5 Easy, Cozy Winter Dishes to Make in 20 Minutes

Rana Atef

From comforting one-pot meals to quick, wholesome dinners, this feature brings together easy recipes that deliver big flavor with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Creamy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese

This creamy white chicken chili is rich, comforting and ready in just 30 minutes. White beans naturally thicken the chili, while tender chicken thighs add protein and flavor. Garlic, onions, green chiles and cumin build warmth, and cream cheese melts smoothly into the broth for a tangy, satisfying finish.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

2 cans (15 oz each) no-salt-added great northern beans, rinsed and divided

1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or avocado)

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon salt, divided

1½ cups chopped yellow onion

5 cloves garlic, chopped

2 cups unsalted chicken broth

2 cans (4 oz each) chopped green chiles, undrained

4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese

1 tablespoon lime juice

½ cup fresh cilantro leaves

Directions

Mash half of the beans until smooth; set aside.

Heat oil in a large pot over high heat. Add chicken, cumin and ¼ teaspoon salt; cook until lightly browned.

Add onion, garlic and remaining salt; cook until softened.

Stir in whole beans, mashed beans, broth and green chiles. Bring to a boil, then simmer until chicken is cooked.

Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese and lime juice until smooth.

Serve topped with cilantro.

Garlic Shrimp with Cilantro Spaghetti Squash

This light, low-carb dinner uses spaghetti squash instead of pasta and is topped with garlicky shrimp full of bold flavor. Lemon juice and broth replace wine while keeping the dish bright and savory.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1 spaghetti squash (2½–3 lb), halved and seeded

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon salt, divided

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth

1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon lemon juice

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Microwave squash cut-side down with 2 tablespoons water until tender, about 10 minutes (or roast at 400°F for 40–50 minutes).

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, coriander, cumin, ¼ teaspoon salt and cayenne; cook briefly until fragrant.

Add broth and bring to a simmer. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.

Scrape squash strands into a bowl. Toss with cilantro, butter, pepper and remaining salt.

Serve shrimp over squash with lemon wedges.

One-Pot Spinach, Chicken Sausage & Feta Pasta

This one-pan pasta delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup. Chicken sausage, spinach and feta combine with whole-wheat pasta for a filling, balanced meal that’s perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3 cooked chicken sausage links (about 9 oz), sliced

1 cup diced onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (8 oz) no-salt-added tomato sauce

4 cups baby spinach

6 cups cooked whole-wheat rotini

¼ cup chopped Kalamata olives

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

¼ cup water (more as needed)

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Directions

Heat oil in a large skillet. Add sausage, onion and garlic; cook until lightly browned.

Stir in tomato sauce, spinach, pasta, olives, salt and red pepper. Cook until spinach wilts.

Add water as needed for consistency.

Remove from heat and stir in feta and basil.

Stuffed Sweet Potato with Hummus Dressing

This quick, plant-based meal is hearty, nutritious and simple to prepare. Sweet potato, beans and kale provide fiber and protein, while hummus adds creamy flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

1 large sweet potato

¾ cup chopped kale

1 cup canned black beans, rinsed

¼ cup hummus

2 tablespoons water

Directions

Microwave sweet potato until tender, 7–10 minutes.

Cook kale in a saucepan until wilted; add beans and warm through.

Split sweet potato and top with kale and beans.

Thin hummus with water and drizzle over the top.

20-Minute Creamy Chicken Skillet with Italian Seasoning

This fast skillet dinner features tender chicken in a creamy tomato and zucchini sauce. Broth and lemon juice replace wine while keeping the dish rich and flavorful.