Comfort food can be healthy, and we’ve gathered some amazing recipes to prove it. These dishes deliver all the cozy vibes without the extra calories. Perfect for when you want something hearty and satisfying but still good for you. From creamy pasta to indulgent meatloaf, everyone can find something they love. Enjoy your favorite comfort foods in a healthier way.
Bomb Meatloaf
This might be the best meatloaf you’ll ever taste. Easy to make, tender, and juicy, it’s topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that coats each slice. Perfect for a comforting dinner that’s surprisingly healthy.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
These turkey zucchini meatballs are stuffed with cheddar cheese and Italian seasoning. Cooked on the stovetop in marinara sauce, they make a flavorful and healthy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
Creamy Tomato Farfalle
This creamy tomato farfalle is ready in 20 minutes. It uses peas and crispy prosciutto for a filling meal that brings a healthy twist to traditional cream sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is a grownup version of hamburger helper, but much healthier. Filled with spinach, peppers, and real cheddar cheese, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
If you love buffalo wings, you’ll enjoy this cheesy, spicy buffalo chicken soup with orzo. It’s a simple, healthy meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
This mushroom risotto with peas is creamy and rich without any dairy. It’s a comforting dish packed with umami flavors, perfect for a surprisingly healthy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
This ground beef pasta skillet can be made in under 30 minutes with any pasta you have. It tastes like it’s been simmered all day, making it a great comfort food option.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Stuffed Chicken Marsala
This stuffed chicken marsala is a delicious twist on the classic dish. Melted mozzarella, tomato butter, and fresh basil cooked inside the chicken make for a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Turkey Chili Pie
This chili pie combines lean turkey chili with a hearty cornbread topping, all baked together in one skillet. A comforting and healthy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie
Chicken Sorrentino
Chicken sorrentino is a classic Italian dish with breaded chicken topped with prosciutto, eggplant, and cheese, baked in a hearty tomato sauce. Easy to make and packed with everything you love in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino
Goat Cheese Grits
These goat cheese grits are topped with burst tomatoes, chicken, and basil. It’s a comforting meal full of flavor and great for a surprisingly healthy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Grits
Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
This creamy sweet potato mac and cheese uses pureed sweet potato, almond milk, and two kinds of cheese. It’s indulgent yet healthier with some sneaky spinach.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Salsa Chicken
Salsa chicken is an easy weeknight meal. Juicy chicken breasts baked with salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese, ready in less than 30 minutes. A fast family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
This sun-dried tomato pasta combines rigatoni with a creamy sauce, shredded parmesan, and baby spinach. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s a comforting midweek dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
This creamy chicken apple cheddar chili is filled with white beans and lots of cheddar. A bit non-traditional but perfect for fall, offering comfort and health in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.