When winter arrives, appetites change. No longer do the family want those light and refreshing meals they crave throughout summer and into autumn. Instead, cold weather means people want the kind of meals that warm them up.
This isn’t just a question of heat, it’s about the textures and flavours of the ingredients that create a feeling of comfort when eaten. Are you wondering what exactly?
Join us as we explore the best cozy Italian meals to keep the whole family warm on winter evenings. We’ll take you through dishes rich in meat, those boasting hot and melted cheese, traditional recipes, lasagna with a twist, and more. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Meaty Meals
Who doesn’t love a meaty dish on a cold winter night? Well, perhaps not vegetarians. But for those who like their meat with comforting flavours from rich sauces and tantalizing textures, these recipes are for you. As for the vegetarians, don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of options for you too.
It doesn’t get much meatier than this Skillet Gnocchi Meatball Lasagna Extravaganza, While it’s not exactly a lasagna, it contains many similar ingredients albeit with some alternative ingredients and culinary techniques. What’s more, it’s easy to make, delicious, and hearty.
Another meat-fest is this Beef Ravioli with Portobello Rosé Sauce. With warm, creamy, flavourful sauce atop the pillows of pasta filled with beef, your taste buds will be dancing with joy. This dish is a much-loved family favourite, especially during the winter when we need all the comfort we can get from our mealtime.
Cheese Lovers’ Paradise
Cheese can be enjoyed all year round, but when it’s cold outside, what could be more satisfying than a meal topped with hot, melted cheese that smothers layers of rich-tasting ingredients? Pizza springs to mind, but for a similar cheesy effect, here’s something else you can whip up with ease.
This Skillet Mac and Cheese Bacon Gnocchi with Broccoli recipe combines the kid-friendly deliciousness of mac and cheese with a nice dose of greens and a tasty touch of bacon. This meal will give you all the cheese you crave in a highly comforting meal.
But for a more subtle use of cheese, you can enjoy it wrapped inside the smooth coating of filled pasta in this Cheese Tortellini in Rosé Sauce. If you haven’t tried rosé sauce before, this recipe is the way to go. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your family’s next favourite dish.
Traditional Italian Comfort Food
As much as we associate Italy with scenes of sun-drenched Mediterranean towns, let’s not forget that Italians have winter too. That’s why when it comes to looking for meals to warm you up on cold evenings, there are plenty of traditional Italian recipes that can do the trick.
Sure, we’ve all tried a classic carbonara dish, but imagine it with gnocchi as a pasta replacement. These little potato dumplings are chewy, and soft, and make for a hearty meal. Experience how they soak up the flavours of sauce deliciously, as demonstrated in this Skillet Gnocchi Carbonara recipe.
We can’t mention dishes to warm the family up without acknowledging soup. For a classic Italian soup, that’s hearty, traditional, and rich in flavours, prepare Mama’s Tortellini Soup and bring smiles to the faces of everyone around the table.
Lasagna Luxury Dishes
Not many recipes in the world conjure the much-loved comforting and nostalgic feel of lasagna. This timeless, family-favourite is a joy to eat, especially for a cozy winter mealtime. Just be sure to have the best lasagna sheets on hand when it’s time to cook.
You can’t go wrong with an Old-Fashioned Lasagna. This tried and true classic gives everyone around the table a sense of familiarity, comfort, and home. Rich, flavourful, and loved across the world, it’s no wonder this recipe has withstood the test of time for so long.
But there are always opportunities to do something different. Why not prepare lasagna with a whole new style, such as this Lasagna Roll-ups with Sausage Sauce recipe? Or if you want a classic dish with a vegetarian twist, opt for this Roasted Zucchini Lasagna, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
For the best tips and tricks when it comes to your lasagna prep, remember that Olivieri has got your back. Find out all you need to know with us as we show you How to Make the Perfect Lasagna.
Fabulous Fusion
Let’s wrap things up in style by uncovering a simply irresistible fusion recipe that mixes the best of Italian cuisine with Canadian ingredients. See for yourself by preparing this Braised Beef au jus Ravioli, Mushrooms, Maple Syrup and Québec Cheese Curds. To try it is to love it.
For more meal inspiration with the finest Italian ingredients, feel free to pay us a visit in our kitchen.