When the weather is cold, all we want to do is curl up on the couch with a bowl of mac and cheese. Or mashed potatoes. Or is it a slice of pizza we want? As long as it’s comforting, we’re craving it. But our hankering for something cozy tends to compete with our healthy objectives for the new year. So, we’ve rounded up seven indulgent dinner recipes, each with a healthy-ish twist. How’s that for a tasty compromise?
Here’s What to Cook Every Night This Week (January 29 – February 4)
Healthy-ish is the name of the game
•
Published Jan 24, 2024
Katherine Gillen
Anastasia Dobrusina/Getty Images
Shopping List
Produce
9 garlic cloves
2 scallions
2 yellow onions
2 large russet potatoes
1 medium head cauliflower
1 pineapple
1 lime
1 orange
1 serrano pepper
1 large leek
14 ounces broccolini
3½ ounces baby spinach
1 pound 5 ounces broccoli florets (about 2 heads)
10½ ounces cherry tomatoes
1 bunch parsley
2 bunches basil
1 large bunch curly kale
1 bunch chives
1 bunch cilantro
1 bunch thyme
1 bunch oregano
Meat
6 large eggs
1 pound ground chicken
4 slices extra-thick cut bacon
Four 6- to 8-ounce center-cut salmon fillets
2 large chicken breasts
Dairy
6 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
4 slices provolone cheese
Sour cream, for serving
5 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for serving
1 stick unsalted butter
1 quart milk
Two 4½-ounce fresh mozzarella balls
Grains
4 slices white bread
Crusty bread, for serving
14 ounces dried rice noodles
16 ounces dried macaroni
Canned and Packaged Goods
16 ounces marinara sauce
Sambal oelek (or other garlic chili sauce)
64 ounces chicken stock
2 ounces low-sodium chicken broth
Pickled red onions, for serving
2 ounces slivered almonds
4 ounces almond meal
3 ounces panko breadcrumbs
Pantry Ingredients: kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, extra-virgin olive oil, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, neutral oil, distilled white vinegar, ancho or chipotle chile powder, chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, avocado oil, all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, garlic powder
Monday: Chicken Parm Meatballs
All the flavor of classic chicken Parmesan, minus the breading and frying. (Not to mention that chicken is leaner than the usual beef-pork blend you use for meatballs). Serve them with Caesar salad—we promise you won’t miss the bread or pasta.
Wednesday: Loaded Baked Potato and Cauliflower Soup
Potato skins in a bowl? Be still our spud-loving heart. With far less cheese than the O.G. appetizer and a whole head of cauliflower, this soup is on your diet. Skip the bacon (add liquid smoke to the broth to compensate, if desired) and substitute vegetable stock for chicken to make it vegetarian.
Thursday: Salmon al Pastor
This iconic Mexican marinade starring pineapple and chiles is usually used on pork and lamb, but this salmon dish is proof that it works with any protein. (Hola, healthy fats and omega-3s.) Serve the fish over white—or fine, brown—rice or flake it up for tacos or burrito bowls.
Friday: Greens Mac and Cheese
A verdant duo of broccolini and baby spinach, along with crunchy slivered almonds, makes this simple pasta just wholesome enough. Don’t fret though: The recipe still calls for plenty of Parm and cheddar, because balance is everything. Spice up your bowl with crushed red pepper flakes and freshly ground black pepper.
Saturday: Broccoli Margherita Pizza
Not tonight, delivery guy. Behold, in all its gluten-free glory, the ridiculously easy crust that’s nothing but broccoli florets, almond meal and eggs. Add grilled chicken, crumbled sausage or your picky kid’s favorite, pepperoni, to the pie for a protein boost.
Sunday: Garlic Breaded Roast Chicken Breast
This delectably crunchy chicken tastes fried, but it’s roasted in the oven instead for minimal fat and fuss. (Oh, and it’s very kid-friendly.) This pantry powerhouse only requires nine ingredients, and we’re betting most of them are in your kitchen already. That’s a win-win-win in our book.
