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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 »
