Comfort Food That Crushes Weeknights and Brings the Cozy

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When dinner needs to feel a little extra but still come together without drama, these recipes deliver. From One Pan Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage to Crispy Braised Artichoke Chicken, we’re talking big flavors, minimal chaos, and meals that might just earn you a standing ovation from the dining room. Craving comfort? Meatloaf, Homemade Mac and Cheese, and Beef Stroganoff are standing by. Want something with flair? Marry Me Chicken and Lobster Rolls (yes, both butter AND mayo—don’t make us choose) are here to turn your Tuesday into a tiny celebration. Even Damn Good BLT Pasta Salad and 5-Ingredient Cacio e Pepe know how to keep things deliciously low-effort and high-reward. And if you’re feeling plant-based, Vegan Chili is ready to prove it can hold its own at the table.

One Pan Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage

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tomato gnocchi with chicken sausage in a bowl
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This creamy tomato gnocchi with chicken sausage and spinach is the perfect weeknight meal. It all comes together in one pan in just 30 minutes! This recipe is sure to be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage

Marry Me Chicken

Easy Marry Me Chicken Recipe chicken breast in creamy sun-dried tomato sauce foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

Ready in under 30 minutes, this Marry Me Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Serve over pasta or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Homemade Mac and Cheese

Homemade mac and cheese recipe
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

This homemade mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Elbow macaroni is coated in a rich and creamy sauce made with sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, then baked to golden perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mac and Cheese

Damn Good BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Jalapeño Cashew Dressing

easy BLT pasta salad on two plates with forks
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This BLT pasta salad is far from basic, thanks to the creamy jalapeño cashew dressing that takes it to the next level. It’s packed with fresh produce and crispy bacon, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a light lunch. You can easily customize it with your favorite pasta shape and make it gluten-free if needed.
Get the Recipe: Damn Good BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Jalapeño Cashew Dressing

Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes on plate | foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This meatloaf recipe is the best comfort food! Tangy ketchup glaze tops a mixture of ground beef, oats, and powdered milk. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for any season.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf Recipe

Beef Stroganoff

Two bowls of beef stroganoff.
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

This Beef Stroganoff recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Tender steak and mushrooms in a creamy gravy, served over a bed of buttery egg noodles, make for a hearty and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff

The BEST Lobster Rolls (With Both Butter AND Mayonnaise)

Lobster Rolls | foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

These lobster rolls are truly the BEST! Made with a combination of melted butter and lemony mayonnaise, plus other fresh ingredients, this sandwich is a seafood lover’s dream. Serve them on buttery, split-top rolls for the perfect bite.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Lobster Rolls (With Both Butter AND Mayonnaise)

5-Ingredient Cacio e Pepe

A serving of spaghetti pasta topped with parsley, black pepper, and grated cheese on a white plate.
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This 5-ingredient Cacio e Pepe recipe by Foodie Crush is a delightful and easy Italian pasta dish, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. With its simple yet flavorful combination of pasta, cheese, and pepper, it’s a sophisticated take on mac and cheese that’s ready in minutes. It’s a great option for a comforting, family-friendly meal any time of year.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Cacio e Pepe

Vegan Chili

This Vegan Chili recipe is so rich and robust! Packed full of flavor, it's wholesome and hearty with layers of complexity and depth. Video.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This vegan chili recipe is packed with flavor, wholesome, and hearty. The layers of complexity and depth make this chili a robust and satisfying meal. You can easily customize it with your favorite beans, veggies, and toppings.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chili

Crispy Braised Artichoke Chicken

Braised Crispy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke hearts, leeks, potatoes and tarragon- a delicious one-pan recipe perfect for spring! 
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

These crispy braised chicken thighs with artichokes, leeks, and tarragon are a one-pot wonder! The fresh artichoke hearts take this dish to the next level, making it a comforting and delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Braised Artichoke Chicken

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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