Does anyone else crave all the cozy meals in February? I naturally gravitate towards comfort food and easy recipes to get me through this last leg of winter. Fire up your stove and air fryer this week, and get ready to put warm meals on the table that only require one pot or pan!
Cozy Monday: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Hooray for one-pot meals! My family loves this flavorful, filling, and protein-packed soup. It’s ready in 35 minutes, and the leftovers make an amazing lunch for the days to come.
Hot tips
- Use store bought rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Look for fresh cheese tortellini in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. I get mine from Trader Joe’s.
- Add whatever veggies you have on hand. Leafy greens, mushrooms, potatoes — you name it!
- Serve the soup with copycat Olive Garden breadsticks and/or a garden salad.
Meaty Tuesday: Mongolian Beef
Thinly sliced beef in a garlic, ginger, and brown sugar soy sauce? Say no more! If you love Asian flavors, you’ll scarf down this dish in minutes.
Hot tips
- Save the fatty cuts of beef for Thursday’s dinner. Look for affordable flank steak or top sirloin for this recipe.
- Slice the beef against the grain for an ultra-tender texture.
- Make a double batch of rice as a side for today and tomorrow. Or, serve the beef with chili noodles or your favorite veggie side.
Seafood Wednesday: Crispy Air Fryer Cod
You guys, let the reviews for this recipe speak for themselves. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of fish, this super crispy cod made in 15 minutes with just an air fryer will impress you!
Hot tips
- Season the fish generously and add a slice of butter on top of each filet for the best flavor.
- Avoid spraying the air fryer basket with oil, as this can damage it. Instead, lightly brush oil onto the basket with a pastry brush or a paper towel.
- Serve the cod on a bed of rice with guacamole, pickled onions, and cabbage slaw. Or, go the fish-and-chips route with 15-minute air fryer French fries.
Hearty Thursday: Stewed Buckwheat and Beef
This dish is a beloved Ukrainian classic that is SO hearty and tasty. It’s naturally gluten-free, and it feels like a warm hug from my childhood.
Hot tips
- Ribeyes are my favorite cut of beef to use here, but a NY strip, filet mignon, or skirt steak would also work.
- Look for a European brand of toasted buckwheat for the most authentic flavor. I get mine from Amazon or a local European store.
- Balance out the richness of this dish with a marinated beet salad or quick pickled cucumbers.
Pasta Friday: Creamy One-Pot Pasta
Alright, it’s finally time for a pasta recipe. Sauté zucchini and Italian sausage in a pot, build the sauce, then cook the pasta right in so it soaks up all that yummy flavor!
Hot tips
- Swap the zucchini for any other veggies and use your favorite protein.
- I looove wide noodles like pappardelle, tagliatelle, or fettuccine. They’re perfect for slurping up the sauce!
- Cook the noodles al dente (a minute or so shy of the recommended time), as they’ll continue to absorb the sauce as they sit.
- Remember to add a bit of cream or water when reheating to restore the right consistency.
Appetizer of the Week: Spinach Artichoke Dip
Celebrate Superbowl weekend with this super creamy, flavorful dip. Don’t be surprised when it’s devoured in no time — it’s addicting!!
Dessert of the Week: Espresso Jello Shots
Serve up this stunning layered dessert to add some pep to Superbowl hosting. Coffee jello is balanced with sweet milk jello to make a coffee-lover’s dreams come true.
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