There’s no time like the frosts of January to serve up your favorite comfort foods. However, no one wants to spend hours in the kitchen after a busy day. These quick and easy comfort food favorites will have you feeling full and satisfied in a matter of moments.
Macaroni and Cheese is a classic – for a reason. A nice cheesy bowl of noodles will be ready in under an hour, and makes plenty to warm up the whole family. Our guide to Italian-style baked macaroni and cheese will help you make your new weeknight favorite.
A sandwich and a cup of soup is also a quick and hearty way to warm up after a long day. Our Italian 4-Cheese Panini is flavorful and filling, but can be put together in less than 20 minutes.
For a soup recipe that’s indulgent yet chock-full of veggies, try this recipe for Italian Garden Vegetable Chowder. The best part is, this freezes really well. Try making a double recipe and store half in the freezer to make next week’s dinner even faster!
Italian Garden Vegetable Chowder
Ingredients:
⋅ 1/2 stick butter, melted
⋅ 1/2 pound zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced into ¼ inch thick slices
⋅ 2 medium onions, diced
⋅ 2 large garlic cloves, minced
⋅ 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
⋅ 16 ounces canned diced tomatoes, with juices
⋅ 15 ounces canned garbanzo or white beans, drained
⋅ 2 teaspoons salt
⋅ 1 pinch black pepper
⋅ 1 bay leaf
⋅ 1 1/2 cups dry white wine
⋅ 1 cup whipping cream
⋅ 1 cup Il Villaggio Fontina Val D’Aosta cheese, shredded
⋅ 1 cup Il Villaggio Pecorino Romano, grated
Instructions
Saute zucchini, onions and garlic in the melted butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
Add basil, tomatoes, beans, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and wine to the saucepan. Cover and simmer gently on medium-low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to low. Remove bay leaf. Stir in cream and cheeses and stir to combine until cheese melts. Serve immediately.
Serves 6. Cooking time: 25 minutes. Prep time: 10 minutes. Total time: 35 minutes.
