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Best Healthy Pasta Recipes

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These are the best healthy pasta recipes all in one place! Find delicious and nutritious pasta dinner ideas including veggie pasta, chicken pasta recipes, seafood, and more. Plus learn tips and tricks for making any pasta recipe healthier!

Healthy pasta with broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, zucchini, and whole grain pasta with Parmesan cheese.

Table of Contents

Looking for some delicious and nutritious pasta recipes to add a healthy twist to your dinner routine? You've come to the right place.

In this article, we'll explore a wide variety of healthy pasta recipes that not only satisfy your taste buds but also keep your well-being in mind. From vibrant vegetable-packed pasta to hearty chicken and seafood pasta dinners, these recipes are packed with flavor and healthy ingredients.

 

Healthy Chicken Pasta Ideas

Chicken is one of my favorite types of protein to cook with. I love how quickly it cooks and how perfectly it soaks up all the flavors around it. Plus, you can save time by using a rotisserie chicken.

One Pot Chicken Pasta

361 CAL 20 MIN
One pot chicken pasta with marinara sauce, chicken breast, melted cheese, and fresh basil in a bowl.

This delicious One Pot Chicken Pasta is ready in less than 30 minutes! It's a meal the whole family loves with seasoned chicken, pasta, and vegetables in a creamy tomato sauce topped with melted cheese.

One Pot Orzo Pasta with Chicken

407 CAL 25 MIN
Orzo pasta with chicken breast, spinach, tomatoes, and white beans served in a bowl with Parmesan cheese.

One Pot Orzo Pasta with Chicken, Sundried Tomatoes, and Spinach is wholesome, easy to make, and bursting with crave-worthy flavors. This healthy 20-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights and dinner parties alike!

One Pot Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

410 CAL 25 MIN
One pot creamy chicken broccoli pasta with a creamy parmesan sauce, fresh broccoli, and chicken breast in two bowls.

This easy One Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta is ready in less than 20 minutes, all cooks in one single pot, and tastes like an indulgent creamy restaurant pasta dish. It's easy, it's light, and it will be a family favorite.

One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

389 CAL 30 MIN
Chicken Fajita Pasta in a skillet with mushrooms, peppers, onions, and tomatoes.

Chicken Fajita Pasta is a hearty, easy to make, one pot meal that your family will absolutely love! This wholesome meal is packed with lean chicken breast and veggies for a flavor-packed dinner that’s also good for you.

Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

373 CAL 30 MIN
Skinny Chicken broccoli alfredo in a bowl with a creamy cauliflower alfredo sauce.

Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo made with a cauliflower based alfredo sauce that is lighter and healthier than the traditional heavy. cream based alfredo. So good and surprisingly easy to make!

Vegetable Packed Pasta Recipes

Let's start out with some delicious ways to eat more veggies. These vegetable salad recipes all feature different types of delicious noodles.

One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta

338 CAL 30 MIN
Mushroom pasta with a creamy sauce in a bowl with a spoon.

One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta that's lightened up and has less than half the calories of the restaurant version. Packed with hearty mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, this is a pasta dish you will want to make again and again.

Cheddar and Carrot Mac and Cheese

321 CAL 45 MIN
Cheddar carrot macaroni and cheese in a baking dish with crispy breadcrumbs on top.

Cheddar and Carrot Mac and Cheese features all the cheesy deliciousness of your favorite comfort food, with hidden veggies your kids won’t even notice. This nutrient-rich twist on a classic is flavorful, wholesome, and ready in under an hour.

Lemon Broccoli Pasta

331 CAL 20 MIN
Lemon broccoli pasta in a bowl with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

Lemon Broccoli Pasta is your new favorite 20-minute dinner recipe. Packed with fresh broccoli, garlic, lemon, and parmesan cheese, this healthy pasta dish is bursting with fresh and savory flavors. Serve it alongside your favorite side salad and enjoy!

Pasta Primavera

391 CAL 30 MIN
Pasta primavera in a bowl with zucchini, broccoli, carrots, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.

This vegetable Pasta Primavera is packed with fresh broccoli, zucchini, carrots, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a creamy lemon garlic sauce,. Ready in just 20 minutes.

Baked Zucchini Pasta

291 CAL 45 MIN
Baked zucchini pasta in a baking dish with melted cheese and zucchini slices.

This Baked Zucchini Pasta is lightened up comfort food at its best with creamy pasta packed with tons of fresh zucchini, garlic, and herbs.

One Pot Caprese Pasta

320 CAL 20 MIN
Caprese pasta in a pot with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil.

One Pot Caprese Pasta is the perfect 20 minute healthy dinner and full of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, garlic, basil, and balsamic vinegar.

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Zucchini

335 CAL 20 MIN
Creamy pesto pasta with zucchini, basil pesto, and Parmesan cheese in a ceramic bowl.

In just 20 minutes make this delicious Pesto Pasta with zucchini using homemade or store-bought pesto. It's creamy, full of flavor, and it's easy to add extra veggies, chicken, or shrimp,

Roasted Vegetable Pasta

383 CAL 50 MIN
Roasted vegetable pasta with tomatoes, asparagus, onions, and leeks with Parmesan and basil on the side.

Roasted Vegetable Pasta with roasted tomatoes, asparagus, zucchini, and leeks with plenty of garlic and Parmesan cheese is your new favorite healthy pasta dish.

Vegetable Alfredo

366 CAL 30 MIN
Vegetable alfredo with asparagus, mushrooms, and tomatoes in a creamy alfredo sauce.

Vegetable alfredo that's actually light and healthy! This easy to make alfredo pasta is packed with veggies and has the best creamy Parmesan sauce.

Skillet Vegetable Lasagna

327 CAL 40 MIN
Skillet vegetable lasagna in a pan with zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, and melted cheese.

Skillet Lasagna with Vegetables is the weeknight answer to your lasagna cravings. Simple to make, packed with veggies, and all the lasagna flavor you are looking for in under thirty minutes.

Spinach Artichoke Pasta

331 CAL 35 MIN
Spinach artichoke pasta with melted cheese in a casserole dish.

Creamy, delicious Spinach Artichoke Pasta that's ready in just 30 minutes! All the amazing flavor of spinach artichoke dip turned into a tasty baked pasta that's packed with flavor and veggies in every bite.

Love Veggie Noodles? Spaghetti Squash and Zoodle Ideas

If you are looking for a lower carb or gluten-free option, these pasta recipes are all made with vegetable noodles! Find the best ideas for spaghetti squash and zucchini noodles.

Healthy Shrimp Scampi Zoodles

286 CAL 25 MIN
Healthy shrimp scampi zoodles with garlicky shrimp, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, zucchini noodles, and parsley in a bowl.

These delicious and garlicky Shrimp Scampi Zoodles are a lightened-up version of the Italian classic packed with plump shrimp, zucchini noodles, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 15 minutes!

Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage

317 CAL 25 MIN
Garlic parmesan zucchini noodles with ground sausage and red pepper flakes in a white bowl.

These 20-minute Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage are the perfect low-carb and keto-friendly pasta dinner. Every bite is full of flavor, packed with protein and veggies, and I promise that no one will miss the pasta.

Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Sausage

352 CAL 40 MIN
Pesto spaghetti squash with melted cheese, turkey sausage, and diced tomatoes.

Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Sausage is a low carb dish that's filling and packed with flavor from a homemade basil pesto and lean turkey sausage. Topped with melted cheese, this dish is one you will make again and again.

Pesto Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

297 CAL 25 MIN
Pesto shrimp and zucchini noodles with Parmesan cheese and lemon,

Pesto Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is a low carb/keto friendly dish that has all the flavor of your favorite pesto pasta without the calories, carbs, and fat. Made with a quick homemade basil pesto, this dish comes together in no time and couldn't be tastier.

More Amazing Healthy Pasta Recipes

Looking for even more ideas for how to make a healthy dinner with pasta? Don't miss these recipes featuring shrimp, ground beef, pork, and more.

Baked Ziti Bolognese

377 CAL 1 HOURS
Baked ziti with ground beef, tomatoes, zucchini, and melted cheese in a baking dish.

This classic Baked Zitti Bolognese is a delicious baked pasta dish packed with turkey bolognese, tons of veggies, and delicious melted mozzarella cheese. Great to prep and freeze for a make ahead meal.

Easy Vegetable Pasta Salad

246 CAL 20 MIN
Vegetable pasta salad with cooked whole wheat pasta, chopped fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and feta cheese topped with lemon dressing.

This Vegetable Pasta Salad with a tangy lemon dressing is packed with good-for-you ingredients including whole wheat pasta, chickpeas, chopped fresh vegetables, fresh herbs, and feta cheese.

Healthiest Store-Bought Pasta Noodles

When it comes to buying noodles in the store, the marketing claims on the boxes can get pretty confusing. Which ones are the healthiest? Which should you buy? There are pros and cons to all of them, so let's look closer at the healthiest store-bought noodles so you can make a smart choice.

  • Whole Wheat Pasta: The good thing about whole-wheat pasta is how much fiber it has. One serving also has more protein than an egg. You just have to be careful with serving sizes, since it also has quite a few calories and carbohydrates.
  • Chickpea Pasta: This is a wonderful choice if you need a gluten-free option. It is also really high in protein too. Some people struggle with the texture of it.
  • Red Lentil Pasta: These noodles are also gluten-free and they have quite a bit of plant-based fiber and protein too. The only downside to red lentil pasta is the color.
  • Heart of Palm: This is a plant-based noodle that has so much fiber that it is basically a zero-carb noodle. It has a different texture than flour-based pasta.
  • Frozen Vegetable Noodles: You can also buy frozen zucchini noodles or frozen butternut squash noodles. The downside to buying frozen versions is that they tend to be less crispy than if you make them homemade.
  • Soba Noodles: Soba noodles are made with buckwheat, which is surprisingly gluten-free. It's also really high in fiber and is used a lot in Japanese recipes.

Different types of pasta including whole wheat pasta, chickpea pasta, lentil pasta, and different pasta shapes on spoons.

Tips for Making Healthy Pasta

Pasta gets a bad reputation and many people automatically think they need to cut it out of their diets if they are trying to eat healthily. However, pasta can easily be a part of any healthy diet. Especially if you follow these simple tips.

1. Add vegetables

A good rule of thumb is to try to make your recipe half pasta and half vegetables. That means for every 8 ounces of pasta you are cooking, you should aim to include about 4 cups of veggies. This simple trick not only ensures you are getting your daily serving of vegetables, but it also gives you double the portion size. A simple way to incorporate this is to use zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or another veggie noodle. For example, when making Bolognese, we always use half spaghetti squash. No one even notices.

2. Reach for lean proteins

Another trick for making your pasta more filling is to add lean proteins. Think about incorporating things like lean ground turkey, chicken breast, shrimp, or fish. You can also use plant based protein sources like chickpeas, lentils, tofu, and beans. By adding lean proteins, you add protein, vitamins, minerals, and make the portion size larger. It's a win-win.

3. Pay attention to portion sizes

One of the hardest things about eating pasta is sticking to the proper serving size. Many of us don't realize that a plate of pasta we order at a restaurant is usually 3-4 servings. Instead, focus on measuring your portion sizes and trying to stick to around 1 cup of cooked pasta. With the veggies and lean protein you add, you can still get a rather large serving. It just won't be all pasta.

4. Consider whole wheat or alternative pasta

If you want to add some extra nutrients and whole grains, consider using whole wheat pasta or high-fiber pasta. You can also try one of the alternative pasta options out there like those made with chickpeas, lentils, quinoa, or edamame.

5. Avoid creamy sauces (or lighten them up)

Pasta itself is not that unhealthy of an ingredient, but the rich and creamy sauces that often top pasta can pack in tons of calories and saturated fats. Try to stick to lighter sauces, like those made with tomatoes, olive oil, lemon, and other lighter ingredients.

You can also still enjoy creamy sauces, but make them with lighter ingredients like skim milk, light cream cheese, part-skim ricotta cheese and mozzarella.

Easy healthy pasta recipe for chicken, broccoli, and spaghetti pasta with Parmesan cheese.

What is the healthiest pasta you can eat?

The answer to this question depends on your health goals. The healthiest pasta will be the kind that has plenty of fiber, protein, and nutrients. This might include noodles made from vegetables, whole wheat pasta, or pasta enriched with vitamins.

What can I add to pasta to make it healthy?

When it comes to noodles and pasta, be careful with the types of sauce or dressings you add on top. Do not add anything that is really high in sugar or calories. That's why I prefer to make my own sauces out of tomato sauce and cheese.

To make a pasta dish healthier, fill it up with lean protein (like tofu, shrimp, or chicken) and plenty of your favorite vegetables. Vegetables are really high in soluble fiber - meaning they help you feel full. Plus, they are fantastic sources of nutrients and antioxidants!

You can also sprinkle fresh herbs on top of your pasta which provides even more flavor and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions about healthy pasta recipes.

The best type of pasta for weight loss is one that is high in protein, fiber, and contains lots of vitamins and nutrients. This may include pasta made from vegetables (spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles), hearts of palm noodles, or whole wheat noodles.

High-fiber foods help with weight loss because they keep you feeling full longer and make your gut healthier by improving the microbiome.

Plain egg noodles are not very healthy because they are so low in fiber. One cup of egg noodles contains 221 calories and only 2 grams of fiber. Enriched egg noodles do contain manganese, so they aren't completely bad for you. It's just that there are better choices out there that have more fiber.

Honestly, brown rice has lower calories and more fiber than traditional pasta. The comparison is tough because there are a lot of different types of healthy pastas out there and some of them are better choices than rice. It all depends on your nutritional goals.

This all depends on what type of pasta you are comparing gnocchi to, but even regular pasta has more protein than gnocchi does. If calories are what you focus on, then gnocchi comes out ahead, because it has fewer calories and carbs than typical types of pasta.

I prefer to eat whole wheat pasta more than gnocchi because it has more nutrients in it.

More Healthy Recipes

Looking for more dinner inspiration? Check out these next!

Looking for Easy Dinner Ideas?

Check out the recipes below for more healthy dinner recipe inspiration.

The Recipe
Healthy roasted vegetable pasta with tomatoes, asparagus, and onions with Parmesan and basil on the side.

Healthy Roasted Vegetable Pasta

PREP TIME: 10 Min
COOK TIME: 25 Min
TOTAL TIME: 35 Min
Dinner
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 4 cups cherry tomatoes (whole)
  • 1 lb asparagus, chopped
  • 2 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 red onion, sliced thin
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced, divided
  • 8 oz. high fiber pasta
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 lemon (juice and zest)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

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1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss the cherry tomatoes, asparagus, zucchini, and red onion with the olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place the vegetables on two baking sheets in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and the tomatoes are beginning to burst.

2

Meanwhile cook the pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking liquid.

3

Toss together the roasted vegetables and any juice from the pan with the pasta, basil, garlic, cooking liquid, lemon zest, and cheese.

Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 2 cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 403
Calories from Fat 152
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 17g
26%
Saturated Fat 4g
17%
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 10mg
3%
Sodium 271mg
12%
Total Carbohydrate 67g
22%
Dietary Fiber 13g
52%
Sugars 15g
Protein 18g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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