30 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Now (2024)

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30 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Now (1)

By Lindsay Champion

Published Jun 23, 2020

Have you heard the news? According to the most glorious study of all time, pasta isn’t as unhealthy as we originally thought. This calls for a celebration: Try one of these lighter, low-calorie pasta recipes for dinner tonight.

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1. Coconut Curry Pasta With Clams, Mussels And Corn

Craving a creamy sauce? Swap coconut milk for dairy and you’ll cut your calories in half.

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

2. Carrot Pasta

No need to feel guilty about getting another helping of these gnocchi-like clouds.

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3. Cauliflower Mac And Cheese

Thanks to the world’s most versatile veggie, a bowl of this stuff is under 500 calories.

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4. Fettuccine With Mushroom Alfredo

This lighter take uses milk instead of cream, so feel free to have seconds.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

5. Pesto Zoodles

OK, this isn’t technically pasta, but it’s just as good. We promise.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

7. Spaghetti With Avocado Sauce

Sayonara, marinara.

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8. Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes

Use light ricotta cheese to make the dish even lighter.

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9. Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Pile the veggies high.

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10. One-pot Pasta With Peas And Artichokes

We’d like some more, peas.

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11. Skinny Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake

A tasty new take on baked ziti.

12. Mushroom Alfredo Pasta Bake

Just because you’re eating healthy doesn’t mean you can’t have a liiiitle bit of Gruyère cheese.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

13. 15-minute Lemony Broccolini Pasta

It’s gorgeous enough to serve at your next dinner party, but not too fancy for the kiddos.

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Inspired Entertainment/The Domestic Geek’s Meals Made Easy

14. One-pot Tomato Basil Pasta

The best part (beyond having just one pot to clean)? Once you’ve mastered this version, you can customize the recipe to your heart’s content.

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30 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Now (16)

Damn Delicious

15. Summer Spaghetti With Tomatoes And Burrata

It's pretty magical and not too fancy for the kiddos.

Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Jodi Moreno

16. Grain-free Mushroom, Spinach And Leek Pasta

You can use any variety of grain-free pasta, but we’re a big fan of the Cappello’s brand: fresh pasta that’s both gluten- and grain-free.

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30 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Now (18)

Half Baked Harvest

17. Golden Sundried Tomato Red Lentil Pasta

This bright red pasta is packed with fiber and healthy carbs—plus, it’s so much prettier than the regular kind.

30 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Now (19)

Foodie Crush

18. One-pot Skinny Pasta Primavera

Half pasta, half veggies and topped with creamy almond milk sauce.

30 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Now (20)

Pinch of Yum

19. Skinny Fajita Shrimp Pasta

Make it with whole-wheat pasta for a little extra virtue.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

20. Vegan Spaghetti Squash With Mushroom Marinara Sauce

Psst: Subbing in veggies for pasta means you can have two bowls.

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30 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Now (22)

Oh My Veggies

21. Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta

Need an easy weeknight dinner? Use store-bought pesto.

30 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Now (23)

Gimme Some Oven

22. Easy Balsamic Veggie Pasta

This fresh mix of vegetables and balsamic is filling and healthy at the same time.

Kajakiki/Getty Images

23. Whole-grain Pasta With Pesto, Mozzarella, Pine Nuts And Tomato

The perfect not-sad-desk-lunch option.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

24. Baked Zucchini 'ziti' Spirals With Mozzarella

Even the kids will love this one.

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30 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Now (26)

Inspiralized

25. Vegan Zucchini Spaghetti Puttanesca

This recipe from Coterie member Ali Maffucci is little bit spicy, a little bit briny and a lot delicious.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

26. Butternut Squash Carbonara

Add in some mashed butternut squash and cut down on the butter and your favorite decadent dish is officially healthy.

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30 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Now (28)

What's Gaby Cooking

27. Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta

Our favorite veggie saves the day. It’s rich and creamy, without all the calories.

30 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Now (29)

The Recipe Critic

28. Peanut Ginger Noodles

It tastes just like takeout but will set you back only 400 calories.

30 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Now (30)

Minimalist Baker

29. Zucchini Pasta With Lentil Bolognese

Bonus: It’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

30. One-pot, 15-minute Pasta Limone

This one-pot, pasta limone is like dinner in your back pocket: You likely have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already, and it comes together in practically no time.

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30 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Now (32)

Lindsay Champion

Freelance Editor

From 2015-2020 Lindsay Champion held the role of Food and Wellness Director. She continues to write for PureWow as a Freelance Editor.

read full bio

30 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Now (2024)

FAQs

What pasta is the lowest in calories? ›

Shirataki noodles – 5 calories per serving

Shirataki noodles are made from the konjac plant, a type of root vegetable. Shirataki noodles have a very different texture than regular pasta, so don't expect this low-calorie pasta to closely resemble the pasta you're used to!

What to eat with pasta for weight loss? ›

Pasta is served without veggies, but the veggies are a low calorie way to keep you feeling full, because it add water, fiber, and volume. Start with a large side salad before your pasta dish and use a vinaigrette dressing instead of a creamy- which is usually higher in fat and calories.

What pasta to eat on a calorie deficit? ›

In addition to whole wheat pasta, pasta made from other ingredients such as chickpeas, lentils, and veggies are great options when you are on a diet. Non-traditional pasta like these are generally lower in carbohydrates and calories while having higher protein content.

What can I eat other than pasta? ›

6 Healthy Alternatives to Traditional Pasta
  • Zucchini Noodles or “Zoodles” Zucchini is low in saturated fat and sodium, and very low in cholesterol. ...
  • Squash Noodles. ...
  • Quinoa Pasta. ...
  • Rice Pasta. ...
  • Black Bean Pasta. ...
  • Shirataki Noodles.

Is pasta OK for weight loss? ›

Dietitians and other health care professionals should consider pasta as a low-glycemic carbohydrate option within the context of a healthy diet or a weight loss/weight maintenance diet.

Can I eat pasta if I want to lose weight? ›

A: Pasta, in moderation, can be part of a healthy weight-loss diet. Furthermore, choosing whole-grain pasta and practising portion control can help reduce calorie intake while providing nutrients such as fibre and protein. Of course, eating pasta alone will not result in weight loss.

Is rice or pasta better for weight loss? ›

At 117 calories per 100g Vs pasta's 160 calories per 100g, rice has significantly lower calories, so swapping pasta to rice may be beneficial for anyone controlling their calories as a way to lose or maintain their weight.

Can you eat rice and pasta when trying to lose weight? ›

Yes, you can still enjoy bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes while maintaining your weight loss goals. The key to losing weight is to be in a calorie deficit or consuming fewer calories than you burn. This means you will want to be aware of the number of calories in each of your meals.

Can I eat protein pasta and still lose weight? ›

University of Maryland nutrition pro Pamela Peeke, MD, notes that nutrients in protein pasta “make it easier for your body to burn fat.” And that's especially true for those of us over age 50, the doctor adds.

What is the unhealthiest pasta? ›

14 Of The Unhealthiest Frozen Pasta Dishes
  1. Stouffer's Lasagna with Meat & Sauce. ...
  2. Michael Angelo's Three Cheese Baked Ziti. ...
  3. Michelina's Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken & Broccoli. ...
  4. Bertolli Pasta Sides Four Cheese Ravioli. ...
  5. Giovanni Rana Meat Lasagna. ...
  6. Devour Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese. ...
  7. Great Value Mexican-Style Lasagna.
Feb 2, 2024

Which foods burn belly fat the fastest? ›

What foods burn belly fat fast?
  • Olive oil.
  • Beans.
  • Legumes.
  • Nuts.
  • Seeds.
  • Plain yogurt.
  • Fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, anchovy, herring, sardines.
  • Eggs, skinless chicken, and lean meats.

What is the healthiest pasta to order? ›

Whole Wheat or Whole Grain Pasta: Opt for whole wheat or whole grain pasta instead of refined white pasta. Whole wheat and whole grain varieties are higher in fiber, which can help promote feelings of fullness and regulate blood sugar levels.

How can I eat pasta without gaining weight? ›

You can eat pasta for weight loss *What you pair with your carb source is significantly more important than carb selection itself. Choose the carb you prefer, and pair with lean protein, fiber, and lower calorie sauces.

How can I eat pasta everyday without gaining weight? ›

What are some tips for eating pasta without gaining weight? Some tips for eating pasta without gaining weight include choosing whole grain or legume-based pasta, controlling portion sizes, and incorporating plenty of vegetables and lean proteins into your pasta dishes.

What is the lowest carb noodle? ›

"Vegetable-based pastas, such as zucchini noodles or hearts of palm noodles, tend to be lowest in carbs and calories," says Sassos. "They are also packed with nutrient-dense vitamins and minerals and are naturally gluten-free. Shirataki noodles and kelp noodles are also quite low in carbs and calories."

What is the healthiest pasta to cook? ›

Whole-wheat pasta is an easy-to-find nutritious noodle that will bump up the nutrition of your pasta dish. Made from whole grains, every cup of cooked pasta (140 grams) boasts 43 g of carbohydrate, 3 g of fiber and 8 g of protein per serving, per the USDA.

Does brown pasta have less calories than white pasta? ›

Whole-grain pasta is typically high in fiber, manganese, selenium, copper and phosphorus, while refined, enriched pasta tends to be higher in iron and B vitamins. Whole-grain pasta is also lower in calories and higher in fiber and certain micronutrients than refined pasta.

Which has the least calories rice or pasta? ›

At 117 calories per 100g Vs pasta's 160 calories per 100g, rice has significantly lower calories, so swapping pasta to rice may be beneficial for anyone controlling their calories as a way to lose or maintain their weight.

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