Here’s What to Cook Every Night This Week (October 10 – 16)

Is it just us or does it feel like your last barbecue (or picnic, campout or alfresco meal) was ages ago? If so, you’re overdue for a dinner party—one that takes full advantage of autumn’s bounty. Read on for seven meals that are easy enough to make on a weeknight but still impressive enough to share with guests. Might we suggest serving a batch of mulled wine sangria to get the party started?

Does it get easier than cooking your protein, carb and veggie in a single skillet and calling it a night? We think not. Finish the skillet dish off with a generous flurry of grated Parm. 

Another one-pan delight that looks way more high-maintenance than it is. The risotto is buttery, cheesy, satisfying and pairs with Chardonnay like a dream.

Vegetarians rejoice: This hearty stew boasts 20 satiating grams of protein per serving, despite being made without meat. Substitute millet with quinoa or jasmine rice if you’d prefer.

Put down the canned tomatoes and step away from the kidney beans. This light, modern take on traditional chili is just as comforting, but way more unexpected. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Minimal mess, maximum flavor—no wonder sheet pan meals are so timelessly beloved. Once the squash is roasted and tender, all you need to do is purée it with chicken stock, coconut milk and the remaining produce.

Julia Child would be so proud (and in disbelief that this cheater’s rendition of a French classic only needs 55 minutes to come together). Feel free to serve it with rice, pasta or dressed greens.

Nothing suits a lazy Sunday better than pizza for dinner, and this one is just about as easy to prepare as calling for delivery. Zhuzh it up with pepperoni, sliced meatballs or dollops of ricotta.

_{Taryn Pire is PureWow’s associate food editor. A former bartender and barista, she’s been writing about all things delicious since 2016, developing recipes, reviewing restaurants and investigating food trends at Food52, New Jersey Family Magazine and Taste Talks. When she isn’t testing TikTok’s latest viral recipe, she’s having popcorn for dinner and posting about it on Instagram @cookingwithpire.}