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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    28 Simple Recipes for a Cozy Night In

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on April 23, 2025, updated April 23, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cozy nights in are perfect for enjoying simple, comforting meals that warm the heart. With 28 easy recipes, you can create a delightful evening filled with delicious dishes that are perfect for sharing or savoring alone. From hearty pastas to spicy quesadillas, these recipes will help you make the most of your time at home.

    Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

    Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This simple dinner can be ready in just 20 minutes with only 7 ingredients. It's vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan or add chicken for a more filling option.

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    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Cast iron skillet pork chops.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These Cast Iron Pork Chops are ready in just 25 minutes, making them a great choice for dinner. With garlic, mushrooms, and thyme, they're seared and simmered in red wine for juicy, flavorful meat.

    Get the recipe

    Pasta Aglio e Olio

    Pasta aglio e oglio.
    Photo credit: The Gourmet Bon Vivant.

    Garlic and oil pasta is a simple yet delicious twist on regular buttered noodles, making it a great choice for a quick and cozy meal. It's easy to whip up and brings a bit of flavor to your dinner table.

    Get the recipe

    Nduja Pasta

    Nduja Pasta.
    Photo credit: This Italian Kitchen.

    Nduja Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. This dish features spicy nduja salami from Italy, making it a delicious option when you need something satisfying in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Masala Mac and Cheese

    Masala Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    This dish combines the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the warm flavors of Indian spices. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for a cozy night in.

    Get the recipe

    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: A Sweet Alternative.

    This tahini sauce is simple to make and requires just a few basic ingredients, with tahini being the star. It's a great addition to many dishes and adds a creamy, nutty flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Shakshuka

    Dip being dipped in shakshuka.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish blends the tasty elements of Shakshuka and Menemen by stirring eggs into a rich tomato sauce topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for any time you need something warm and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic pasta sauce. With just a few simple ingredients from your pantry, you can whip up a rich and satisfying meal in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Burgers

    Quick and Easy Salmon Burger Recipe
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This salmon burger comes together in just 20 minutes and features tender roasted salmon mixed with fresh herbs and a splash of lemon. It's a delicious take on a classic that’s perfect for a quick meal.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Baked Ziti

    CREAMY BAKED ZITI.
    Photo credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This comforting casserole combines soft noodles, creamy sauce, and melted cheese for a classic Italian dish. It's a cozy meal that everyone in the family will love.

    Get the recipe

    Rotisserie Chicken Tacos

    Rotisserie chicken tacos.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    When you're short on time but want something comforting, these Rotisserie Chicken Tacos are a great choice for Taco Night. Just load up corn tortillas with shredded chicken, avocado spread, pickled onions, salsa, and cheese for a delicious meal.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole brings together the classic flavors of tacos with ground beef, salsa, and lots of cheese in a simple dish. It's great for a potluck or a quick dinner during the week.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is super easy to prepare with just four ingredients and some ready-made items. You can have it ready in 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

    Get the recipe

    Brie Grilled Cheese with Turkey

    Brie Grilled Cheese with Turkey
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie

    Turkey Brie Grilled Cheese is a delicious twist on the classic sandwich. It's filled with turkey, fresh greens, gooey Brie cheese, and a hint of mustard.

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    Salmon Stew

    A bowl of salmon stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Salmon Stew is a cozy dish that you can whip up in less than 30 minutes. With just a few basic ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Poached Egg Breakfast Bowls

    Breakfast bowl with egg.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Leftover boiled potatoes can be transformed into a delicious fried potato breakfast bowl in just 10 minutes. The runny yolk of the poached egg blends perfectly with the crispy potatoes and flavorful Feta cheese, making for a satisfying start to your day.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Baked Cheesy Chicken Pasta

    Creamy Baked Cheesy Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: A Taste of Madness.

    This creamy baked cheesy chicken pasta is super simple to prepare. With two kinds of cheese, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy for dinner.

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    Vegetable Ramen with Spicy Miso Broth

    Bowls with vegetable ramen.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Instant ramen can be easily upgraded with some veggies and spices to create a warm and satisfying meal. This is a simple way to enjoy a cozy dish without spending much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Spinach Lemon Orzo

    Spinach Lemon Orzo.
    Photo credit: Barley and Sage.

    This creamy spinach lemon orzo dish comes together in just 20 minutes and is both light and filling. With fresh spinach, lemon zest, and basil in a rich sauce, it’s a great choice for a quick dinner or side.

    Get the recipe

    Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

    A skillet of pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is full of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, offering a simple and tasty dinner choice. It's perfect for when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    30 Minute Instant Pot Chicken Chili

    30 Minute Instant Pot Chicken Chili
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Instant Pot Chicken Chili is a quick and easy dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, with only 5 minutes of prep. This creamy southwest chili stays warm in the pot, making it perfect for busy evenings with the family.

    Get the recipe

    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

    A bowl of fried spaghetti with green curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish mixes Thai curry with spaghetti for a delicious meal you'll want to enjoy often. It's a comforting option that's quick to prepare and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese for a delicious meal. It's perfect for a cozy dinner when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Curry

    Shrimp curry in a skillet.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This simple Shrimp Curry is perfect for anyone who loves flavorful and spicy meals. With Thai red curry paste and coconut milk, you can have a delicious dish ready in just 20 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Red Curry Fried Rice

    Fried rice with curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai Curry Fried Rice is a simple and tasty dish that you can make in just 15 minutes. It's filled with real Thai flavors like fish sauce, curry paste, cashews, lime, and cilantro, and you can spice it up with some Sriracha for an extra kick.

    Get the recipe

    Croque Madame Sandwich

    Croque Madame Sandwich
    Photo Credit: The Foreign Fork.

    This sandwich is perfect for any meal, whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The Croque Madame takes a simple ham and cheese sandwich to the next level with a rich bechamel sauce and a fried egg on top.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Chicken Pasta

    Lemon chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    In just 20 minutes, you can prepare a tasty creamy lemon chicken pasta that everyone will love. The spaghetti is perfectly cooked and tossed in a zesty lemon garlic Parmesan sauce, topped with tender sautéed chicken.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

    Buffalo chicken quesadillas.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines cheesy and spicy flavors, creating a satisfying meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight. It's a quick and delicious option that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Vibrant Summer Salads That Are Perfect for Dinner
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      28 Dump-And-Bake Recipes That Will Feed a Crowd
    • Lemongrass grilled chicken.
      Memorial Day BBQ: 24 Recipes That Will Make You the Grill Master
    • Feta stuffed chicken.
      19 Simple Sunday Night Dinners Your Whole Family Will Love

    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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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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