Sweatpants and these recipes
When the temperature drops, my motivation to do dishes drops right along with it (as if it were ever there to begin with).
There is something so satisfying about a meal that comes together in one single pot. I have a lot of one pan meals on this website (and I mean, a lot – the current count is 243), but I went through and gathered up what I feel like are the coziest of them.
Whether it’s a slow-simmered stew that makes the whole house smell amazing or a 30-minute skillet pasta that saves a chaotic Tuesday, these are the recipes I reach for when I want to feel warm, full, and completely relaxed.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
There’s a reason this flavor profile went viral. It's ridiculously good. Between the sun dried tomatoes, the cream, and the parmesan, it’s a total luxury meal made in one pan. It’s exactly what I want to eat when it’s icky outside and I want to feel a little bit fancy without leaving my sweatpants.
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Cajun Chicken Pasta
When the gray winter weather gets a little too gloomy, I need some spice to wake me up. This pasta is creamy enough to be comforting but has a smoky, spicy kick that warms you from the inside out.
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Homemade Hamburger Helper
This is pure nostalgia, but way better than the stuff from the box. It’s beefy, cheesy, and hits that childhood “comfort food” button perfectly. It’s my go-to for those nights when the kids are hungry, the house is cold, and I need a win that everyone will eat.
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Braised Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are the heroes of cozy cooking because they stay juicy and tender. This recipe creates a gorgeous, savory sauce right in the pan. It’s simple, rustic, and makes your kitchen smell incredible.
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Chicken Enchilada Skillet
I love enchiladas, but I don't always love the “assembly line” process of rolling them up. This skillet version gives you all that cheesy, saucy, tortilla-filled goodness in one pan. It’s a warm, Mexican-inspired meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
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Cowboy Stew
This stew is “meat and potatoes” at its absolute finest. It’s packed with beef, beans, and bacon and is the ultimate fuel for a chilly day when you just want a meal that sticks to your ribs.
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Braised Beef
If “cozy” was a flavor, it would be this braised beef. It’s slow-cooked until it literally falls apart at the touch of a fork, creating a rich, deep gravy that is pure magic. It’s a bit of a commitment in terms of time, but it’s 100 passive – you can let the oven do the work while you stay under a blanket.
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Red Lentil Curry
“Cozy” and “hearty” doesn't have to involve meat. There is something about the warming spices in a curry that just hits differently when it’s freezing outside. This is one of my favorites!
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Chicken Enchilada Soup
This creamy chicken enchilada soup is full of warm spices and it tastes like the best enchilada, but again without all the rolling. It's hearty, filling, and perfect for cold days.
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Cabbage Roll Soup
All the classic flavors of a traditional cabbage roll, but deconstructed into a cozy, one-pot soup. It’s a great way to get your veggies in while still feeling like you’re eating total comfort food.
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Chicken Dumpling Soup
This is the gold standard for cold-weather meals. The fluffy, pillowy dumplings steam on top of a rich chicken broth and is enough to cure any case of the winter blues. It’s the meal I want whenever I’m feeling under the weather or just need some extra TLC.
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American Goulash Recipe
This meal is a Midwest staple, but in true Rachel Cooks style, I made it into a one-pan meal. It’s humble, filling, and exactly what I want on the table when the wind is howling outside.
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Chicken à la King
A “vintage” classic, and for good reason. It’s creamy, loaded with tender chicken and veggies, and feels indulgent. Serve it over toast or biscuits or right out of the pan for a meal that everyone will love.
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Mulligatawny Soup Recipe
This soup is such a fun mix of flavors: curry, apples, chicken, and rice. It’s sweet, savory, and perfectly spiced. If you’re bored of your standard soup rotation, this is the one to try; it’s unique, warming, and incredibly cozy.
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Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Wild rice adds such a wonderful, nutty texture to this soup that keeps it from feeling “basic.” It’s velvety, rich, and exactly what you want waiting for you in the crockpot after a long, cold day.
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Instant Pot Beef Stew
Using the Instant Pot feels like cheating when you're making beef stew, but it works. You get that “simmered all day” tenderness and deep flavor in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect Sunday-style dinner for a busy Tuesday night when you need something hearty but you’re short on time.
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Crockpot Spaghetti
If you’ve never put dry noodles straight into a slow cooker, prepare to have your life changed. The pasta absorbs all that savory sauce as it cooks, resulting in a flavor you just can't get from boiling water. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” comfort that feels like a big Sunday dinner with about five minutes of effort.
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