As the air cools down and the sun starts to set earlier and earlier, sometimes a warm and cozy dinner is exactly what you need. We’ve compiled some of our most comforting dinner recipes that will get you excited for colder weather, with healthy twists and familiar flavors like our Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese or our Skillet Curry Chickpea Potpie. Lean into all the season has to offer, including these delicious dinners that everyone at your table will love.
Love any of these recipes? Join MyRecipes to save, search and organize your EatingWell recipes all in one place. It’s free!
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
This rich and creamy butternut squash mac and cheese has hints of roasted squash whirled into a cheesy sauce flavored with fresh sage for a delicious plant-based meal any day of the week. We call for pre-chopped butternut squash to keep prep at a minimum, but feel free to chop your own or experiment with another winter squash like honeynut or acorn squash in place of the butternut.
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
This Chicken Tortellini Soup will make over your weeknights. This hearty soup combines tender rotisserie chicken, pillowy tortellini and plenty of veggies for a comforting meal that’s quick, healthy and satisfying. We love the convenience of baby spinach and frozen peas, but any chopped green or another legume like no-salt-added white beans or shelled edamame would work well in place of the frozen peas if you prefer.
Caramelized Onion & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong
This caramelized onion and sun-dried tomato pasta uses the fuss-free method of making caramelized onions in the oven, which requires very little stirring or attention. The onions, combined with sun-dried tomatoes and a splash of heavy cream, will make this super-savory pasta a hit with vegetarians and omnivores alike. If you’re looking for a boost of protein, serve it with roasted chicken or white beans on top.
Chicken-Potpie Twice-Baked Potatoes
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Sally McKay, Prop Stylist Hannah Greenwood
These chicken-potpie twice-baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, combining the best of two classics into one delicious dish. Each bite offers the cozy flavors of chicken potpie nestled inside a perfectly baked potato for a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for when you need a little extra comfort on your plate.
Orange Chicken & Broccoli Skillet
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
This protein-packed orange chicken and broccoli skillet casserole is a vibrant dish that combines the sweet and zesty flavor of oranges with the savory richness of chicken thighs. Baked together with fresh, crisp broccoli and hearty brown rice, it’s a complete meal that’s both nutritious and easy to clean up.
French Onion Cabbage Soup
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood, Food Stylist: Sally McKay
This French onion cabbage soup is a creative twist on the classic, bringing a new level of comfort to this warming soup. This version swaps out some of the onion for caramelized cabbage. The savory broth, infused with sweet onions and topped with cheesy croutons, remains just as satisfying, but with a veggie-packed twist.
Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Skillet
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
This creamy spinach-and-artichoke chicken skillet serves up the classic combo often reserved for dips, elevating it to main-dish status with the addition of quick-cooking chicken cutlets. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together quickly, perfect for those busy nights when you crave something comforting yet sophisticated without spending hours in the kitchen. We prefer tender canned artichokes here, but be sure to give them a good rinse to wash away some of the sodium. Add some crushed red pepper to give this dish a little kick.
Skillet Spinach, Mushroom & Wild Rice Casserole
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
This wild rice and mushroom casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty, wholesome ingredients with rich, savory flavors all in one skillet. The earthiness of the wild rice pairs beautifully with the meaty mushrooms, while fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients. It’s the perfect balance of texture and taste—a cozy, one-pan meal that’s easy to make, which makes it even more comforting on those busy days!
Cheesy Twice-Baked Butternut Squash
Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser
These stuffed roasted butternut squash halves get the same treatment as a twice-baked potato, with a garlicky creamed spinach mixture blended together with the roasted squash. The mixture is scooped back into the skin, then broiled to melt the nutty Gruyère cheese on top. This sweet and savory dish is simple enough for a weeknight or makes an excellent vegetarian main course for your holiday table.
Skillet Curry Chickpea Potpie
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower
Treat yourself to this chickpea potpie, featuring 10 grams of fiber enveloped in a fragrant blend of spices and a creamy coconut milk-based sauce. We streamline the prep by cooking everything in one skillet and topping it with a shingled layer of puff pastry, eliminating the need for a bottom crust. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dinner in just about an hour.
Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Skillet
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
This cheesy, saucy baked gnocchi is a quick and comforting meal, making it a favorite for weeknight family dinners. Baby spinach is the natural choice for fast dinners as it’s ready right out of the package, but feel free to swap it out for another chopped green like kale or Swiss chard.
Marry Me Butternut Squash Steaks
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower
Savor this plant-based take on Marry Me Chicken, featuring butternut squash steaks in place of chicken, all nestled in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Choose butternut squash with a long neck for the steaks, and use the leftover bulb and trimmings for roasting or making soup. Serve this comforting dinner with a side of sautéed greens and crusty whole-grain bread for sopping up the sauce.