food
Easy to make, easier to eat
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.
Get the recipe
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.
Get the recipe
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
5. Pesto Zoodles
OK, this isn’t technically pasta, but it’s just as good. We promise.
Get the recipe
Erin McDowell
6. Mixed Greens Lasagna
There’s so much kale hidden in here, it’s practically a salad.
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
7. Spaghetti With Avocado Sauce
Sayonara, marinara.
Get the recipe
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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.
Get the recipe
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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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.
Get the recipe
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.
Foodie Crush
18. One-pot Skinny Pasta Primavera
Half pasta, half veggies and topped with creamy almond milk sauce.
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.
Get the recipe
Oh My Veggies
21. Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta
Need an easy weeknight dinner? Use store-bought pesto.
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.
Get the recipe
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
24. Baked Zucchini 'ziti' Spirals With Mozzarella
Even the kids will love this one.
Get the recipe
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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What's Gaby Cooking
27. Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta
Our favorite veggie saves the day. It’s rich and creamy, without all the calories.
The Recipe Critic
28. Peanut Ginger Noodles
It tastes just like takeout but will set you back only 400 calories.
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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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.
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