Pastas are great filling meals, but they don’t have to be heavy. Try any of these healthy pasta recipes filled with vegetables, lean meats, and light sauces!
I guess it all depends on what type of diet you typically follow. As for the recipes I listed below, I tried to look for recipes that were lower in calories, incorporated veggies, or used leaner meats like chicken.
I listed several of our favorite pasta main dishes, as well as different pasta salads. The salads can often be used as a side or a main dish. Between the two lists, I’m sure you’ll be able to find something healthy your family will love. Plus, you can always make minor changes to the recipes like less butter or other oils or dressings to make them lighter. 😉
Tips for making pasta healthy
Low carb Pasta: Before we get to the recipe lists I wanted to share some pasta alternatives to make these dishes even healthier. I’ve used spaghetti squash in some of my spaghetti bakes and my kids didn’t even notice!
Spiralized Vegetables- steamed or cooked to soften them
Eggplant Lasagna Noodles
Cabbage Noodles
Tofu Noodles
Seaweed Pasta
Zucchini Noodles
Sneak in the Veggies: Many of our recipes use obvious veggies as an integral part of the dish. Unfortunately that can be a turn off for kids and even some adults!
Sneaking veggies into a pasta dish is fairly simple especially if the sauce is creamy. I especially like to add shredded carrots or zucchini into my red sauces. Just sauté the veggies in a skillet with little olive oil until tender, then toss them into your favorite sauce. Sneaky Sneaky
See the individual recipe posts for more tips on recipe substitutions, storage info and more.
Lighter Pasta Recipes
Lighter Pasta Recipes
Vegetables, light sauces, and lean meats all help to make these pasta recipes just a little bit healthier! Feel free to use different types of pasta noodles—like veggie based, whole wheat, or gluten free—to make these recipes fulfill your dietary needs.
Main CoursePasta Primavera Recipe
A tried and true dinner recipe! Delicious pasta full of vegetables like zucchini, squash, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
Zucchini Ribbons and Pasta with Creamy Lemon-Basil Pasta - so delicious and under 400 calories!
Total Time: 30minutes
5 from 1 vote
Main CoursePesto Pasta recipe
This Chicken Pesto Pasta is very flavorful and simple dinner idea that is sure to please. It's filled with bow-tie pasta, chunks of chicken, cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and pesto making it a new go-to meal recipe.
This Lemon and Asparagus Pasta is so simple, yet packed with amazing flavor! Made from penne pasta, mixed with asparagus, and covered in a cheesy sauce with just a hint of lemon.
Learn how to perfectly cook spaghetti squash every time with this fabulous recipe! Tender strands of spaghetti squash mixed with cheese, tomatoes, and a little bit of basil, both healthy and delicious!
This creamy Turkey Tetrazzini is a simple and flavorful pasta casserole dish. It's perfect for using leftover holiday turkey, but makes for a crowd favorite year round!
A lot of these pasta salad recipes incorporate vegetables, lean meats, and oil based dressings instead of heavier mayo based dressings.
Some more ideas for making it healthy include:
Substitute nonfat greek yogurt for mayo in the dressing
Use whole grain pastas
If it incorporates cheese, use low fat or part skim cheeses
Salad, Side DishLayered Pasta Salad Recipe
A dish that is appealing to both your tastebuds and your eyes! This beautiful Layered Pasta Salad is filled with your favorite ingredients including pasta, chicken, peas, lettuce, celery, and more.
Easy and delicious Italian Pasta Salad recipe that includes Rotini pasta, olives, tomatoes, & cheese in Italian dressing! It takes minutes to make and is perfect for any get together including BBQs and holidays.
This delicious Greek Pasta Salad is filled with rotini pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese and is covered in a tasty greek dressing! It's our new go-to pasta salad and is perfectly light and refreshing.
A DELICIOUS and flavorful Veggie Pasta Salad filled with your favorite veggies and topped with a homemade vinaigrette dressing and Parmesan cheese.
Total Time: 30minutes
4 from 1 vote
SaladFresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad Recipe
Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad - a light and delicious salad filled with orzo, fresh mozzarella cubes, tomatoes and basil. Definitely a new favorite and so simple!
This Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad Is Covered In Basil And Filled With Mozzarella Balls, Tomatoes, Basil And Balsamic Vinaigrette Reduction Sauce! It's A Light Dish With A Bold Flavor, Making It Perfect For Potlucks, Parties, BBQ's, And Get Togethers!
My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!
