5 Easy November Recipes to Warm You Up

As the days grow shorter and the weather turns cooler, November is the perfect time to enjoy hearty, comforting dishes that nourish your body and soul. Whether you're looking for cozy weeknight dinners or simple weekend meals, these five easy recipes will keep you warm and satisfied throughout the month. Let’s dive in!

1. Creamy Pumpkin and Sage Pasta

Servings: 4
Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta of choice (like penne or rigatoni)

• 1 cup canned pumpkin purée

• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a dairy-free option)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

• 1 tsp dried sage

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sage and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add pumpkin purée and cream to the skillet, stirring until combined. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using) and cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve with extra Parmesan on top, if desired.

Why It’s Great: This cozy, creamy pasta dish is perfect for November, with the warmth of sage and the comfort of pumpkin.

2. Harvest Vegetable and Quinoa Soup

Servings: 6
Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups chopped butternut squash

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 1 zucchini, chopped

• 6 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.

2. Add butternut squash, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Pour in the vegetable broth and add quinoa, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Why It’s Great: Packed with seasonal vegetables and hearty quinoa, this soup is both nutritious and comforting.

3. Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Servings: 4
Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet and brush with half of the maple-Dijon mixture.

4. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them around the chicken on the sheet pan.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the Brussels sprouts are golden brown. Brush the remaining sauce over the chicken before serving.

Why It’s Great: This easy sheet pan meal is flavorful, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights in November.

4. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

Servings: 6
Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.

2. Add sweet potatoes, bell pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.

4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with your favorite toppings like avocado or shredded cheese.

Why It’s Great: This hearty vegetarian chili is full of flavor and packed with nutrients to keep you warm on chilly November days.

5. Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Servings: 2
Time: 10 minutes prep, overnight chill

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl or jar, mix together rolled oats, almond milk, applesauce, cinnamon, and maple syrup.

2. Divide into individual jars if desired and top with chopped walnuts.

3. Refrigerate overnight and enjoy in the morning with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.

Why It’s Great: This simple, make-ahead breakfast is perfect for busy mornings, with the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon to kick off a chilly November day.

Conclusion:

These five easy November recipes are simple, comforting, and packed with seasonal flavors. Whether you’re warming up with a bowl of soup, enjoying a cozy pasta dish, or prepping breakfast ahead of time, these recipes are sure to keep you satisfied all month long. Give them a try and let me know which one becomes your new favorite!

Which recipe are you most excited to try?