16 Baked Pastas That Will Be Your Go-to Weeknight Dinner

Basil Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese

Have a significant other, friend, or child who refuses to eat Brussels sprouts? This is an easy way to sneak it into a meal. (via Brit + Co)

Mac and Cheese Muffins

This is the all-time best way to serve mac and cheese to a crowd. No messy baking dish, just individual portions that guests can serve themselves. (via Brit + Co)

Microwave Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Short on time? Whip up this easy, delicious mac and cheese recipe in your microwave. We’d even serve it for a dinner party. Your guests will have no idea the oven stayed off. (via Brit + Co)

Big-Hearted Mac and Cheese with Artichokes

Artichoke hearts give the perfect salty, briny tang to a mac and cheese recipe. What can we say? We heart it. (via The Kitchn)

Easiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese

We love recipes with surprising ingredients, and this mac and cheese does not disappoint. The key to its creamy goodness? Cottage cheese! Who knew? (via Smitten Kitchen)

Baked Macaroni

We’d make this mac and cheese solely on the basis that it’s baked in a cast iron skillet. Comfort food to the max! (via A Beautiful Mess)

Sweet Peas and Shells Alfredo

Let’s be honest, Alfredo is just another name for mac and cheese. It might be a bit classier, but it’s basically the same thing. (via Shutterbean)

Vegan Mac and Cheese

If you’re sensitive to dairy, but can’t give up on this dish, try this version. We promise you won’t miss the milk! (via Love & Lemons)

Layered Italian Baked Mac and Cheese

Say "ciao" to ordinary mac and cheese! These Italian-inspired layers bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table, making it a cheesy masterpiece worth savoring. (via Vikalinka)

Vegetarian Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Brie Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Easy Beer Mac and Cheese

Yes, you read that right — beer in mac and cheese. We're guessing this is going to be a game day favorite all through football season. (via How Sweet Eats)

Roasted Summer Vegetable Mac and Cheese

Channel summer with this deliciously crispy mac and cheese recipe. All those veggies make it health food in our book. (via How Sweet Eats)

Lightly Cheddared Spinach Ricotta Mac and Cheese

If you don’t like heavy mac and cheeses, try this version made mostly with ricotta, and just a sprinkling of cheddar on top. (via Food52)

Lobster & Shrimp Mac and Cheese

The buttery lobster and shrimp make this version of mac and cheese incredibly decadent. (via Table for Two)

Truffled Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

Something about adding truffle oil makes a basic mac and cheese recipe seem more grown-up. Making it with whole wheat pasta doesn’t hurt either. (via Turntable Kitchen)

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Because sometimes, you just can't beat a classic. This baked mac and cheese recipe brings you the timeless flavors you know and love, baked to perfection. (via Completely Delicious)

Roasted Red Pepper Harissa Mac and Cheese

Spice up your mac game with the bold flavors of roasted red pepper and harissa. It's a fiery twist that'll have your taste buds dancing in delight. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Creamiest Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Set it, forget it, and come home to a pot full of pure comfort. This slow-cooked sensation is the epitome of creamy dreams, making it the perfect fix for your laziest (and cheesiest) days. (via The Girl On Bloor)

Cheddar And Gruyere Mac and Cheese with Polish Kielbasa

Add a kick to your mac with this savory twist. The combo of cheddar, gruyere, and Polish kielbasa creates a total flavor explosion. (via Vikalinka)

Bacon & Pea Mac and Cheese

Adding bacon and peas to your favorite mac and cheese recipe makes it a full meal instantly. Well, maybe you need a side salad, too. (via The Kitchy Kitchen)

Easy 30-Minute Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Short on time, but craving a bowl of cheesy goodness? Look no further! This lightning-fast stovetop version guarantees a speedy fix without sacrificing flavor. (via Averie Cooks)

Vegan Southwest-Inspired Mac and Cheese

Even the most cheese-loving person will be reaching for seconds with this Southwest-inspired vegan masterpiece. It's so good, you won't believe it's dairy-free! (via The Edgy Veg)

Smoky Bacon Mac and Cheese

Clearly we can’t get enough bacon. Can you blame us? (via Food52)

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

If you want a fall flavor, but pumpkin isn’t your thing, try this butternut squash version. It’s just as tasty! (via Always Order Dessert)

Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Balls

A bit more labor intensive than the macaroni muffins, these mac and cheese balls are worth it for the crispy fried exterior. Oh, right, and they have bacon. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)

Blue Cheese Mac and Cheese

This recipe has that distinct funky tang that could only come from blue cheese. It might not be for everyone, but we love it.(via How Sweet Eats)

One-Bowl Microwave Macaroni and Cheese

If you still believe the boxed mac is best, but want to give up all the processed ingredients, make this microwave recipe. It’s healthier, so you don’t have to feel bad eating it. (via The Kitchn)

White Cheddar Truffle Mac and Cheese

Elevate your mac game with the decadent duo of white cheddar and truffles. This dish is so posh, it might just outshine your favorite little black dress at the next dinner party. (via The Girl On Bloor)

Creamy Vermont Mac and Cheese

Take your taste buds on a journey to Vermont with this creamy concoction. Loaded with the finest cheeses, it's a trip to dairy heaven without ever leaving your kitchen. (via Averie Cooks)

Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumb Topping

Crunchy, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying. This baked mac and cheese takes the classic to new heights with a golden breadcrumb topping that'll have your guests fighting for the last spoonful. (via Vikalinka)

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Sometimes simple is best. This classic homemade mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, bringing you back to the basics with every creamy bite. (via Clean Cuisine)

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut squash takes center stage in this vegan twist on the classic mac. Creamy, dreamy, and entirely plant-based, it's comfort food without the guilt! (via The Edgy Veg)

Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Up your veggie intake with this cauliflower-packed mac and cheese recipe. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Spicy Macaroni and Cheese

Along with a host of veggies, chili powder gives this cheesy recipe an extra kick. (via Kurry Leaves)

Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese

For our lactose-intolerant friends, fear not! This dairy-free delight proves that you don't need milk to create a bowl of cheesy perfection. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower

Another veggie that’s easy to disguise in mac and cheese? Cauliflower! When it’s baked, it has almost the same consistency as the noodles. (via Shutterbean)

Mediterranean Mac and Cheese

Adding in chickpeas and onions gives this recipe some Mediterranean flair. You could also use couscous instead of elbow macaroni. (via Food52)

Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon

It wouldn’t be fall without the addition of pumpkin to every single recipe, ever! Luckily, this pumpkin mac and cheese is good enough to enjoy year-round. (via Lauren’s Latest)

Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

Get your protein fix with this hearty variation. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and cheesy goodness make for a mac and cheese meal that's both comforting and substantial. (via Completely Delicious)

20-Minute Stovetop White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Healthy crockpot recipes that are loaded with hearty ingredients like sweet potato, diced green chiles, cumin, and ground bison. It's going to take some time to for this chili to cook, but you'll enjoy the slightly smoky and sweet flavors as they combine.

If you haven't gotten into Thai food yet, this chicken and wild rice soup will make you appreciate it! You'll need Thai red curry paste, wild rice, minced garlic, and chicken breasts to help fill out the base of this soup. It's the perfect cold-weather dish that'll accompany cozy nights by the fireplace.

This chickpea soup is so good it'll melt in you and partner's mouth which may be your goal. It may be gorgeous to look at, but it's the soft chickpeas, potatoes, spicy vegan sausage, and Tuscan sauce that are the stars of the show. By the time you're done eating this soup, there won't be any evidence you had anything to eat at all.

A homemade garlic butter mix gives our favorite cookout side dish a serious flavor upgrade. Using tin foil for this slow cooker recipe will let your corn cook and marinate at the same time.

Full of a variety of veggies and herbs, everything about this soup is a good idea – including the white wine. Pour some in the soup, then pour yourself a glass to enjoy alongside dinner. This is the perfect dish to make when you want Italian but are looking for something that feels warm and healthy.

Give your favorite warm weather drink a healthy and easy upgrade by one, making it vegan, and two, making it in the slow cooker! Our favorite nondairy milk to use for this are soy and oat, but almond works great too. Bonus points if you throw on some vegan whipped cream and marshmallows!

Instead of sour cream or other heavy cream-based products, this recipe calls for Greek yogurt to make the sauce, which will make things a bit healthier without changing up the flavor too much. It remains the ultimate comfort food, while only requiring four-ingredients and being much healthier.

The best thing about making a drink like apple cider yourself is you know (and can control) exactly what's in it. Plus, the ACV gives it a little extra health boost! It can aid digestion, fight infections, and help you feel full.

These mushrooms make for a great appetizer, and while the recipe is vegetarian, it's incredibly easy to swap regular cream cheese for an alternative one to make it vegan. The ingredient list seems lengthy but the recipe only takes 2 hours to cook after you've thrown it all into your Crock-Pot.

Chickpeas are great for strong bones and better digestion, and the mix of ginger, cumin, and turmeric work together so well.This meal is healthy and filling but doesn't weigh you down. Don't forget to squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top once it comes out of the Crock Pot for even more flavor!

Add some spice to your summer nights with this delicious shredded Mexican chicken recipe. If it's a bit too spicy for you, you can leave out the jalapeños and just add more avocados. The recipe is keto-friendly and can be further customized by putting it over cauliflower rice or wrapping it in romaine lettuce.

There's always time to reset with a stew (or soup). This hearty recipe, starring clean ingredients (bonus because there's only 6 of them) like kale and sweet potato, leaves you full all day, and it freezes like a charm for leftovers.

Looking for a creamy side that'll soak up all manner of sauces? Your brain might immediately go to mashed potatoes but there are other great alternatives. Your search ends with this low-carb ranch cauliflower mash. It's rich and creamy and oh-so-flavorful!

There's a double dose of protein from chickpeas and quinoa in this curry recipe. It all simmers in a bath of sweet tomatoes and coconut milk for a recipe that's simply too delish for words.

You can use frozen green beans in this crock pot recipe to keep things simple, but still add a touch of homemade cooking in the dish by whipping up an easy mushroom sauce. Don't forget the best part – crispy fried onions!

When you're feeling fancy, but not 'spending three hours in the kitchen' fancy, leverage this easy lamp chops recipe that pairs well with pasta, rice, and veg. It only takes 3 steps and has less than 10 minutes of prep time!

This one will warm you up like no other. It is made with tomato paste, coconut milk, and lots of spices that combine to create a heavenly flavor profile. Make sure to prep it with some naan for the full dining experience!

When the clock strikes for something sweet, reach for this Crockpot snack mix recipe that yields a whole lot of yum. It's so easy to make and my favorite part is that it is so easy to customize and utilize whatever ingredients you have on hand.

These streamlined enchiladas make an excellent dish for sharing! They swap out certain ingredients for a cleaner choice but still manage to remain the delicious treat you know and love.

Lasagna is always a no-fail dinner. Eat it in soup form for some real comfort! It takes 30 minutes to make and only uses one pot, which is definitely a win in my book. Plus, the noodles can be switched out for gluten-free ones to accommodate different diets!

Anti-inflammatory turmeric is so good for you, we've started adding it to pretty much everything. It gives a golden glow to chicken and potatoes in this recipe, with tender green beans adding just the right amount of green.

Pork gets simmered in the slow cooker for about 10 hours to really tenderize the meat, and ensure all the flavors soak in. Then, the pulled pork sandwich is balanced with a fresh and crunchy apple slaw. Yum!

Pile your plate high with layers upon layers of zucchini and eggplant slices, substituting lasagna noodles. Bell peppers and onions form this recipe's sauce, and low-fat cottage cheese adds extra depth to each serving.

There's almost no prep work involved for this dish (besides chopping the potatoes), so you can just throw in all the ingredients and forget about it for the next eight hours. Remove the chicken right before it's time to eat, and broil for a quick three minutes to get the skin nice and crispy.

Red curry gets a healthy boost from broccoli rabe, but with chicken, this healthy slow cooker recipe still completely filling. It makes a comforting and cozy meal, perfect for the fall season and beyond.

We can hardly contain ourselves. Something about that sweet and spicy honey-sriracha combo, when it's slathered over yummy chicken and paired with fluffy quinoa, keeps us coming back for more. It doesn't hurt that there's such little prep time, and it's a healthy meal!

Monk fruit's the secret to keeping this barbecue sauce delightfully sweet while still low-carb. Use with with chicken, pork, or even tofu. Despite it being so flavorful, its surprisingly easy to make.

You're going to be in ecstasy after one spoonful of this chicken broth-based soup with tender beans, soft vegetables, and smoky andouille sausage. It's the perfect hearty, yet healthy meal and only requires 10 minutes of prep! Is anybody else thinking about NOLA?

Enjoy all the same amazing flavors as buffalo chicken wings, without the heavy feelings. This slow-cooker soup is healthy and keeps things light. The bit of blue cheese dressing that gets blended in really adds to the flavor and makes you feel like you're eating wings at a tailgate!

Who knew jackfruit could make for such a delicious meal? This vegan butter chicken recipe is going to become your new favorite dinner dish. It uses tons of fresh elements, including ginger, garbanzo beans, and coconut milk, to form an ultra-comforting bowl – all within the crock pot.

Prep Our Slow Cooker Recipes For An Easy Dinner

A sure way to stop ordering consistent takeout meals is to make this Kung Pao recipe at home. The key is to coat the chicken chunks with cornstarch so that it browns before you dump it in the sauce with plenty of veggies for an unbelievable home order.

Packed with protein and naturally vegan and gluten-free, this soup can do no wrong. Garnish with thick slices of avocado, a dollop of sour cream, crushed tortilla chips — or all three.

The guests at your next party will be inhaling these flavorful meatballs. Just prep a spicy-sweet sauce, and form the meatballs, then let cook in the crock pot for about four hours for a delicious snack.

Tomatoes always taste best after cooking low and slow all day. The richness of this easy slow cooker chicken dish is why it's a personal favorite and is perfect for dinner parties and beyond.

When your chicken and veggies are this well seasoned, you won't even miss pasta. If you are craving noodles, though, try tossing everything with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

This slow cooker soup is absolutely chock full of veggies and your favorite noodles. HBH's Tieghan recommends orzo, and we are totally on board with that.

This vegetarian recipe is also gluten-free *and* can be made dairy-free! Whichever way you decide to fix it, the flavors of honey, ginger, and cumin will not disappoint.

Skip the heavy takeout, and recreate one of your favorite meals at home with a healthy twist. Whip up a quick orange sauce, and pour it over two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Serve with your choice of rice.

Even if you don't have a real tagine, capture the flavors of Morocco in your slow cooker with a hearty, protein-filled stew. Serving it over rice or couscous elevates the meal even further and makes it one you'll crave again and again.

With this healthy crockpot recipe recipe, you'll get plenty of protein from the ground beef, nutrients from the veggies, and flavor from all the spices. Since it's so packed with beans and corn, removing the meat is totally viable and makes it vegetarian! Pro tip: it freezes and reheats really well!

Quickly brown the stew meat in a skillet before dumping it in your slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor you won't want to miss. Then, make beef stew lighter by adding more in-season veggies like parsnips and turnips, and by using low-sodium broth.

Enjoy Easy Soups, Chilis, Stews, and Curry Dishes Straight From The Crockpot

If you've ever been sick, you know that soup has superpowers. The lentils in this dish gently nourish you, while the warm salty broth will soothe your soul. The red lentils allow for the texture to be almost creamy, giving it the oomph you need to feel satisfied.

When you cook carrots in any capacity, they're already nice and sweet, but adding a honey glaze really brings out that natural flavor even more. They're the perfect side dish for the holiday season or any family dinner. These are so good, you might not even want dessert.

Great for when corn and zucchini are in season, this salsa verde pozole is loaded with veggies and topped with avocado, cotija, toasted pumpkin seeds, tortilla strips, and a squeeze of lime. The textures and the flavors all come together so well to create a fiesta in your mouth.

Satisfy your Chinese food cravings without leaving the house. It requires a mere 10 minutes of prep time before being tossed into the slow cooker. The beef drips in flavor and is so tender, you'll never want to order takeout again.

Chili is always a good go-to dinner for utmost comfort. This healthy recipe loads up on all of the flavors without overdoing it. The ingredients are clean and good for you, including ground turkey, bell peppers, chipotle peppers, and white beans.

Who knew that you didn't need to roast spaghetti squash in the oven? Just cut it in half, dig out the seeds, and place it in the slow cooker with a trusted tomato sauce. Needless to say, Italian night got a whole lot lighter.

Not only are these stuffed peppers healthy, but they're also completely customizable. You can switch out the ground beef for turkey (or leave it out altogether), and choose between white rice, brown rice, and even quinoa for an extra punch of protein in the filling. Make as many peppers as will fit in your slow cooker to prep lunch for the rest of the week.

Add all of your favorite veggies to your slow cooker (plus beans for a boost of protein), and let them simmer away to create a compellingly complex soup. A little sprinkle of parmesan on top wouldn't hurt either.

Combine cauliflower, sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, and a touch of cream cheese for indulgence. Five hours later, you'll be devouring bowl after bowl of this scrumptious soup.

A mix of creamy coconut milk and rich peanut butter make this one soup you won't be able to get off your mind. Loaded up with protein and veggies, this is the ultimate feel-good meal that is also good for you. Serve with an extra-large spoon for easy slurping.

Making a whole roast chicken in your slow cooker will give you enough tender, fall-off-the-bone meat to feed you like a queen for the week. Place your seasoned chicken on a bed of veggies, like onions, celery, and carrots, and let it cook for the next six hours. If you prefer crispier skin, carefully remove the chicken from your slow cooker and broil for a few minutes at the end.

Buffalo chicken wings might not be the healthiest choice, but this dairy-free, dietitian-approved version means you can go there, minus the guilt. Tuck it into a lettuce wrap or into a baked sweet potato for an even more satisfying dish!

Get that home-cooked fix without having to stand over the stove stirring a pot all day. Even though it's soup, this meal is bright and fresh thanks to the variety of veggies, and garnish of cilantro.

Snuggle up with a bowl of this hearty soup on a frigid winter day, and you'll warm up from the inside out. The smoky bacon helps balance out the earthiness of the Brussels sprouts and mushrooms.

Sticking to your healthy eating resolution will be a breeze with meals as good as this one. An hour before dinner, shred the chicken and then distract yourself for the next 60 minutes while it keeps cooking. Top with crushed tortilla chips and fresh cilantro.

With only two ingredients — chicken and salsa verde — this taco meat just needs tortillas and whatever toppings you want to have dinner on the table.

Loaded with carrots, celery, and onion, this chicken soup gets a filling twist from cheese tortellini. It's a great choice for when you're under the weather or just want something that feels nourishing for your soul. Plus, it's super easy to whip up and can be frozen for leftovers!

Is there a season 6 of Handmaid's Tale release date?

We don't have an exact release date for The Handmaid's Tale season 6 yet, but we do know it'll premiere in the spring of 2025, according to Disney+'s first look in their Coming In 2025 teaser video. That ideally means we could see it anywhere from March to May!

The eligibility period for the Emmys ends in May, meaning the show will be eligible for 2025 Emmys consideration! The Handmaid's Tale season 6 was scheduled to film in 2023 but was delayed due to last summer's Hollywood strikes.

On September 7, actress Elisabeth Moss posted an image from set. "Guess who's back? Production on the final season has officially started," the caption reads. In addition to starring as June, Moss will direct the first episode of season 6.

Your First Look At Season 6

Of the clips shown in Disney+'s sneak peek of The Handmaid's Tale in their Coming In 2025 teaser video, the first shows Serena saying: "Something big is about to happen." 👀

The next clip shows a wide shot of June walking with a backpack down a long dirt road.

The final clip from the most recent season 6 sneak peek shows June with a look of stern determination on her face, saying: "Let's bring them home." Oh, we are so pumped.

What is The Handmaid's Tale season 6 about?

The Handmaid's Tale season 6 is sure to pick up right where season 5 left off: June and Nichole board a train for Vancouver (to later transfer to a boat bound for Hawaii), while Luke stays behind at the train station and is arrested for the death of a truck driver who attempted to assassinate June. On the train, June is reunited with Serena and Noah.

Who's in the cast of The Handmaid's Tale season 6?

The Handmaid's Tale stars Elisabeth Moss, Bradley Whitford, Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, O-T Fagbenle, Samira Wiley, Ann Dowd, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, and Sam Jaeger. Sydney Sweeney, Alexis Bledel, and McKenna Grace have also had roles on the show.

Alexis Bledel won the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in 2018!

Is The Handmaid's Tale done?

The show is almost done! The Handmaid's Tale season 6 will be the last installment of the series.

Is The Testaments going to be a series?

Yes, Margaret Atwood's 2019 novel The Testamentswill be a Hulu TV show. The book revolves around Aunt Lydia from The Handmaid's Tale (played by Ann Dowd in both series), Agnes, who lives in Gilead, and Daisy, who lives in Canada. Bruce Miller, who was the showrunner for the first five seasons of The Handmaid's Tale, will be showrunner for The Testaments.