Pasta is comfort food, and there’s no reason to give it up when you’re trying to eat well. The trick is building a better bowl around it.
These healthy pasta recipes lean on vegetables, protein and sauces made from real ingredients, like a creamy one-pot orzo, a high-protein cottage cheese alfredo, a 30-minute bolognese and peanut noodles. There are a few gluten-free and zucchini noodle options, too.
How to Make Pasta Healthier
Add vegetables to the pot. Spinach, broccoli, peas, roasted tomatoes and zucchini all disappear into pasta easily.
Add protein. Chicken, lean ground beef, chickpeas or blended cottage cheese make a bowl of pasta much more filling.
Watch the portion. About 2 ounces of dry pasta per person, bulked up with vegetables and protein, makes a satisfying plate.
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16 Healthy Pasta Recipes
Creamy 1-Pot Orzo Recipe (Dinner in 30 Minutes)
This creamy 1-pot orzo recipe is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines tender orzo pasta, chicken sausage, spinach, tomatoes, and Parmigiano Reggiano for a comforting, flavor-packed meal the whole family will love.
Caramelized Onion Pasta (aka Pantry Pasta)
A cozy, pantry-friendly pasta made with caramelized onions, garlic, and tomato paste for a rich, velvety sauce. Ready in 35 minutes and perfect for weeknights or dinner guests.
Quick Pasta alla Vodka (20-Minute Recipe)
Creamy tomato pasta made with olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, cream, and Parmesan. Add vodka for the vodka version or leave it out for an easy creamy tomato sauce. Pasta alla Vodka comes together in about 20 minutes. It cooks fast, so make this tonight if you don’t know what to make for dinner!
Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta (High-Protein, 30 Minutes)
This Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta is a lighter, high-protein twist on classic Alfredo. Blended cottage cheese creates a silky, creamy sauce without heavy cream, while broccoli adds color and texture. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight comfort meal that feels indulgent but is secretly nourishing.
Weeknight Bolognese Sauce in 30 Minutes
Weeknight Bolognese Sauce is a family favorite and comes together in about half an hour. If using this with spaghetti squash noodles, think ahead a bit as the squash needs to roast for about 40 minutes. Start your squash or pasta water before you begin making the sauce if you plan to eat right away.
Quick Roasted Garlic Pasta
If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes, this Roasted Garlic Pasta with Olive Oil & Chile is your new go-to recipe.
Easy Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic & Lemon (15 Minutes)
This easy Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic and Lemon comes together in 15 minutes with a handful of fresh ingredients. Delicate capellini gets tossed in a silky garlic butter and olive oil sauce brightened with lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and Parmesan. It works as a light weeknight dinner or an easy side dish alongside chicken or fish.
Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe
Pesto Pasta with Chicken is an easy, delicious, and satisfying meal! It’s also flexible and can be made with already-cooked chicken and any pesto of your choice. This meal is a family favorite.
Classic Pesto Spaghetti
Classic Pesto Spaghetti is a simple, classic, and delicious meal that’s great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Made with fresh basil, Parmesan, garlic, lemon and nuts, it’s the perfect choice for an easy, flavorful meal. This recipe makes 4 large or 8 small servings.
Pasta Primavera with Peas, Asparagus & Fava Beans
This delicious, easy-to-make pasta primavera is a light and healthy dish that’s perfect for spring! It’s loaded with crisp-tender vegetables and tossed in simple olive oil, lemon, and Parmesan cheese sauce. It’s easily adaptable and can be made gluten-free.
Easy One-Pot Mac and Cheese [No Measuring Needed]
This one-pot creamy mac and cheese is meant to be made without measuring. You cover your noodles with milk, cook them right in it, and stir in the cheese at the end, so there’s no draining, no roux, and no measuring cups on the counter. I’ve written down what I used so you have a starting point, but once you make it once you’ll just eyeball it.
Easy Thai Peanut Noodles
These Healthy & Easy Thai Peanut Noodles are creamy, savory, and packed with flavor while still being simple enough for a busy weeknight. Made with a quick homemade peanut sauce and your favorite noodles, this easy recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and works well served warm or cold. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free with easy vegan options, it’s a satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Easy Sesame Noodles (Takeout-Style)
These Easy Sesame Noodles are a quick, takeout-style noodle recipe made with chewy udon noodles tossed in a creamy sesame & peanut sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Ready in about 15 minutes, they’re savory, slightly sweet, and delicious served warm or chilled.
Healthy Pasta? Yes, please! Roasted Eggplant & Tomato Penne with Arugula & Pine Nuts
Roasted eggplant, tomatoes and shallots tossed with gluten-free penne, arugula and toasted pine nuts.
Avocado Pesto Pasta With Arugula & Basil (Gluten-Free)
Penne tossed in a creamy, dairy-free pesto made with avocado, arugula, basil and pine nuts. It’s gluten-free as written.
Zucchini Noodles With Avocado Pesto aka Health-Foodie Heaven
Raw zucchini noodles in a silky avocado and basil pesto. No cooking required, and it’s ready in minutes.
FAQs About Healthy Pasta Recipes
Is pasta healthy?
Pasta can be part of a healthy meal. Pair it with vegetables, protein and a sauce made from real ingredients, and keep portions reasonable. Whole-grain and legume-based pastas add extra fiber and protein.
What is the healthiest pasta sauce?
Simple tomato sauces, pesto made with olive oil and sauces thickened with vegetables or cottage cheese are lighter than heavy cream sauces and still taste rich.
Which of these pasta recipes are gluten-free?
The roasted eggplant penne and avocado pesto pasta are made with gluten-free pasta, and the zucchini noodles skip pasta entirely. Any of the others work with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
For a fast dinner with very little cleanup, start with the Creamy 1-Pot Orzo. It’s ready in 30 minutes.
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