Cool, cozy weather calls for hearty soups and stews, along with sizzling sheet-pan and skillet dinners—all while keeping things simple for busy weeknights. This week of dinners delivers, with recipes like Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet and Lentil Soup. Plus, they’re curated by registered dietitians who care just as much about comfort and ease as they do about nutrition.
When I asked my registered dietitian colleagues for their thoughts on this complete meal strategy and for examples of their favorite fall dishes, they couldn’t wait to share.
01 of 05
Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas
Get Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Broccoli with Miso Butter
As a registered dietitian, chef, and mom, I’m seasoned in making food that’s exciting, delicious, and nourishing. One strategy I use frequently to accomplish that goal is the “complete meal” approach. A complete meal should have the following things: a plant or meat-based protein, two or more vegetables, and one whole grain (or starchy equivalent, like potatoes or peas). All of the dietitian-approved dinners in this plan are considered complete meals.
In this recipe, the salmon and broccoli cover the protein and vegetable category. I’ll often serve a dish like this alongside brown rice or roasted potatoes. And may also add in snow peas or sliced bok choy for even more veggies. I’m a big fan of the sheet pan meal. I love the simplicity and easy clean-up, and also that I can cook the meal on one pan.
02 of 05
Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph
Get Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Chili
For Joy Bauer, M.S., RD, Nutrition & Health Expert on NBC’s TODAY Show, it’s Pumpkin Turkey Chili that she “can eat all day, every day!” Thanks to all of the vegetables and beans, it’s fiber-packed and full of protein, which makes it nourishing and satisfying. There are plenty of spices and textures that keep it interesting, too. The recipe makes a batch large enough to feed a crowd, but also keeps well, which means you can easily enjoy it throughout the week. For some extra staying power, consider adding a few cups of cubed squash in addition to the canned pumpkin right before the soup simmers and cooks.
03 of 05
Simply Recipes / Lisa Lin
Get Recipe: Chicken Sausage and Pasta Skillet
My friend Julie Andrews, M.S., RDN, the chef behind The Healthy Epicurian, told me that her favorite easy complete meal involves turkey sausage, veggies, and pasta with a quick sauce. This skillet recipe embraces those ideas with chicken sausage for the protein, penne pasta (I recommend whole wheat) for the grain, and tomatoes and spinach for the two vegetables!
04 of 05
Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu
Get Recipe: This 20-Minute Dinner Is So Easy, My Teenager Makes It Every Week
Similar to Andrews, my colleague and friend Qula Madkin, M.S., RDN, loves a good one-vessel meal like sheet pan chicken fajitas. For her, this meal checks the boxes for being not just complete, but also fun, filling, and budget-friendly. There’s the bonus that later in the week, you can turn any leftovers into fajita bowls with rice and beans.
05 of 05
Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas
Get Recipe: Lentil Soup
Soup-lovers rejoice! Hearty vegetable-based soups are perfect fall fare, says Manju Karkare, M.S., RDN. Her go-to is lentil soup with kale. She loves that it’s plant-based, nutritionally complete, and uses in-season, budget-friendly ingredients. Serve it with crusty whole grain bread and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
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