Wine Bottle Bounty: 40 Delicious Recipes

Here's a collection of diverse and delicious recipes, perfect for any occasion, along with some helpful tips for cooking with wine.

Entrees

Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

This tangy and delicate lemon chicken piccata is sure to impress. Seasoned with Parmesan and parsley, the chicken cooks to a golden brown and is then drizzled with a light lemon sauce. Preparation takes about 50 minutes and yields 8 servings.

• Nutrition (per chicken breast half): 232 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
• Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.

Shrimp Puttanesca

For a quick and flavorful seafood pasta, try Shrimp Puttanesca. This recipe combines bold ingredients for a feisty dish that's ready in just 30 minutes and serves 4.

• Nutrition (per cup): 228 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.

Parmesan Chicken with Artichoke Hearts

This lemony twist on chicken and artichoke is a delightful dinner option. The combination of flavors and the ease of preparation make it a crowd-pleaser. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and serves 4.

• Nutrition (per chicken breast half with 3/4 cup artichoke mixture): 339 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 42g protein.
• Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.

Beef Osso Buco

Treat your guests to this elegant and comforting dish. The beef osso buco features a thick, savory sauce complemented by gremolata, a chopped herb condiment made with lemon zest, garlic, and parsley. Be patient, this dish takes 7 hours and 30 minutes to prepare and serves 6.

• Nutrition (per shank with 1 cup sauce and 4 teaspoons gremolata): 398 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 640mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 47g protein.

Peppercorn Beef Top Loin Roast

A red wine sauce complements the brown sugar rub on this inviting roast. This dish takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and yields 10 servings (1-1/2 cups sauce).

• Nutrition (per 5 ounce cooked beef): 444 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein.

Steak and Portobello Mushrooms

These tasty steaks are fast enough for an everyday dinner, yet special enough for guests. Topped with mushrooms and ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe serves 2.

• Nutrition (per steak with 1/3 cup sauce): 247 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 369mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
• Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.

Beef Stew

This hearty stew is packed with flavor, thanks to herbs, red wine, and balsamic vinegar. It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to prepare and yields 6 servings (2-1/4 quarts).

• Nutrition (per 1-1/2 cups): 366 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 605mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein.
• Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

Pot Roast

A Dutch oven pot roast is the ultimate comfort food. Simmered in garlic, onions, and veggies, this juicy pot roast is worth the wait. It takes 2 hours and 55 minutes to prepare and serves 8.

• Nutrition (per 3 ounces cooked beef with 1 cup vegetables and 3 tablespoons sauce): 459 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 824mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 37g protein.

Chicken Sausage & Gnocchi Skillet

This quick dinner option combines fresh veggies, sausage, gnocchi, and goat cheese. Feel free to mix and match ingredients for unique results. It takes 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4.

• Nutrition (per 1-1/2 cups, calculated without Parmesan cheese): 454 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 995mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.

Mushroom Pork Chops

These pork chops offer a delightful sweetness with a little kick. This recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare and serves 4.

• Nutrition (per pork chop with 1/3 cup mushrooms): 299 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 515mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
• Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.

Skillet Chicken with Olives

This heavenly chicken dish is a family favorite, ready in just 20 minutes and serving 4.

• Nutrition (per serving, calculated without capers): 237 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein.
• Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat.

Chicken and Dumplings

Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch bring back memories of chilly days and those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It takes 1 hour and 35 minutes to prepare and yields 8 servings (3 quarts).

• Nutrition (per 1-1/2 cups): 470 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.

Duck Breasts with Apricot Chutney

This entree is perfect for a buffet, and can be kept warm in a chafing dish. Preparation takes 1 hour and yields 12 servings.

• Nutrition (per duck breast half with 1/4 cup chutney and 1 tablespoon sauce): 525 calories, 30g fat (11g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.

Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach

This healthy supper comes with its own creamy vegetable side and is ready in no time. It takes 30 minutes to prepare and serves 6.

• Nutrition (per chicken thigh with 1/4 cup spinach mixture): 223 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 360mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
• Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.

Sea Scallops and Fettuccine

This luscious and lemony pasta dish is easy enough for a weeknight meal, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. It takes 30 minutes to prepare and serves 2.

• Nutrition (per serving): 421 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.

Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs

These easy chicken kabobs are perfect for spring, especially when made with Meyer lemons. Regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. It takes 25 minutes to prepare and serves 6.

• Nutrition (per kabob): 182 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
• Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.

Chicken Marsala

This restaurant-favorite dish can be made in a flash on a weeknight at home. It takes 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4.

• Nutrition (per serving): 493 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 40g protein.

Wine-Braised Chicken with Pearl Onions

This family favorite has been handed down through generations. It takes 7 hours and 10 minutes to prepare and serves 4.

• Nutrition (per 2 chicken thighs with about 1/3 cup sauce, calculated without rice): 444 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 990mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 44g protein.

Chicken Cacciatore

This simple and inexpensive chicken cacciatore recipe is loaded with vegetables and makes a good Sunday dinner. It takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to prepare and serves 6.

• Nutrition (per serving): 517 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.

Chili Sauce Chicken

Chili sauce, garlic, and basil flavor these moist chicken thighs, perfect for grilling year-round. It takes 40 minutes to prepare and serves 8.

• Nutrition (per chicken thigh): 268 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 352mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.

Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs

This creamy chicken tastes like a five-star restaurant dish but takes only minutes and few ingredients to make. Fresh rosemary is key. It takes 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4.

• Nutrition (per chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons sauce): 361 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.

Cozumel Red Snapper Veracruz

Bring home the flavors of Cozumel with this magnificent Veracruz-style red snapper. Try parchment instead of a foil packet. It takes 1 hour to prepare and serves 4.

• Nutrition (per fillet, calculated without couscous and cilantro): 285 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 741mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.

Sirloin with Mushroom Sauce

A mouthwatering combination of rich brown mushroom sauce and tender strips of peppery steak is a wonderful way to end a busy day. It’s special enough to make for company and ready in less than 30 minutes. This recipe serves 4.

• Nutrition (per serving): 189 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 467mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
• Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.

Soups, Sides and Snacks

Parmesan Risotto

Risotto is a creamy Italian rice dish. In this version, the rice is briefly sauteed, then slowly cooked in wine and seasonings. Watch for that magic moment when the risotto transforms from just rice in liquid to creamy, tender deliciousness. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and yields 12 servings.

• Nutrition (per 3/4 cup): 260 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 728mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.

Spring Green Risotto

This risotto is cheerful and comforting, fantastic with asparagus, zucchini, or summer squash. Use whatever veggies are in season. It takes 45 minutes to prepare and serves 8.

• Nutrition (per 3/4 cup): 198 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.

Sausage and Kale Soup

This quick soup is perfect for using up the last pick of tomatoes from the garden. Canned beans work just as well as dried beans. It takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 8 servings (2 quarts).

• Nutrition (per cup): 217 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 868mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.

Beef & Mushroom Braised Stew

This stew is perfect for using morel mushrooms, but baby portobellos or button mushrooms will work too. It takes 2 hours and 5 minutes to prepare and serves 6.

• Nutrition (per 1-1/3 cups, calculated without mashed potatoes): 395 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 761mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.

Lehmejun (Armenian Pizza)

This pizza-style recipe uses flour tortillas instead of making a dough. It takes 35 minutes to prepare and serves 8.

• Nutrition (per filled tortilla): 371 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 464mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.

Red, White & Blue Potato Salad

Tossing the cooked potatoes with stock and wine right after you drain them infuses them with flavor. The liquid absorbs like magic. It takes 50 minutes to prepare and yields 12 servings (1 cup each).

• Nutrition (per cup): 221 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
• Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.

Three-Cheese Fondue

This easy fondue recipe is perfect for family gatherings. It takes 30 minutes to prepare and yields 4 cups.

• Nutrition (per 1/4 cup): 191 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.

Warm Crab & Spinach Dip

This crab dip rekindles memories of a trip to Maryland. It takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4-1/2 cups.

• Nutrition (per 1/4 cup): 170 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.

Pickled Grapes

These flavor-packed grapes are unique and delicious on an antipasto, pickle, or cheese tray. The pickling liquid includes red wine, vinegar, and common pickling spices like coriander, mustard seeds, and hot pepper, along with warm spices like cinnamon and star anise and brown sugar. It takes 45 minutes to prepare and yields 4 pints.

• Nutrition (per 1/4 cup): 32 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

Desserts

Burgundy Pears

These warm spiced pears elevate slow-cooking to a new level of elegance, yet they're incredibly easy to make. These pears take 3 hours and 10 minutes to prepare and serves 6.

Sour Cherry Sorbet

This frosty sweet-sour sorbet is a refreshing treat on a hot summer day. It takes 10 minutes to prepare and serves 6.

• Nutrition (per 1/3 cup): 175 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.

Poached Pears with Orange Cream

End the meal with a flourish with this easy and elegant dessert. A hint of orange lends just enough sweetness to temper the wine's bold taste. It takes 55 minutes to prepare and serves 2.

• Nutrition (per each): 239 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.

Slow-Cooker Spiced Poached Pears

This dessert recipe is healthy, easy to make, can be mostly prepared in advance, and the presentation is lovely. It takes 4 hours and 25 minutes to prepare and serves 8.

• Nutrition (per serving, calculated without whipped cream and blackberries): 295 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.

Anise & Wine Cookies

These wine cookies are crisp and best eaten after being dunked in even more wine. It takes 50 minutes to prepare and yields 4-1/2 dozen.

• Nutrition (per cookie): 92 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

Honeydew Granita

Make this refreshing summer treat when melons are ripe and flavorful. Garnish each serving with a sprig of mint or a small slice of honeydew. It takes 15 minutes to prepare and yields 5-1/2 cups.

• Nutrition (per 1/2 cup): 107 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 17mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
• Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.

Glazed Roast Chicken

This roast chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners, and can be made with apricot glaze or quince jelly. It takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to prepare and serves 6.

• Nutrition (per serving): 437 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.

Red Wine Cranberry Sauce

This festive cranberry sauce was created when there was a bit more wine than needed. It takes 25 minutes to prepare and yields about 2-1/3 cups.

• Nutrition (per 1/4 cup): 122 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 0 protein.

Cooking with Wine: Expert Tips

What type of wine is best for cooking?

The best wine for cooking is one that you would enjoy drinking and that pairs well with the food you're preparing. Dry, crisp, and affordable white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work well with poultry and seafood. For red meats and braised dishes, bold reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot add richness. Sweet sparkling, rosé, or dessert wines are excellent for fruit-forward desserts, adding both sugar and acidity.

Can I substitute cooking wine with regular wine?

While cooking wine is a convenient option, it should be used sparingly. Cooking wine is saltier and lacks the acidity of regular wine, which can easily throw off the dish's flavor if overused or reduced too much. It's preferable to buy a single-serve bottle or can of wine specifically for cooking. Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid alcohol, consider using a nonalcoholic wine.

Are there alcohol-free substitutes for wine in recipes?

Yes, there are several alcohol-free alternatives, depending on the recipe. For white wine, try low-sodium vegetable broth mixed with a tablespoon or two of fresh lemon juice or white wine vinegar. Red wine can be replaced with unsweetened, diluted cranberry, grape, or pomegranate juice with a touch of vinegar for acidity. These substitutes are particularly effective in dishes like beef stew or pot roast, where wine provides a background flavor rather than being the dominant element. Be sure to check the seasoning before serving, as these substitutes may require a pinch of salt or sugar to balance the recipe.