Weekly Meal Plan: Easy Dinners to Transition from Summer to Fall

As September rolls in, the weather in Chicago is finally starting to cool down, and I’m leaning into more cozy, fall-inspired dinners while still hanging on to those last bites of summer. Meal planning feels extra important this time of year—between busy schedules and the changing seasons, it’s so nice to have dinners lined up and ready to go. This week’s recipes hit that sweet spot: quick, flavorful, and just the right balance of comfort and freshness.

🥢 Creamy Peanut Tofu Noodles (Vegetarian)

This was one of the easiest meals I made all week. My secret? Baking the tofu! It crisps up perfectly in the oven while I prep the sauce and noodles, which makes the whole process way less stressful (and honestly faster). The peanut sauce is made with pantry staples, so you probably already have everything you need at home. It’s creamy, savory, and just a little bit indulgent—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

⏱️ Total Time: 30 minutes

✨ Baking the tofu saves time (you can multitask while it’s in the oven) and gives it that crisp texture without the fuss of frying.

🍕 Peach Pesto Pizza (Fun Meal)

The ultimate end-of-summer dinner! This pizza feels fancy but comes together in under 20 minutes, especially if you use store-bought dough like I did. It’s topped with burrata, peaches, pesto, and a drizzle of honey—such a good mix of sweet and savory. I love this one for a weeknight because it’s so quick, but it also works if you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

⏱️ Total Time: 20 minutes

🍑 A great transition-to-fall dinner: the peaches bring summer sweetness while the burrata and honey make it feel a little more cozy and rich.

🐟 Salmon with Harissa Pearl Couscous and Vegetables (Seafood)

This was hands down my favorite recipe of the week! Everything comes together in one pan, which makes clean up a breeze, but it tastes like something way more elevated. The harissa and fennel add such a cozy, hearty feel, while the salmon, couscous, and tomatoes keep it light and fresh. It’s the perfect late summer/early fall meal—hearty enough for cooler evenings but still bright and colorful.

⏱️ Total Time: 30 minutes

🌿 A true summer-to-fall recipe: light couscous and tomatoes paired with fennel and harissa for a cozy, comforting finish.

🥘 Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables (Budget)

This one is a lifesaver when you want something easy but filling. It does take about 45 minutes, but 35 of those are completely hands-off while everything roasts in the oven. I used zucchini and other summer vegetables, but it’s super flexible and works with whatever’s in season. Bonus: it’s incredibly budget-friendly!

⏱️ Total Time: 45 minutes

💸 Total cost $10.75/$2.15 per serving

🐖 Spicy Pork and Tahini Noodles (Red Meat)

This one takes a little more juggling since you’ve got the noodles, sauce, and pan-frying all happening at once, but it’s absolutely worth it. It comes together in about 35 minutes, and the flavor payoff is huge. The broth is key here, but don’t overdo it—just a splash per bowl is perfect to give the noodles that soft, rich texture without turning it into soup. This one is bold, cozy, and perfect for cooler September nights.

⏱️ Total Time: 35 minutes

🔥 Not a soup! Just a little broth in each serving makes the noodles tender and flavorful without overpowering the dish.

🍛 Summer Curry (Chicken)

A repeat favorite of mine because it’s just so good every single time. This curry is bright and full of summer flavor with fresh, in-season vegetables, but it’s flexible enough to adapt for any season. Serving it with rice and naan makes it extra comforting without being heavy. It’s done in only 30 minutes, making it one of the easiest, most satisfying dinners of the week.

⏱️ Total Time: 30 minutes

🍚 A cozy but fresh curry that pairs perfectly with rice and naan—easy to swap out the veggies depending on the season.