By the time winter evenings roll around, dinner often feels like one more thing to manage. I’ve come to appreciate meals that stay straightforward while still giving everyone something comforting to look forward to. These 17 dinners are built for cold nights when you want dependable results and less time in the kitchen. They make it easier for you to focus on the evening itself instead of what’s left to cook.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Walking on Sunshine Recipes.
Chicken Cutlets with Gravy
Chicken Cutlets with Gravy are pan-fried until golden and served with creamy mashed potatoes and homemade gravy spooned over the top. This stovetop dinner comes together quickly and uses familiar pantry ingredients most families already have on hand. I like making this on cold evenings when everyone wants something filling without a long cooking window. Leftover gravy reheats well and makes the next night’s dinner even easier.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cutlets with Gravy
Easy French Onion Soup
Easy French Onion Soup simmers on the stovetop with caramelized onions, broth, and toasted bread topped with melted cheese. While simple to prepare, it feels special enough for quiet winter dinners at home. This soup works well when you want something comforting without a long ingredient list. Taking time with the onions makes the biggest difference.
Get the Recipe: Easy French Onion Soup
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Crock Pot
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Crock Pot slowly cooks into a creamy soup with chicken, gnocchi, and vegetables. The slow cooker makes this a hands-off option for busy weekdays. I like using this recipe when I want dinner ready without extra effort later on. Adding the gnocchi near the end keeps them soft but not mushy.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Crock Pot
Cast Iron Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts
Cast Iron Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts are seared on the stovetop and finished in the oven for tender, evenly cooked chicken. This method keeps the meat juicy without extra steps or complicated timing. I often turn to this recipe when I need a quick protein to pair with whatever sides we already have. Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps keep it moist.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts
Pasta Fagioli
Pasta Fagioli simmers on the stovetop with beans, pasta, vegetables, and tomato-based broth. It’s filling enough for dinner and uses simple ingredients that are easy to keep stocked. I often serve this with bread for an easy cold-night meal. Cooking the pasta just until tender keeps the soup from getting too thick.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fagioli
Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables Recipe
Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables Recipe roasts sausage and vegetables together in the oven in about 30 minutes. It’s a straightforward dinner that keeps prep and dishes to a minimum. This works well on nights when you need something quick that still feeds everyone. Cutting vegetables evenly helps everything cook at the same pace.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs cook quickly with lightly crisp skin and tender meat. The air fryer shortens cooking time and keeps cleanup minimal. This recipe is helpful on nights when the oven is already busy or you want dinner done fast. Turning the thighs once helps them cook evenly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Potato Corn Chowder
Potato Corn Chowder is cooked on the stovetop into a creamy soup with potatoes and sweet corn. It comes together quickly and works well for family dinners when you need something steady and filling. This is a good option when the fridge is light but you still want a full meal. Stirring often helps prevent sticking as it thickens.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables are baked on one pan with a simple honey mustard marinade. Everything roasts together in the oven, which keeps prep and cleanup manageable on busy nights. This is a reliable choice when you want a full dinner without juggling multiple dishes. Using sturdy vegetables helps them hold up while the chicken cooks through.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables
Sheet Pan Boneless Chicken Breasts
Sheet Pan Boneless Chicken Breasts bake alongside butternut squash with a simple garlic Dijon sauce. Everything cooks on one pan in the oven, making it a good option for nights when cleanup needs to stay simple. This meal works well when you want dinner done without hovering over the stove. Lining the pan with foil makes cleanup even faster.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Boneless Chicken Breasts
Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole
Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole is baked in the oven with tender pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. It comes together quickly and feeds a family without extra steps. I like making this when everyone needs something familiar and filling after a long day. Letting it rest briefly helps it serve cleanly.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole
Loaded Potato Soup in the Crock Pot
Loaded Potato Soup in the Crock Pot slowly cooks into a thick, creamy soup filled with potatoes, bacon, and cheese. The slow cooker does most of the work, which makes this helpful on days when schedules are full. I like setting this up earlier so dinner is ready when everyone walks in the door. Stirring in the toppings just before serving keeps the texture right.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Soup in the Crock Pot
Homemade Potato Soup Recipe
Homemade Potato Soup Recipe simmers into a creamy soup with potatoes, broth, and classic toppings like bacon and cheese. It’s easy to make and works well for nights when everyone wants something familiar. I like making a large pot so leftovers are covered for lunch. Adding toppings at the table lets everyone customize their bowl.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Potato Soup Recipe
Baked Chicken Thighs
Baked Chicken Thighs roast in the oven with onions until the skin is golden and the meat is tender. A quick stovetop sear before baking helps lock in moisture. This recipe is useful when you want a dependable dinner without extra steps. Serving it straight from the pan keeps things simple.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs
Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup
Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup is simmered on the stovetop into a smooth, creamy soup using broccoli stems and coconut milk. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and is a smart way to use parts of the vegetable that often get tossed. I like serving this with bread or crackers for an easy dinner that feels steady and comforting. Adding the crunchy topper just before serving keeps the texture balanced.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup
Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits bakes into a cozy casserole with tender chicken, vegetables, and soft biscuit topping. Using refrigerated biscuits cuts down prep while still giving you a homemade feel. This is a practical choice for weeknights when time is short but comfort still matters. Baking it until the biscuits are lightly golden keeps the texture balanced.
Get the Recipe: Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
Baked Rigatoni Recipe
Baked Rigatoni Recipe is baked in the oven with pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheese until bubbly. It’s a reliable family dinner that reheats well and stretches across multiple meals. This works well for busy weeks when cooking once helps later. Covering it loosely while baking keeps the pasta from drying out.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rigatoni Recipe
Comments
No Comments