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14 Fresh Dinner Ideas — Maple Dijon Chicken, Butternut Squash Sage Pasta & More

14 Fresh Dinner Ideas — Maple Dijon Chicken, Butternut Squash Sage Pasta & More

Plus even more dinner ideas!

Rhys Lawson
August 31, 2025

This week’s menu blends bright summer flavors with the cozy warmth of incoming fall.

…and plenty more — from crisp salads and seasonal veggies to hearty roasts and rich pastas.

Perfect for those in-between evenings when the grill’s still out but comfort food’s calling.

Hope you enjoy! — Rhys

14 Fresh Dinner Ideas — Maple Dijon Chicken, Butternut Squash Sage Pasta & More

1. Maple Dijon Chicken

Sweet, tangy chicken thighs with crispy edges.

Pan-Roasted Maple Dijon Chicken by Jackdaw Restaurant

Lightly breaded chicken breast covered with a warm maple Dijon sauce; served with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables
45m • 4 servings

2. Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta

Creamy pasta tossed with roasted squash and sage.

Gnocchi with Roasted Butternut Squash by Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant

Indulge in our tender gnocchi, perfectly paired with sweet, roasted butternut squash. Each bite is a delightful blend of soft pasta and caramelized squash, enhanced by a touch of sage and finished with a drizzle of brown butter.
45m • 4 servings

3. Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Chicken breasts filled with spinach, cream cheese, and garlic.

Stuffed Chicken by Ampersea

Tender chicken breasts stuffed with a savory blend of herbs, cheese, and vegetables, then baked to golden perfection.
45m • 4 servings

4. Roasted Veggie Grain Bowls

Hearty grains topped with roasted zucchini, squash, and peppers.

Little Farmer Bowl by Farmside Kitchen - Durham RTP

choice of grain • grilled protein • black beans or roasted veggie
45m • 1 servings

5. Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

Mixed greens with pear slices, walnuts, and blue cheese.

Gorgonzola Pear by Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant

Indulge in the exquisite harmony of flavors with our Gorgonzola Pear salad. Crisp, fresh pears are elegantly paired with rich, creamy Gorgonzola cheese, drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze.
15m • 4 servings

6. Fig and Prosciutto Pizza

Sweet figs, salty prosciutto, and arugula on thin crust.

Fig & Prosciutto by Central Kitchen + Bar

House made pizza crust, garlic oil, prosciutto, figs, caramelized onions, mozzarella, blue cheese and finished with oil and lemon dressed arugula + balsamic reduction.
1h 30m • 4 servings

7. Buttery Lobster Rolls

A New England summer favorite with a cozy twist.

Lobster Roll by Fast Breaks Restaurant

Fresh lobster served in a buttery roll.
30m • 4 servings

8. Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Steaks

Quick-seared ham with sweet glaze.

Ham Steak by Siegel's 1941

Savor our succulent Ham Steak, expertly grilled to perfection and glazed with a sweet and tangy reduction that enhances its natural flavors.
25m • 2 servings

9. Chili with Roasted Poblanos

Smoky beef chili with fire-roasted peppers.

Chile Poblano Relleno by Hacienda

Two large green poblano peppers stuffed with your choice of chicken or skirt steak. Topped with ranchero sauce and shredded Mexican cheese.
1h • 2 servings