Cozy to Fresh: 10 Winter-Spring Recipes You Need Now

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Winter is on its way out, but let’s not rush straight to summer salads just yet. Instead, cozy up with a Polenta Casserole with Sausage & Spinach or dive into a bowl of Slow Cooker Chunky Chicken Barley Stew—because comfort food season isn’t over until we say so. But as the sun peeks out, lighten things up with Spring Roll Bowls or a fresh Chicken Nectarine Stir Fry for that perfect balance. And for pasta lovers, the transition is easy with Baked Rigatoni with Mushrooms and Spinach or the oh-so-classic Incredible Chicken Piccata Pasta. Whether it’s chilly or breezy, these recipes have you covered—because Mother Nature can’t make up her mind, but at least dinner is sorted!

Polenta Casserole w/ Sausage & Spinach

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A freshly baked frittata with sautéed greens, cheese, and diced sausage, served in a cast iron skillet, vibrant and delicious.
Image Credit: Chef’s Pencil

Polenta Casserole with Sausage & Spinach is cozy, rustic comfort at its best—creamy Parmesan polenta layered with garlicky spinach, savory sausage, and gooey melted Gruyere. Dig in and thank me later!

To learn more: Polenta Casserole w/ Sausage & Spinach

Easy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe with Shallots and Guanciale

A close-up of a bowl of pasta with cherry tomatoes, bacon, and onions, garnished with a fork resting nearby.
Image Credit: The Pasta Project

Rigatoni with Shallots & Guanciale is a flavor-packed nod to Emilia-Romagna, where sweet Romagna shallots shine. Simple, rich, and ridiculously tasty—no worries if you swap in other shallots, it’ll still be a hit!

To learn more: Easy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe with Shallots and Guanciale

Baked Rigatoni with Mushrooms and Spinach

Baked rigatoni in a cream sauce with spinach, topped with melted cheese, served in a rustic dish with a fork and spoon nearby.
Image Credit: Chef’s Pencil

Baked Rigatoni with Mushrooms & Spinach is the cozy, creamy, vegetarian dish your whole family will love. Packed with flavor and perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s comfort food done right!

To learn more: Baked Rigatoni with Mushrooms and Spinach

Italian Teardrop Dumplings (chnèfflènè)

A plate of creamy pasta topped with sautéed onions and fresh herbs, with a fork resting beside it.
Image Credit: The Pasta Project

Chnèfflènè (Gnocchetti dalla Valle D’Aosta) are little teardrop-shaped dumplings straight from the heart of Italian mountain cuisine. Made with a spaetzle-like batter and tossed in buttery, wine-kissed onions with a touch of broth, they’re rustic comfort on a plate!

To learn more: Italian teardrop dumplings (chnèfflènè)

Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup

Creamy broccoli and cheddar soup in a white bowl, featuring chunks of broccoli and bits of carrot against a smooth orange background.
Image Credit: Flavorful Eats

Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup is a rich, velvety mash-up of two comfort food classics—cheesy broccoli soup meets hearty potato soup! Loaded with veggies and customizable to be chunky or smooth, it’s pure cozy bliss in a bowl.

To learn more: Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup

Chicken Nectarine Stir Fry

A vibrant bowl of stir-fried vegetables and chicken garnished with edible flowers, accompanied by red chopsticks.
Image Credit: 100 Days of Real Food

Chicken Nectarine Stir Fry is our go-to easy weeknight dinner—unexpected, yet absolutely delicious! Sweet nectarines and savory chicken come together for a flavor combo you didn’t know you needed.

To learn more: Chicken Nectarine Stir Fry

Slow Cooker Chunky Chicken Barley Stew

A close-up of a slow cooker filled with creamy chicken soup, featuring shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and barley.
Image Credit: Flavorful Eats

Slow Cooker Chunky Chicken Barley Stew is the hearty, no-fuss meal your chilly days crave! Packed with tender chicken, wholesome barley, and a bounty of fresh veggies, it’s cozy, comforting, and totally effortless.

To learn more: Slow Cooker Chunky Chicken Barley Stew

Tortellini with Sausage

A delicious baked pasta dish with melted cheese, rich tomato sauce, and garnished with fresh parsley in a cast-iron skillet.
Image Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy

Tortellini with Sausage is the easy, one-pan wonder your dinner routine needs! With just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes, you get a hearty, flavor-packed meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

To learn more: Tortellini with Sausage

Incredible Chicken Piccata Pasta

Two bowls of creamy chicken pasta with spaghetti on a wooden table, alongside a serving pan and silver forks.
Image Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks

Chicken Piccata Pasta is the zesty, creamy twist on a classic that you didn’t know you needed! With bright lemon, briny capers, and a luscious sauce, it’s comfort food with a refreshing kick.

To learn more: Incredible Chicken Piccata Pasta

Spring Roll Bowls

A vibrant bowl of shrimp salad with rice noodles, colorful vegetables, herbs, and a creamy dressing, garnished with sesame seeds.
Image Credit: Fox and Briar

Spring Roll Bowls deliver all the fresh, crunchy goodness of spring rolls—minus the rolling! With rice noodles, tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and a killer peanut sauce, this easy dish is a flavor-packed win.

To learn more: Spring Roll Bowls

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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