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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Cozy Fall Dinners You Can Make in Just 20 Minutes

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 3, 2025, updated September 24, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    These 18 cozy fall dinners are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. With just 20 minutes of prep and cooking time, you can enjoy warm, comforting meals that capture the essence of the season. From hearty soups to satisfying pasta dishes, these recipes will keep you cozy as the weather cools down.

    Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Salmon

    Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Salmon
    Photo Credit: Nourish Nutrition Blog.

    A quick and easy maple mustard salmon dish comes together with brussels sprouts on one baking sheet in just 20 minutes. You can easily swap the brussels sprouts for any other vegetables you have available. This meal is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick and easy version of carbonara can be made with everyday ingredients, plus some tortellini for a twist. This dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a cozy meal that brings warmth to your fall nights.

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    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Vodka Pasta is a flavorful dish that combines a bit of spice with a creamy sauce. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for chilly evenings. With its rich taste and satisfying texture, this pasta is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Mac and Cheese Pizza

    20 Minute Mac and Cheese Pizza
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    A tasty bacon mac and cheese pizza can be ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for a cozy fall dinner. This dish combines the comfort of mac and cheese with the fun of pizza, making it a great choice for family meals. It's a simple way to use up leftover mac and cheese while creating something everyone will enjoy.

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    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara adds some extra flavor, making it a great choice for a cozy fall dinner that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. It's perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something warm and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite during the fall season.

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    Curry Lentil Soup

    Curry Lentil Soup
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    In just 20 minutes, you can prepare a warm and comforting vegan curry lentil soup using everyday pantry staples like curry spices, garbanzo beans, coconut milk, and split red lentils. This soup is not only quick to make but also filled with healthy ingredients that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Easy Marry Me Chicken

    Easy 20 Minute Marry Me Chicken Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    This chicken dish is ready in just 20 minutes and is perfect for a cozy fall dinner or any evening when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. The chicken gets a nice golden brown color and is then covered with a creamy sauce that includes Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that brings warmth to your table.

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    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken
    Photo credit: Always use butter

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken is a quick and comforting meal that you can have ready in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce combines crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and a mix of dried herbs, creating a delicious dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe is simple and satisfying, making it a great choice for busy evenings.

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    Pesto Tortellini with Asparagus and Peas

    Pesto Tortellini with Asparagus and Peas
    Photo Credit: Mandi of the Mountains.

    This pasta dish is a simple and tasty option for dinner. It's packed with fresh, colorful vegetables and mixed with a creamy pesto sauce. Plus, you only need one pot to prepare it, making cleanup a breeze.

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    Parmesan Pork Chops

    Parmesan pork chop.
    Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

    These pork chops are covered in creamy parmesan cheese and zesty Italian pesto sauce, making them a comforting choice for a fall dinner. With just 20 minutes of cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a warm and satisfying meal that brings the flavors of the season to your table.

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    Pesto Salmon

    Pesto salmon on a serving platter.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A delicious Pesto Salmon can be ready in just 15 minutes. This dish combines Greek yogurt and pesto to create a simple yet flavorful meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying without needing a lot of ingredients.

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    Baked Ravioli Casserole

    Baked Ravioli Casserole.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    A baked ravioli casserole can be ready in just 20 minutes, making it a great choice for a cozy fall dinner. There's no need to boil the ravioli beforehand, which saves time on busy weeknights. You can also prepare it in advance and keep it in the fridge or freezer, so it's easy to have a warm meal ready when you need it.

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    Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Mushroom Sauce

    Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Mushroom Cream Sauce (Vegan)
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Gone Rogue.

    Vegan gnocchi with mushroom cream sauce is a warm and satisfying dinner perfect for fall. This dish is creamy and comforting, making it a great choice when you want something hearty. Plus, it comes together in just 20 minutes, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Sweet and Spicy Noodles

    20 Minute Sweet and Spicy Noodles
    Photo Credit: Served From Scratch.

    Sweet and Spicy Noodles offer a fast and flavorful dinner option that fits perfectly into a hectic week. With a mix of bold flavors and a satisfying texture, this dish comes together in no time. It's a great choice when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Creamy Lentil Soup

    Creamy Lentil Soup
    Photo Credit: Aline-Made.

    Creamy red lentil soup is a simple and tasty dish that's ideal for a quick and cozy fall dinner. It's full of protein and flavor, making it a great choice for a light meal when the weather gets cooler.

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    Beet Pasta

    Beet Pasta.
    Photo credit: Gluten Free Stories.

    This Beet Pasta Sauce is a great way to add some veggies to your pasta. It combines beets, creme fraiche, feta, onion, and garlic into a smooth and creamy sauce. It's perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta, making it a delicious and colorful meal.

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    Cacio e Pepe

    A fork with cacio e pepe.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    This Italian pasta dish is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a cozy fall evening. With just a few ingredients, you can have a warm and satisfying meal ready in no time. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Cheese Tortellini

    Cheese tortellini.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    A warm bowl of creamy, cheesy tortellini is perfect for a cozy fall dinner. This dish is quick to prepare and will please everyone at the table. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that brings comfort on chilly evenings.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      11 Delicious Ways to Use Applesauce in Your Cooking
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      28 Simple Fall Dinners You Might Not Have Tried Yet
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      24 Cheap Soup Recipes for Easy Meals

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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