15 Comfort Food Dinners That Will Shock You For Actually Being Healthy

15 Comfort Food Dinners That Will Shock You For Actually Being Healthy

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.

Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bomb Meatloaf

Sliced meatloaf on a white plate with a fork.Sliced meatloaf on a white plate with a fork.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Cheddar cheese stuffed turkey meatballs on a plate with zoodles.Cheddar cheese stuffed turkey meatballs on a plate with zoodles.
Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Pasta with prosciutto and peas in a bowl.Pasta with prosciutto and peas in a bowl.
Creamy Tomato Farfalle. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

A skillet full of mac and cheese with turkey and herbs.A skillet full of mac and cheese with turkey and herbs.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Two bowls of buffalo chicken soup on a table.Two bowls of buffalo chicken soup on a table.
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Mushroom and pea risotto in a pan with a wooden spoon.Mushroom and pea risotto in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Pasta with meat and tomatoes in a white dish with a wooden spoon.Pasta with meat and tomatoes in a white dish with a wooden spoon.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Chicken marsala in a skillet with sauce and herbs.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Turkye chili pie in a skillet on a blue tablecloth.Turkye chili pie in a skillet on a blue tablecloth.
Turkey Chili Pie. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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 on a serving spoon.Chicken sorrentino on a serving spoon.
Chicken Sorrentino. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Creamy goat cheese grits in a white bowl with a wooden spoon topped with tomatoes and fresh basil.Creamy goat cheese grits in a white bowl with a wooden spoon topped with tomatoes and fresh basil.
Chicken and Tomatoes with Goat Cheese Grits. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

A bowl of macaroni and cheese made with creamy sweet potato sauce with baby spinach on a wooden table. A fork rests in the bowl, and a striped cloth is nearby. A pan with more pasta and spinach leaves is visible beside the bowl.A bowl of macaroni and cheese made with creamy sweet potato sauce with baby spinach on a wooden table. A fork rests in the bowl, and a striped cloth is nearby. A pan with more pasta and spinach leaves is visible beside the bowl.
Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Chicken breasts covered in a cheese salsa sauce in a casserole dish.Chicken breasts covered in a cheese salsa sauce in a casserole dish.
Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

A bowl of pasta with sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, on a table with a pepper grinder and a cloth napkin alongside.A bowl of pasta with sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, on a table with a pepper grinder and a cloth napkin alongside.
Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

A bowl of chili with potatoes, beans and sour cream.A bowl of chili with potatoes, beans and sour cream.
Cheddar Apple Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.

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