Recipe

When the weather cools and the leaves begin to turn, we all crave comfort food that’s warm, flavorful, and simple to make. These 5 fall recipes are made with just five main ingredients — not counting pantry basics like salt, pepper, and olive oil that most home cooks already have on hand.

That’s the magic of Momma Cuisine: real food, made simply, with everyday ingredients that bring your family together around the table.

Each recipe below uses five primary ingredients outside of the basics — and they’re all perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or easy entertaining this fall.

1. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

• 1 cup pumpkin purée

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp ground nutmeg

• Plus: salt, pepper, and olive oil

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in pumpkin purée, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, then add Parmesan cheese and stir until creamy.

4. Toss the pasta in the sauce until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.

Momma Tip: A pinch of crushed red pepper adds a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin’s sweetness.

2. Maple-Dijon Glazed Chicken Thighs

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs

• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Plus: salt, pepper, and olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish with foil and drizzle lightly with olive oil.

2. In a small bowl, whisk Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and garlic until blended.

3. Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, and brush generously with the glaze.

4. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, basting once halfway through, until the chicken is caramelized and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).

Momma Tip: Serve with roasted carrots or sweet potatoes for a complete fall-inspired meal.

3. Baked Apples with Cinnamon Oat Topping

Photo by Tim Douglas

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 4 large apples (Honeycrisp or Gala)

• ½ cup old-fashioned oats

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp butter, softened

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• Plus: pinch of salt and olive oil for brushing

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Core the apples, leaving the bottoms intact. Brush the outsides with a light coat of olive oil and place in a baking dish.

2. In a bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until crumbly.

3. Spoon the mixture into the hollowed apples.

4. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.

Momma Tip: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a comforting dessert.

4. Roasted Sweet Potato & Sausage Skillet

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 small red onion, sliced

• 2 Italian sausages, sliced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Plus: salt, pepper, and olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Spread sweet potatoes, bell pepper, onion, and sausage on the sheet.

3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat.

4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until sweet potatoes are tender and sausage is browned.

Momma Tip: Add a fried egg on top for a satisfying breakfast-style twist.

5. Spiced Pear Smoothie

Ingredients (serves 2):

• 1 ripe pear, cored and chopped

• ½ banana

• ½ cup Greek yogurt

• ½ cup oat milk (or milk of choice)

• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

• Plus: pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

2. Taste and adjust with a little extra milk if needed.

3. Pour into glasses and enjoy chilled.

Momma Tip: This smoothie is great for busy mornings or as an afternoon pick-me-up — light, refreshing, and full of fall flavor.

The Simplicity of Fall Cooking

Fall cooking doesn’t have to mean long ingredient lists or complicated steps. By focusing on five main ingredients outside the basics, you can create cozy, seasonal dishes that celebrate the best of autumn — without the stress.

These recipes are proof that great meals come from simple ingredients, a little creativity, and a lot of heart.

For more easy, family-friendly recipes and seasonal inspiration, visit MommaCuisine.com — where real moms make great food, simply.