7 Easy Winter Dinner Recipes for This Week

On busy weekdays, occasionally opting for takeout or fast food is perfectly fine. Life is short, and enjoying every moment is key.

But if you're like us, finding joy in easily preparing dinner for your family on an ordinary Tuesday evening is a special satisfaction. These dinner recipes are the kinds of weekday delicacies that our test kitchen chefs, editors, and writers crave when they get hungry at 3 PM. Each has its own unique charm that makes it delicious.

Roasted Chicken with Brussels Sprouts

With just five ingredients, plus salt and pepper, you can easily whip up this delicious sheet pan meal. The key is to preheat the sheet pan and place the chicken thighs skin-side down to instantly lock in the juices and crisp up the skin. While that's cooking, you can also whip up a cranberry sauce on the side, killing two birds with one stone.

Ginger Stir-Fried Beef with Napa Cabbage

For stir-fry lovers, this dish is a lifesaver. Simply chop the ingredients into small pieces and throw them into a hot wok for a quick stir-fry, and dinner will be ready in no time. During the cold winter months, the crunchy napa cabbage paired with ginger-flavored beef brings a warm and comforting feeling.

Garlic Pasta

Pasta, as a classic dish, has its own charm. This garlic pasta combines whole wheat pasta with garlic-flavored greens for a simple yet delicious meal. You can cook a large batch of greens at once and use them over the next few days. This recipe serves four, but you can easily halve it if needed.

Gluten-Free Braised Chicken Thighs with Carrots and Potatoes

This braised chicken thigh dish is gluten-free and only requires stovetop cooking. The addition of potatoes and carrots makes it even more nutritious. Chicken fat enhances the flavor, while fresh thyme adds an aromatic touch, resulting in a perfect dish.

Fennel and Saffron Mussels

Mussels could be your secret weapon for weekday dinners. They're affordable, quick to cook, and create a restaurant-like ambiance. Pair them with bread and vegetables, and you'll feel like you're dining at a Parisian café at home. Traditional flavors like garlic and white wine, or elegant flavors like saffron and fennel, will fill your home with a dreamy aroma.

Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata, with its unique flavors of lemon, capers, and white wine, appeals to both the young and old. You can add your family's favorite vegetables, such as roasted cauliflower, sliced artichoke hearts, or sautéed mushrooms, which blend perfectly into the dish. It's simple, quick, and ready in half an hour.

Mushroom and Greens Stir-Fried Tofu

Stir-frying might be the go-to choice for weekday dinners. High heat and chopped ingredients make stir-frying simple and quick. This vegetarian recipe features mushrooms, greens, and tofu, and is highly adaptable. Choose your preferred protein source and add any sauce you like to flavor it up. Whether it's black bean sauce, chili sauce, or any Asian chili paste you have on hand, they'll all make this dish even more delicious.