13 September Dinners That Say ‘Summer’s Over, Let’s Get Cozy'

As soon as September rolls around, everyone seems to swap out their iced coffee for a pumpkin-spiced version and start talking about “cozy” dinners like it’s a mandatory fall ritual. Well, if you’re tired of hearing about soups and stews, we’ve got a few recipes that still bring the seasonal vibes without making you feel like you’ve already skipped to winter. They’re the perfect meals to ease into sweater weather with.

Grilled chicken pieces with a charred exterior on a tray, garnished with fresh herbs and served alongside a small jar of sauce. — Apple butter roasted chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

A bowl of pasta with spinach in it. — Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pumpkin garlic pasta is the ultimate comfort dish for fall, with a creamy texture and a subtle hint of seasonal spices. It’s the kind of meal that welcomes cooler evenings with open arms.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks

Braised apple cider lamb shanks on a plate with thyme and rosemary. — Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These tender, apple cider braised lamb shanks practically fall off the bone, bringing a cozy mix of caramelized edges, sweet apple, and onion slices. With both stovetop and oven methods, this meal is a perfect choice for embracing the season.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks

Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole

Mexican casserole in a casserole dish with a wooden spoon. — Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy and cheesy with a touch of spice, this pumpkin tortilla casserole is a crowd-pleaser that feels right at home on any fall dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole

Creamy Pumpkin Barley with Sausage

A bowl of risotto with chicken and sage. — Pumpkin Barley. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Hearty and comforting, this creamy pumpkin barley dish with sausage is a quick, fuss-free option for a filling fall meal. It’s a bit like risotto but easier and with more bite from the barley.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Barley with Sausage

Stuffed Red Kuri Squash

Two plates with roasted squash and black beans on them. — Stuffed Red Kuri Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Red kuri squash, roasted to caramelized perfection, becomes the base for a sausage, mushroom, and apple filling that brings together all the rich flavors of fall in a single bite.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Red Kuri Squash

Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells in a white dish with a spoon. — Pumpkin Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These pumpkin stuffed shells are loaded with the warming spices of sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making them the ultimate choice when you’re in the mood for fall comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Maple mustard chicken with brussels sprouts and cranberries. — Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Maple mustard chicken breasts, Brussels sprouts, squash, and cranberries come together on one pan for an easy dinner that’s perfect for September nights when you’re craving a bit of fall flavor without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash stuffed with spinach and cheese. — Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This twice-baked spaghetti squash is filled with spinach, artichokes, tomatoes, and cheese, creating a lighter option that works as both a side dish or a meatless main.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

Stuffed Honeynut Squash

Honeynut squash, small but full of flavor, are perfect for roasting and stuffing with a quick, fall-inspired filling for a simple yet satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Honeynut Squash

Glazed Pork Chops and Apples

Pork chops with apple sauce on a plate. — Glazed Pumpkin Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These pork chops, glazed with sweet pumpkin tea, are paired with apple slices poached in the same tea for a fall meal that’s big on seasonal flavor and a great way to ease into cooler weather.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Pork Chops and Apples

Stuffed Delicata Squash

Stuffed squash boats with cranberries and meat on a baking sheet. — Stuffed Delicata Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Delicata squash is roasted to bring out its natural sweetness before being stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, cranberries, apples, leeks, and fennel—an easy and seasonal dish.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Delicata Squash

Stuffed Cornish Hens

A roasted whole chicken garnished with herbs and served with red potatoes on a blue and white plate, accompanied by a carving knife and fork. — Stuffed Cornish Hens. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These cornish hens, stuffed with cranberries and apples, are roasted over red potatoes for a simple yet elegant fall dinner that feels just right for cozy September evenings.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cornish Hens

Apple Butter Roasted Chicken

Apple butter brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory to this roasted chicken, making it an ideal choice for a Sunday dinner with its crispy skin and tender, juicy meat.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Roasted Chicken

Gina Matsoukas

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

13 September Dinners That Say ‘Summer’s Over, Let’s Get Cozy’