21 fall dinners that aren’t soup to satisfy your seasonal cravings

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Soup season has its place, but sometimes you want fall flavors without needing a spoon for everything. These recipes bring in all the cozy, seasonal vibes, with options like stuffed squashes, creamy pumpkin pastas, and hearty sandwiches that keep things out of the soup bowl. They’re perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends, delivering those classic autumn flavors in fresh ways.

Twice baked spaghetti squash with breadcrumb topping.
Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

Creamy pumpkin pasta with garlic and tuscan kale in a bowl with a spoon.
Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pumpkin garlic pasta is rich, creamy, and hits all the fall notes with a hint of seasonal spices. Perfect for when you want those cozy flavors without the whole soup routine.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

Pear Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese

Pear bacon and brie grilled cheese on a plate with a knife.
Pear Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pear, bacon, and brie come together in this grilled cheese with caramelized onions, giving you that sweet-salty balance. Great for a quick fall meal with tons of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pear Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese

Roasted Sweet Potato Apple Ham Sandwich

Sweet potato apple ham sandwich on marbled rye bread.
Roasted Sweet Potato Apple Ham Sandwich. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted sweet potato, apple, ham, and melted cheddar, pressed together with a honey mustard spread. This hot sandwich packs in all the fall flavor you’re craving in every single bite.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Apple Ham Sandwich

Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Slow cooker apple BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with apple carrot raisin slaw.
Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Slow-cooked BBQ pulled pork with a hint of apple, topped with a sage apple carrot slaw. This is everything you want in a seasonal sandwich, without needing a pot of soup on the side.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks

Apple cider braised lamb shanks on a gray plate with fresh thyme sprigs.
Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These lamb shanks are braised in apple cider with caramelized onions and apples for a fall dish that’s juicy, tender, and loaded with seasonal flavors.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks

Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles

Pesto spaghetti squash noodles in a bowl with cherry tomatoes.
Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy pesto spaghetti squash noodles bring a lighter option that’s still loaded with that rich, cozy feel you want. A great fall choice when you’re steering clear of soup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles

Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole

Pumpkin tortilla casserole in a baking dish with wooden serving spatula topped with jalapenos.
Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pumpkin tortilla casserole layers creamy pumpkin, cheese, and a bit of spice. It’s easy to make and serves up fall flavor in a crowd-friendly, non-soup format.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole

Creamy Pumpkin Barley with Sausage

Creamy pumpkin barley with sausage garnished with fresh sage leaves and grated parmesan in a bowl with a spoon.
Creamy Pumpkin Barley with Sausage. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy pumpkin barley with sausage is hearty and quick to make, bringing all the comfort of risotto with a bit more chew. Just what you need for a fall night in.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Barley with Sausage

Kabocha Squash Chili

A bowl of kabocha squash chili in a bowl on a blue plate.
Kabocha Squash Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Slow-cooked kabocha squash chili is a hearty vegetarian meal for fall. Packed with the nutty sweetness of Japanese squash, it’s perfect when you want something warm without hitting the soup pot.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili

Stuffed Red Kuri Squash

Two white plates with stuffed red kuri squash garnished with microgreens.
Stuffed Red Kuri Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted red kuri squash is filled with sausage, mushrooms, and apples, bringing big fall flavors to every bite. A seasonal dinner that’s both cozy and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Red Kuri Squash

Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Pumpkin stuffed shells in a white dish with a spoon.
Pumpkin Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These pumpkin stuffed shells are packed with sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making them the perfect fall comfort food that’s not another soup.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Maple mustard chicken breasts with brussels sprouts, squash and cranberries.
Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Maple mustard chicken paired with Brussels sprouts, squash, and cranberries, all baked together on one sheet. A simple way to get those seasonal flavors without the soup bowl.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

Twice baked spaghetti squash with breadcrumb topping.
Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spinach, artichokes, tomatoes, and cheese are piled into spaghetti squash and baked for a cozy meal that’s a lighter option but still feels like comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

Stuffed Honeynut Squash

Two stuffed honeynut squash halves on a wooden table.
Stuffed Honeynut Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Honeynut squash, small but packed with flavor, is roasted and stuffed with a quick fall-inspired filling. Perfect for a seasonal dinner when you’re skipping the soup.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Honeynut Squash

Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Honey mustard chicken and brussels sprouts salad on plates.
Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crisp Brussels sprouts, apples, and pomegranate combine with honey mustard chicken in a fall salad that’s big on flavor, light on soup.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Glazed Pork Chops and Apples

Tea glazed pork chops with sauteeed apples on top and sage garnish.
Glazed Pork Chops and Apples. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pork chops with a sweet pumpkin tea glaze, served alongside apple slices poached in the same glaze. This dish brings all the flavor of a fall dinner without going near a pot of soup.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Pork Chops and Apples

Stuffed Delicata Squash

Stuffed delicata squash boats with cranberries and pork on a baking sheet.
Stuffed Delicata Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted delicata squash filled with ground pork, cranberries, apples, leeks, and fennel—a fall meal that’s easy to love without the soup spoon.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Delicata Squash

Apple Butter Roasted Chicken

An assortment of roasted chicken pieces garnished with fresh herbs on a tray.
Apple Butter Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Apple butter roasted chicken comes out juicy with a crispy outside, hitting that sweet-savory balance for a perfect Sunday dinner with no soup required.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Roasted Chicken

Sweet Potato Noodles

Sweet Potato Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet potato noodles make a fun, veggie-based pasta dish that brings the comfort of Alfredo with a seasonal twist. Perfect for fall without the usual soup vibe.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Noodles

Roasted Koginut Squash Salad

Roasted Koginut Squash Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted koginut squash, a mix of butternut and kabocha, is topped with savory spices in this seasonal salad, giving you fall flavors in every bite without the need for soup.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Koginut Squash Salad

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Puréed butternut squash creates a creamy pasta sauce, topped with caramelized mushrooms and sage. A perfect fall dish to enjoy that’s cozy, seasonal, and soup-free.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

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