77 Healthy Pasta Recipes That Ditch the Guilt

Italian Hot Dish

My husband had a poor perception of healthy food until he tried this beefy casserole. The combination of pasta, oregano, mushrooms and green peppers makes it a favorite in our house. —Theresa Smith, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

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Chicken Cacciatore

This chicken cacciatore recipe is simple—it’s just chicken simmered with onions, bell peppers and mushrooms in a robust tomato sauce. But the ingredients combine to create a rustic stew with hearty, rich, complex flavors.

Creamy Skinny Pasta Casserole

Baked pasta is a favorite potluck dish, so I altered some of the ingredients in my traditional recipe to make it lower in calories. Try it with ground beef, too! —Andrea Bolden, Unionville, Tennessee

Thai Chicken Pasta

I try to buy fresh chicken when it’s on sale. I cook a big batch in the slow cooker, then cut it up and package it in small amounts suitable for recipes like this. When I want it, I just need to pull it out of the freezer and let it thaw. —Jeni Pittard, Canon, Georgia

Weeknight Pasta Squiggles

This zesty pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights. It’s low on ingredients and easy to prep, and it tastes so comforting when the weather turns cool. A salad on the side makes it a meal. —Stacey Brown, Spring, Texas

Gingered Spaghetti Salad

We love this chilled chicken salad brimming with colorful veggies. Make it meatless by omitting the chicken and tossing in more edamame. —Cindy Heinbaugh, Aurora, Colorado

Spicy Pork and Butternut Squash Ragu

This recipe is a marvelously spicy combo that’s perfect for cooler fall weather and satisfying after a day spent outdoors. —Monica Osterhaus, Paducah, Kentucky

Cheese Manicotti

Cheese manicotti was the first meal I cooked for my husband, and all these years later, he still enjoys it! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Pepper Ricotta Primavera

Garlic, peppers and herbs top creamy ricotta cheese in this meatless skillet meal you can make in just 20 minutes. —Janet Boulger, Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador

Taco Stuffed Shells

Taco stuffed shells are a welcome twist on Taco Tuesday—easy to make, with results that are sure to please. Make it once, and this recipe just may end up with its very own weeknight slot.

BLT Skillet

This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado

Beef Burgundy Over Noodles

I got this delightful beef burgundy from my sister-in-law many years ago and have used it ever since. The tender beef, mushrooms and flavorful sauce are delicious over noodles. —Margaret Welder, Madrid, Iowa

Peanut Ginger Pasta

To get that luscious taste of Thai cuisine, combine ginger, basil, lime and peanut butter in a sauce for linguine. It’s so good, we’ve never had leftovers. —Allil Binder, Spokane, Washington

Creamy Avocado Manicotti

I am always looking for creative ways to make vegetarian dinners a little different. I grow my own basil, and avocados are a versatile favorite, so this recipe is a fantastic way to make manicotti that’s a little unusual. —Jennifer Coduto, Kent, Ohio

Bow Tie & Spinach Salad

With pasta salad, it’s easy to change up ingredients. We like to add grilled chicken and pine nuts, and sometimes we substitute black beans for the garbanzo beans. —Julie Kirkpatrick, Billings, Montana

Gluten-Free Chili Beef Pasta

After I got married, my aunt gave me her recipe for skillet spaghetti and told me it was ideal for a quick weeknight meal. Over the years I’ve tinkered with the ingredients and played with the seasonings to make it healthier. It's a dish my family truly loves. —Kristen Killian, Depew, New York

Grilled Southwestern Steak Salad

Pasta salad loaded with steak, peppers and onions makes both my boyfriend and me happy. Plus, it’s versatile! We serve it hot, room temperature or cold. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee

Rigatoni Chard Toss

I had to get my firefighter husband to eat more fruits and veggies to lower his cholesterol and triglycerides. Fresh chard and tomatoes add a lot of fiber and vitamins to our diets, but we love this recipe for the flavor. While he would never admit to eating "health food" around the firehouse, this dish is one of many that made his trips to the doctor much more pleasant! —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California

Rich Baked Spaghetti

It takes a little longer to make baked spaghetti, but the difference in taste, texture and richness is well worth the time. I serve this lasagna-style dish with a tossed green salad and breadsticks for a hearty, healthy meal. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota

Beef Lo Mein

This simple beef lo mein is easy to toss together with the veggies you have on hand. And since it uses spaghetti, you won't have to go searching for special noodles.

Homemade Fettuccine

This homemade fettuccine recipe will give you a real taste of Italy. No pasta maker required! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Penne with Veggies and Black Beans

Chock-full of zucchini, tomatoes, sweet pepper and carrots, this hearty pasta dish puts your garden harvest to good use. For variety, I sometimes add one-half cup of salsa or one-half cup of thickened teriyaki sauce. —Vickie Spoerle, Indianapolis, Indiana

Turkey Sausage with Pasta

If you’re looking for recipes with turkey sausage, stop here. This has the perfect blend of meaty, veggie and cheesy goodness. You’ll be craving what’s good for you when this pasta dish is on the menu. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin

Pasta with Veggies

This pasta with veggies recipe makes for a light, fresh dish, yet it's hearty enough to enjoy as a main meal. Round it out with garlic bread and a crisp salad.

Rosemary Shrimp with Spaghetti

I came up with this recipe on a busy weeknight when I was pressed for time. Now it’s my go-to dish whenever I need a quick, nutritious meal. Serve this with garlic bread so you can scoop every last bit of goodness off your plate! —Candace Havely, Sterling, Colorado

Pizza Spaghetti

The idea for this recipe came to me when I saw someone dip a slice of pizza into a pasta dish. My wife and kids love it, and so do my friends! —Robert Smith, Las Vegas, Nevada

Hearty Penne Beef

This is comfort food at its finest! The best of everything is found here—it’s tasty, easy and a smart way to sneak in some spinach for extra nutrition. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Sweet Onion & Sausage Spaghetti

Sweet onion seasons turkey, adding rich flavor to Mary Relyea’s wholesome pasta dish. At home in Canastota, New York, she tosses it together with light cream, basil and tomatoes for a quick, springy meal in minutes.

Greek Orzo Salad

This tart, refreshing salad is a big hit in my home. All the tasty toppings—including red onions, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese and a zesty dressing—give it extra interest. —Judy Roberts, Las Vegas, Nevada

Tuna Steak on Fettuccine

For something new to do with tuna, I suggest this tangy dish. Although I prefer the marinade on tuna or mahi mahi, it’s scrumptious on any fish, grilled, baked or broiled. —Caren Stearns, Austin, Texas

Creamy Pasta Primavera

When I think of springtime, asparagus comes to mind. This pasta dish is a wonderful blend of tender, crisp, colorful vegetables and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Shrimp Tortellini

Shrimp tortellini is an easy and versatile pasta toss that comes that comes together in minutes. It's a satisfying meal the whole family will love, and one that you can easily customize with your favorite vegetables.

Makeover Easy Beef-Stuffed Shells

Enjoy the convenience of this make-ahead dish or bake right away. Either way, it has half the saturated fat of the original recipe but is just as meaty. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

Enchilada Stuffed Shells

I served this entree to my husband, my sister and my brother-in-law, who is a hard-to-please eater. He said he liked it and even took leftovers for lunch the next day—I was thrilled! —Rebecca Stout, Conroe, Texas

Spinach-Basil Lasagna

In the kitchen, my husband and I like to use classic ingredients in new ways. I came up with this lasagna one day and haven’t made another type since. We love it! —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan

Linguine with Broccoli Rabe & Peppers

Broccoli rabe is one of my favorite veggies. Since it cooks right with the pasta, you can multitask. Before you know it, dinner is served. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

Fresh Corn and Tomato Fettuccine

This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a sprinkling of feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry

Make a mouthwatering peanut chicken stir-fry with rice noodles, strips of chicken and a medley of colorful vegetables. This wholesome and flavorful meal is perfect for any occasion.

Rustic Summer Vegetable Pasta

My veggie pasta proves you can’t have too much of a good thing. Feel free to change it up with whatever fresh veggies are in the garden or farmers market. —Bryn Namavari, Chicago, Illinois

Shrimp with Orzo and Feta

Shrimp with orzo and feta is light, fresh and ready in 30 minutes. With juicy tomatoes, garlic, lemon and fresh herbs, this Mediterranean-inspired meal is a must-make.

Spaghetti Pie

A classic Italian combination is remade into a creamy, family-pleasing spaghetti pie. This recipe was given to me several years ago. My family never grows tired of it. — Ellen Thompson, Springfield, Ohio

Pressure-Cooker Italian Shrimp ‘n’ Pasta

This dish will remind you a bit of classic shrimp Creole, but it has a surprise Italian twist. Pressure cooking gives it hands-off ease—perfect for company. —Karen Edwards, Sanford, Maine

Homemade Pasta

Try your hand at homemade pasta with this easy spinach dough. You don’t need a pasta maker or other special equipment! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Sausage Pizza Pasta

It's pizza in a bowl! Here's a terrific (and tasty) way to make sure your kids get the whole grains and vegetables they need to grow up big and strong. —Danna Holt, Shoals, Indiana

Hearty Garden Spaghetti

My husband and I wanted a pleasing dish that didn’t leave a ton of leftovers. My spaghetti with beef and fresh veggies is perfectly filling for four. —Wanda Quist, Loveland, Colorado

Pesto Shrimp Pasta

A dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively main dish. —Gloria Jones Grenga, Newnan, Georgia

Lemon Parmesan Orzo

A splash of lemon and a shower of chopped parsley make this orzo one of my family's most requested springtime sides. It's fantastic with chicken, pork and fish, or you can eat it on its own as a light lunch. —Leslie Palmer, Swampscott, Massachusetts

Grilled Shrimp Pasta

Char sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes and shrimp on the grill, then nestle them into buttery noodles for this five-star grilled shrimp pasta recipe.

Mushroom Bolognese

Traditional Bolognese is meat-based, ranging from pork to pancetta. We skip the meat and load this mushroom Bolognese with baby portobellos and veggies, but don't worry, this dish doesn't skimp on flavor.

Butternut & Portobello Lasagna

Lasagna gets fresh flavor and color when you make it with roasted butternut squash, portobello mushrooms, basil and spinach. We feast on this. —Edward and Danielle Walker, Traverse City, Michigan

Thai Chicken Linguine

When I’m feeding a crowd, I multiply this Thai-inspired chicken with pasta and snow peas. The merrymaking begins when everybody digs in, even the kids. —Teri Rumble, Jensen Beach, Florida

Cheese Tortellini with Tomatoes and Corn

Fresh corn and basil make this dish taste like summer. I think it's a good one for bringing to picnics or gatherings, but it's great along with any side dish for a weeknight dinner! —Sally Maloney, Dallas, Georgia

Vegetarian Black Bean Pasta

This black bean pasta was something I created as a teenager, back when I was a vegetarian. Now that my daughter doesn’t eat meat, she asks for this dinner several times a week. —Ashlynn Azar, Beaverton, Oregon. Also, try these vegetarian pasta recipes that have all the essentials.

Meatless Chili Mac

I came across this recipe in a newspaper years ago and it’s been a hit at our house ever since. It’s fast and flavorful, and it appeals to all ages. — Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Pesto Gnocchi

Perk up gnocchi and vegetables with a flavorful pesto sauce. If you don't have pine nuts to top the pesto gnocchi, skip them or substitute any nut you like.

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a cozy pasta dish that features layers of meat sauce, tender noodles and creamy ricotta cheese. This freezer-friendly recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd.

Turkey Mushroom Tetrazzini

Your family will flip over this turkey and mushroom casserole. In fact, the creamy Parmesan-topped tetrazzini is so satisfying, no one will suspect it's lower in fat! —Irene Banegas, Las Cruces, New Mexico

Pork and Orzo

Take a trip to a waterfront locale with protein-rich, health-minded Mediterranean pork and orzo. Tomatoes, spinach and feta add bright punches of color to the meat and pasta.

Smoked Sausage with Pasta

Loaded with sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes and basil flavor, this quick recipe satisfies the toughest critics. It’s one of my husband’s favorite dishes, and he has no idea it’s lower in fat. Add a green salad for a delicious meal. —Ruth Ann Ruddell, Shelby Township, Michigan

Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo Salad

The heat, seasonings and appearance of this colorful main-dish salad are perfect for summer—or any time of year that you want to summon memories of sunshine. —Eileen Budnyk, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Cauliflower Alfredo

My family loves this quick and healthy cauliflower Alfredo sauce on pasta. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

Simple Sausage Pasta Toss

For a flash of tasty inspiration, grab a skillet and stir up turkey sausage with tomatoes, garlic and olives. Toss everything with spaghetti, and sprinkle with Parmesan. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ginger Veggie Brown Rice Pasta

Once I discovered brown rice pasta, I never looked back. Tossed with ginger, bright veggies and rotisserie chicken, it tastes like a deconstructed egg roll! —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York

Pumpkin Lasagna

I especially like this comforting fall dish because it's vegetarian. Even friends who aren't big fans of pumpkin are surprised by this delectable lasagna. Canned pumpkin and no-cook noodles make it a cinch to prepare. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama

Thai Noodle Salad

This Thai Noodle Salad recipe takes inspiration from pad thai but uses whole wheat spaghetti, cooked chicken and peanut sauce instead of rice noodles, shrimp and tamarind. It's a great option for a vegetable-heavy meal in a bowl and is perfect for using leftover protein.

How to Make Pesto Pasta in Just 15 Minutes

Have pesto sitting in the fridge? Put it to use in pesto pasta for a quick and easy dinner.

Vegetable Lasagna

I cooked up this fresh lasagna for vegetarian customers at a local grocery store, where I work part-time. It’s absolutely packed with veggies. —Sam Hunsaker, Lawrence, Kansas

Ravioli with Snap Peas & Mushrooms

Topped with the toasty texture and flavor of hazelnuts, this pasta makes an easy, earthy weeknight dinner. I serve it with an herb and lettuce salad and white wine. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce

When my mom made this spaghetti sauce, the house would smell so good that I’d open the windows to torture the neighbors. It even tastes wonderful the next day, when the flavors have really melded. —Vera Schulze, Holbrook, New York

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta

For special days, I make this cheesy pasta bake loaded with chicken and all sorts of veggies. Want a vegetarian version? Use vegetable stock and garbanzo beans. —Liz Bellville, Havelock, North Carolina

Italian Spaghetti with Chicken & Roasted Vegetables

When I get a craving for homemade tomato sauce, I make a zesty batch to toss with chicken and veggies. The flavors do wonders for penne, too. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland

Harvest Bow Ties

Spaghetti squash and bow ties make this meatless dish hearty and filling. Add a can of black beans if you’d like more protein and switch up the tomatoes for variety. Try using Italian diced tomatoes, or diced tomatoes with mild green chiles. —Anne Lynch, Beacon, New York

Makeover Traditional Lasagna

I’ve never been quick to pass along my special recipes, but this one is so good that it’s become our family’s Christmas Eve tradition! —Michelle Behan, Littleton, Colorado

Ricotta, Tomato & Corn Pasta

I love to make healthy meals with produce from my latest farmers market trip. This pasta takes just 30 minutes from pantry to dinner table. You can easily make it a meat entree by adding cooked, shredded chicken. —Jerilyn Korver, Bellflower, California

Shrimp Puttanesca

Our 30-minute shrimp puttanesca recipe features a fiery mix of olives, capers, and garlic. It doesn't just show up—it demands your attention.

Spinach-Feta Chicken Penne

I wanted a light sauce for pasta, so I cooked tomatoes with garlic, wine and olive oil. It’s a blockbuster combo for seafood, too. —Geralyn Sipos, Blandon, Pennsylvania

Shrimp Asparagus Pasta

Shrimp and asparagus pasta sounds fancy and tastes incredible—but even home cooks who shy away from seafood can easily master it.