Simply put, food is Comfortable. There are certain recipes that help me get back to a certain moment or connect with a certain feeling. When my food evokes nostalgia and can put me in a state of calm, I know I’ve found a comfort food to add to my list. I love heavier, less nutritious comfort food, but over the years I’ve put together a good repertoire of healthy comfort food recipes that still satisfy that cozy feeling.
This list proves that “healthy” food and “comfort food” aren’t opposites. They work well together to give you your favorite foods in a lighter, more nutritious way without the discomfort. Our selection of pastas, soups and other dishes will warm everyone’s heart and soul.
24 Healthy Comfort Food Recipes to Stay Comfortable
This recipe is the epitome of cozy. Using comforting ingredients such as warm spices, hearty ingredients, and rich nutrients can help you feel better in body and mind. The list includes a variety of cozy soups, pastas, and homemade pizzas. There is food for everyone to enjoy while staying healthy.
Zuffa Tuscan Soup
A little lighter than the original and every bit as flavorful, this soup is perfect for keeping things cozy yet light. The rich Italian sausage and vegetables combine for a balanced, bright flavor.
Vegan Mushroom Bolognese
What’s the biggest reason you love this recipe? It’s really easy! Meatless Spaghetti Bolognese is the best secret to enjoying one of everyone’s favorite comfort foods without feeling heavy and filling.
Sausage Burrata Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza as one of the best comfort foods? You can do a lot of crafty things with homemade pizza dough, but this ‘za’ with creamy burrata cheese and Italian sausage keeps it close to tradition with a little twist.
Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi
Talk about the ultimate comfort dish. These flavorful pumpkin gnocchi have just the right amount of creaminess without being overwhelmingly heavy. Plus, pumpkin puree is packed with nutrients, making it easy to indulge in and keep you nourished.
Curried Butternut Squash Soup
This is one of my favorite healthy comfort food recipes. Butternut squash is a hero ingredient in just about every dish, providing a wealth of vitamins and nutrients like potassium and vitamin A. This soup is the perfect combination of spicy and sweet, with a smooth and thick texture.
If this is your Panera order, this healthy version of the beloved broccoli cheddar soup is perfect for cool days or when the weather isn’t cooperating.
This vegan pasta dish has a creamy base and bright flavor made with walnuts, cashews, or any nut of your choice. It’s a bit intense and flavorful with crushed red pepper and lemon zest.
I love chili passionately, but sometimes traditional dishes with lots of red meat can be difficult to digest. Luckily, this vegetarian version with lentils retains all the flavor you know and love, but without the meat.
Vegetarian Coq Au Vin
If you’re cooking for two, this vegetarian coq au vin is the ultimate healthy dish. This one-pot dish is rich in protein and full of flavor.
Gluten Free Protein Pumpkin Pancakes
When you think of comfort food for breakfast, pancakes immediately come to mind. Luckily, Camille’s pumpkin pancake recipe is packed with protein and 100% grain-free, so they’re both delicious and healthy.
Pear, prosciutto, mozzarella grilled cheese
The grilled cheese and tomato soup combo is my favorite comfort meal, but it’s not always the healthiest choice. But this new and improved version uses crunchy arugula and fibrous pears to make it filling and healthy.
Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Everyone loves a bowl of mac and cheese, but that’s not always how you feel after eating a lot of dairy. Luckily, this recipe uses unsweetened almond milk, cauliflower florets, and cashews to keep you full and full.
Whole Roasted Butternut Squash
As the cozy season approaches, I turn to recipes that feature plenty of seasonal ingredients. In general, this means there is an abundance of pumpkin that can be made into delicious dishes in many different ways. This Roasted Butternut Squash is a quick and easy way to utilize the whole root vegetable while adding fun toppings for added flavor.
I don’t know about you, but when I crave a comforting meal for breakfast, one of the first things that comes to mind is chicken and waffles. Served with delicious cornmeal waffles and homemade chicken, this version takes healthy comfort food to the next level.
Pasta/soup combo? What more could you ask for in healthy convenience food? This recipe combines healthy additions like carrots, celery, and cannellini beans, all packed with vitamins and protein, all in one bowl.
Slow Cooker Tikka Masala
In my eyes, almost any slow cooker recipe can be comfort food. But it takes a specially curated recipe to qualify as 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-dinner bloating.
One Pot Parmesan Orzo
This orzo is as delicious as it is amazing. It goes well with spring greens, but it also goes well with cozy dinners like anything cheesy and pasta on hand.
Cheese Pesto Gnocchi
As you know, I’m a bit biased towards gnocchi when it comes to healthy, comfort food recipes. But it’s worth it, especially for recipes like simple skillet pesto gnocchi with cheese topping.
vegetable lasagna
Lasagna is one of my heart’s favorite comfort foods, but my stomach doesn’t always agree. Luckily, this vegetable-based lasagna with homemade pasta isn’t too hard to digest and always satisfies my cravings.
Kitchari
Loaded with wholesome ingredients and pantry staples, our food editor Suruchi describes this kitchari recipe as “a bowl that feels like a blanket.” Need I say more?
Falafel Vegetarian Burger
I love a homemade burger when I’m craving comfort food, but these veggie burgers are a healthier option that allows everyone to pick and choose their favorite toppings.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
It’s hard to resist the urge to whip up healthy, comfort food recipes every week. Unfortunately, I often feel overwhelmed by the simplicity and amazing flavor of this chicken tortilla soup. Be sure to try it during the cold season.
saag paneer
I recently tried saag paneer for the first time here in Austin the night before a big exam, and dare I say it, it completely changed my life. As a result, I chose this recipe to experience the same taste in a healthier way, and my expectations were very successfully met.
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Bowl with Feta Yogurt
Lastly, if you love root vegetables and are looking for a filling yet healthy and comforting dinner, look no further than this sweet and savory dish with spicy chickpeas and protein-packed Greek yogurt.
