5 Fall Dinners That Are Super Quick and Easy

And they taste great, too.

By
Micah Siva, RD
Micah Siva
Micah Siva, RD
Micah Siva is a trained chef, registered dietitian, recipe writer, and food photographer, specializing in modern Jewish cuisine. She runs Nosh with Micah, her personal blog.
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Published October 06, 2025
Micah Siva
Plate of noodles garnished with green onions and a lime wedge fork resting on the plate

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Finally! The back-to-school rush feels manageable, just in time for thinking about Halloween costumes, Thanksgiving dinner, and the holidays. Although it’s been decades since I had summers off, I still manage to let go of a lot of things I typically keep dialed in. The house is a mess, the cupboards are a disaster, the laundry piles up, and meals are a little more ad-hoc.

It’s only now, the first week into October, that I’m getting around to some of my to-do list that collected cobwebs and dust bunnies over the summer. First stop? Organize my pantry, use up those odds and ends that are nearing their best-by dates, and prioritize using up instead of buying new (this should also help with my to-do of staying on budget).

This week, we'll be eating a few pantry meals and using up some choice produce. Luckily, these recipes are so delicious, it doesn't have to feel like a chore. Plus, they're quick and easy—perfect for a busy weeknight.

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  • Pasta with Tuna and Capers in White Wine Sauce

    Pasta with Tuna and Capers in White Wine Sauce

    Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

    Canned tuna often gets overlooked. Perhaps it's the tendency to look unappealing, smell unappetizing, or your mother’s boring sandwich of tuna, mayonnaise, and white bread growing up. Thankfully, tinned fish has gotten quite the glow-up over the past few years. When choosing canned tuna, I like to look for ones that are MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified, delicious, and within my budget. When you find the right tuna (aka one that you like, there’s no wrong answer!), the options are limitless. This dish reminds me of my childhood favorite, chicken piccata, with similar ingredients and flavors, but pantry-friendly.

  • Grilled Veggie Skewers

    Vegetable skewers with zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, and mozzarella on a green plate

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Ellen Mary Cronin / Food Styling by Rochelle Honeygan Burgess

    Last week, I went to the farmer’s market and was sidetracked by beautiful zucchini, eggplant, and peppers, and, without thinking, I added them to my basket, promising myself that I’d make something spectacular. Alas, I did no such thing. We ended up eating pancakes that night, and the veggies have been haunting me ever since. But I won’t let them waste any longer—I am going to use them up in these Grilled Veggie Skewers. Who doesn’t love food on a stick, especially when it also involves cheese?! 

  • Quick Peanut Chicken Ramen Noodles

    Plate of peanut chicken noodles garnished with a lime wedge

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

    In the spirit of using up the pantry, one of my favorite Trader Joe’s products is their squiggly noodles. I love how they grip onto sauces and how versatile they are. And despite loving them, I have been staring at a half-empty packet at the back of the cupboard for at least three months. But this is the week to use it up! This Peanut Chicken Ramen Noodles recipe is doing double duty of clearing out noodles and a nearly empty jar of peanut butter—all while getting dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.

  • Chicken Caprese Sandwich

    Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a Parchment Lined Tray, and on the Counter Next to the Tray, Plates With Individual Ingredients

    Simply Recipes / Hannah Zimmerman

    Recipe developer Hannah Zimmerman says, "This grilled chicken Caprese sandwich makes for an easy weeknight dinner or a delicious weekend lunch. You can also double or triple the recipe and make it for a summery outdoor dinner party." And if your weather isn't ideal, these sandwiches are easy to make on the stovetop, too!

    Continue to 5 of 5 below

  • Red Lentil Dahl

    Red Lentil Dal

    Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

    I recently visited a local Indian grocery chain, and I left feeling inspired by the breadth of produce and selection of spices, seeds, and pulses. I filled my cart up to the brim. This week, I’m putting my new ingredients to use and making a simple, warming red lentil dahl. What I love about red lentils is that they are quick to cook and transform into a creamy dish without having to use a blender. I plan on serving this with naan bread (store-bought, spread with garlic butter and warmed in the oven).

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