Simply put, food teeth comfortable. There are certain recipes that remind you of specific moments or help you connect with certain emotions. When my food evokes this feeling of nostalgia and brings me into a state of calm, I know I’ve found a comforting food to add to my list. I love indulging in comfort foods that tend to be heavier and less nutritious, but over the years I’ve learned a lot about healthy comfort foods that make me feel cozy and satisfied. I have collected a good repertoire of recipes.
This list proves that “healthy” and “comfort food” are not mutually exclusive. These work well together to deliver your favorite foods in a lighter, more nutritious way without leaving you feeling uncomfortable. A variety of dishes such as pasta and soup that will warm both the heart and body.
24 healthy recipes to make you feel good
These recipes embody coziness. We use plenty of comforting ingredients such as warm spices, hearty ingredients, and abundant nutrients to energize your mind and body. This list includes a variety of comforting soups, pastas, and homemade pizzas. There’s a little something for everyone to enjoy while staying healthy.
zuppa tuscan soup
A little lighter than the original and all around delicious, this soup is perfect for keeping it comforting yet light. A balanced blend of bright flavors with hearty Italian sausage and vegetables.
vegan mushroom bolognese
What’s the biggest reason I love this recipe? It’s so easy! Meatless Spaghetti Bolognese is the ultimate hack for enjoying everyone’s favorite comfort food without feeling heavy and full.
sausage burrata pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza as one of the ultimate comfort foods? There are many creative ways to make homemade pizza dough, but this one with creamy burrata and Italian sausage is more of a classic with a twist. .
creamy pumpkin gnocchi
Talk about the ultimate comfort food. These flavorful pumpkin gnocchi deliver just the right amount of creaminess without being overwhelmingly heavy. Additionally, pumpkin puree is packed with nutrients, making it easy to consume and replenish your nutrition.
butternut squash curry soup
This is one of my favorite healthy comforting food recipes. Butternut pumpkin is an essential ingredient in any dish and is rich in nutrients such as vitamins, potassium, and vitamin A. This soup has a perfect blend of spice and sweetness, and a smooth, rich texture.
If this is your go-to Panera order, this healthy version of the popular Broccoli Cheddar Soup is perfect for cooler days or when the weather is inclement.
This vegan pasta dish brings bright flavor when paired with a creamy base made from walnuts, cashews, or your favorite nut. The addition of crushed red pepper and lemon zest adds a little zesty flavor.
I love chili peppers, but traditional dishes with large amounts of red meat can be difficult to digest. Luckily, this vegetarian version with lentils is meat-free and keeps the same familiar taste.
Vegetarian coq au vin
If you’re cooking for two, this vegetarian coq au vin is the ultimate healthy comfort food. A one-pot meal packed with protein and flavor.
gluten free protein pumpkin pancakes
When you think of comforting foods for breakfast, pancakes immediately come to mind. Luckily, Camille’s pumpkin pancake recipe is packed with protein and 100% grain-free, so it’s not only delicious, but healthy.
Grilled pear, prosciutto and mozzarella
The combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup is my go-to comfort meal, but it’s not necessarily the healthiest option. But this new and improved version uses crunchy arugula and high-fiber pears to make it filling and healthy.
vegan cauliflower mac and cheese
Everyone loves a bowl of macaroni and cheese, but you don’t necessarily feel like it after eating lots of dairy products. Luckily, this recipe uses unsweetened almond milk, cauliflower florets, and cashews, so you’ll feel full without feeling full.
whole roasted butternut squash
As the pleasant season approaches, you’ll want to rely on recipes that use plenty of seasonal ingredients. Usually, this means that there is an abundance of pumpkins that can be processed into delicious dishes in a variety of ways. This Roasted Butternut Squash is an easy way to take advantage of the whole root vegetable while adding fun toppings for extra flavor.
I don’t know about you, but when I think of comfort food for breakfast, the first thing that comes to mind is chicken and waffles. This version takes this healthy comfort dish to the next level with flavorful cornmeal waffles and homemade chicken.
A combination of pasta and soup? What more could you ask for from healthy comfort food? This recipe packs plenty of healthy ingredients like carrots, celery, and cannellini beans into one bowl, giving you plenty of vitamins and protein.
slow cooker tikka masala
In my eyes, any slow cooker recipe qualifies as a comfort food recipe. However, it takes a specially selected recipe to qualify as a healthy home-cooked recipe, and this tikka masala ticks all the boxes. It’s just as good as takeout, except for the excess salt and post-dinner bloating.
one pot parmesan orzo
This orzo is amazingly delicious. It goes great with spring vegetables, but whatever you have on hand is great for putting together a cozy dinner like this cheesy pasta dish.
cheese pesto gnocchi
As you probably know, I’m a bit partial to gnocchi when it comes to healthy comfort food recipes. But it’s worth the hype, especially for recipes like this simple Skillet Pesto Gnocchi topped with cheese.
vegetable lasagna
Lasagna is one of those comforting foods that my heart loves, but my stomach doesn’t always agree with. Luckily, this vegetable-based lasagna with homemade pasta always satisfies my cravings without being difficult to digest.
Kitchari
Packed with healthy ingredients and pantry staples, this kitchari recipe is described by food editor Suruchi as a “blanket bowl.” Need I say more?
falafel veggie burger
We love homemade burgers when we’re craving comfort food, but these veggie burgers are a healthier option with everyone’s choice of toppings.
chicken tortilla soup
It’s hard to resist the urge to make this healthy home-cooked recipe every week. Sadly, I often succumb to pressure due to the ease and incredible flavor of this Chicken Tortilla Soup. This is a must-try dish 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 was life changing for me. As a result, I turned to this recipe to experience the same taste in a healthier way, and my expectations were met with flying colors.
Sweet potato and chickpea bowl with feta yogurt
Last but not least, if you’re looking for a hearty, healthy and comforting dinner centered around root vegetables, look no further than this sweet and savory creation of spiced chickpeas and protein-packed Greek yogurt. there is no.
