27 mouthwatering dinners that will make your home smell amazing

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These mouthwatering dinners have the added benefit of making your home smell great. These 27 recipes are straightforward to prepare, making them suitable for busy weeknights. Most use a one-pan method or simple layering techniques that minimize clean-up. They rely on aromatic spices, herbs, and other ingredients that naturally make your living space smell amazing while cooking. Simply put, you’ll love these recipes because they do double duty: you end up with a comforting meal and a home that smells incredible.

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up this Chicken Corn Soup in just one pot and in under an hour. Tender chicken and vegetables in a well-seasoned broth create a comforting, balanced meal. As it simmers, expect your kitchen to smell incredible from the sautéing onions, garlic, and broth. You may even have all the ingredients on hand already, making it a no-fuss option. And guess what? One pot means an easy clean-up.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dijon Chicken comes together in 30 minutes and fills your home with an amazing, inviting smell. As you cook the seasoned chicken thighs and simmer the rich dijon mustard sauce with crumbled bacon, you’ll find the scent setting a cozy atmosphere that promises a hearty meal. This dish offers the dual benefit of being both easy to prepare and leaving your home smelling great, making it a great choice for any dinner occasion.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, this Hungarian Mushroom Soup won’t let you down. With mushrooms taking the spotlight, along with onions and spices, your home will smell incredible. The recipe comes together in one pot and takes about 45 minutes, so it’s totally doable on a weeknight or weekend. This soup suits both kitchen novices and experts, offering a delightful meal that’s just perfect for fall.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted cubed butternut squash and spinach with sour cream.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Dinner doesn’t get much cozier than this squash and cauliflower sheet pan meal, especially when the air turns chilly. Combining butternut squash, cauliflower, red onion, bacon, and spinach, this recipe is perfect for family dinner. As the bacon and spices hit the pan, your kitchen will be filled with an inviting scent that promises a hearty meal ahead. The Dijon mustard and sweetener add layers of flavor without complicating the cooking process. It’s a one-pan meal that not only saves time but fills your home with the comforting smells of fall.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A bowl of crock pot taco soup topped with sour cream and cilantro.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Start this Crock Pot Taco Soup with just 20 minutes of prep, then let your slow cooker take over. As it cooks, your home will start to smell cozy and inviting. Ground beef, spices, and pantry staples come together to give you warmth in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal you set and forget, freeing up your day.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

You’re just 30 minutes away from a comfort meal with this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Cooking and clean-up are streamlined because everything is cooked right in one pan. The scent of mushroom sauce and chicken will fill your home, inviting everyone to the table. Practical and quick, it fits perfectly into your busy weekday schedule.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A spoonful of soup in a white pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Prepare a comforting blend of Italian sausage and cream cheese in just 30 minutes with this one-pot recipe. As it cooks, the comforting smell will fill your kitchen. Its ease and accessibility make it a frequent pick for many families. Plus, it’s perfect for spontaneous meal planning, as it mostly calls for pantry staples. The one-pot method simplifies both cooking and cleaning.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Bowls of pumpkin soup with sprigs of rosemary.
Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The pumpkin soup recipe is a simple yet comforting dish that brings autumn right into your kitchen. Made with canned pumpkin and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, your home will smell like the very essence of fall as it cooks. In just 40 minutes and very easy instruction steps, you can go from ingredients to a creamy, flavorful soup. Not only is this soup quick to prepare, but it also offers the added benefit of minimal clean-up, since everything cooks in one pot.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage Curry recipe fills your kitchen with the inviting aromas of curry and fresh ginger as it cooks. The dish combines hearty sausages with fresh vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots, all simmered in a spiced, creamy sauce. The recipe is easy to execute in a single pan, streamlining both preparation and clean-up. Tailor the curry to your taste with optional garnishes like garam masala and cilantro. With its rich scents and straightforward cooking process, this meal is a cozy, practical option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Cauliflower cheddar cheese bacon soup in a pot with a spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup requires just one pot and 30 minutes of cooking time, making it perfect for a busy evening. Easy-to-find ingredients like cauliflower and cheddar cheese make this a practical choice. The mixture of bacon and cheddar cheese fills your home with a comforting scent. No complicated steps are involved, which makes it a reliable option when you’re short on time. Plus, the one-pot method ensures clean-up is quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a one-dish wonder that takes only 30 minutes to prepare and bake. This recipe makes the most of convenient frozen vegetables, blending them with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon. Once baked, the casserole turns into a golden, bubbling masterpiece that fills your home with the amazing scent of cheese and bacon melding together.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a one-pot meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The combination of mushrooms and spices fills your home with a comforting scent that’s perfect for autumn. The dish’s uncomplicated steps and easy clean-up make it suitable for both casual and special dinners. The list of ingredients is straightforward, avoiding any last-minute grocery store runs. This dish is a convenient and simple option for any fall evening.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, this dish features a mix of ground beef, cheddar cheese, and cauliflower rice. The smell of ground beef and cheddar cooking will spread throughout your home. The one-pan method simplifies both cooking and cleaning, allowing you to enjoy the evening. All ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, making this hearty meal convenient. The flavors and easy steps of this recipe make this one an excellent choice for busy fall nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is a quick 30-minute meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With boneless chicken thighs as the base, the dish incorporates rich cream cheese, fresh spinach, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. As it bakes, the aromas of garlic, Italian seasoning, and melting cheese fill the air, creating a welcoming environment in your home. It’s a straightforward yet flavorful dish that requires minimal effort but yields a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a one-pan dish that takes only 30 minutes from start to finish. Boneless chicken thighs are seasoned with Italian spices and cooked in a skillet. The real charm of this dish lies in its sauce, which combines heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. The blend of aromatic spices and the rich, creamy sauce create a mouthwatering aroma as it cooks, turning your kitchen into a cozy, inviting space.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner pairs roasted sausage with seasonal vegetables. As it cooks, the scent of roasting veggies and sausage fills the home. The 30-minute cooking time and one-sheet pan used make this meal convenient and quick to clean up. The ingredients are easy to find and bring together, eliminating any extra hassle. This is an ideal dish for those looking to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Keto Zuppa Toscana takes an hour to cook but fills your home with the inviting scent of sausage and spices. It’s a low-carb version of a classic soup, adding health benefits to your fall dinner table. The one-pot method makes cleaning easy, and the list of ingredients is straightforward. Its simplicity and hearty flavors make it a go-to for quick weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan dish features skinless chicken thighs and artichoke hearts and can be ready in just 30 minutes. The scent of chicken and artichokes cooking will waft through your home. The unique combination of ingredients adds a bit of elegance without complicated preparation. Plus, the one-pan method simplifies cleaning. Overall, this is a convenient dish that doesn’t require a lot of time but delivers a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and bacon join forces in a 25-minute, one-pan recipe ideal for brisk fall evenings. The rich, savory blend complements the seasonal atmosphere and makes your kitchen smell inviting. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also minimizes clean-up. Its efficiency and comfort factors are perfect for a packed autumn schedule. Incorporating cabbage adds a nutritional punch to this comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 40 minutes, create a heartwarming one-pan dish of Creamy Tuscan Chicken featuring spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce. This recipe fills your home with a welcoming scent, encapsulating the essence of fall. With a balance of flavors and richness, it suits both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The one-pan design simplifies both cooking and cleaning. You’ll likely wonder why you didn’t try this meal during past autumn seasons.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

A casserole dish with meat and spinach in it.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach offers a practical yet flavorful solution for busy weeknights. As the ground beef and spices cook, they fill your home with a comforting smell that sets the stage for a hearty meal. The baking cheddar cheese adds another layer of inviting aroma, ensuring you have a quick dish and a cozy home.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a simple yet inviting dinner option. With just one pan and 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that’s easy to make and clean up. The simmering garlic will make your kitchen smell amazing. The dish is versatile, fitting for both a weeknight dinner and special occasions. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a cozy fall evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Turn the flavors of a classic Philly Cheese Steak into a convenient casserole. All you’ll need are some basic kitchen tools, making it a practical pick for weeknights. As it bakes, the mix of steak, peppers, and cheese fills your home with a welcoming smell. The recipe is straightforward, adding a new spin to your regular fall comfort food. It’s filling, easy to make, and just the thing for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fajita Baked Chicken takes only 30 minutes and one pan, making both cooking and cleaning a breeze. As the chicken and peppers cook, they fill your home with a warm, inviting smell. This recipe is flexible enough for a casual family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. It’s a straightforward way to bring a pop of flavor to your autumn meals.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Bowl of instant pot butter chicken atop cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in under 40 minutes, this Instant Pot Butter Chicken brings a little excitement to your fall dinner table. The mix of spices and creamy sauce not only warms you up but also makes your home smell amazing. The Instant Pot does most of the work, so you can relax a bit during those busy fall nights. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or you’re entertaining, this dish is a hassle-free hit. Trust me, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it last autumn.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Get ready to spice up your fall nights with this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Combining shredded chicken thighs, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños, it’s an adventure for your taste buds. Plus, the smell of bacon and spices wafts through your home, setting a cozy scene. You’ll find the recipe easy to follow, and it doesn’t take much time to whip up. The creaminess balances out the spiciness, making this dish an unforgettable experience you’ll wish you had last year.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Sweet and spicy bacon and turkey chili garnished with avocado slices, sour cream, and cilantro.
Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a chili that brings something different to the table. Sweet, savory, and spicy, it’s like autumn in a bowl; the smells filling your home will prove it. The best part? It’s all done in one pot, so fewer dishes to worry about. With just over an hour on the stove, you’ll have a protein-packed, filling bowl of chili that you’ll keep coming back to. Trust us, this is a recipe you’ll wish you had discovered last fall.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

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