Quite simply—food is something comfort. There are certain recipes that take you back in time or help you connect with a certain feeling. If my food can create this feeling of longing and bring me to a state of calm, I know I’ve found a comfort food to add to my list. Although I like to indulge in comfort food that leans on the heavy and less nutritious side, over the years, I’ve collected a nice collection of healthy comfort food recipes that satisfy that comforting feeling.
This list proves that “healthy” and “comfort food” are not opposites. They work well together to bring you the food you love in a convenient and nutritious way without leaving you feeling uncomfortable. This selection of pasta, soups, and other dishes will warm almost everyone’s heart and soul.
24 Healthy Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Have Fun With
These recipes are the epitome of comfort. With an abundance of comforting ingredients such as warm spices, hearty ingredients, and an abundance of nutrients, they will be with you on your way to feeling better in body and soul. On this list, you’ll find a variety of hearty soups, pastas, and homemade pizzas—there’s a little something for everyone to indulge in while staying healthy.
Zuppa Toscana Soup
A little lighter than the original with everything delicious, this soup is perfect for keeping things light while still being cool. With hearty Italian sausages and vegetables, it’s a balanced combination of bold flavors.
Vegan Mushroom Bolognese
The top reason to love this recipe? It’s very easy! Spaghetti bolognese is the perfect hack to enjoy one of everyone’s favorite 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 crafty things with homemade pizza dough, this ‘za with creamy burrata and Italian sausage keeps things close to traditional with a little twist.
Sweet Pumpkin Gnocchi
Talk about the ultimate comfort food—these pumpkin gnocchi deliver just the right amount of creaminess without being overly heavy. In addition, pumpkin puree is full of nutrients, making it easy to indulge and nourish.
Curry Butternut Squash Soup
This is one of my go-to healthy comfort food recipes. Butternut squash is a hero ingredient in any dish, delivering an abundance of vitamins and nutrients such as potassium and vitamin A. This soup is the perfect combination of spices and sugar with a smooth and thick texture.
If this is your go-to order at Panera, this healthy version of the beloved broccoli soup is perfect for cooler days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
This vegan pasta dish brings bold flavors to pair with a creamy base made of walnuts, cashews, or any nut of your choice. It’s slightly spicy with an extra pop of flavor with crushed red pepper and lemon zest.
Although I am passionate about chili, sometimes, a traditional dish with a large amount of red meat can be difficult to digest. Fortunately, this vegetarian version with lentils keeps things meat-free with the same flavor you know and love.
Vegetarian Coq Au Vin
If you’re cooking for two, this vegetarian coq au vin is a healthy comfort food. A one-pot meal with lots of protein and great flavor.
Gluten Free Protein Pancakes
When I think of comfort food for breakfast, pancakes immediately come to mind. Luckily, Camille’s pumpkin pie recipe is packed with protein and 100% grain-free, making it as healthy as it is delicious.
Pear, Proscuitto, and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
A combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup is my go-to comfort food, however it’s not always the healthiest option. However, this new and improved version is filling and healthy, using crunchy arugula and fiber-rich pears.
Vegan Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Everyone loves a bowl of mac and cheese, but not always the way you feel after too much milk. Fortunately, this recipe uses unsweetened almond milk, cauliflower florets, and cashews, leaving you feeling satisfied and unstressed.
Perfect Roasted Butternut Squash
When the cozy season rolls around, I lean towards recipes that are heavy on all seasonal ingredients. Usually, that means plenty of squashes that can be made into a delicious dish in a number of ways. This roasted butternut squash is a quick and easy way to use up your whole root veggie while adding some fun additions for extra flavor.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m craving a comfort food for breakfast, chicken and waffles are one of my first thoughts. This version, with sweet corn waffles and homemade chicken, takes this healthy comfort food to the next level.
A pasta/soup combo? What more could I ask for in healthy comfort food? This recipe packs a lot into one bowl with healthy additions like carrots, celery, and cannellini beans for plenty of vitamins and protein.
Slow Cooker Tikka Masala
In my eyes, almost any slow cooker recipe can qualify as comfort food. However, it takes a specially selected recipe to qualify as a healthy comfort food recipe, and this tikka masala checks all the boxes. It’s like getting rid of excess sodium and post-dinner bloating.
One jar of Parmesean Orzo
This orzo is as delicious as it is amazing. Although it’s great with spring vegetables, whatever you have on hand works well to put together this cheesy, pasta-like, comforting meal.
Cheesy Pesto Gnocchi
As you can tell, I’m a little partial to gnocchi when it comes to healthy comfort food recipes. But the hype is worth it, especially with recipes like this easy pesto gnocchi skirt with cheese topping.
Vegetable Lasagna
Lasagna is one of those comfort foods that my heart loves but my stomach doesn’t always agree with. Fortunately, this vegetable-based lasagna with homemade pasta always satisfies my cravings without being difficult to digest.
Kitchari
With plenty of healthy ingredients and staples, our food editor Suruchi describes this kitchari recipe as “a dish that feels like a garment.” Need to say more?
Falafel Veggie Burger
While I love homemade burgers when I’m craving comfort food, these veggie burgers are a healthy option that allows everyone to pick and choose their favorite toppings.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
It’s hard to fight the urge to make this healthy comfort food recipe every week. Alas, I often buckle under the pressure because of the ease and wonderful taste of this chicken tortilla soup. You should try it during the cooler months.
Saag Paneer
I just tried saag paneer for the first time here in Austin the night before a big audition, and dare I say it—I was changed for life. As a result, I turned to this recipe to get the same taste in a healthier way, and my expectations were met with flying colors.
Sweet Potato and Bean Casserole with Feta Yogurt
Finally, if you’re on a veggie kick and looking for a filling yet healthy and comforting dinner to enjoy—look no further than this delicious creation with spicy chickpeas and protein-packed Greek yogurt.