These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (2024)

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (1)

If you think that the words 'pasta' and 'healthy' don't belong in the same sentence, boy, do we have some stuff to show you! Pasta is far from off limits — even if you're working your way

through a brand new diet — and can be the quickest and easiest meal you pull off all week. When you're craving a big bowl of carbs after a long, hard workout, simply wishing to prepare make-ahead meals for the week, or are trying to sneak more healthy fiber into your kid's day, these veggie-heavy pasta dishes are perfect for you.

Some of our healthiest pasta recipes are ready in under 30 minutes and can be made in one pot, too. Maybe you're looking for a smart way to use up leftover vegetables from a serious meal prep session — or hunting for the perfect use of your summer garden's best veggies? These lightened pasta dinners can be whipped as family-style recipes, often saving you from having to hit the grocery store yet again.

Most importantly, these pasta dishes are anything but heavy on the calories, carbs, and sodium counts. Nearly all of the pasta ideas in this collection contain less than 500 calories, and often clock in at under 50g of carbohydrates, which is a feat in its own right. You can make these pasta meals even better by skimping on added parmesan and heavy cream, choosing lean proteins, and in some cases, swapping out traditional pasta altogether (hello zucchini noodles!). You'll love using faux noodles — from zoodles to chickpea pasta — and loading up on as many fresh veggies as you can get your hands on. Follow along as we highlight these good-for-you ingredients, and then check out the healthiest ways to eat pasta according to a nutritionist.

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1

Summer Squash, Mint, and Pecorino Pasta

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (3)

Every vegetarian's dream in a bowl, this summer pasta medley incorporates the season's best flavors. And if you wait to add the cheese, it can even be shared with your vegan guests.

Get the recipe for Summer Squash, Mint, and Pecorino Pasta »

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2

Creamy Broccolini Pasta With Chile Breadcrumbs

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (4)

This peppery dish has all the best elements of our favorite casserole recipes: Fresh breadcrumbs, snappy veggies, and luscious noodles.

Get the recipe for Creamy Broccolini Pasta With Chile Breadcrumbs »

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3

Creamy Corn Pasta With Bacon and Scallions

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (5)

Who says bacon can't be healthy? Sprinkle it into this bright bowl of corn, basil, and scallions for a better-for-you comfort dinner.

Get the recipe for Creamy Corn Pasta With Bacon and Scallions »

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4

Pea Pesto Pappardelle

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (6)

This pea + ricotta + pesto combo tastes so refreshing. Plus, you only need five ingredients to whip up this tasty dish.

Get the recipe for Pea Pesto Pappardelle »

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5

Pasta With Red Pepper Alfredo

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (8)

Heavy cream and fresh parmesan are instantly lightened with fresh peppers, basil, and garlic. There's nearly 20g of protein in each vegetarian-friendly bowl, to boot!

Get the recipe for Pasta With Red Pepper Alfredo »

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6

Beef Stroganoff

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (9)

Even with beef and sour cream included, this one-pan meal still manages to stay under 500 calories.

Get the recipe for Beef Stroganoff »

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7

Linguine Carbonara

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (11)

Skip the bacon to make this one a bit healthier and vegetarian-friendly.

Get the recipe for Linguine Carbonara »

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8

Grilled Ratatouille Linguine

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (13)

Throw in all of your favorite veggies for a filling, summer-inspired dinner.

Get the recipe for Grilled Ratatouille Linguine »

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9

Shrimp and Zucchini Scampi

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (15)

Consider shrimp the answer to your dieting dilemmas — and it tastes simply divine in this so-easy scampi dish.

Get the recipe for Shrimp and Zucchini Scampi »

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10

Brussels Sprout & Basil Bowties

This recipe has our vote for "most delicious way to cook up what's in your fridge."

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11

Spaghetti With No-Cook Heirloom Tomato Sauce

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (19)

Homemade sauce in less than 30 minutes? Now that's a quick weeknight meal.

Get the recipe for Spaghetti with No-Cook Heirloom Tomato Sauce »

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12

Ratatouille Pasta

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (21)

This recipe follows a simple equation: one veggie for every noodle.

Get the recipe for Ratatouille Pasta »

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13

Orecchiette With Morels and Peas

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (23)

Packed with sugar snap peas, shoots, peas, morel mushrooms and more, this gorgeous dish gives you the perfect excuse to hit up the farmers' market this season.

Get the recipe for Orecchiette with Morels and Peas »

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14

Puttanesca Fresca

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (25)

Sometimes pasta is just the canvas for a truly, beautiful sauce. Here, rigatoni is smothered with a fresh, no-cook topping that celebrates the best of summer.

Get the recipe for Puttanesca Fresca »

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15

Easiest-Ever Spinach Lasagna

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (27)

As if you really needed another reason to love your slow cooker. Each slice of this super-satisfying lasagna clocks in at just about 350 calories.

Get the recipe for Easiest-Ever Spinach Lasagna »

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16

Veggie Lo Mein

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (29)

This spin on a Chinese takeout classic is crazy healthy and really easy to put together. The best part? It's ready in 15 minutes.

Get the recipe for Veggie Lo Mein »

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17

Spanakopita Penne Bake

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (31)

There is so much spinach hidden in here, it's practically a salad. You'll only need five other ingredients to bring this casserole to life.

Get the recipe for Spanakopita Penne Bake »

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18

Roasted Veggie Penne

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (33)

Roasting your veggies before tossing them with penne amps up the flavor of your whole dish. It's seriously worth the (minimal) extra effort.

Get the recipe for Roasted Veggie Penne »

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19

Zucchini "Pasta" Caprese

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (35)

When you transform everyday veggies, like zucchini, into noodles, it's a totally guilt-free way to enjoy endless amounts of "pasta."

Get the recipe for Zucchini "Pasta" Caprese »

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20

Light Spaghetti Squash

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (37)

You can lighten up almost any pasta dish with a few ingredient swaps — including ditching pasta altogether. Spaghetti squash naturally forms springs and is sturdy enough to support all your favorite Italian sauces. Chances are you won't miss the pasta one bit!

Get the recipe for Light Spaghetti Squash »

These Healthy, Easy, Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Will Keep You Full (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest pasta to buy? ›

Whole-Wheat Pasta

Whole-wheat pasta is an easy-to-find nutritious noodle that will bump up the nutrition of your pasta dish. Made from whole grains, every cup of cooked pasta (140 grams) boasts 43 g of carbohydrate, 3 g of fiber and 8 g of protein per serving, per the USDA.

How do you make pasta less calories? ›

Choose whole-grain pasta: Opt for whole-grain or whole-wheat pasta instead of regular refined pasta. Whole-grain pasta is higher in fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce overall calorie intake. 2. Control portion sizes: Be mindful of the portion sizes.

What is the healthiest way to have pasta? ›

Pasta can be healthy when it's paired with vegetables, protein, and healthy fats. The healthiest types of pasta include whole wheat pasta, as well as bean and vegetable based noodles. Serve a balanced portion of pasta (¼ of your plate) and go easy on the sauce and cheese.

Is there a pasta diet to lose weight? ›

A: Pasta, in moderation, can be part of a healthy weight-loss diet. Furthermore, choosing whole-grain pasta and practising portion control can help reduce calorie intake while providing nutrients such as fibre and protein. Of course, eating pasta alone will not result in weight loss.

Is pasta better for weight loss than rice? ›

At 117 calories per 100g Vs pasta's 160 calories per 100g, rice has significantly lower calories, so swapping pasta to rice may be beneficial for anyone controlling their calories as a way to lose or maintain their weight.

What pasta has the least amount of carbs? ›

THE BREAKDOWN: BEST LOW-CARB PASTA BRANDS RANKED
  • IT'S SKINNY PASTA & RICE. ...
  • PALMINI LOW-CARB PASTA. ...
  • GREEN GIANT BUTTERNUT SQUASH VEGGIE SPIRALS. ...
  • BANZA CHICKPEA PASTA. ...
  • SOLELY ORGANIC DRIED SPAGHETTI SQUASH. ...
  • EXPLORE EDAMAME SPAGHETTI. ...
  • MIRACLE NOODLE PASTA. ...
  • THINSLIM FOODS IMPASTABLE LOW-CARB PASTA.
Mar 25, 2024

What is the lowest carb noodle? ›

"Vegetable-based pastas, such as zucchini noodles or hearts of palm noodles, tend to be lowest in carbs and calories," says Sassos. "They are also packed with nutrient-dense vitamins and minerals and are naturally gluten-free. Shirataki noodles and kelp noodles are also quite low in carbs and calories."

How can I eat pasta everyday without gaining weight? ›

What are some tips for eating pasta without gaining weight? Some tips for eating pasta without gaining weight include choosing whole grain or legume-based pasta, controlling portion sizes, and incorporating plenty of vegetables and lean proteins into your pasta dishes.

What type of rice is lowest in calories? ›

Black Rice

Black rice contains the least amount of calories and carbs per cup, and it's considered to be the richest in antioxidants out of every rice variety, which makes it the best choice from a nutritional standpoint and a weight loss standpoint.

Does homemade pasta have less calories? ›

Fresh pasta is lower in carbohydrates and calories per cup after cooking than dry pasta.

Can I eat pasta everyday and be healthy? ›

It is possible to eat pasta daily and still be healthy. The key to eating pasta every day is to limit your portion size and supplement your pasta bowl with essential nutrients. The recommended portion size is two ounces of dry pasta or one cup of cooked pasta.

Is pasta better for you than potatoes? ›

Of rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread, potatoes are the healthiest of these starchy and complex carbohydrate foods. This is because potatoes are dense in nutrients, containing essential minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients. Potatoes are also high in fiber, helping to satiate hunger and regulate blood sugar.

Is there a way to make pasta healthy? ›

6 Tips for Making Pasta Fast, Cheap, and Healthy
  1. Load it with veggies.
  2. Opt for lean proteins.
  3. Swap out the heavy cream.
  4. Give whole-wheat pasta a try.
  5. Cook the pasta al dente.
  6. Watch the portion size.
May 1, 2019

Are there any low calorie pastas? ›

LIVIVA Organic Shirataki Penne with Oat Fiber, Low-Calorie Pasta made from Konjac Root, Non-GMO, Gluten Free and Keto Certified, 14.11 Ounce (Pack of 4) This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.

Does brown pasta have less calories than white pasta? ›

Whole-grain pasta is typically high in fiber, manganese, selenium, copper and phosphorus, while refined, enriched pasta tends to be higher in iron and B vitamins. Whole-grain pasta is also lower in calories and higher in fiber and certain micronutrients than refined pasta.

What type of pasta is lowest in carbs? ›

Palmini low-carb pasta uses the interior of a type of palm tree to create a pasta-like substitution. If you've ever had hearts of palm, the taste is somewhat unique (some people love it, and others hate it). As far as low carb noodles are concerned, Palmini is a great option with fewer carbs than most.

How much pasta is 200 calories? ›

According to the USDA, a 1/2 cup serving of cooked pasta (spaghetti) contains a mere 99 calories, less than half a gram of fat and less than 5 milligrams of sodium. One cup of cooked pasta contains under 200 calories, in addition to fiber, vitamins and minerals.

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