17 quick and easy dinners to whip up before the trick-or-treaters arrive

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Halloween night is a mix of costumes, candy, and absolute chaos, so dinner needs to be quick, easy, and worth your time. No one has energy for a complicated meal when trick-or-treaters are about to swarm the door. These recipes let you whip up something satisfying without making a mess, so you can keep up with the night’s whirlwind. From creamy pastas to one-pan wonders, each dish is simple, tasty, and doesn’t require you to sacrifice the entire evening to the kitchen.

Spaghetti alfredo with broccoli florets in a pot with wooden spoon.
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Greek yogurt mac and cheese with peas and bacon in a white bowl.
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy mac and cheese uses Greek yogurt for a lighter twist without losing the cheesy comfort. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect to serve up before the trick-or-treaters hit the door.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mediterranean-inspired pasta with lemon, spinach, and feta, ready in a snap. It works as a tasty vegetarian meal or can be topped with any protein for a bit more substance on a busy Halloween night.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken and sweet potatoes come together on one pan with caramelized pecans. Minimal effort and cleanup mean this dinner’s ready fast, so you can keep the night moving.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Pork chops with purple cabbage and apples on a baking sheet.
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pork chops, red cabbage, potatoes, and apples all cook up on one sheet pan. A great all-in-one meal when you need something quick and satisfying with just one pan to clean.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These white bean and kale quesadillas are filled with melted cheddar and a touch of BBQ sauce. A meatless meal that’s hearty enough for a fast Halloween dinner.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Spaghetti alfredo with broccoli florets in a pot with wooden spoon.
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This lightened-up Alfredo is creamy and cheesy, but healthier, so you can dig in guilt-free. Quick to prep and filling, it’s a great choice for Halloween night.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

Creamy pumpkin pasta with garlic and tuscan kale in a bowl with a spoon.
Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pasta packs in fall flavors with a creamy pumpkin and garlic sauce that hits the spot. A seasonal dish that’s ready in no time, perfect for the Halloween rush.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

Gochujang Chicken

Chinese gochujang chicken in a skillet on a table with black kitchen towel wrapped around the handle.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sticky, spicy, and slightly sweet, this gochujang chicken cooks in 30 minutes. Serve over rice for a quick, flavor-packed dinner with just the right kick.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air fryer chicken leg quarters on a plate with broccoli and purple sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy skin and juicy meat in under 25 minutes, thanks to the air fryer. This easy chicken dinner keeps it simple yet full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air Fryer Cod

Air fryer cod on a plate with green beans and rice.
Air Fryer Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This tender cod with lemon and spices is ready in under 20 minutes. A light, easy option to get dinner on the table fast before the evening festivities.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Turmeric chicken with chickpeas over rice.
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

One-skillet turmeric chicken with chickpeas, perfect served over rice. A fast and flavorful option that brings some variety to Halloween dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens

Red lentil pasta with garlic lemon greens in a bowl.
Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Red lentil pasta tossed with garlicky kale and a cheesy topping. A simple meal that’s filling and ready in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens

Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Thai basil cashew chicken in a cast iron skillet.
Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cashew chicken with fresh basil flavor cooks in one pan, with a savory-sweet sauce. Quick and satisfying, perfect over rice for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken in a white skillet.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy, seasoned chicken that’s anything but boring. With just a handful of spices and a rich texture, it’s an easy win for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A one-pan beef stir fry loaded with fresh veggies and a garlic-ginger sauce. Fast, flavorful, and beats takeout when time is tight on Halloween night.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Healthier Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joe sandwiches on an English muffin.
Healthier Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lean ground beef with low-sugar ketchup and BBQ sauce for a lighter take on classic Sloppy Joes. Quick to make and loaded with flavor, it’s a win for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This classic Italian pasta is creamy and uses just five ingredients. Simple, economical, and comforting—great for a Halloween night dinner that’s fuss-free yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

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