11 Autumn Dinners Ready In 20 Minutes

quick autumn dinner ideas

Pumpkin Spice Butternut Squash Soup

cozy pumpkin spice soup

Pumpkin Spice Butternut Squash Soup is a cozy and flavorful dish that captures the essence of autumn in every spoonful. This creamy soup is not only quick to prepare but also rich in vitamins and nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome dinner. With the warm and inviting flavors of pumpkin spice, it’s sure to be a hit at your table.

Ingredients Quantity
Butternut squash (peeled and cubed) 4 cups
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Coconut milk (canned) 1 cup
Pumpkin spice 1 teaspoon
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish) Optional

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft.
  2. Add the cubed butternut squash and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
  3. Stir in the coconut milk and pumpkin spice, and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
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Harvest Grain Salad With Pomegranate

vibrant autumn grain salad

Harvest Grain Salad with Pomegranate is a vibrant and invigorating dish that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of autumn. Packed with hearty grains, crisp vegetables, and the sweetness of pomegranate seeds, this salad is not only quick to make but also a nutritious option that is ideal for a light dinner or a colorful side dish.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked quinoa 2 cups
Cooked farro 1 cup
Pomegranate seeds 1 cup
Spinach leaves (fresh) 3 cups
Diced cucumber 1 medium
Chopped carrots 1 cup
Feta cheese (crumbled) 1/2 cup
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Chopped fresh mint (optional) 2 tablespoons

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and farro.
  2. Add the fresh spinach, diced cucumber, chopped carrots, pomegranate seeds, and crumbled feta cheese.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  5. Garnish with chopped fresh mint if desired, then serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
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One-Pan Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

one pan chicken and brussels sprouts

One-Pan Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is a simple yet satisfying autumn dish that brings together the savory flavors of tender chicken and roasted Brussels sprouts, all cooked on a single sheet pan for minimal cleanup. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights and can be ready in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick and wholesome dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) 4 breasts
Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved) 1 pound
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Optional: Lemon wedges For serving

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. On a large baking sheet, toss the Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the chicken breasts on the same baking sheet, drizzle with the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly caramelized.
  5. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
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Quick Vegetarian Chili

quick nutritious vegetarian chili

Quick Vegetarian Chili is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines a variety of beans, vegetables, and spices to create a warm, flavorful meal perfect for autumn evenings. This chili is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome dinner that can be ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients Quantity
Canned kidney beans 1 can (15 oz)
Canned black beans 1 can (15 oz)
Canned diced tomatoes 1 can (15 oz)
Bell pepper (diced) 1 medium
Onion (diced) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Vegetable broth 1 cup
Chili powder 2 tablespoons
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Optional: Fresh cilantro For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
  2. Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the canned kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
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Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese

apple cheddar grilled cheese

Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese is a delectable twist on the classic comfort food, combining the sharpness of aged cheddar cheese with the sweetness of fresh apples. This quick and easy sandwich is perfect for chilly autumn evenings and can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Sourdough bread 4 slices
Aged cheddar cheese 8 oz, sliced
Apple (thinly sliced) 1 medium
Butter 2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon
Optional: Fresh arugula For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Spread butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
  3. On the non-buttered side, spread Dijon mustard, then layer with cheddar cheese and apple slices.
  4. Place another slice of bread on top, buttered side out.
  5. Grill the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
  6. Serve warm, optionally topped with fresh arugula.
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Spiced Lentil and Spinach Stew

nutritious lentil spinach stew

Spiced Lentil and Spinach Stew is a hearty and nutritious dish that celebrates the flavors of autumn. Packed with protein-rich lentils and fresh spinach, this stew is seasoned with warming spices that create a comforting bowl of goodness. It’s an ideal quick dinner option that can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

Ingredients Quantity
Green or brown lentils 1 cup, rinsed
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Fresh spinach 2 cups
Onion 1 medium, chopped
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Carrot 1 medium, diced
Celery 1 stalk, diced
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Ground coriander 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
  2. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until lentils are tender.
  3. Stir in the fresh spinach and lemon juice, cooking until the spinach is wilted.
  4. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve warm.
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Sage-Infused Pasta With Autumn Veggies

sage infused autumn vegetable pasta

Sage-Infused Pasta With Autumn Veggies is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of fall. Featuring seasonal vegetables and aromatic sage, this pasta can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying dinner option. Perfect for weeknights, it’s both delicious and comforting.

Ingredients Quantity
Pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli) 8 ounces
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Fresh sage leaves 1/4 cup, chopped
Butternut squash 1 cup, diced
Brussels sprouts 2 cups, halved
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Vegetable broth 1 cup
Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup, grated
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Crushed red pepper flakes Optional, for garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped sage and garlic, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth, then add cooked pasta, tossing everything together. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
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Savory Sweet Potato Tacos

savory sweet potato tacos

Savory Sweet Potato Tacos are a delightful and wholesome dish that brings together the sweet and earthy flavors of roasted sweet potatoes and spices, all wrapped up in warm tortillas. This quick recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, while still being satisfying and full of autumn flavors.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potatoes 2 medium
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Corn tortillas 8 small
Avocado 1, sliced
Fresh cilantro 1/4 cup, chopped
Lime 1, cut into wedges

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes.
  2. Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes until tender.
  4. Heat corn tortillas in a skillet over medium heat until warm.
  5. Fill each tortilla with roasted sweet potatoes, top with avocado slices and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
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Maple-Glazed Salmon With Broccoli

maple glazed salmon and broccoli

Maple-Glazed Salmon with Broccoli is a quick and flavorful autumn dish that combines the rich, savory taste of salmon with the sweetness of maple syrup, all complemented by tender, sautéed broccoli. This recipe can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a healthy weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on deliciousness.

Ingredients Quantity
Salmon fillets 2 (6 oz each)
Maple syrup 2 tablespoons
Soy sauce 1 tablespoon
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Broccoli florets 2 cups
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Sesame seeds 1 tablespoon (optional)

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds.
  3. Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, place the salmon fillets skin-side down, then pour the maple syrup mixture over them. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until salmon is cooked through.
  5. Serve the salmon with sautéed broccoli on the side, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
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Creamy Mushroom Risotto

creamy mushroom risotto recipe

Creamy Mushroom Risotto is a rich and comforting autumn dish that brings together the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the creamy texture of Arborio rice. This velvety risotto can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner that captures the essence of fall.

Ingredients Quantity
Arborio rice 1 cup
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Mushrooms (sliced) 2 cups
Onion (finely chopped) 1 small
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Parmesan cheese (grated) 1/2 cup
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Fresh parsley (chopped) 2 tablespoons

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a saucepan, heat vegetable broth over low heat to keep warm.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
  3. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they release moisture and become tender.
  4. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until the grains are coated with oil.
  5. Gradually add warmed vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently until absorbed; continue this process for about 15 minutes or until rice is creamy and al dente.
  6. Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

15-Minute Pear and Walnut Salad

pear walnut autumn salad

Minute Pear and Walnut Salad is a revitalizing and light dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, making it a great accompaniment to your autumn dinners. Quick to assemble in just 20 minutes, this salad features juicy pears, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty dressing, providing a delightful contrast to heartier fall meals.

Ingredients Quantity
Fresh pears (sliced) 2 medium
Walnuts (chopped) 1/2 cup
Mixed greens (arugula or spinach) 4 cups
Goat cheese (crumbled) 1/2 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon
Honey 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced pears, and chopped walnuts.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  4. Top with crumbled goat cheese and serve immediately.

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Hi! I’m Emily. I’m a cozy‑kitchen tinkerer turning everyday ingredients into crave‑worthy plates—quick sizzles, bright flavors, and zero fuss, always with a smile. Playlist on, whisk in hand, I chase comfort that tastes a little sparkly and a lot homemade—playful, practical, and unapologetically delicious.