Crisp autumn days are meant for making some seriously good comfort food and there are so many ways to make that happen with fall's hearty produce. Pumpkin pastas, butternut squash soups, and hearty seasonal dishes will warm you up from the inside out all while filling you up on a chilly night. Indulge in everything from Thai peanut chicken pumpkin curry to a healthy mushroom alfredo pasta bake — both of which will have you running back for more. Whether you need a quick dinner to warm you up or you're looking to spend more time in the kitchen with your favorite fall foods, these recipes are just what you're looking for. Keep reading to see the best autumnal recipes and consider this your ultimate guide to fall dinner ideas that you'll want to make all season long. Enjoy!
Take the classic carbonara up a notch by adding a helping of veggies and a dash of sage to give this dish a touch of coziness. It's a simple tweak that makes this meal one to remember.
Complete with pumpkin, pomegranates, and naan, this seasonal curry will be a hit all season long. Sweet pumpkin and hearty peanut chicken work together to bring out all the best flavors in no time.
This fall feast can be made in less than 30 minutes, and combines all the best flavors of the season. Chicken, apple cider, and caramelized veggies turn this dish into an instant classic.
Who knew a pasta bake could be healthy? This recipe uses pan-roasted mushrooms, whole wheat penne pasta, cauliflowers, and Gruyere cheese to make dinner a treat for your taste buds.
Give the traditional quesadilla a fall-themed twist when you cook up this tasty recipe. Just pair the squash, cheese, and cilantro with the chipotle lime crema, and get ready to taste the best quesadilla of all.
Rich, indulgent, and so worth it, this rigatoni is almost too good to be true. With brown butter, sage, and a cheesy topping, this pasta dish will be your new favorite in no time.
Make pumpkin seeds the star of the show when you whip up these drool-worthy bowls. Made with vegan pesto, basil, and arugula, this recipe combines all the best flavors of the season.
Whether you're making this dish for a loved one or just for yourself, this elegant recipe is sure to impress. Pair with a glass of white wine (or two) for a truly spectacular meal.
This butternut squash alfredo is the fall comfort meal you've been looking for. It's doused in creamy alfredo sauce and topped with satisfying parmesan cheese, and you'll be craving this every night of the week.
With a healthier twist on the classic Italian dish, this baked ziti is practically overflowing with saucy tomatoes, creamy ricotta, rich mozzarella, and sweet Italian sausage.
This recipe is the perfect mix of spicy and cheesy, a flavorful combination you're bound to fall in love with. With roasted garlic, caramelized onions, baked pumpkin, and a creamy jalapeño crema, this recipe is well worth the time it takes to make.
Craving carbonara? You can't go wrong with this butternut squash edition. It has all your favorite flavors of the classic dish, but they're mixed with an autumnal flair that'll make you wish it was fall all year long.
Forget pumpkin soup — this smoky pumpkin bisque is the dish you should be making on cold fall nights. Topped with bacon, chives, and crispy grilled cheese croutons, everyone is going to ask for more.
Vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb, this baked squash recipe is a fan favorite for a reason. Your taste buds will be exposed to a zesty Mexican mushroom salsa, red onions, cilantro, and sweet spaghetti squash.
Looking for the perfect fall comfort food? Look no further. These butternut squash noodles are paired with rich ricotta cheese and a garlicky kick that will make your mouth water.
Mac and cheese, but make it fall. This stovetop recipe will make you thankful that pumpkins are in season again. Pair it with a side of eyeball-shaped meatballs to give it a Halloween spin.
If you're looking to shake up the fall dinner menu, this pumpkin ramen is calling your name. It's spicy, zesty, and jam-packed with all the best flavors.
This dish is the fall gnocchi recipe you've been waiting for. With a simple sauce made of butter, sage, and garlic, the crispy gnocchi and creamy pumpkin are the real stars.
Indulge in the ultimate fall comfort food with this supercheesy bake. It's stuffed with mozzarella, Swiss, Parmesan, provolone, and cream cheese. Need we say more?
This easy pot pie recipe features a buttery crust, warm chicken, hearty veggies, and all the best flavors. Serve it on a night when you're craving the ultimate comfort food.
Made with pumpkin puree, broth, and a dash of heavy cream, this seasonal soup will become a fall favorite fast. And the grilled cheese croutons make it that much better.
It's time to forget about the canned chicken soup and make your own. Besides tasting better, it's also easier to do than you'd think. With a variety of herbs cooked low and slow in chicken broth, the soup itself is already delicious. By adding pumpkin, kale, pasta, and even cheese, you're going to wonder why you didn't make it sooner.
If you're hungry, whip up this easy Thai soup. It takes less than 30 minutes to make, and is vegan and gluten-free. Top it off with your favorite seeds and a dash of cilantro.
If you want to elevate your dinner game, whip up this creamy pumpkin spaghetti with garlic kale. It's colorful, tasty, and rich, and will give you the pumpkin fix you were looking for.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Chili is a classic fall food staple, but adding pumpkin to it will make it that much better. The sweet pumpkin mixed with the hearty meat will have you begging for more.
Healthy, hearty, and full of flavor, these barbecue boats are stuffed with chicken, cheese, bell peppers, and more. Top them off with as much barbecue sauce as you can handle!
We all know linguine is good, but have you had butternut squash linguine? Rich, flavorful, and bursting with good-for-you antioxidants, you'll crave this creamy dish every night of the week.
Looking for a healthy (and equally delicious!) chili? This recipe was made for you. Toss together beans, veggies, and spices to make this hearty dish in no time.
Step up your salad game with the help of this zesty recipe. You can expect to taste sweet butternut squash, roasted pumpkin seeds, shredded brussels sprouts, and tangy pomegranates when you bite into this elevated dish.
Forget fruit, this veggie-based pie takes first place. It's made with fresh tomatoes, zucchini, basil, and rich goat cheese, so you'll want to grab two slices instead of one.
It's a classic fall dish, so you can't go wrong with butternut squash soup. It's rich, sweet, creamy, and packed with all the seasonal flavors you could dream of. Top it off with crumbled cheese or tasty breadcrumbs.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Craving chili but trying to keep up with your vegan lifestyle? Then this recipe is for you! This chili is still as tasty normal chili, but it's made with all-vegan ingredients (and pumpkin!).
Fill your stomach with pure bliss when you whip up these quinoa-stuffed acorn squashes. Each half of the squash is stuffed with a quinoa and mushroom mixture, topped with cheese, then baked to perfection.
If you thought regular lasagna was good, you haven't seen anything yet. This butternut squash recipe is perfect for a cozy night in. Just add apple cider!
Step up your dinner game with this spicy Southwest pumpkin soup recipe. It's vegan and gluten-free, and not to mention, it's super hearty. Feel free to kick up the spice level if you want to make it zestier.
Give salad a whole new meaning when you try this kale-based dish. With chipotle roasted chickpeas and butternut squash chunks, you'll be satisfied for hours. Top if off with pumpkin seeds, and lunch is served.
Who knew pumpkins and scallops were such a great match? Made with spaghetti squash, this healthy and low-carb recipe has a distinct Asian flair that'll make dinner interesting again. You can also add little black eyeballs to the scallops by cutting up small olives. Spooky, right?
Make lasagna even better by pairing it with sausage, squash, and fresh herbs. This recipe can be made in one skillet, meaning cleanup is easy! Pair this meal with a side of warm garlic bread for best results.
Put a healthier spin on stroganoff with this recipe that your taste buds will be requesting all season long. And the best part is, the entire recipe cooks in a single pan (including the pasta!) and can be ready in 25 minutes flat.
Chili is one of those magical foods that you can make year round — just give it an autumnal twist with pumpkin puree (if you're feeling wild, try adding chunks of whole pumpkin). Perfect for colder nights, this dish is the definition of fall comfort food.
This sweet sesame basil chicken noodle recipe is way better — and healthier — than takeout! And the best part is, it only takes 20 minutes to make!
Creamy, hearty, and comforting are just a few ways to describe this Southern casserole. It's topped with crispy cornbread crumbs, so you'll be scraping the bottom of your bowl for more.
You've had butternut squash and you've had curry before, but have you had them together? This recipe gives you the best of both worlds by combining rich spices with warm butternut squash, coconut milk, and lime juice. It's like nothing you've ever tasted before.