15 Feel-Good Comfort Meals That Are Surprisingly Healthy

Comfort food doesn’t have to mean unhealthy choices. We’ve rounded up some great recipes that hit that comfort food sweet spot while still being good for you. From cheesy turkey meatballs to creamy mushroom risotto, these meals are perfect for when you want something hearty without the guilt.

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

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Baked gnocchi in a skillet with spinach and potatoes. — Baked Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food. This one-skillet meal with ground pork, crushed tomatoes, spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese is perfect for a feel-good, healthy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Bomb Meatloaf

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

This meatloaf is tender and juicy, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. It’s easy to make and perfect for a comforting yet healthy family meal.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

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, then cooked in marinara sauce. They’re a great choice for a healthy, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

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 like a grown-up version of hamburger helper. It’s filled with spinach, peppers, and real cheddar cheese, making it a healthy option that’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. — 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 that’s 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. — Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This mushroom risotto with peas is creamy and rich without using any dairy. It’s a comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for a healthy meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

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 recipe is ready in under 30 minutes. It tastes like it’s been simmering all day, making it a hearty and healthy option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Lamb Bolognese

A plate of pasta with meat sauce and parmesan cheese. — Lamb Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb bolognese is packed with flavor. Simmered with carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, red wine, and fresh herbs, it’s perfect for a cozy and healthy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

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 loaded with melted mozzarella, tomato butter, and fresh basil. It’s a healthy spin on a classic Italian dish that’s great for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Turkey Chili Pie

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. It’s a healthy, comforting meal that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pasta in a white bowl on a striped towel. — Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini cacio e pepe is a simple Italian dish made with just five ingredients. This creamy pasta uses Pecorino Romano cheese and starchy pasta water for a rich, easy, and healthy meal.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Chicken Sorrentino

Chicken sorrentino features breaded chicken topped with prosciutto, eggplant, and plenty of cheese, baked in tomato sauce. It’s a great dish with everything you love in one meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Goat Cheese Grits

These goat cheese grits are topped with burst tomatoes, chicken, and basil. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Grits

Salsa Chicken

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. Tender chicken breasts are baked with salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese, making it a fast and healthy 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. — Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This meatless sun-dried tomato pasta combines rigatoni noodles, a rich and creamy tomato sauce, shredded parmesan, and baby spinach. It’s a comforting and healthy midweek dinner ready in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

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.