for nights when you’re skipping plans and sticking to the couch.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Bolognese

Eggplant Casserole

An eggplant casserole in a baking dish, accompanied by a wooden spoon.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Eggplant casserole, layered with vegetables and cheese, bakes into something rich and filling. It’s perfect for when you want to stay in and still eat well.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Vegetable Korma

An overhead image of vegetable korma in a bowl, garnished with cilantro and with a spoon on the side.
Vegetable Korma. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan vegetable korma with potatoes and peas is creamy and quick to make. It’s a comforting, no-stress option for nights spent at home.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Korma

Aloo Gobi Masala

An overhead image of aloo gobi in a white plate.
Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted aloo gobi takes less than 15 minutes to prep and works well any day of the week. It’s a simple, filling dish that makes staying in feel like the right move.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Fried Avocado Tacos

An overhead view of three fried avocado tacos on parchment paper surrounded by garnishes.
Fried Avocado Tacos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fried avocado tacos with refried beans and poblano sauce bring bold flavor and crunch. They’re a solid pick for cozy nights when you want something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Fried Avocado Tacos

Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms

Top view of bowl of spring pasta with peas and oyster mushrooms with garnishes on the side.
Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spring pasta with pea shoot pesto and roasted mushrooms is ready in half an hour. It’s a lighter dish that still works when you’re staying in but want something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms

Nigerian Fried Rice

An overhead image of Nigerian fried rice in a serving bowl.
Nigerian Fried Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Nigerian fried rice with long-grain rice and vegetables is done in just 15 minutes. It’s quick, filling, and great for easy nights at home.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice

Paccheri al Forno

An overhead image of paccheri al forno in a pyrex glass dish.
Paccheri al Forno. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Paccheri al Forno is a baked pasta dish from Southern Italy that’s rich and hearty. It’s a great pick when you want to skip plans and lean into comfort.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri al Forno

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

An overhead image of broccoli pesto pasta served in a plate.
Broccoli Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli pesto pasta with roasted vegetables and whipped ricotta comes together in 30 minutes. It’s an easy win for a stay-in dinner that still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

An overhead image of sun dried tomato pasta in a rectangular dish.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sun-dried tomato pasta with ricotta and parmesan cooks in one pot and takes just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for staying in without making a mess of the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Vegan Fajitas

A vegan fajita on a plate.
Vegan Fajitas. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Vegan fajita wraps with sautéed vegetables and dairy-free yogurt are bold and filling. They’re a quick fix for nights when going out feels like too much work.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Fajitas

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

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

Homemade Margherita pizza with fresh toppings is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s great for a low-key night when you want comfort without calling for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Overhead image of a plate of creamy Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Broccoli cheddar mac and cheese comes together fast with a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a no-fuss comfort meal that’s hard to beat when you’re staying in.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Greek Vegetarian Moussaka

Greek Vegetarian Moussaka. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Vegetarian moussaka with roasted vegetables and lentil tomato sauce bakes into a rich main dish. It’s great for nights in that call for something a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Moussaka

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Close-up of slow-cooker vegetarian chili.
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Slow cooker vegetarian chili takes minimal effort and simmers into something hearty. It’s a one-pot meal made for lazy nights and quiet plans.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

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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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