6 Spicy Dinners That Will Heat Up Your Winter

Spice, spice, baby!

Guy Fieri's Cajun Chicken Alfredo.

Guy Fieri's Cajun Chicken Alfredo.

Photo by: Teri Lyn Fisher

Teri Lyn Fisher

To know me is to know that I’m all about spice. I routinely douse my foods in hot sauce and when I feel a little under the weather, I’ll eat some extra-hot foods to try to flush it out (it sounds weird, but I promise it helps). Though I can eat a spicy meal any time of the year, I especially love them in the winter — after all, who isn’t looking for warmth in any way they can get it? The next time you need to heat up a cold night, try one of these six spicy dinners.

Cajun Chicken Alfredo (pictured above)

Guy Fieri knows a thing or two about big and bold flavors. Need proof? His fan-favorite Cajun Chicken Alfredo, which has more than 400 five-star reviews. He dredges chicken breast in a fiery blackening spice, then balances the heat with a rich and creamy alfredo sauce.

Fair warning — this dish is not meant for the faint of heart. Inspired by the famous Nashville hot chicken, Trisha begins by making a cayenne-spiced oil, which she incorporates into her chili in stages throughout the cooking process. To emphasize the flavor even more, Trisha stirs in a few teaspoons of hot sauce and tops the whole thing with plenty of chopped pickles.

Photo by: Brian David Photography

Brian David Photography

Vegans, we’ve got your back. Emily Weinberger mimics the meaty texture of sloppy Joes with a mixture of mushrooms, chopped walnuts and bell peppers. Next, she stirs in a saucy combination of ketchup, beer, tomato paste and chipotle chile powder. The kicker? A dollop (or two) of pickled jalapenos on top.

Sunny Anderson makes Katie Lee's Spicy Lobster Pasta, as seen on The Kitchen, Season 23.

Sunny Anderson makes Katie Lee's Spicy Lobster Pasta, as seen on The Kitchen, Season 23.

Cooking a romantic dinner for two? You’ll fall in love with Katie Lee’s spicy pasta, which was inspired by the meals that she and her husband often make together. If using fresh lobster seems a bit intimidating, swapping it with frozen or steamed lobster is totally fine.

Food Network Kitchen’s Instant Pot Indian Spicy Eggplantl for NEW FNK, as seen on Food Network.

FNK_InstantPotIndianSpicyEggplant_H

Food Network Kitchen’s Instant Pot Indian Spicy Eggplantl for NEW FNK, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Renee Comet

Renee Comet

Did you know you can pressure cook an eggplant? Thanks to your Instant Pot, the eggplant for this recipe is pre-cooked in just 20 minutes — no peeling or roasting required. Once cooked, the softened eggplant is cut into chunks and stirred into a spicy, fragrant curry complete with peas, tomatoes and onion. Don’t skip the rice for serving!

Food stylist: Jamie Kimm 
Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

EGG_DROP_SOUP_013.tif

Food stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin ,Food stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

Photo by: Antonis Achilleos

Antonis Achilleos

This flavorful soup is both warm and spicy — so key for a chilly day. The spice comes from harissa, a North African chili pepper paste. It lends a deep, warm flavor to the brothy soup, which is loaded with Swiss chard, pita chips and hard-boiled egg. If you prefer a really spicy soup, add an extra spoonful of harissa or a shake of hot sauce on top!

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