Healthy Living

When the weather turns cold, nothing hits the spot quite like a bubbling dish of cheesy pasta straight from the oven. These comforting pasta bakes are hearty, satisfying and ideal for cozy winter dinners, whether you’re cooking for family or stocking the freezer for busy weeks ahead. Recipes like our Veggie Lasagna deliver familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors, while lighter takes such as our Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Kale Pasta Bake balance richness with plenty of vegetables. Each dish is designed to be warming, filling and perfect for making ahead—because winter cooking should feel just as comforting as the meals themselves.

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01 of 14

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Kale Pasta Bake

This pasta bake is a cozy, flavor-packed dish that turns simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. Whole-wheat rotini and tender kale are tossed in a creamy, lightly spiced sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, then baked to bubbly perfection with a sprinkle of mozzarella on top. It’s a nutritious, family-friendly dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

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02 of 14

Creamy Basil-Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake

This creamy tomato-chicken pasta bake is comfort food at its finest. Tender chicken breast is baked along with juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy Boursin cheese for a rich, herby sauce. The chicken is shredded and returned to the dish with cooked pasta and fresh basil, then baked with fontina cheese on top until bubbly. This easy pasta bake is a complete meal that delivers big flavor.

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03 of 14

Creamy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

This creamy garlic-Parmesan chicken-and-spinach pasta bake is a comforting crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. This dish features tender pieces of chicken, fresh spinach and pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. While we love baby spinach for its ease of use, any green can be used in its place.

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04 of 14

Fajita-Inspired Pasta Bake

This easy chicken fajita pasta bake perfectly blends the vibrant flavors of classic fajitas with a rich and creamy pasta dish. The result is a mouthwatering fusion of flavors, offering the best of both worlds in a single, satisfying meal. Chopped jalapeño and canned chipotle chiles add heat to this delicious meal. You can cut back on both or leave them out completely for a milder version. Like it spicy? Swap out the Monterey Jack cheese for pepper Jack for an extra kick.

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05 of 14

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Chicken Pasta Bake

This creamy and flavorful fall pasta bake comes together quickly, thanks to rotisserie chicken and jarred sun-dried tomatoes that flavor the sauce. This easy pasta bake is perfect for feeding a crowd. If you’re watching your sodium, you can cook and shred your own chicken in place of the rotisserie chicken.

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06 of 14

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

This chicken pasta bake is cheesy with a smoky kick, thanks to the combination of chipotle peppers and smoked Gouda cheese. If you want to mellow the smoky flavor, regular Gouda works just as well. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray or brush it with a little oil to prevent the cheesy topping from sticking. Serve with a simple side salad or garlic-roasted broccoli.

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07 of 14

Veggie Lasagna

Every layer of this delicious veggie lasagna has its own flavor profile. Cooking the vegetables before assembling the lasagna ensures the dish won’t be soggy. Be sure to squeeze the spinach well—spinach holds a surprising amount of water that will make your lasagna soupy. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray before covering the lasagna to prevent the cheese from sticking. Serve with a mixed green salad and crusty garlic bread.

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08 of 14

Chicken Alfredo Bake

This chicken Alfredo bake is a comforting, creamy casserole that combines tender chicken breast, whole-wheat pasta and a silky homemade Alfredo sauce, all baked together until golden and bubbly. The sauce coats every bite with ooey-gooey goodness, making it a hit with both kids and adults. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers the next day. Serve it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for an easy, satisfying meal.

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09 of 14

Baked Creamed Spinach Pasta

This baked creamed spinach pasta is comfort in a bowl—creamy, cheesy and utterly delicious! This crowd-pleasing dish combines the velvety richness of creamed spinach with tender pasta, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a dinner that everyone will rave about.

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10 of 14

Dump & Bake Pizza Pasta Casserole

This easy, toss-together casserole offers all the flavors of a pepperoni pizza, with fusilli pasta absorbing the rich tomato sauce while mingling with gooey melted cheese and meaty pepperoni slices. For a meatless option, simply replace the pepperoni with sliced mushrooms and frozen bell peppers. Pair it with a Caesar salad for a complete meal.

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11 of 14

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Skillet Casserole

This delightful one-skillet cheesy chicken Alfredo casserole combines penne pasta, tender broccoli and shredded rotisserie chicken smothered in a creamy sauce. To simplify the sauce, we opt for a pre-shredded Italian cheese blend. Though cheese blends vary, they typically contain Parmesan cheese, imparting the traditional Alfredo flavor. Seek blends with aged cheeses or blends that include sharp cheeses like provolone or Asiago for a richer flavor profile.

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12 of 14

Baked Feta-Mushroom Pasta

This feta-mushroom pasta bake brings together the creamy tang of melted feta with the earthy, savory notes of cremini mushrooms. The convenience of pre-sliced cremini mushrooms makes this dish a timesaver, but you can easily switch things up by incorporating other varieties like oyster, shiitake or maitake mushrooms for added depth and complexity.

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13 of 14

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

We took the best parts of chicken Parmesan—ooey-gooey cheese, crispy breadcrumbs and plenty of tomato sauce—and spun them into an easy family-friendly casserole.

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14 of 14

Cheesy Meatball Casserole

This cheesy meatball casserole is a family favorite, with basil adding flavor to the meatballs and grated onion adding moisture. Melted mozzarella cheese tames the spice, but feel free to cut back or eliminate the crushed red pepper if you prefer a milder dish.

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You can make one of these winter sides in just 20 minutes or less. From glazed veggies to creamy side salads, these dishes are packed with seasonal produce and will pair nicely with your favorite cozy meals. Try our High-Protein Creamy Broccoli Salad or our Buttery Irish Cabbage for a delicious, easy and healthy addition to the dinner table.

01 of 20

High-Protein Creamy Broccoli Salad

This high-protein broccoli salad uses cottage cheese to create a creamy dressing. Crisp broccoli and red onion bring crunch, tender herbs add brightness, and chopped pecans lend a satisfying finish. It’s a side that works just as well for weekday lunches as it does for potlucks and holiday spreads.

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02 of 20

Buttery Irish Cabbage

This Buttery Irish Cabbage comes together quickly for a simple, satisfying side that highlights the cabbage’s natural sweetness. A touch of garlic infuses the buttery sauce with rich flavor, making this dish as comforting as it is easy. Serve it with roasted meats or add it to your St. Patrick’s Day table for a traditional touch.

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03 of 20

Broccoli Salad with Feta

Bright, crunchy and ready in just 15 minutes, this broccoli salad brings big flavor with minimal effort. A fresh lemony dressing lightly coats crisp broccoli, sweet bell pepper and cooling cucumbers. A sprinkle of feta adds creamy contrast and ties everything together.

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04 of 20

Cabbage Salad with Bacon

This warm Cabbage Salad with Bacon turns simple ingredients into something delicious. Crisp, smoky bacon adds richness, while its rendered drippings are whisked into an apple-cider vinaigrette for a tangy, savory-sweet dressing that coats the cabbage perfectly. A touch of Dijon and honey makes each bite bright and satisfying.

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05 of 20

Brussels Sprouts, Kale & Pear Salad

This crisp and colorful salad celebrates the best of cool-weather produce while delivering plenty of texture and flavor in every bite. Kale and Brussels sprouts are massaged in a tangy apple-cider vinaigrette, while sweet red pear slices and jewel-toned pomegranate arils add juicy pops of freshness. Shaved Parmesan ties it all together with its rich, salty bite. This festive salad is sure to be the star of your holiday dinner.

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06 of 20

Bang Bang Broccoli Skillet

This Bang Bang Broccoli Skillet is a one-pot dish that’s quick to make and totally satisfying. Tender broccoli is tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce made with mayo, Sriracha and a sweet chili sauce. The sauce clings to the broccoli, coating each bite in rich, tangy heat for a standout side.

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07 of 20

Garlic-Parmesan Green Beans

These garlic-Parmesan green beans are a quick and easy side dish made in just one skillet. They pair beautifully with anything from roasted chicken to grilled steak, baked salmon or stuffed portobello mushrooms. They’re quick enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve at a gathering.

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08 of 20

Garlic-Butter Brussels Sprouts

These super-quick Brussels sprouts have a hefty amount of garlic that’s softened by a splash of butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve this easy side with roasted chicken, seared pork tenderloin or salmon.

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09 of 20

Sautéed Mushrooms with Balsamic & Parmesan

Tender cremini mushrooms soak up the tart-sweet flavor of balsamic vinegar, while nutty Parmesan cheese adds a savory note. This easy technique works well with other mushrooms too, like oyster mushrooms or shiitakes, so feel free to mix it up. Serve this big-flavored side alongside grilled steak, or make it a main dish by serving the mushrooms topped with a poached egg and a slice of grilled bread.

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10 of 20

The Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes

This healthy mashed sweet potato recipe has just 5 ingredients and is dinner-ready in 20 minutes. Using sweet potatoes for this classic side dish adds color to your plate along with a little sweetness and a boost of vitamin A. With classic and simple flavors, it can easily be paired with any of your favorite dishes.

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11 of 20

Caramelized Broccolini & White Beans

Broccolini takes on a smoky char from the cast-iron pan before it's combined with white beans and aromatics in this savory side dish. A vibrant parsley and hazelnut sauce finishes the dish with a bright and nutty flavor.

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12 of 20

Balsamic Berry Vinaigrette Winter Salad

This festive winter salad recipe features colorful greens, fruit and cheese tossed with a light and zesty dressing.

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13 of 20

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Sweet cherries complement the tart goat cheese in this easy shaved Brussels sprouts salad. Pistachios add an extra layer of crunch. A sharp chef's knife works well to slice the Brussels sprouts thinly. A microplane grater is best for finely shredding the goat cheese.

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14 of 20

Brown Sugar-Glazed Beets

Try a sweet glaze on beets or other root vegetables to help balance their earthy flavor. This easy recipe will work with steamed carrots, turnips or rutabaga too.

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15 of 20

Pan-Roasted Carrots

This recipe gives you a faster route to "roasted," lightly caramelized carrots. Instead of cooking in the oven (and waiting for it to preheat), here you cook the carrots on the stovetop in a cast-iron skillet. The key is to keep the carrots still; you'll cook them for 5 minutes without stirring, then stir and cook undisturbed for another 5 minutes. The results are beautifully browned, crisp-tender carrots that take about a third of the time as oven-roasted. A hint of hoisin and maple syrup enhances the sweetness of the carrots without rendering them cloying.

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16 of 20

Cheesy Pull-Apart Broccoli with Cheddar

Cheddar and broccoli are a classic combination—and, here, we pair those flavors for one impressive side or appetizer that will have everyone reaching in for more. Garlic and mustard help amplify the deliciousness.

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17 of 20

Spinach Salad with Warm Maple Dressing

Pure maple syrup adds body and rich flavor to the dressing, providing a perfect counterpoint to the smoked cheese.

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18 of 20

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

What could be more satisfying than mashed potatoes? In this garlic mashed potato recipe, the potatoes are flavored with poached garlic, thinned with chicken stock and enriched with a small amount of sour cream. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if you're cooking for a crowd--say for Thanksgiving dinner.

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19 of 20

Creamy Carrot Salad

Bright, crunchy and creamy, this salad delivers a delicious balance of sweet, tangy and warm flavors. A golden turmeric-yogurt dressing adds color and anti-inflammatory benefits, while honey and plump golden raisins offer natural sweetness.

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20 of 20

Chopped Beet Salad

This vibrant chopped salad delivers a refreshing balance of earthy, tangy and citrusy flavors in every bite. Sweet, tender precooked beets are tossed in a bright orange–champagne vinaigrette, then topped with creamy feta and crunchy pistachios. A hint of honey smooths out the acidity, while the option of fresh mint adds a cool, aromatic finish. It’s a simple side that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish or holiday mains, and it looks as stunning as it tastes.

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