17 30-Minute Meals *Perfect* for Hump Day + What Wines to Pair Them With
By Wednesday evening, your motivation is starting to slack and the need for an alcoholic beverage (or two) is at its peak. The best way to get through hump day and complete the rest of the work week is to whip up a quick and delicious meal, glass of wine in hand. Pick up a bottle of your fave Trader Joe’s wine, or check out our recommendations for the best wines to pair with the 17 mouth-watering 30-minute dinners below. You’re welcome. Get your bottle opener ready, because these recipe and wine combos are going to make your mid-week MUCH more enjoyable.
1. Mac and Cheese Spaghetti With Bacon and Peas: Cheesy dishes like this pasta call for a wine with acidity and subtle floral notes. Whispering Angel Côtes de Provence Rosé ($18) is a great choice that will balance out the richness of the bacon and highlight the sweetness of the peas. (via Better Homes and Gardens)
2. Butternut Squash Chili: Since you’re making such a healthy and hearty dinner, you deserve to treat yourself to a nice glass of wine. A dry American Riesling along the lines of a Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling ($8) would be great alongside the sweet and smokey flavors of butternut squash and chili powder. Plus, it’s cheap! (via Savory Tooth)
3. Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups: Since Alfredo and lasagna are both of Italian origin, try serving an Italian wine with this dish. Alfredo is notoriously heavy, so choose a white varietal with fruity notes like Vietti Barbera D’Asti Tre Vigneto ($17) to cut through the cream sauce. (via Like Mother, Like Daughter)
4. Chicken in Coconut Mango Verde Sauce: California Chardonnay is the way to go when whipping up a creamy coconut chicken dish like this one. If you decide to add more spice, try it with an off-dry Riesling from Oregon similar to the 2015 A to Z Wineworks Riesling ($15). (via Carlsbad Cravings)
5. Chicken Ratatouille: Flavorful tomato-based dishes lend themselves well to rich red wines like Terrebrune Bandol Rouge ($35). Chef Remy the rat would definitely dig this pairing. (via Diethood)
6. One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole: Mexican food is a staple in most homes for its bold flavors and quick execution. The wine you serve with it should be just as bright, but not too overpowering. A sparkling Cava like Freixenet Cava Carta Nevada Semi Dry ($8) should do the trick. (via Making Thyme for Health)
7. One-Pot Thai Peanut Veggie Pasta: Cook your own takeout by making this quick veggie version of Pad Thai. To get the most out of your wine pairing, team up this dish with a highly aromatic white like Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Riesling ($18). (via Flavor the Moments)
8. One-Skillet 30-Minute Chicken Parmesan: Chicken parm is a classic Italian dish worthy of a classic Italian wine. The full-bodied but fruity 2011 Piccini Chianti ($11) is a safe and affordable option. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)
9. Pan Seared Salmon With Mediterranean Salsa Fresca and Toasted Couscous: Who says you can’t drink red wine with seafood? Rules are made to be broken, and the combo of this salmon dish with 2014 Eola Hills Pinot Noir ($19) is proof. (via The Cozy Apron)
10. Pork Schnitzels: German Rieslings are a great match for pork schnitzel because of their balanced acidity and apple and citrus flavors. Try Doctor Loosen 2013 Bernkasteler Lay Kabinett Riesling ($25) for your authentic German meal. (via Jo Cooks)
11. Quick Chicken Tikka Masala: Because of its aromas of red plum and tea leaves, La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir ($14) is an excellent accompaniment for Indian cuisine. Serve it all up with a few pieces of naan bread and get to scooping. (via Cooking Classy)
12. 30-Minute Sesame Beef Stir Fry: Stir fry is a must for busy weeknights. Since you’re opting for steak in this preparation, a fruity Malbec would be outstanding. The 2007 Altos Las Hormigas Mendoza ($36) is always a winner when paired with beef. (via Yes to Yolks)
13. Chili-Lime Shrimp Tacos: You definitely want the flavors of these fresh and zesty tacos to be front and center when it comes time to eat. That means you need a mild and citrusy wine like Martin Codax Albarino ($15) to complement the lime and chili in the dish. (via Fox and Briar)
14. Taco French Bread Pizza: Fun recipes like this French bread pizza call for an equally fun and inexpensive wine. For a few bubbles, try this refreshing Segura Viudas Cava Brut Reserva Heredad ($12). (via Life in the Lofthouse)
15. Teriyaki Meatballs: Whether you’re having a mid-week dinner party or you’re feeding your family in a hurry, these meatballs have you covered. Serve them with a full-bodied red like the 2012 Lot 408 Syrah ($15) for notes of blackberry, blueberry and black pepper. (via Food Fanatic)
16. Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken: It’s always fun to match your wine pick to the region that you’re cooking from. Bibi Graetz Casamatta ($14) is a beautiful Tuscan white that would be perfect with the creamy sauce and white meat chicken. (via The Recipe Critic)
17. Tin Foil Garlic Parmesan Salmon and Veggies: Any time you can make an entire dinner without dirtying a pan is a weeknight win. Reward yourself with a generous pour of a 2005 Praxis Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc ($15), which will be delightful with the fresh and herbal flavors of the salmon. (via Chelsea’s Messy Apron)
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