These easy, low-calorie pasta recipes are a revelation! They’re tasty, hearty, and a cinch to make.
Better yet, most are just as indulgent as any pasta recipe out there.
Whether you’re watching your waistline or just looking for light dinner ideas, I’ve got your back.
The words “pasta” and “low-calorie” don’t usually get paired up.
But I’ve found some truly impressive dishes that are big on flavor but low on the calorie count.
Trust me, with these low-calorie pasta recipes, you won’t be sacrificing taste for a healthy meal.
So, say “goodbye” to the guilt and “hello” to tasty, low-calorie pasta nights! Let’s get cooking.
1. Low-Calorie Pasta
Who said cutting calories means ditching real pasta? Not here!
This penne dish brings plenty of creaminess, thanks to the cottage cheese. Not to mention oodles of gooey mozzarella goodness.
And yep, we’re talking about real penne – no tofu or konjac substitutions. You’re welcome!
Calories per Serving: ~200 cals
2. Low-Calorie Pasta Salad
Craving fresh, zesty pasta salad that won’t weigh you down? Look no further.
This is one of my go-to chickpea pasta recipes.
It’s a Mediterranean-inspired summer must-have that’s loaded with crisp veggies. I’m talking bell peppers and cucumbers in a tangy olive oil dressing you’ll love.
Whether it’s a BBQ side or a light appetizer, this pasta salad hits the spot every time.
Calories per Serving: ~198 cals
3. Carbone Spicy Rigatoni
Who needs a trip to New York City when you can make Carbone’s famed spicy rigatoni in your kitchen?
Known for its zingy tomato sauce and perfect pasta, this dish is a taste sensation. But at over 900 calories per serving, it’s not an everyday dish.
Until now!
Swap out heavy cream for Greek yogurt. Then, ease up on butter and oil, and enjoy.
It’s not the most low-calorie recipe here, but it’s worth every one.
Calories per Serving: ~364 cals
4. Skinny Pasta Primavera
Between the vegetables and low-fat cream cheese, this healthy pasta recipe is a must for weeknights.
Beyond being light on the waistline, it’s bursting with nutrients from all those colorful veggies.
Ideal for warm evenings or filling lunches, this vegetarian delight comes together in a snap.
Did I mention it’s a one-pot wonder? Now that’s pasta goals!
Calories per Serving: ~240 cals
5. Very Low-Calorie Lasagna with Zucchini
I had to include at least one gluten-free pasta recipe. And you can’t beat zucchini as a healthy pasta alternative.
This gluten-free, high-protein, low-calorie dish layers zucchini with fat-free cheese and 99% lean ground turkey.
And let’s not forget the 50-calorie spaghetti sauce.
Those simple swaps take lasagna from over 350 calories to under 100! Plus, a whopping 15 grams of protein with just 1.4 grams of fat.
Calories per Serving: ~98 cals
6. Low-Calorie Tuna Pasta Salad
Traditional tuna salad comes with heaps of mayo and calories, but not this one. Here, nutrition takes the front seat.
This tuna pasta salad is mayo-free but doesn’t skimp on flavor. And with a good protein punch, it’s a gluten-free wonder that’s perfect for any meal.
It’s not as healthy as the recipe above. But it’s a knock-out for lunch or dinner. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Calories per Serving: ~382 cals
7. Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic and Herbs
My favorite thing about angel hair pasta recipes is how simple they are. And this one, with a flavorful twist of garlic and fresh herbs, is no exception.
Think al dente noodles wrapped in a rich mix of olive oil, butter, and parmesan with a fresh tomato topping,
Whether you pair it with chicken, beef, or seafood, it’ll be gone in a flash.
Want it lower in calories? Skip the parmesan cheese and try a light sprinkling of nutritional yeast.
Calories per Serving: ~353 cals
8. Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta
This garlic parmesan kale pasta is the surprise hit you never saw coming.
Mix whole wheat angel hair pasta, kale, garlic, parmesan, and a hint of butter – and boom! You get a dish that’s hearty and packed with flavor.
Plus, the recipe is very forgiving. If you can’t find angel hair, use any whole-wheat pasta available.
Then, swap out kale for spinach, broccoli, or even sautéed mushrooms if you prefer.
Calories per Serving: ~373 cals
9. Ina Garten Shrimp Scampi
This healthy shrimp scampi pasta is your quick ticket to a fancy meal without the hassle.
Shrimp is meaty and a terrifically light source of protein. And the sauce is super simple yet delicious.
Swap the pasta for zoodles and it’ll be even healthier!
Calories per Serving: ~325 cals
10. Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Try this recipe for a waistline-friendly chicken fettuccine alfredo. It’s got all the creamy goodness with lean grilled chicken and a light alfredo sauce.
How? Just a dab of butter, a hint of garlic, 1% milk, chicken broth, a sprinkle of flour, and real parmesan.
There’s no heavy cream, yet it’s still rich and creamy.
Calories per Serving: ~286 cals
11. Easiest Pasta and Broccoli Recipe
This pasta and broccoli is a hit – even with the kids!
Just five ingredients, one pot, and boom – dinner in 15 minutes.
The trick is to overcook the broccoli. By boiling pasta and broccoli together and then mixing with garlic and cheese, you get a pesto-like sauce.
The broccoli blends so well even picky eaters won’t notice!
Calories per Serving: ~289 cals
12. Skinny Spaghetti Casserole
Love lasagna and spaghetti? Here’s a treat: skinny spaghetti casserole.
Think of it as the love child of lasagna and baked spaghetti.
This recipe is all about going lean without skimping on taste.
We’re talking 96% lean ground beef, shredded reduced-fat mozzarella, whipped Greek cream cheese with less fat, and fat-free ricotta. Yum!
Calories per Serving: ~319 cals
13. Garlic Pasta with Veggies and Parmesan
Mix fresh broccoli, zucchini, and red onions with whole wheat spaghetti, and you’ve got yourself a tasty dinner.
Sprinkle some parmesan on top and it’s ready for serving.
By swapping out white pasta for whole wheat and adding a heap of veggies, you get all the taste without guilt.
Calories per Serving: ~363 cals
14. Healthy Baked Ziti
This baked ziti offers maximum Italian comfort without the added calories.
It’s got pasta, rich red sauce, creamy ricotta, and that melted mozzarella we all adore.
The difference is it’s been tweaked to be healthier with lighter ingredients.
Still, it doesn’t lose an ounce of those bold, cheesy flavors you love.
Calories per Serving: ~382 cals
15. Healthy Baked Feta Pasta (TikTok)
We’ve all seen that viral feta pasta trend, right? Well, this recipe has taken that sensation and given it a fresh, healthy twist.
With less oil and low-fat cheese, this version is just as good as the OG.
Actually, it’s better! Because you can have 2 bowls instead of just one.
Calories per Serving: ~299 cals
16. Low-Fat Garlic Mushroom Pasta
This low-fat garlic mushroom pasta swaps out the cream but still delivers big flavor.
Whip it up in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients like creme fraiche, parmesan, and, of course, mushrooms.
The result is a guilt-free bowl of pasta that’s rich in taste but light on the waist.
Calories per Serving: ~386 cals
17. Healthy Pesto Pasta
Pesto is pretty kind of high in calories. Between the parmesan and pine nuts, it’s hard to cut that out.
Or is it?
This recipe has a super simple hack for making that pesto better for you – thin it out with pasta water.
It’s starchy and salted, and it’ll make the pesto go a lot further. You still get that signature taste, it’s just a touch less bold.
Calories per Serving: ~218 cals
17 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes
These scrumptious, low-calorie pasta recipes are a revelation! They’re tasty and hearty, and most are just as indulgent as any pasta recipe out there.
Ingredients
Low-Calorie Pasta
Low-Calorie Pasta Salad
Carbone Spicy Rigatoni
Skinny Pasta Primavera
Very Low-Calorie Lasagna with Zucchini
Low-Calorie Tuna Pasta Salad
Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic and Herbs
Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta
Healthy Shrimp Scampi
Skinny Low-Fat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Easiest Pasta and Broccoli Recipe
Skinny Spaghetti Casserole
Garlic Pasta with Veggies and Parmesan
Healthy Baked Ziti
Healthy Baked Feta Pasta (TikTok)
Low-Fat Garlic Mushroom Pasta
Pesto Pasta
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!
