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.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

Brussels Sprout & Basil Bowties

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

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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 »

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

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

Which pasta is lowest in calories? ›

"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."

What is the healthiest pasta for weight loss? ›

Healthiest pasta for weight loss

All types of pasta can be worked into a weight-loss diet, but some types may offer more of an advantage. While you may think of veggie noodles as being the best pasta for weight loss, edamame pasta is my top pick if you're trying to shed a few pounds.

What to eat with pasta for weight loss? ›

Protein builds lean muscle, fiber reduces hunger and promotes gut health, and healthy fats enhance satiety. You can make any fat-burning pasta dish by using whole-grain, high-protein noodles, adding lean meats, and replacing fatty dairy products with low-fat cream and cheese.

What is the healthiest way to have pasta? ›

The healthiest way to eat pasta is cooked al dente. Pasta is inherently healthy, as carbohydrates are important energy sources for our whole body, especially our brain.

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 is the lowest in carbs? ›

  1. Shirataki noodles (konjac noodles) and tofu shirataki noodles. If you're counting carbs and craving pasta, these are your best bet. ...
  2. Zucchini noodles. Also known as zoodles, these are simply long strands that have been spiralized from whole squash. ...
  3. Hearts of palm noodles. ...
  4. Spaghetti squash noodles.
Oct 31, 2022

Can I eat pasta and still lose belly fat? ›

That's right! A good bowl of spaghetti or risotto can be part of a weight-loss plan. In fact, as long as you don't overdo the portions, pasta may help you eat a higher-quality diet, according to results published in a 2020 meta-analysis in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Which cheese is healthy for weight loss? ›

Cheeses such as cheddar, cottage cheese, ricotta, parmesan and feta, which are lower in fat, can be beneficial for weight loss when eaten in moderation. However, avoiding ultra-processed cheeses and those with high sodium levels is essential, as these are not conducive to weight loss.

Is pasta better than potatoes for weight loss? ›

OR PASTA. AND they make you feel fuller for longer. than rice or pasta because of the way their are.

How to eat pasta without gaining weight? ›

Instead, if you are on a diet or trying to lose weight, consider eating a whole wheat pasta or maintain a small portion size of regular pasta in your meal.

What rice is best for weight loss? ›

Eating whole grains like brown rice has been found to be really good for weight loss, with one study finding that people who regularly ate high-carbohydrate whole grains such as brown or coloured rice had a higher resting metabolism and didn't absorb as many calories during digestion [9].

What is healthier, rice or pasta or 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.

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.

How to turn pasta into a complete meal? ›

Any one of the following plant foods can be added to make a pasta dish a complete protein:
  1. Legumes (with the exception of soy) such as peas, and beans, including those that are dried, processed or baked.
  2. Vegetables, even if they are frozen.
  3. Nuts and seeds like walnuts, cashews and sunflower seeds.

Which spaghetti is the healthiest? ›

Any kind of pasta can fit into a healthy diet, says registered dietitian Jamie Nadeau, and it depends on your preference for shape and kind. But she says the healthiest pasta when it comes to nutrition is chickpea pasta – a protein-packed, fiber-rich legume alternative popularized in the last decade.

What is the lowest calorie pasta you can buy? ›

Nutrition comparison of low-calorie pastas
Pasta (56 g = 2 oz)CaloriesTotal fat (saturated)
Shirataki noodles (100 grams)50 g
Pastabilities Lower-Calorie Pasta (2 oz)1001 g (0 g)
Fiber Gourmet “Light” pasta (56 g.)1101 g (0 g)
Spiralized zucchini (1 cup)210.4 g (0 g)
2 more rows
Oct 24, 2023

Which noodle has the least calories? ›

Shirataki Noodles Have 11 Calories per 100g

These lowest calories noodles consist of water and starch from the roots of the konjac plant, which is a type of yam. In the digestive system, glucomannan acts like a dietary fibre, which means the body does not break it down to use as energy.

Is protein pasta less calories than regular pasta? ›

Foods high in protein, like protein pasta, also typically have fewer calories overall, which can further aid in weight loss.

Can you eat pasta on a low calorie diet? ›

It's not the pasta that you need to keep it check; it's the calorie-laden extras. Pasta is a fat-free, low-sodium food that can fit in almost any weight management plan. One-half cup of cooked pasta provides about 100 calories.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Stevie Stamm

Last Updated:

Views: 6046

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Stevie Stamm

Birthday: 1996-06-22

Address: Apt. 419 4200 Sipes Estate, East Delmerview, WY 05617

Phone: +342332224300

Job: Future Advertising Analyst

Hobby: Leather crafting, Puzzles, Leather crafting, scrapbook, Urban exploration, Cabaret, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.