10+ Healthy Pasta Recipes for Easy and Delicious Weeknight Meals

Pasta is a popular meal that can be tasty and good for you. It’s easy to make and you can change it in many ways to fit your healthy eating goals.

You don’t need to give up pasta to eat well. There are simple ways to enjoy it without extra fat or calories.

Healthy pasta recipes let you enjoy your favorite dish while adding nutrients. You can use fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to make your meals more nutritious.

This article will show you ideas to make pasta both healthy and delicious.

1) Lightened-Up Shrimp Scampi

You can enjoy shrimp scampi without feeling too heavy afterward. This version uses chicken broth instead of butter or cream to keep it lighter.

It still has plenty of garlic and fresh shrimp for great taste. Try using whole grain or multi-grain spaghetti to add fiber and nutrients to your meal.

Add a few croutons on top for a nice crunch. The dish cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy nights.

You’ll love the bright, fresh flavors. Give this easy recipe a try for a healthy dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces multi-grain spaghetti
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Croutons (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Toss in the cooked spaghetti. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with chopped parsley and croutons if you like.

2) Lemon Whole-Grain Linguine with Turkey Meatballs

This dish is a great way to enjoy pasta while keeping it healthy. The whole-grain linguine adds fiber, and the turkey meatballs provide lean protein.

You get a light and fresh flavor from the lemon, which makes the meal bright and tasty. The turkey meatballs are easy to make.

Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, and herbs, then bake them until cooked through. The whole-grain pasta cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with the zesty sauce.

You can serve this meal for lunch or dinner. It’s filling without feeling heavy, making it a good choice if you want something nutritious but simple.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground turkey (about 94% lean)
• 1/2 cup whole-grain breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup grated yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 8 ounces whole-grain linguine
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Form mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake meatballs for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
5. Cook linguine according to package directions, drain, and return to pot.
6. Add lemon juice, zest, Parmesan, and cooked meatballs to the linguine.
7. Toss everything together and serve warm.

For more details, see Lemon Whole-Grain Linguine with Turkey Meatballs.

3) Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Spinach

This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is a tasty meal with healthy ingredients. The sauce uses cheese and garlic for rich flavor.

Add fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to boost nutrients. Cook the chicken until tender and simmer it in the sauce.

Penne or any pasta you like works well with this dish. It’s a filling meal that feels indulgent but still has veggies to keep it balanced.

You can have this recipe ready in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a weekday dinner when you want something quick and delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bites
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; simmer gently.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Mix in the cooked pasta and stir well to coat.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

For more details, you can check this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe.

4) Creamy Caramelized Cauliflower Pasta

This pasta dish is a tasty way to enjoy cauliflower. Start by caramelizing the cauliflower for a rich, deep flavor.

The cream adds a smooth texture without overpowering the vegetable. Using whole-wheat pasta adds fiber and makes the meal more filling.

Add a little lemon zest for brightness and some cheese for extra flavor. This dish feels indulgent but is full of good ingredients.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole-wheat rotini
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small head cauliflower (cut into florets)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add cauliflower and cook until brown and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
3. Boil pasta according to package instructions.
4. Lower heat, stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and cheese.
5. Add pasta to skillet and toss to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

For more details, check this creamy cauliflower pasta recipe.

5) Baked Creamed Spinach Pasta

This baked creamed spinach pasta is a comforting and tasty meal. It combines tender pasta with creamy spinach sauce that bakes until bubbly and golden on top.

You’ll get a smooth, rich texture without too much fuss. Cook fresh spinach with butter and cream, then mix with pasta and cheese.

Baking blends the flavors and adds a nice crust. It’s perfect for a simple dinner that feels a little special.

You can make it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. It also works well with gluten-free pasta if you prefer.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• Fresh spinach (about 1 pound)
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
2. Sauté garlic in butter, then add spinach until wilted.
3. Stir in heavy cream and simmer until sauce thickens.
4. Mix spinach sauce with pasta and Parmesan cheese.
5. Transfer to baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly.

6) Easy Healthy One Pot Brown Rice Fusilli

This recipe lets you cook brown rice fusilli pasta with veggies in one pot. It saves time and cuts down on clean-up.

You get a healthy meal with good fiber from the brown rice pasta and nutrients from fresh greens. Start by sautéing garlic and onion in a bit of olive oil.

Add uncooked brown rice fusilli, water or broth, and your choice of greens like broccoli rabe or kale. Let everything cook together until the pasta is tender.

Spice it up with red pepper flakes or add tomatoes for extra flavor. It’s an easy way to enjoy a warm, tasty meal without much fuss.

Ingredients:

• Brown rice fusilli pasta
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Yellow onion
• Broccoli rabe or kale
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Water or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot on medium heat.
2. Add chopped garlic and onion; cook until soft.
3. Pour in brown rice fusilli and enough water or broth to just cover the pasta.
4. Stir in greens and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
6. Cook until pasta is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

For more ideas, check Brown Rice Fusilli with Broccoli Rabe or Greens.

7) Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

This pasta dish is simple and quick, perfect for busy nights. You get a creamy sauce made with tomatoes and fresh spinach that adds good flavor and color.

It’s easy to make in about 30 minutes with just a few ingredients. You can even make it in one pan to save time on cleanup.

The creamy texture comes from a light mix of dairy or dairy-free options, depending on what you prefer. Adding spinach gives you extra vitamins.

The tomatoes bring brightness and a little tang, which balances the creamy sauce well.

Ingredients

• Pasta (8 ounces)
• Fresh spinach (3 cups)
• Canned tomatoes (1 can, 14 ounces)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Cream or plant-based milk (1/2 cup)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mozzarella or vegan cheese (optional, 1/2 cup)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Add canned tomatoes and cook 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in cream and season with salt and pepper.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
6. Mix in cooked pasta and cheese if using. Heat through.
7. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy tomato and spinach pasta!

More tips and details can be found in this Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta recipe.

8) Eggplant Lasagna

Eggplant lasagna is a tasty way to enjoy a low-carb, veggie-packed meal. Instead of pasta, you use roasted eggplant slices to create layers with cheese and tomato sauce.

This keeps the dish lighter but still very satisfying. The eggplant adds a nice texture and mild flavor.

Mozzarella and ricotta melt between the layers, and you can add meat or marinara sauce if you like. Roasting the eggplant first brings out its sweetness and helps it hold its shape.

You can make it with or without meat. Choose what works best for you.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush eggplant slices with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast eggplant on a baking sheet for 20 minutes until tender.
4. If using meat, brown it in a pan and mix with marinara sauce.
5. In a baking dish, layer eggplant, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
6. Repeat layers and top with extra mozzarella.
7. Bake for 30 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

For more tips on eggplant lasagna, check this Eggplant Lasagna recipe.

9) Asparagus Pasta

Asparagus pasta is a light and tasty dish that works well for a quick meal. Fresh asparagus brings a nice crunch and bright flavor.

Adding lemon juice or zest gives it a fresh, citrusy touch. You can make this pasta creamy or keep it simple with olive oil and garlic.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty finish that pairs nicely with the vegetables. This dish is easy to customize with your favorite pasta shape.

Cook your asparagus until it’s tender but still crisp. Toss it with cooked pasta and your chosen sauce.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces penne or ziti pasta
• 1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed and cut
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
2. Steam or sauté asparagus until tender-crisp.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add cooked pasta and asparagus to the pan.
5. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

For a similar recipe, see this Lemon Asparagus Pasta.

10) Sheet Pan Gnocchi

Sheet pan gnocchi is an easy and healthy way to enjoy pasta. You cook everything on one baking sheet.

This means less mess and less time cooking. Add your favorite vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and onions.

Toss them with gnocchi, olive oil, and your choice of seasoning. Bake until the gnocchi is crispy outside and soft inside.

You do not need to boil the gnocchi first, which saves time. You can also add chicken or other proteins for extra protein.

Try this simple, tasty dish for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 package of gnocchi (about 16 oz)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh garlic or garlic powder, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Spread gnocchi on a baking sheet.

3. Add vegetables to the baking sheet.

4. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over everything.

5. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic.

6. Toss to coat all ingredients well.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

8. Stir halfway through baking.

9. Bake until gnocchi turns golden.

10. Make sure vegetables are tender.

11. Serve warm. Enjoy!