Are you looking for a delicious pasta recipe full of nutritious ingredients that will fuel your body? If you’re like us, you’re always looking for new healthy pasta recipes to feed your family. After all, pasta is popular with almost everyone, so it’s a wonderful family meal, especially if you can sneak some veggies in.
We’ve scoured the internet for the best healthy pasta recipes that are easy to make, tasty, and balanced.
Many of these healthy pasta dishes can be made with items you already have in your refrigerator or pantry! Scan through the recipes to see which one best matches what you have available in your kitchen.
We recommend that you plan to include a few of these healthy pasta meals in your weekly meal plan to make mealtimes easier.
These healthy pasta recipes are easy to make, meaning that you can often get them on the table in 30 minutes or less.
Are you ready to be amazed? Check out some of the easiest, best, healthy pasta meals below:
1. Quick & Easy Vegetable Spaghetti
This is a very simple healthy pasta recipe that packs in the vegetables and tastes delicious.
Featuring zucchini, mushrooms, canned tomatoes, and spinach, this recipe is chock full of goodness. You can easily use whatever summer squash you have on hand or even swap it out for eggplant.
It’s one of the best simple healthy pasta recipes because you don’t have to defrost meat, it’s ready in minutes, and you can adjust the recipe to your tastes. You might even add some grated cheese on top!
2. Healthy Ground Turkey Pasta
Featuring ground turkey, this healthy pasta meal is one of the best you’ll encounter. Plus, it’s a break from the traditional Italian-inspired pasta and brings BIG Mexican flavor.
You’ll love the bite of the chile peppers and the sweet, fragrant note of cilantro that headline in this creamy, one-dish meal.
The dish is heart-healthy as it’s low in fat and also includes plenty of vegetables.
Reviewers note that they’ve also added broccoli, arugula, swiss chard, and other veggies successfully.
3. Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad
Chicken pasta salad is a favorite. But, let’s be honest. Chicken salad is often smothered in mayonnaise and other fatty, creamy dressings that don’t earn it a spot on a list of easy healthy pasta recipes.
That’s why this chicken pasta salad is a game-changer! It’s not only delicious, but it fits the bill for a healthy pasta meal!
Fresh and bursting with flavor, this chicken pasta salad features healthy fats in olive oil and avocado.
We loved this recipe, mainly because it’s so easy to put together (grab a rotisserie chicken, and it’s even easier!). Plus, you can make it ahead of time (add the avocado at the last minute), so you don’t think twice about lunch or dinner.
4. Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach
Are you looking for a REALLY easy meal? This recipe, which stands out for its no-cook sauce, is the best for a hurried evening.
Opt for low-fat cheeses and add in some greens or stir-fried vegetables to make the recipe extra healthy.
If you love lemon and cheese, this is the recipe for you! All you need is a few minutes to throw it together while the pasta cooks, and you’ll be slurping noodles in no time.
5. Healthy Mac and Cheese
No list of pasta ideas would be complete without this classic dish. But, if you’re like us, you might wonder how mac and cheese could be described as healthy?! This recipe makes it happen!
Instead of loading the dish with heavy cream and tons of even fattier cheese, it opts for other flavor enhancers that lessen the need for so much cheese and cream. We’re sure you’ll love it!
6. Garlic Butter Spinach Pasta
This pasta dish gives you that creaminess without the calories, as the sauce is light. Plus, it features nutrient-packed spinach.
You could also add mushrooms, zucchini, or other veggies of your choice to make it an even healthier meal.
7. Carbonara Pasta
Carbonara pasta is a classic Italian dish known for its cheesy, creamy flavor and the salty porky accent of pancetta or bacon.
If you’re looking to make this dish more healthily, give this recipe a try!
This carbonara pasta incorporates vegetables like peas and kale to make for a healthier version of the pasta dish. Plus, it goes easy on the cheese without sacrificing flavor.
You can always opt for a low-fat cheese so you can eat more without the guilt!
8. Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
Are you looking for a light pasta dish? This is the pasta dish for you!
Shrimp brings healthy protein to the table as well as a big flavor. Plus, the dish features vegetables like spinach and baby tomatoes which get fiber, nutrients, and minerals.
It’s flavorful, thanks to the chicken stock broth and spices. What’s not to love?
9. Pasta Primavera
This dish is a win for people hoping to work more vegetables into their diets.
It packs broccoli, zucchini, carrots, red pepper, tomato, and red onion into a flavorful dish that even picky eaters won’t refuse.
Lemony, garlic and fresh is a perfect lunch or dinner dish, especially in spring or summer.
Did we mention the aroma you’ll enjoy while cooking?
Substitute vegetables for your favorites to make the dish your own. Enjoy!
10. Healthy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Do you love to use your Insta-pot or crockpot? This is a great, yummy recipe for you! Don’t worry if you’re a stove-top fan, as there are also stove-top instructions.
Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a popular, decadent meal in restaurants, but unfortunately, it is often very high in sodium, fat, and calories.
Becca of My Crazy Good Life has come up with a healthier version of the recipe, which features Greek yogurt and cottage cheese instead of heavy cream. You’ll be amazed at how good this healthy pasta dish can taste!
11. Cheesy Rotini Pasta with Roasted Vegetables
Who doesn’t love roasted vegetables? This meal combines two spectacular dishes into one fabulous dish that the whole family will love!
It’s cheesy but packed with nutritious, tender, flavorful vegetables that pair perfectly with the pasta.
Once you try this healthy pasta recipe, you’ll find yourself adding it to your weekly routine!
12. Ground Turkey Pasta Casserole
A solid casserole can be a life-saver on a busy evening because you can prep it ahead of time and stick it in the oven to bake.
This recipe offers a great way to fill that classic Italian pasta craving while bringing in healthy ingredients like kale, spinach, and ground turkey.
You could also consider adding other vegetables like peas, zucchini, or chopped carrots to add nutrients and fiber.
13. Creamy Basil Tortellini
Raise your hand if you love tortellini! This fantastic pasta is typically stuffed with cheese or a mix of meat and cheese.
Choose your favorite tortellini and whip up this recipe which features zucchini, cream cheese, and fresh tomatoes.
It’s an easy dish to pull together and can be on the table in 15 minutes! Add additional veggies like spinach or kale to make the dish even healthier.
14. Healthy Spinach Artichoke Pasta
Have you ever had spinach artichoke dip? This dish brings that vibe, but with a healthy spin, you wouldn’t have dreamed of if you just tasted it.
What’s the secret?
The secret is a blended sauce that features white cannellini beans! This packs in a great healthy protein and fiber source without adding the fat typically found in creamy pasta dishes.
You’ll be blown away by this meal’s flavor and texture, all while eating something healthy!
15. Healthy Baked Ziti
One of the most popular comfort foods, baked ziti is a staple in many homes. Is there a way to turn it into a healthy pasta recipe? Sure!
Just follow these instructions to substitute the fatty, calorie-heavy cheeses with healthier alternatives.
Plus, you can dress up this recipe by adding vegetables like zucchini, peas, spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke.
16. Healthy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Do you love chicken parmesan? This is a popular dish that is also a favorite among children. So, how can you make it the healthy way?
Mason, who’s a former personal trainer of Kinda Healthy Recipes, has worked his magic to create a healthy version of this classic pasta meal without letting us down in the flavor department.
Now, if making your chicken parmesan sounds intimidating, don’t’ worry! Mason walks you through the steps, and it’s pretty simple (and surprisingly healthy). So, beginners, give this recipe a try with confidence. You’re sure to succeed!
17. Healthy Lemon Broccoli Pasta Skillet
Light, fresh, zesty, and delicious, this is one of the simplest healthy pasta meals out there! Boil up some pasta, add some broccoli, saute up some garlic and butter in a skillet, and it’s practically finished.
If you’re looking for a bit of variety, consider adding some mushrooms or spinach as well.
Will you give it a try?
18. Chicken Pesto Pasta
Ah, pesto! It’s got to be one of the most delicious sauces on the planet, and of course, it pairs very well with pasta.
This isn’t your ordinary chicken pesto pasta dish. It’s a casserole! Make it ahead of time for an easy weeknight meal or serve it up to guests and avoid running around the kitchen before their arrival.
Sneakily, this chicken pesto pasta swaps out high-fat and high-calorie ingredients for healthier alternatives. Yet, you’d never know by the taste, which is creamy and full of flavor.
In other words, add this to your list of healthy pasta dishes, stat!
19. Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Are you on Weight Watchers? If you are, then you are serious about eating healthy and losing weight.
It can sometimes be hard to find good recipes that fit this plan, but this Tuscan Chicken Pasta fits the bill. It’s easy, delicious, and one of the best pasta meals around!
Opting for healthier alternatives like low-sodium broth, fat-free yogurt, and oil-free sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe brings the flavor without the calories. Both Weight Watchers followers and non-followers will love this recipe.
20. Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta
Do you love chicken alfredo, but not the calories? Then try this great, healthy alternative!
Featuring butternut squash and milk, this recipe brings all the creamy flavor without the calories and fat.
We love that this recipe adds a touch of crispy bacon, which adds a burst of flavor without overpowering the dish or adding too much fat. Will you give it a try?
21. Healthy Pasta Bake
We love the flavor of this vegetable-packed dish!
Honestly, you can chuck whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand into it or opt to stick to the recipe and get a great outcome either way. So, experiment and have fun with it!
This meal will get even picky children to try their vegetables, as they’re smothered in cheese and a tasty pasta sauce.
The best part of this meal is that it can be made in one dish!
Did we mention the fun, crunchy addition of pine nuts on top of this casserole?
21 Healthy Pasta Recipes to Try Tonight!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 yellow or red pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, cut into small chunks
- 1 small eggplant, cut into small chunks
- 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
- 4 tablespoonsun-dried tomatoes or red pepper pesto
- 15 ounce can of chopped tomatoes
- 3½ ounce wholewheat penne pasta
- 2 ¾ ounce baby spinach
- 1¾ ounce hard cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoonpine nuts
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
- Using a flame-proof casserole dish (or a large, deep frying pan), pour in the oil. Then, saute the onion, zucchini, eggplant, and pepper until tender.
- Add the garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Then add the pesto or sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Add the tomatoes. Then, fill the can with water and dump that in as well. Pour in the pasta and bring to a boil. Stir constantly to avoid the pasta sticking. Then, cover with a lid or tin foil, or pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and add the spinach, stirring it in. Once the spinach has been incorporated, sprinkle the cheese and pine nuts on top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, to cook until the pasta is tender (about 10 minutes).