Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes That Don’t Skimp on Flavor – Swap high-calorie ingredients for healthier alternatives and enjoy guilt-free pasta! Let’s dig in!
From Classic to Creative: Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Under ~400 Calories!
If you’re trying to cut calories and eat healthier, don’t count pasta out just yet!
Here is a recipe round-up of delicious low-calorie pasta recipes to let you enjoy your favorite dish without feeling guilty.
Every pasta recipe in this list is under 400 calories ( some even under 200 calories) and is warm, hearty, and satisfying without compromising flavor.
Why You’ll Love Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes
💜 Healthier Pasta Alternatives
Now, you don’t have to skip pasta just because of the calories! These pasta recipes are just as delicious but without the excess calories. Made with whole grain or alternative flours like chickpea or lentil, they’re loaded with more fiber and protein than traditional pasta recipes. Enjoy your favorite pasta dishes without the guilt!
💛 Super Versatile
From zesty, herby pasta recipes to low-calorie creamy pasta dishes, hearty casserole pasta bakes to healthy pasta salads, there’s something for everyone. The options are endless for you to choose from!
💜 Family-Friendly Recipes
Making it just for yourself or feeding a large crowd, these low calorie pasta recipes will be loved by everyone! They’re super easy to customize and easily scalable for the whole family. Plus, these are healthy, nutritious, and downright delicious!
💛 Satisfying & Delicious Plate of Food
Despite being lower in calories and healthier than traditional pasta recipes, these dishes are extremely delicious and flavorful. They won’t disappoint you a bit!
Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌
Overcooking Your Pasta 🍝
Al-dente is the way to go! One of the biggest mistakes when making pasta is overcooking it, which gives it a mushy texture. Aim for chewy pasta every time! If in doubt, always follow the package instructions to the letter. Taste-test your pasta to check if it is cooked al dente—firm to the bite.
Not Adding Protein 🍗
Skipping on protein is a big no-no! Adding protein to your pasta makes it healthier, more balanced, and satisfying. Think of lean proteins such as grilled juicy shrimp, roasted chicken, or pan-fried tofu or tempeh.
Choosing High-Calorie Toppings 🥜
If you are cooking low-calorie pasta but topping it off with heavy, calorie-rich add-ons like cheese, cream, or fatty meats, then the purpose of having low-calorie pasta is defeated! If you must indulge, opt for lighter toppings such as fat-free cheese, lean proteins, grilled veggies, nuts, seeds, and more.
FAQs About Low Calorie Pasta Recipes ❓
Q: Are these pasta recipes suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, many of these low-calorie pasta recipes are suitable for meal prep. You can prepare them in advance for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Read the recipes to learn more about their shelf life and reheating methods.
Q: How to include protein in my low-calorie pasta dishes?
A: Boost the protein content of your pasta by adding lean proteins like grilled shrimp, roasted or poached chicken, pan-fried tofu, or tempeh. You can use these proteins as toppings on your pasta or cook them together.
Whether you’re counting calories, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, or simply looking for lighter meal options without sacrificing flavor.
These easy healthy pasta recipes are sure to become your new favorites.
Indulge in your favorite pasta dish without guilt with these light, refreshing, and healthy low-calorie pasta recipes!
1. Healthy Mushroom Alfredo Pasta Bake
Recipe by Pinch of Yum
Why You’ll Love It ~ creamy cauliflower sauce, pan-roasted mushrooms, and Gruyere cheese.
Calories ~ 336 kcal
Get the Recipe for Healthy Mushroom Alfredo Pasta Bake!
2. One-Pot Skinny Pasta Primavera
Recipe by Foodie Crush
Why You’ll Love It ~ spring-inspired twist to the classic Italian pasta primavera with loads of veggies.
Calories ~ 263 kcal
Get the Recipe for One-Pot Skinny Pasta Primavera!
3. Pasta Bolognese
Recipe by Feel Good Foodie
Why You’ll Love It ~ is a slow-cooked hearty ground beef sauce coating al dente pasta.
Calories ~ 369 kcal
Get the Recipe for Pasta Bolognese!
4. Cajun Chicken Pasta
Recipe by Skinny Taste
Why You’ll Love it ~ a creamy light Cajun sauce pasta with 26 grams of protein and six grams of fiber
Calories ~ 324 kcal
Get the Recipe for Cajun Chicken Pasta!
5. Greek Chickpea Pasta Salad
Recipe by Healthful Blondie
Why You’ll Love it ~ a high-in-protein, gluten-free, and healthy pasta recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes!
Calories ~ 271 kcal
Get the Recipe for Greek Chickpea Pasta Salad!
6. Sweet Potato Spaghetti
Recipe by Cotter Crunch
Why You’ll Love it ~ spiralized sweet potatoes cooked in a zesty Italian tomato sauce within 20 minutes!
Calories ~ approx 175-220 kcal
Get the Recipe for Sweet Potato Spaghetti!
7. Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Recipe by Everyday Healthy Recipe
Why You’ll Love It ~ is a simple vegetarian dish that is low in fat, and comes together in under 15 minutes!
Calories ~ 378 kcal
Get the Recipe for Creamy Broccoli Pasta!
8. Angel Hair Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Recipe by Skinny Taste
Why You’ll Love It ~ perfect for meatless meals and family dinners as it takes less than 20 minutes to make.
Calories ~ 254 kcal
Get the Recipe for Angel Hair Pasta!
9. Veggie Spaghetti
Recipe by Inspired Taste
Why You’ll Love it ~ loaded with nutritious veggies and cooked in a delicious tomato sauce made completely from scratch.
Calories ~ 372 kcal
Get Recipe for Veggie Spaghetti!
10. Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Recipe by Eat with Clarity
Why You’ll Love It ~ a comforting weeknight dinner that is vegan-friendly, dairy-free, and gluten-free!
Calories ~ 406 kcal
Get the Recipe for Roasted Red Pepper Pasta!
11. Spinach and Avocado Pasta
Recipe by Healthy Fitness Meals
Why You’ll Love it ~ a creamy vegan avocado and spinach sauce pasta with fresh tomatoes and toasted pine nuts.
Calories ~ 399 kcal
Get the Recipe for Spinach and Avocado Pasta!
12. Tahini Pasta
Recipe by Oh My Veggies
Why You’ll Love it ~ is a hearty and completely vegan pasta that takes just 20 minutes!
Calories ~ 388 kcal
Get the Recipe for Tahini Pasta!
13. Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Recipe by Healthy Fitness Meals
Why You’ll Love It ~ delicious, easy to make, with a handful of ingredients.
Calories ~ 367 kcal
Get the Recipe for Garlic Shrimp Pasta!
14. Green Spinach Pasta
Recipe by Ela Vegan
Why You’ll Love it ~ is packed with nutrients, garlicky, creamy, and takes just 10 minutes.
Calories ~ 148 kcal
Get the Recipe for Green Spinach Pasta!
15. Vegan Pea & Avocado Pesto Pasta
Recipe by Oh My Veggies
Why You’ll Love it ~ refreshing pasta made with simple ingredients and takes just 15 minutes.
Calories ~ 372 kcal
Get the Recipe for Vegan Pea & Avocado Pesto Pasta!
16. Garlic Butter Asparagus Pasta
Recipe by Diet Hood
Why You’ll Love it ~ a 20-minute creamy orzo pasta with fresh asparagus.
Calories ~ 295 kcal
Get the Recipe for Garlic Butter Asparagus Pasta!
17. Mediterranean Pasta
Recipe by Well Plated
Why You’ll Love it ~ an all-in-one nutritious meal. Fast, healthy, and easily adaptable!
Calories ~ 375 kcal
Get the Recipe for Mediterranean Pasta!
And there you have it—low calorie pasta recipes for you to try!
Thank you for taking the time to read the post!
I really hope you give one of the recipes a try, and love it! Don’t forget to leave a star rating ★ in the comment section below. Your feedback will help others and also means a lot!
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Happy cooking!
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