21 must-try comfort dinners for busy nights

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Are you in the mood for some seriously comforting dinners but don’t have all night to spend in the kitchen? We’ve got you covered with this variety of hearty, comforting recipes that are perfect for those busy evenings. From savory stews to cheesy pastas, each dish is designed to warm you up and fill you up, without taking hours to make.

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Buffalo chicken soup with orzo served in a bowl with blue cheese crumbles and green onion.
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

If you love buffalo wings, this buffalo chicken orzo soup is for you. It’s a cheesy, spicy, and comforting meal, ready in just 30 minutes. This soup is an ideal pick for a quick, warming dinner on a hectic evening.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Instant Pot beef and mushroom stew served in a bowl over polenta.
Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This beef and mushroom stew made in the Instant Pot is a comforting, hearty choice for cozy nights in. It’s easy to prepare and fills your home with inviting aromas, offering a warm, satisfying meal after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Chicken Lime Soup

Spicy chicken lime soup in bowls.
Chicken Lime Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken lime soup combines the essence of chicken noodle and chicken tortilla soups for a spicy, noodle-less option. Ideal for cold days, it’s a comforting choice that’s both nourishing and quick to prepare, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lime Soup

Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Creamy tomato farfalle with peas and prosciutto in a white bowl.
Creamy Tomato Farfalle. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy tomato farfalle is a quick, 20-minute meal that brings a twist to traditional cream sauce. With peas, crispy prosciutto, and a healthy approach, it’s an ideal comfort dinner for those nights when you’re short on time but crave something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is a healthier, grown-up version of classic comfort food. Ready in just 30 minutes, it includes spinach, peppers, and real cheddar cheese, making it a great option for a quick, comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet potato mac and cheese is a creamy, slightly healthier option. Made with pureed sweet potato, almond milk, cheese, and spinach, it’s an indulgent yet nourishing choice for a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto with peas and mushrooms in a pot with wooden spoon.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy mushroom risotto with peas is a dairy-free comfort food that doesn’t skimp on richness. Packed with umami flavors, it’s a decadent yet simple dish, perfect for a soothing dinner on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Cheddar stuffed turkey meatballs served with zoodles.
Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These cheddar-stuffed turkey meatballs, seasoned with Italian flavors, are a comforting choice for a busy night. Cooked in marinara sauce, they’re flavorful and easy to prepare. This dish is a delightful twist on traditional meatballs, perfect for a fulfilling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Sausage Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with sausage and parsley.
Sausage Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This homemade sausage mac and cheese boasts a cheesy sauce and velvety texture. It’s a hit with both adults and kids, offering a comforting and tasty meal ideal for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese

Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Stuffed chicken marsala in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Stuffed chicken marsala offers a delicious twist on the classic dish. With mozzarella, tomato butter, and basil cooked inside the chicken, it’s a comforting choice for a flavorful dinner on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Italian tomato soup with pasta in a mug with a spoon.
Italian Tomato Pasta Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Italian tomato pasta soup is a warm, hearty dish filled with beef, sausage, mushrooms, and escarole. It’s the ideal bowl of comfort for those evenings when you crave something cozy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Creamy Tomato Soup

Creamy tomato basil soup garnished with grated parmesan and fresh basil in a white bowl with a gold spoon.
Creamy Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This homemade roasted tomato soup is a creamy classic, filled with comforting flavors from roasted garlic and fresh basil. It’s an easy, soothing meal that’s perfect for a relaxed evening.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Creamy Tomato Soup

Instant Pot Bean Soup

Instant Pot bean soup made with dried bean mix in bowls.
Instant Pot Bean Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Instant Pot bean soup is a cozy vegan option, ready in no time. Using a blend of beans and lentils with a tomato base, it’s hearty and comforting. The addition of Tuscan kale adds color and nutrition, making it a wholesome choice for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean Soup

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This meatloaf recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner on busy nights. It’s simple to prepare and comes out tender and juicy. The sweet and tangy glaze adds a wonderful layer of flavor, making each slice irresistible. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal that’s both comforting and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Turkey Chili Pie

Turkey chili pie in a skillet and serving bowls.
Turkey Chili Pie. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Combine a lean turkey chili recipe with a hearty cornbread topping, and you get this chili pie. Baked in one skillet, it’s a comforting, wholesome meal perfect for a cozy evening at home.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie

Short Rib Chili

A bowl of chili with noodles and sour cream.
Short Rib Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This spicy porter short rib chili is the ultimate comfort food for cold days. It’s great as leftovers, can be frozen for later, and offers a warm, satisfying meal perfect for relaxing after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili

Brisket Chili

Brisket chili in a bowl topede with green onions and avocado.
Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brisket chili is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. It’s a great way to use leftover beef brisket, combined with beans, peppers, corn, and a robust tomato base. This cozy chili is filling and warms you from the inside, making it ideal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili

Turkey Stew

A bowl of turkey stew with carrots and potatoes.
Turkey Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This turkey stew is a comforting blend of shredded turkey, red potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, celery, and onions. The touch of tomato paste and balsamic vinegar balances the savory flavors, making it a cozy meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stew

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini cacio e pepe is a classic, simple Italian dish. Made with just five ingredients, including sheep’s milk Pecorino Romano, it creates a creamy and indulgent pasta that’s both easy and economical – a comforting meal for any night.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Venison Meatballs

Venison meatballs in tomato sauce on a plate with pasta.
Venison Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These venison meatballs are a comforting and easy dinner choice. Baked with your favorite sauce and pasta, they offer a hearty meal without any gamey taste. It’s a perfect way to enjoy ground venison on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Venison Meatballs

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef pasta skillet is a quick, under-30-minute meal that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s an excellent choice for a comforting, filling dinner on those nights when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

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