Simply put – food yes Comfortable. There are specific recipes that take you back to a specific moment or help you connect with a certain feeling. When my food is able to evoke this feeling of nostalgia and put me into a peaceful state, I know I’ve found a comfort food to add to my list. While I love indulging in heavier, less nutritious comfort foods, over the years I’ve collected a collection of healthy comfort food recipes that still satisfy that cozy feeling.
This list proves that “health” and “comfort food” are not opposites. They work together to provide you with your favorite foods in a lighter, more nutritious way without making you feel uncomfortable. This selection of pastas, soups, and other dishes will warm everyone’s heart and soul.
24 Healthy Comfort Food Recipes
These recipes are the epitome of comfort. Packed with comfort ingredients like warm spices, hearty ingredients, and plenty of nutrients, they’ll make your body and soul feel better. In this list, you’ll find a variety of comfort soups, pastas, and homemade pizzas – something for everyone to enjoy while staying healthy.
Zuppa Tuscan Soup
This soup is a little lighter than the original and just as delicious, it’s perfect for keeping it light while still being comforting. Served with hearty Italian sausage and vegetables, it’s a well-balanced blend of bright flavors.
Vegan Mushroom Bolognese
What’s the main reason you love this recipe? So simple! Meatless Pasta Bolognese is the ultimate secret to enjoying one of everyone’s favorite comfort foods without feeling heavy and full.
Sausage Burrata Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza as one of the ultimate comfort foods? While you can do a lot of clever things with homemade pizza dough, this “za” with creamy burrata and pepperoni keeps things close to traditional but with a twist.
Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi
Talk about the ultimate comfort dish – this delicious pumpkin gnocchi brings just the right amount of creaminess without being too heavy. Plus, pumpkin puree is packed with nutrients, making it easy to indulge in and nourishing.
Curried Butternut Squash Soup
This is one of my all-time favorite healthy comfort food recipes. Butternut squash is the star ingredient in any dish, providing high amounts of vitamins and nutrients such as potassium and vitamin A.
If that’s your go-to Panera order, this healthy version of the beloved Broccoli Cheddar Soup is perfect for cooler weather or when you’re not feeling well.
This vegan pasta dish brings bright flavors with a creamy base made from walnuts, cashews, or any nut of choice. It’s a little spicy, with extra flavor from crushed red pepper and lemon zest.
While I absolutely love chili, sometimes traditional dishes with lots of red meat can be difficult to digest. Luckily, this vegetarian version with lentils makes it meat-free and has all the same flavors you know and love.
Vegetarian wine braised chicken
If you’re cooking for two, this Vegan Wine Braised Chicken is the ultimate healthy comfort food. It’s a one-pot meal that’s packed with protein and packed with flavor.
Gluten-Free Protein Pumpkin Pancakes
When I think of comfort food for breakfast, I immediately think of pancakes. Luckily, Camille’s pumpkin pancake recipe is packed with protein and 100% grain-free, making it both healthy and delicious.
Pear, ham and mozzarella grilled cheese
The grilled cheese and tomato soup combo is my go-to comfort meal, but it’s not always the healthiest option. However, this new and improved version is filling and healthy, using crunchy arugula and fiber-filled pears.
Vegan Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese
Everyone loves a bowl of mac and cheese, but that’s not always how it feels after eating so much dairy. Luckily, this recipe uses unsweetened almond milk, cauliflower florets, and cashews to keep you satisfied without feeling full.
Whole Roasted Butternut Squash
When the cozy season rolls around, I gravitate toward recipes that use all seasonal ingredients. Often, this means plenty of pumpkins that can be turned into delicious dishes in a variety of ways. This roasted butternut squash is a quick, easy way to utilize the whole root vegetable while adding fun toppings for extra flavor.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m craving a comfort breakfast, chicken and waffles are my first thought. This version comes with delicious cornmeal waffles and homemade chicken, taking this healthy comfort food to the next level.
Pasta/soup combo? What more could I ask for in healthy comfort food? This recipe packs a lot into one bowl, including healthy additions like carrots, celery, and cannellini beans to provide plenty of vitamins and protein.
Slow Cooker Tikka Masala
In my opinion, almost any slow cooker recipe doubles as comfort food. However, it takes a specially curated recipe to be a healthy comfort food recipe, and this tikka masala ticks all the boxes. It’s just as good as takeout, minus the excess sodium and post-meal bloating.
One Pot Parmesan Orzo
This orzo is as delicious as it is amazing. While it’s perfect with spring veggies, anything you have on hand will pair well with this cheesy, pasta-friendly comfort dinner.
Cheese Pesto Gnocchi
As you probably know, I’m a bit partial to gnocchi when it comes to healthy comfort food recipes. But the hype is worth it, especially for recipes like this easy skillet pesto gnocchi with cheese.
Vegetable Lasagna
Lasagna is one of those comfort foods that my heart loves, but my stomach doesn’t always agree. Luckily, this vegetarian lasagna and homemade pasta recipe always satisfies my cravings without being too hard to digest.
kichari
Our food editor Suruchi describes this kitchari recipe as “a bowl that feels like a blanket,” packed with healthy ingredients and pantry staples. Need I say more?
Falafel Veggie Burger
While I love homemade burgers when I’m craving comfort food, these veggie burgers are a healthier option that allow everyone to pick their favorite toppings.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
It’s hard to resist the urge to make this healthy comfort food recipe every week. Alas, I often give in under the pressure due to the ease and incredible flavor of this chicken tortilla soup. This is a must try during the cooler months.
Sage Parnell
Recently, I tried saag cheese for the first time in Austin the night before a big exam, and dare I say it – it was life-changing. So I turned to this recipe to experience the same taste in a healthier way and my expectations were met brilliantly.
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Bowls with Feta Yogurt
Last but not least, if you love root vegetables and are looking for a hearty, healthy, comforting dinner, check out this sweet recipe made with spiced chickpeas and protein-packed Greek yogurt Savory dishes are the way to go.
