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Joy Bauer shares her healthier takes on Italian American comfort foods

Easy, cheesy and actually nutritious.

Sometimes, you just want a cozy, comforting meal without the hassle. That’s where these easy, flavor-packed recipes come in. From a one-skillet lasagna that skips the layering step and oven, to a creamy Caesar pasta salad that reinvents a classic with a heart-healthy dressing, and even a baked chicken eggplant Parm that combines two of your favorite dishes into one saucy, cheesy (and lower-carb) masterpiece, these meals deliver big on taste with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding the family or need a quick, stress-free dinner, these recipes prove that comfort food can be both effortless and delicious!

Lazy Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lazy Lasagne
Skillet Lazy LasagneKelly Harrison

Lasagna lovers — this one’s for you! My one-skillet lazy lasagna delivers all the cozy, cheesy goodness of the classic dish in just 30 minutes — without the mess or the oven. It’s loaded with protein-rich turkey (you can also use lean ground sirloin or a plant-based alternative), whole-grain pasta, nutrient-packed spinach and melty cheese, making it a comforting and nutritious option for busy nights. Plus, it’s totally customizable, so you can swap ingredients to fit your cravings and pantry staples. I think you’ll agree — it’s a weeknight win.

Chicken-Eggplant Parm

Chicken Eggplant Parmesan
Chicken Eggplant ParmesanKelly Harrison

Why choose between chicken Parm and eggplant Parm when you can have both? My signature chick-plant Parm combines the best of both dishes in one irresistible bite. Oven-baked instead of fried — and no breadcrumbs needed — it layers eggplant and chicken cutlets (breasts or thighs, eater’s choice!) with garlicky seasoning, fresh thyme, and plenty of saucy scrumptiousness. The result? A mouthwatering meal that’s comforting yet balanced with lean protein and fiber-rich veggies in every bite.


Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad

If you love a classic Caesar salad but want something with more volume and nutrition, this creamy Caesar pasta salad is calling your name. It combines tender penne, crisp romaine and a smooth and creamy avocado-based Caesar dressing for an out-of-the-box experience. Toasted pecans add a buttery crunch in place of croutons, while optional shaved Parmesan takes it over the top. Whether served as a flavorful side or a protein-packed main with chicken or shrimp, this salad is an easy, nutrient-rich meal you’ll want to make again and again.