11 5-Ingredient Dinners for Quick Fall Nights

quick fall dinners recipe

Pumpkin and Sage Risotto

creamy pumpkin sage risotto

Pumpkin and Sage Risotto is a creamy, comforting dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall with its rich flavors and vibrant colors. This risotto combines the earthiness of pumpkin with the aromatic qualities of sage, creating a delightful meal that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients Quantity
Arborio rice 1 cup
Pumpkin puree 1 cup
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Fresh sage leaves 10-12 leaves
Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup, grated

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and keep it warm over low heat.
  2. In a separate large skillet, add a splash of the broth along with the Arborio rice and toast for 1-2 minutes until slightly translucent.
  3. Gradually add the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently, until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes creamy.
  4. Stir in the pumpkin puree and chopped sage leaves, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!
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One-Pan Sausage and Brussels Sprouts

one pan sausage and brussels sprouts

One-Pan Sausage and Brussels Sprouts is a hearty and flavorful dish that showcases the best of fall produce. This easy-to-make meal combines savory sausage with crisp Brussels sprouts, all roasted together for a deliciously satisfying dinner in just one pan. Perfect for those busy weeknights, it delivers on taste and convenience.

Ingredients Quantity
Sausage (Italian or Chicken) 1 pound
Brussels sprouts 1 pound
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Garlic cloves 3, minced
Salt and pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, then place them on a large baking sheet.
  3. Add the sausage (sliced into pieces) and minced garlic to the baking sheet.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper, tossing everything to combine.
  5. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the sausage is cooked through and the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized. Serve warm and enjoy!
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Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese

apple cheddar grilled cheese

Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food that combines the sweetness of apples with the sharpness of cheddar cheese, all grilled to perfection. This quick and satisfying sandwich is ideal for a cozy fall evening when you crave something warm and delicious yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients Quantity
Bread (sourdough or whole grain) 4 slices
Cheddar cheese 6 ounces, sliced
Apple (preferably Granny Smith) 1 medium, thinly sliced
Butter 2 tablespoons
Honey (optional) 1 tablespoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
  2. Place 2 slices of bread in the skillet, and layer cheddar cheese and apple slices on top.
  3. Add the remaining slices of bread on top to create two sandwiches, pressing down lightly.
  4. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the bread is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side, adding remaining butter as needed.
  5. Once both sides are golden and cheesy, remove from heat, drizzle with honey if desired, slice, and serve warm. Enjoy your deliciously unique grilled cheese!
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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

creamy tomato basil soup

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting and luscious dish perfect for cool fall evenings. This easy-to-make soup combines the rich flavors of tomatoes with fresh basil, creating a warm and satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread. With just five ingredients, this recipe allows for a quick preparation without compromising on taste.

Ingredients Quantity
Canned crushed tomatoes 28 ounces
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Heavy cream 1 cup
Fresh basil 1/2 cup, chopped
Salt and pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large pot, combine canned crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  3. Add heavy cream and season with salt and pepper, stirring until heated through.
  4. Use an immersion blender for a smooth texture, or leave it chunky based on your preference.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired. Enjoy!
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Maple Glazed Carrots and Chicken

maple glazed chicken and carrots

Maple Glazed Carrots and Chicken is a delightful autumn dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, making it an excellent choice for quick weeknight dinners. The caramelized carrots provide a rich sweetness that perfectly complements the succulent chicken, all while being simple to prepare with just five ingredients. This recipe captures the essence of fall and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken thighs 4 (boneless, skinless)
Carrots 4 cups (sliced)
Maple syrup 1/4 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced carrots, olive oil, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
  3. Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet and brush with maple syrup, then season with salt and pepper.
  4. Scatter the carrots around the chicken on the baking sheet.
  5. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the carrots are tender, basting with remaining maple syrup halfway through.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet and savory goodness!
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Spinach and Feta Stuffed Pasta

spinach feta stuffed shells

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Pasta is a delightful and hearty dish that’s perfect for quick fall dinners. This recipe combines al dente pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of spinach and creamy feta cheese, offering a comforting yet nutritious meal that can be prepared in no time. With just five ingredients, you’ll have a tasty dinner ready to serve the whole family.

Ingredients Quantity
Jumbo pasta shells 12 (uncooked)
Fresh spinach 4 cups (chopped)
Feta cheese 1 cup (crumbled)
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Marinara sauce 2 cups

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add the chopped spinach, and sauté until wilted.
  4. In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach with feta cheese until well combined.
  5. Stuff each pasta shell with the spinach and feta mixture and place them in a baking dish.
  6. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and bake for 25-30 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy the flavorful combination!
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Butternut Squash Quesadillas

butternut squash quesadillas recipe

Butternut Squash Quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying meal that perfectly capture the essence of fall. This dish combines roasted butternut squash with creamy cheese and spices, all tucked inside crispy tortillas, making it a wonderful option for a quick and healthy dinner. With just five ingredients, you’ll have a delightful meal on the table in no time.

Ingredients Quantity
Butternut squash 2 cups (peeled and cubed)
Shredded cheese 1 cup
Flour tortillas 4
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Cumin 1 teaspoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil and cumin. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
  2. In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat and place a tortilla in the pan.
  3. Spread roasted butternut squash and shredded cheese over half of the tortilla.
  4. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  5. Slice into wedges and serve warm. Enjoy!
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Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

quick honey garlic shrimp

Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli is a quick and flavorful dinner option that brings a taste of the sea and the crunch of fresh vegetables together in a sweet and savory sauce. This dish is perfect for busy fall nights when you want a nutritious meal on the table in no time. With just five simple ingredients, you’ll have a delightful feast ready in a matter of minutes.

Ingredients Quantity
Shrimp (peeled and deveined) 1 pound
Broccoli florets 2 cups
Honey 1/4 cup
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Soy sauce 2 tablespoons

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
  2. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  3. Stir in honey and soy sauce, mixing well to coat the shrimp.
  4. Add broccoli florets and a splash of water, cover, and steam for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
  5. Serve warm over rice or noodles, if desired. Enjoy!
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Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

quick beef vegetable stir fry

Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that combines tender strips of beef with a colorful array of fresh vegetables. This dish is perfect for fall nights, requiring just five ingredients and minimal cooking time while still delivering a hearty and nutritious meal.

Ingredients Quantity
Beef (sirloin or flank steak, sliced) 1 pound
Bell peppers (sliced) 2 cups
Broccoli florets 1 cup
Soy sauce 1/4 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons

Cooking Steps:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Toss in the bell peppers and broccoli, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Stir in the soy sauce, ensuring everything is well coated, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  5. Serve hot over rice or noodles if desired, and enjoy your flavorful stir-fry!
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Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

nutritious vegetarian taco recipe

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos are a vibrant and filling option for busy fall nights. These delicious tacos are not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients from sweet potatoes and black beans, making them a satisfying vegetarian meal that can be whipped up in no time.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potatoes (peeled and diced) 2 medium
Black beans (canned, drained and rinsed) 1 can (15 oz)
Corn tortillas 8 small
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Fresh cilantro (chopped) 1/4 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with cumin, salt, and pepper, and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
  2. In a bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes with black beans.
  3. Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
  4. Assemble the tacos by filling each tortilla with the sweet potato and black bean mixture, and top with fresh cilantro.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and healthy tacos!

Mushroom and Barley Soup

hearty mushroom barley soup

Mushroom and Barley Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for quick fall nights. Packed with earthy mushrooms and wholesome barley, this soup is not only easy to make but also provides a satisfying meal that warms you up on cooler evenings. With just five simple ingredients, you can have a nutritious and flavorful soup ready in no time.

Ingredients Quantity
Mushrooms (sliced) 2 cups
Pearl barley 1 cup
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Fresh parsley (chopped) 1/4 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large pot, sauté the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms over medium heat until the mushrooms are softened.
  2. Add the pearl barley and vegetable broth to the pot, then bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
  4. Stir in the fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy your nourishing mushroom and barley soup!

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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.