Early Fall Cozy 30 Minute Dinners Meal Plan (Sept 28)

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Looking for more ideas? Browse our Fall Meal Plans or find all of our Weekly Meal Plans for easy dinner inspiration throughout the season.

This Week's Early Fall Meal Plan

1

Monday: Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Start the week with a creamy pasta filled with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Serve with a simple green salad or warm crusty bread.

Monday: Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

2

Tuesday: Easy Chicken Taco Bowls

These colorful chicken taco bowls are easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Add avocado, salsa, shredded cheese, or a spoonful of sour cream.

Tuesday: Easy Chicken Taco Bowls

3

Wednesday: Butternut White Chicken Chili

A cozy midweek chili with tender chicken, butternut squash, white beans, and warm spices. Serve with tortilla chips, cornbread, or warm tortillas.

Wednesday: Butternut White Chicken Chili

4

Thursday: Oven Baked Fish and Vegetables

Keep Thursday simple with tender baked fish and colorful vegetables all cooked together. Add rice, couscous, or a loaf of crusty bread if you'd like something extra.

Thursday: Oven Baked Fish and Vegetables

5

Friday: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

End the week with easy sheet pan fajitas filled with seasoned chicken and peppers. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings for a relaxed Friday dinner.

Friday: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

6

Treat: Apple Coffee Cake with Caramel Sauce

A tender apple coffee cake with buttery streusel makes a perfect early-fall treat. Serve it warm or at room temperature, with a drizzle of caramel sauce if you'd like.

Treat: Apple Coffee Cake with Caramel Sauce

This Week's Grocery List

Produce

• Baby spinach - about 10 ounces total
• 2 large yellow or sweet onions
• 1 small red onion
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red or green bell pepper
• 1 medium jalapeño pepper, optional
• 1 bulb garlic
• 2 cups cubed butternut squash
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 medium zucchini
• 2-3 small gold or fingerling potatoes
• 1 cup snow peas
• 4 cups chopped fresh kale
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro
• 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley
• Fresh thyme - 4-5 sprigs
• 2-3 limes
• 1 large lemon
• 1 apple

Meat & Seafood

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 rotisserie chicken or enough cooked chicken for 2½ cups
• 1½ pounds boneless white fish fillet, such as cod or halibut
• 1 pound chicken tenders

Dairy & Refrigerated

• Sour cream - 1 cup
• Plain Greek yogurt - ¼ cup
• Parmesan cheese - ¼ cup grated
• Milk - 1 cup
• Butter - about ¾ cup total
• 1 large egg

Grains, Pasta & Canned Goods

• 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
• Rice or favorite grain - enough for 3 cups cooked
• 1 jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 cans black beans (14-15 ounces each)
• 2 cans cannellini beans (14-15 ounces each)
• 1 can diced green chiles (7 ounces)
• 1 quart low-sodium chicken broth

Baking & Pantry

• All-purpose flour - 2½ cups
• Granulated sugar - 1 cup
• Brown sugar - ⅓ cup
• Baking powder - 3 teaspoons
• Chopped pecans or walnuts - ½ cup
• Taco seasoning - 2 tablespoons
• Fajita seasoning - 1½ tablespoons
• Olive oil or neutral-flavored cooking oil

Check Your Spice Cabinet

• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Crushed red pepper or red pepper flakes
• Garlic powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground allspice
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Optional Toppings & Extras

• Avocados or guacamole
• Shredded cheese
• Extra sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Jalapeños
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Hot sauce
• Tortillas for the fajitas
• Tortilla chips for the chili
• Ready-made caramel sauce for the Apple Coffee Cake

Meal Plan FAQs

Have a beautiful week!