10+ Healthy Pasta Recipes for Guilt-Free Enjoyment

Pasta is a beloved dish enjoyed by many, but it can sometimes be heavy on calories and carbs. Healthy pasta recipes provide a delicious way to enjoy this comfort food without the guilt. They allow you to savor great flavors while staying on track with your nutrition goals.

With so many options available, you can easily create a variety of meals that suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

From vibrant vegetable-packed dishes to protein-rich options, healthy pasta recipes can fit into any lifestyle while keeping your meals tasty and satisfying.

1) Lightened-Up Shrimp Scampi

This Lightened-Up Shrimp Scampi is a delicious twist on the classic dish. It’s simple to make and full of flavor without the extra calories. You’ll enjoy shrimp in a savory garlic butter sauce, tossed with pasta.

Using multi-grain spaghetti and chicken broth helps reduce fat while keeping the taste rich and satisfying. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

• 8 oz multi-grain spaghetti
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Stir in shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice.
6. Add cooked spaghetti, toss to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper; garnish with parsley before serving.

2) Lemon Whole-Grain Linguine with Turkey Meatballs

This dish mixes whole-grain linguine with lean turkey meatballs for a tasty and healthy meal. The lemon adds a fresh and vibrant flavor that makes it stand out.

Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). You’ll combine turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, Parmesan, and herbs to create delicious meatballs.

Once your meatballs are ready, bake them for about 12-15 minutes. Cook the linguine according to package instructions, and serve with the meatballs on top.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (about 450g) lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup whole-grain breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup grated yellow onion
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil and oregano
• 10 ounces (about 280g) whole-grain linguine
• Lemon zest and juice for taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, Parmesan, and herbs in a bowl.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
5. Cook linguine according to package instructions.
6. Serve meatballs over linguine with a squeeze of lemon juice.

3) Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Tuscan chicken pasta with spinach is a delightful and quick meal. It combines tender chicken, spinach, and a rich sauce to create a satisfying dish. The garlic and sun-dried tomatoes add extra flavor that you will love.

To start, cook penne pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, sauté your chicken in a skillet until it’s golden brown. Then, add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, letting everything cook for a few minutes.

Mix in cream and cheese to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken, tossing to coat everything evenly. This meal is perfect for busy nights, taking only about 30 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until golden brown.
4. Stir in garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese.
7. Mix in the cooked penne pasta and season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!

4) One-Pot Nutrient-Rich Veggie Pasta

Making a one-pot veggie pasta is a quick and healthy meal option. You can load it with vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and spinach for added nutrients.

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot with water and your favorite vegetable broth. After a few minutes, add in chopped vegetables and let them cook together. Stir in a garlic herb tomato sauce for flavor.

This dish is easy to customize. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand to make it your own. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (any type)
• 1 head of broccoli, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 can garlic herb tomato sauce
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add pasta and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in broccoli and bell pepper.
4. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until pasta is tender.
5. Add spinach and tomato sauce.
6. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

5) Lemon and Garlic Mediterranean Pasta

This dish is a bright and tasty choice for a healthy meal. You will love the combination of fresh lemon and garlic in your pasta.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta until it’s al dente. While it’s cooking, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic until it’s fragrant. Add lemon juice and zest for a refreshing flavor.

Toss the cooked pasta in the garlic-oil mixture. Finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and taste. This dish is quick and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
5. Drain pasta and toss in the pan with the sauce.
6. Add parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
7. Serve and enjoy!

6) Creamy Vegetarian Alfredo with Broccoli

This creamy vegetarian alfredo with broccoli is a delicious and healthy choice for pasta lovers. It’s quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of pasta and broccoli creates a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy.

To start, cook your favorite pasta. You can use fettuccine or penne for a nice texture. While the pasta cooks, prepare the broccoli by steaming it until tender.

In a pan, melt some vegan butter and add garlic. Then stir in a mixture of plant-based milk and a thickener like cornstarch for creaminess. Combine the pasta and broccoli with the sauce, then season with salt and pepper.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of fettuccine or other pasta
• 4 cups of broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon of vegan butter
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup of plant-based milk
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions.
2. Steam broccoli until tender.
3. In a pan, melt the vegan butter.
4. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
5. Stir in plant-based milk and cornstarch.
6. Combine cooked pasta and broccoli with the sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

7) Whole Wheat Pasta Primavera

Whole wheat pasta primavera is a delicious and healthy option for any meal. It combines whole grain pasta with a variety of fresh vegetables, making it colorful and nutritious.

You can use vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes. Adding a splash of olive oil and some herbs gives it great flavor.

This dish is not only tasty but also packed with fiber and vitamins. It can be a quick dinner option that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
4. Stir in the broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
5. Add spinach and tomatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes.
6. Toss the cooked pasta with the vegetables.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.

8) Avocado and Basil Pesto Penne

Avocado and Basil Pesto Penne is a delicious and healthy pasta dish. This recipe combines creamy avocado with fresh basil for a flavorful sauce. It’s simple to make and perfect for a quick dinner.

To start, cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, blend ripe avocados with fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and some nutritional yeast for a tasty twist.

Once the pasta is done, drain it and mix it with the pesto sauce. This dish can be served warm or cold, making it great for any occasion. You can top it with cherry tomatoes for added freshness.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
2. While the pasta cooks, combine avocados, basil, garlic, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast in a blender.
3. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Drain the pasta and mix with the avocado pesto.
5. Serve warm or chilled, topped with cherry tomatoes if desired.

9) Zucchini Noodle ‘Pasta’ with Marinara Sauce

Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a great alternative to traditional pasta. They are low in carbs and calories, making them perfect for a healthy meal.

To make zucchini noodles, use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler. This creates long, thin strands that resemble pasta.

Pair your zoodles with a tasty marinara sauce made from canned diced tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Heat everything in a pot until warm.

Serve the zoodles with the marinara sauce on top. You can also add fresh basil for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Spiralize or peel the zucchinis into noodles.
2. In a saucepan, combine tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat on medium until warm.
4. Season sauce with salt and pepper.
5. Serve zoodles topped with marinara sauce and garnish with basil.

10) Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Mushroom and spinach stuffed shells are a delicious and healthy choice for dinner. These pasta shells are filled with a tasty mixture that includes mushrooms, spinach, and cheese. You will enjoy the flavors and the comfort they bring.

Start by cooking the pasta shells al dente. While the shells cool, sauté chopped mushrooms and spinach until they are tender.

Mix them with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and a touch of Parmesan for extra flavor.

Once the filling is ready, stuff each shell and place them in a baking dish.

Top with your favorite marinara sauce and sprinkle more cheese on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Fresh spinach
• Mushrooms
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Marinara sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions.
3. Sauté chopped mushrooms and spinach in olive oil until tender.
4. In a bowl, mix sautéed veggies with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
5. Stuff each shell with the filling and place in a baking dish.
6. Top with marinara sauce and sprinkle with more cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.