Cozy to Fresh: 10 Winter-Spring Recipes You Need Now
Mar 13, 2025
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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!
Table of Contents
- Polenta Casserole w/ Sausage & Spinach
- Easy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe with Shallots and Guanciale
- Baked Rigatoni with Mushrooms and Spinach
- Italian Teardrop Dumplings (chnèfflènè)
- Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup
- Chicken Nectarine Stir Fry
- Slow Cooker Chunky Chicken Barley Stew
- Tortellini with Sausage
- Incredible Chicken Piccata Pasta
- Spring Roll Bowls
Polenta Casserole w/ Sausage & Spinach
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
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 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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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