17 light and comforting winter dinners with Lenten meal ideas

Eating healthy in the winter often seems difficult, especially on weeknights when you’re tempted just to order in. Getting a wholesome winter dinner on the table doesn’t have to be cumbersome. I’ve curated 17 healthy weeknight meals that are simple and straightforward, perfect for your busy weeknight hustle and bustle. There are plenty of options from hearty stews to one-pot wonders, and no shortage of ideas for Lenten meals as well.

Dutch oven chicken curry

One-pot quick chicken curry. Serve with rice and naan and top with fresh cilantro.

Lentil mushroom stew and mashed potatoes

A hearty vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free meal ready in less than an hour. Serve as a main dish or as a side with chicken thighs or roasted pork.

One-pot garlic shrimp and broccoli

A one-pot shrimp and broccoli skillet that comes together in just 20 minutes.

Mediterranean ground beef stir fry

An unexpected and delicious way to turn ground beef into a flavorful Mediterranean feast. Serve with rice, pita, and hummus or tzatziki.

Vegetarian stuffed peppers with basil vinaigrette

First, bright bell peppers are roasted until tender. Afterward, they’re stuffed with orzo pasta and chickpeas and seasoned with oregano, briny olives, tomatoes, and creamy feta.

Instant pot chicken tortilla soup

Quick and flavorful chicken tortilla soup thrown in the instant pot for a healthy soup in just 40 minutes.

Salmon caccitore

Tomato sauce, studded with briny capers and olives, gives your salmon filets a weeknight upgrade that tastes like a labor of love. Serve with potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty sourdough, along with an arugula salad, for a complete meal.

Stuffed chicken breasts

Stuffed chicken breasts with cream cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes come together in just 15 minutes for an elevated and healthy weeknight dinner.

Minestrone soup

Fiber-rich and veggie-packed, this soup is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want on your table this winter.

Easy baked pork chops

Seasoned and juicy baked pork chops ready in 25 minutes for a foolproof weeknight supper. My favorite way to serve pork chops is with some mashed potatoes and garlic green beans.

Spinach frittata with feta

Who says eggs are just for breakfast? Try this wonderful frittata for an easy egg bake for dinner, ready in a pinch.

Sweet Thai basil chicken

Sweet and glossy Thai basil chicken is made in one pot and the perfect take-out-inspired dinner. Serve with rice or noodles, along with your vegetable of choice.

Pepeso (Tuscan black pepper stew)

If you have time to prepare a slow-cooked meal, this Tuscan black pepper stew requires just six ingredients and minimal prep. It then becomes an effortless winter comfort food that will surely warm you up.

Garlic butter baked cod

Incredibly easy and foolproof, flaky baked cod.

Sheet pan roasted gnocchi and veggies

Sheet pan dinner for the win! Sweet and tender roasted vegetables with little golden nuggets of gnocchi. You could even add Italian sausage to boost the protein in this sheet pan meal.

Turkey meatloaf

A healthy take on the comfort food classic.

Chunky ham and bean soup

This is a great soup to use up any leftover ham, if you happen to have it.

I hope these recipes gave you some new ideas for your winter weeknight dinner plans and some Lenten meal inspiration.

Tell us your favorite Lenten and/or weeknight go-tos in the comments below.