Quick Winter Dinner Recipes

Photography by James Baigrie; styling by Randy Mon

Bacon and Herbs Mac 'n' Cheese

Homemade mac’n’cheese in 30 minutes? It's true. Creamy and bacon-studded, this dinner is the ultimate quick, comfort food.

Recipe: Bacon and Herbs Mac 'n' Cheese

Photo by Annabelle Breakey

California Crab Sandwich

Reader Tom Trapani, of Millbrae, California, likes to make this sandwich when fresh Dungeness crab is in season and less expensive. He also serves it on toasted French bread with a slice of tomato.

Recipe: California Crab Sandwich

Photo by Annabelle Breakey

Spicy Rainbow Chard with Bacon and Polenta

For an easy vegetarian version of this hearty main dish, omit the bacon and add a little more olive oil when you sauté the shallot mixture.

Recipe: Spicy Rainbow Chard with Bacon and Polenta

Photo by Annabelle Breakey

Chinese Black Pepper Pork and Spinach Salad

This Asian-inspired salad would also be good made with chicken or shrimp instead of pork.

Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Pork and Spinach Salad

Photo by Annabelle Breakey

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Our version of this classic soup is medium-hot, but if you like it a little spicier, use the higher amount of serrano chile and a pinch more cayenne.

Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Photo by Thomas J. Story

Southeast Asian Chicken and Noodles

Chinese long beans (or regular green beans) and plenty of fresh herbs turn this Thai-inspired dish into a whole meal.

Recipe: Southeast Asian Chicken and Noodles

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Amy Machnak

Lamb Keema with Potatoes and Peas

You could easily substitute ground beef or even turkey for the lamb in this flavorful one-pot dish.

Recipe: Lamb Keema with Potatoes and Peas

Photo by Thomas J. Story

New York Strip Steak with Brussels Sprout Hash

With the accompanying Brussels sprouts and potatoes combo, sliced steak becomes a complete meal.

Recipe: New York Strip Steak with Brussels Sprout Hash

Photo by Thomas J. Story

Swiss Chard Pesto Pasta

Using fresh chard leaves in place of the usual basil is a great way to enjoy the classic sauce when winter greens are in season. You could also try spooning the pesto over squares of pan-browned polenta instead of pasta.

Recipe: Swiss Chard Pesto Pasta

Photo by Jennifer Martiné; written by Amy Machnak

Coconut Shrimp Curry

We like to make this in a double batch so there’s plenty for lunch the next day.

Recipe: Coconut Shrimp Curry

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Amy Machnak

Chicken and Shrimp Dumplings in Shiitake Broth

These giant dumplings are like a meatball and a pot sticker in one, surrounded by a rich broth.

Recipe: Chicken and Shrimp Dumplings in Shiitake Broth

Photo by Annabelle Breakey

Swiss Chard and Sausage Frittata

This hearty frittata is great for brunch or dinner.

Recipe: Swiss Chard and Sausage Frittata

Photo by Annabelle Breakey

Black Bean Soup with Avocado, Orange, and Cucumber

This Southwestern-inspired soup hits all the right notes: solid protein from the beans, crunchiness from the cucumber, creaminess from the avocado, a sweet hit of acidity from the citrus, and a hint of spice.

Recipe: Black Bean Soup with Avocado, Orange, and Cucumber

Photo by Iain Bagwell

Gorgonzola-Stuffed Pork Chops with Pears

Here's a recipe to add to your go-to list: easy enough to pull off for a Tuesday night dinner but special enough to serve to guests.

Recipe: Gorgonzola-Stuffed Pork Chops with Pears

Photo by Iain Bagwell; written by Amy Machnak

Spiced Chicken Pilaf with Eggs

Medium cooked eggs are a nice addition to this heavily-spiced rice and chicken dish.

Recipe: Spiced Chicken Pilaf with Eggs

Photo by Annabelle Breakey

Ruby Swiss Chard and White Bean Soup

We like the robust flavor of red Swiss chard in this soup, but you could also make it with green Swiss chard, which is milder, or spinach.

Recipe: Ruby Swiss Chard and White Bean Soup

Photo by Iain Bagwell; written by Amy Machnak

Curried Lentils and Paneer

Lentils are a staple in India, and this simple weeknight meal is great way to introduce this flavorful cuisine to your family.

Recipe: Curried Lentils and Paneer

Photo by James Baigrie; written by Stephanie Spencer

Roasted Fennel, Egg, and Pancetta Panzanella

Panzanella, a traditional Italian bread salad, gets an upgrade with sweet roasted fennel, fried eggs, and crispy, salty pancetta.

Recipe: Roasted Fennel, Egg, and Pancetta Panzanella

Photo by James Balgrie; written by Amy Machnak

Pork Chops with Mustard, Rosemary, and Capers

The salty, tangy pan sauce in this recipe by chef and cookbook author Joanne Weir would also be excellent with other cuts of pork such as tenderloin.

Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard, Rosemary, and Capers

Photo by James Baigrie

Kale, Chorizo, and Manchego Pizza

Kale's hearty texture holds up to the high heat needed to create a crisp pizza crust. Its deep flavor is a great match for spicy chorizo and bold manchego cheese.

Recipe: Kale, Chorizo, and Manchego Pizza

Photo by Iain Bagwell; styling by Dan Becker

Escarole and Cannellini Bean Stew

This hearty, less-is-more stew riffs on rustic Italian flavors. Serve with crusty bread and a green salad.

Recipe: Escarole and Cannellini Bean Stew

Photo by Ann Stratton

Honey-Rosemary Lamb Sandwich

This jazzed up version of a sloppy-joe is miles away from the canned stuff, but just as quick. Fresh rosemary, honey and garlic add depth of flavor to the sauce, while goat cheese and baby spinach round out the sandwich and compliment the lamb beautifully.

Recipe: Honey-Rosemary Lamb Sandwich

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; food styling by Randy Mon

Thai Chicken Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

As satisfying as the version served at your favorite Thai restaurant, but enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. Flavors of lime, chile, and cilantro cut through the creamy broth for a tangy, silky combination.

Recipe: Thai Chicken Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

Photography by Annabelle Breakey; styling by Randy Mon

Roast Chicken with Vegetables

Need a quick one-pan dinner for two? Roasting all the ingredients of this meal together guarantees rich flavor and makes for easy cleanup.

Recipe: Roast Chicken with Vegetables

Photography by Annabelle Breakey

Shrimp and Chickpea Pasta

This quick, one-pan dinner is chock-full of our favorite things: Sweet and tender shrimp, crisp green onions, and freshly shredded parmesan cheese.

Recipe: Shrimp and Chickpea Pasta

Photography by Annabelle Breakey, styling by Dan Becker

Stir-fried Eggplant and Tofu

Oyster sauce adds wonderful 'umami' to this Asian-inspired dish, and can be found in the ethnic foods aisle of most supermarkets. Serve over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.

Recipe: Stir-fried Eggplant and Tofu

Photography by Annabelle Breakey

Turkey Sandwiches with Shallots, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese

Search no further for that perfect leftover holiday turkey sandwich. This one has it all: Sweet caramelized shallots, pungent blue cheese, and tart cranberry sauce.

You might find yourself roasting turkey year-round just to whip up this tasty meal.

Recipe: Turkey Sandwiches with Shallots, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese

Photography by Dan Goldberg (Styling: Karen Shinto)

Stuffed Chipotle Meatballs

These meatballs come with a surprise–hard boiled eggs in the center. Be sure to serve them over rice to sop up the rich, spicy sauce, and top with cilantro for a little color.

Recipe: Stuffed Chipotle Meatballs

Photography by Annabelle Breakey

Japanese-style One-pot Supper

The fresh vegetables, tofu, and flavorful ginger in this Asian-inspired soup will keep you healthy, while slurp-able noodles and chicken meat ensure you'll be satisfyingly full.

Recipe: Japanese-stye One-pot Supper

Photography by Annabelle Breakey

Shrimp, Ancho Chile, and Pasta Soup (Sopa Seca de Camarones y Fideos)

Fideos (vermicelli) are much loved in Mexico, where they form the basis of thick, delicious soups. Usually the soups are served as a first course, but our hearty shrimp version is a meal in a bowl.

Recipe: Shrimp, Ancho Chile, and Pasta Soup (Sopa Seca de Camarones y Fideos)

Photography by Annabelle Breakey; styling by Randy Mon

Veal Scaloppine with Mushroom Marsala Sauce

Last minute guests coming for dinner? Tender veal and a rich, marsala-laced sauce make this weeknight dish fancy enough for company.

Recipe: Veal Scaloppine with Mushroom Marsala Sauce

Photography by Dan Goldberg (Food Styling: Karen Shinto)

Chicken Stew with Olives and Lemon

Boned, skinned chicken thighs are just as convenient as breasts, and they have an added advantage: Their succulent texture and robust flavor stand up well to braising.

Add the flavors of Italian salsa verde--bright parsley, tart lemon, piquant capers, and green olives--for a fresh, fast twist on cold-weather cooking.

Recipe: Chicken Stew with Olives and Lemon

Photography by Annabelle Breakey

Sausage with Hominy and Spinach

If you've only had hominy―big, starchy corn kernels with the hull and germ removed―in posole, you'll be amazed at how delicious and satisfying it is all on its own. Here we cook it in the seasoning left in the pan by the sausages to maximize flavor.

Recipe: Sausage with Hominy and Spinach

Photography by Christina Schmidhofer

Coconut Curry Chicken

Chicken breast gets an easy upgrade with shredded coconut and curry powder. You can vary the sweetness of the dish with the type of coconut you use, or serve with Major Grey chutney for a bit of tang.

Recipe: Coconut Curry Chicken

Photography by Valerie Martin

Sesame Broccoli Pasta

Whole-wheat pasta lends extra nuttiness to this Indonesian-inspired vegetarian entrée.

Recipe: Sesame Broccoli Pasta

Photography by James Carrier

Penne with Broccoli

Broccoli gets an unusual treatment in this delicious sauce–it cooks with olive oil and garlic slowly until broken down into a soft, flavorful pasta topping.

Recipe: Penne with Broccoli

Photography by Christina Schmidhofer

Tuna with Tomato-Caper Sauce

Serve this flavor-packed dish with lots of crusty bread to sop up the delicious Mediterranean-infused sauce.

Recipe: Tuna with Tomato-Caper Sauce

Photography by Iain Bagwell

Pork Milanese with Arugula, Fennel, and Parmesan Salad

Milanese refers to meat that has been pounded or vegetables that have been thinly sliced, dredged first in egg and then in a mixture of bread crumbs and grated parmesan cheese, and fried. Although they're not traditional, we like using panko (Japanese bread crumbs), because they make a crunchier crust.

Recipe: Pork Milanese with Arugula, Fennel, and Parmesan Salad

Photography by Leo Gong; styling by Dan Becker

Smoked Salmon Vermicelli

This elegant pasta has only a few ingredients, but together they make an incredibly satisfying supper. The dish requires nothing more than a big green salad as accompaniment.

Recipe: Smoked Salmon Vermicelli

Photography by Annabelle Breakey; styling by Randy Mon

Spicy Sesame Scallops

This spicy 5-ingredient recipe takes almost no time to throw together. Serve it with rice and your favorite veggies for a easy, well-rounded dinner.

Recipe: Spicy Sesame Scallops

Fast & Fresh winter meals

Bacon and Herbs Mac 'n' Cheese

California Crab Sandwich

Spicy Rainbow Chard with Bacon and Polenta

Chinese Black Pepper Pork and Spinach Salad

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Southeast Asian Chicken and Noodles

Lamb Keema with Potatoes and Peas

New York Strip Steak with Brussels Sprout Hash

Swiss Chard Pesto Pasta

Coconut Shrimp Curry

Chicken and Shrimp Dumplings in Shiitake Broth

Swiss Chard and Sausage Frittata

Black Bean Soup with Avocado, Orange, and Cucumber

Gorgonzola-Stuffed Pork Chops with Pears

Spiced Chicken Pilaf with Eggs

Ruby Swiss Chard and White Bean Soup

Curried Lentils and Paneer

Roasted Fennel, Egg, and Pancetta Panzanella

Pork Chops with Mustard, Rosemary, and Capers

Kale, Chorizo, and Manchego Pizza

Escarole and Cannellini Bean Stew

Honey-Rosemary Lamb Sandwich

Thai Chicken Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

Roast Chicken with Vegetables

Shrimp and Chickpea Pasta

Stir-fried Eggplant and Tofu

Turkey Sandwiches with Shallots, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese

Stuffed Chipotle Meatballs

Japanese-style One-pot Supper

Shrimp, Ancho Chile, and Pasta Soup (Sopa Seca de Camarones y Fideos)

Veal Scaloppine with Mushroom Marsala Sauce

Chicken Stew with Olives and Lemon

Sausage with Hominy and Spinach

Coconut Curry Chicken

Sesame Broccoli Pasta

Penne with Broccoli

Tuna with Tomato-Caper Sauce

Pork Milanese with Arugula, Fennel, and Parmesan Salad

Smoked Salmon Vermicelli

Spicy Sesame Scallops