Skinnytaste Dinner Plan (Week 91)

The weather is turning cooler, and it’s amazing how quickly the seasons change. This week’s dinner plan leans into cozy, comforting meals while keeping things simple and family-friendly. My thoughts are with everyone affected by recent storms in Texas and Florida — sending support and best wishes to those in need.

I use a meal planner to organize dinners for the week, but you can use any planner or a simple notebook. Meal planning makes grocery trips easier and helps you save time during the busy week. For breakfast I usually keep things quick: eggs with fruit, a smoothie, or avocado toast. We’re a family of four, so when recipes yield extra portions, we either pack them for lunches or enjoy them as leftovers the next day. If you want to browse previous weekly dinner plans, check the meal plans archive on the Skinnytaste site.

Weekly Dinner Menu

Monday: Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower Soup — a warm, roasted-vegetable soup that highlights caramelized Brussels sprouts and tender cauliflower for a creamy, satisfying starter to the week.
Tuesday: Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas with Creamy Salsa Verde served with Mexican Cauliflower “Rice” — a lighter enchilada option that pairs well with a zesty, low-carb cauliflower rice to round out the meal.
Wednesday: Leftovers — a simple night to reheat and enjoy extras from earlier in the week, reducing waste and saving time.
Thursday: Chicken Soup with Spinach and Whole Wheat Acini di Pepe — a comforting, nourishing soup with tender chicken, spinach, and small whole wheat pasta pearls for texture and heartiness.
Friday: Baked Chicken Parmesan with a garden salad — an oven-baked, lighter take on a classic Italian-American favorite, paired with fresh greens for balance.
Saturday: Date Night — a special night to eat out or prepare a favorite meal together and slow down the pace.
Sunday: Crispy Breaded Pork Chops in the Air Fryer with a side salad — a simple, crispy finish to the week using the air fryer to cut down on oil while keeping great texture.

Notes on Planning and Serving

This plan balances vegetarian-friendly nights and protein-forward dishes while keeping prep practical for a family of four. For the soups and one-pot meals, consider doubling the recipe if you want leftovers for lunches. For baked or air-fried items, a quick side salad or roasted vegetables make a complete, wholesome plate. Keep pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, canned beans, and basic spices on hand to streamline cooking.

Shopping List

Below is a consolidated shopping list organized by recipe to help you prepare for the week. Adjust quantities based on your family size and what you already have on hand.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower Soup

Cauliflower florets
Brussels sprouts
Olive oil
Butter (or additional oil for dairy-free)
Shallots
Vegetable broth
Canola cooking spray (optional)

Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas with Creamy Salsa Verde

Olive oil
White onion
Garlic
Navy beans or cannellini beans
Cooked shredded chicken breast
Chicken bouillon
Ground cumin
Butter
Flour
Reduced-sodium chicken broth
Chopped green chiles
Jalapeños (jarred or fresh)
Light sour cream
Reduced-fat Mexican cheese
8-inch flour tortillas
Fresh cilantro or scallions (or both)

Mexican Cauliflower “Rice”

Cauliflower crumbles or head of cauliflower to rice
Olive oil
Onion
Plum tomatoes
Jalapeño
Garlic
Tomato paste
Cumin
Smoked paprika
Cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
Fresh cilantro

Chicken Soup with Spinach and Whole Wheat Acini di Pepe

Boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
Olive oil
Onion
Celery
Carrots
Garlic
Low-sodium chicken broth
Bay leaves
Baby spinach
Whole wheat acini di pepe pasta
Grated Parmesan (optional for serving)

Baked Chicken Parmesan

Chicken breasts
Seasoned breadcrumbs (whole wheat if preferred)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Butter or light oil
Reduced-fat mozzarella
Marinara or tomato sauce
Cooking spray
Mixed salad greens for side

Filetto di Pomodoro (Tomato Sauce)

Imported crushed tomatoes
Garlic
Olive oil
Onion
Carrots
Fat-free chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
Fresh basil

Crispy Breaded Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

Center-cut boneless pork chops
Eggs
Panko crumbs
Crushed cornflakes (optional for extra crunch)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Sweet paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Chili powder
Salad greens for serving

Tip: Before shopping, check your pantry for spices and staples you may already have, such as olive oil, garlic, and cumin. Planning a few meals that share ingredients reduces waste and keeps costs down. Enjoy the week of comforting, approachable dinners!