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This collection of 35+ dietitian-created easy, healthy pasta recipes will show you that pasta can be a healthy choice! These recipes use simple ingredients that pack in tons of flavour and nutrition benefits. You’ll find nutritious shrimp pastas, other seafood pastas, vegan options, pasta salads, and more!
Have you ever wondered if pasta is healthy? Or maybe you’ve been told that it “isn’t good for you?”
You may be surprised to hear that as a registered dietitian, pasta is one of my favourite foods – I think it’s actually an excellent way to get in a ton of nutrients (and veggies!)
Why? Pasta itself is actually a VERY simple food – basically just made from wheat flour and water.
Pasta also obviously tastes delicious and is a comforting food to many people. If this is what it takes to get in a ton of vegetables and nutrition, I say go for it!
What Makes These Pastas A Healthy Option?
The key to making pasta a healthy choice? It’s what you prepare WITH the noodles!
Pasta is such a great vehicle for pairing with:
tons of vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber
quality proteins, like seafood, meat, or plant-based options like tempeh
healthy fats, like olive oil or sauces made from various nuts and seeds
This unique combinations of fat, protein, fiber, and carbohydrates creates a balanced meal that provides you with energy, while preventing those unwanted spikes and crashes in blood sugar.
TIP: If you’d like to increase the nutrient content of these pastas even more, why not try a pasta made from lentils or chickpeas? These are rich in fiber and plant-based protein! And if you’re gluten-free, there are some awesome gluten-free pastas out there, made from whole grains like brown rice or quinoa.
In this post, I’ve rounded up 35+ healthy pasta recipe ideas that include all the nutrition benefits above. Here you’ll find plenty of:
I’d love to know which of these healthy pasta recipes you end up making. Let’s get cooking!
Shrimp Pasta Recipes
In this section you’ll find healthy shrimp pastas and pasta salads! I gave shrimp it’s own category, since it’s one of the most popular pasta protein pairings 🙂
This Winter Pasta Salad is made with oven-roasted butternut squash, broccoli, and mushrooms, as well as arugula, shrimp, and a thyme-mustard vinaigrette. This recipe is easy, healthy, and can be made dairy-free, gluten-free, and/or vegan if needed.
This basil-walnut pesto pasta recipe is made with linguine noodles, fresh arugula, and sautéed shrimp (both fresh and frozen shrimp work well). It’s a simple, healthy, 30-minute pasta dinner that’s packed with good-for-you ingredients.
This roasted veggie pasta salad is packed with balanced nutrition and tons of antioxidants! Perfect to make for an easy weeknight dinner, packed lunch, or to bring to your next summer BBQ.
This harissa pasta recipe pairs the most deliciously creamy sauce made from harissa, tahini, smoked paprika, and nutritional yeast with 4 different kinds of vegetables and (optional) shrimp for added protein. It's easy to make, so flavourful, and incredibly nutritious!
In this section you’ll find healthy pasta recipes using seafood other than shrimp. We’ve got recipes featuring seared scallops, canned mackerel, and tuna!
This simple Pan Seared Scallops and Zucchini Noodle Pasta is a nutritious, healthy, and balanced weeknight meal. Dinner in 30 minutes! Gluten-free and dairy-free versions available.
This quick + easy canned (tinned) mackerel pasta recipe is packed with heart-healthy omega-3s, protein, and micronutrients! Nutritious, delicious, and ready in 30-minutes – this is one of the most popular recipes on my blog for a reason.
This Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe is easy, fast, and healthy. Made without mayo and ready in 20-minutes! Perfect for a make-ahead meal. Recipe is dairy-free and can be gluten-free if using gluten-free pasta.
A healthy twist on classic tuna noodle casserole! This tuna pasta bake is packed with protein, veggies, and tomato sauce. Only 10 ingredients, it's easy, nutritious and the perfect pasta for dinner. Recipe uses canned tuna as a convenient, quality protein source that makes this meal so filling and satisfying!
This healthy canned salmon pasta recipe is made with spinach, broccoli, and lemon. It's such a quick and easy dinner option! Filled with protein, healthy fats, and lots of fiber-rich veggies.
This Canned Mackerel Pasta Salad is an excellent source of omega-3s, protein, and tons of veggies. Super delicious, ready in 30 mins, and great for meal prep or a packed lunch!
This Tuna Pasta Salad With Pesto is an easy, healthy make-ahead lunch idea. It's made with protein-packed canned tuna and a dairy-free hemp seed pesto. Simple, delicious, and ready in 30 minutes!
In this section you’ll find vegan and vegetarian pasta options. I’m a huge fan of using cashew cream to make a creamy plant-based pasta sauce, as well as replacing ground meat with protein-packed ground tempeh!
This nutrient-dense and deliciously creamy pasta comes together so quickly. A perfect option for anyone who is vegan, dairy-free, or who just wants to switch things up!
This tofu tomato pasta sauce is packed with veggies, fiber, and plant-based protein! It's such a quick, go-to weeknight dinner idea and is an awesome way to clear out the fridge. Feel free to customize it (see ideas in notes)! Recipe is vegan + can be made gluten-free.
This baked tomato pasta recipe is made with tomato sauce, feta cheese, eggs, fresh basil, vegetables, and a bunch of delicious spices. It's an easy, healthy, vegetarian meal that's ready in about 30 minutes! This recipe can be made gluten-free and dairy-free if needed.
This goat cheese tomato pasta recipe is so quick and easy to prepare. Goat cheese gets stirred into the pasta sauce making it extra creamy and SO delicious. It's made with simple, healthy ingredients and is packed with fiber-rich veggies – perfect for a weeknight dinner!
This creamy, vegan tahini pasta recipe is made with one of my favourite "cheesy" miso tahini sauces. It's delicious, quick to make, and nutritious. Feel free to add extra veggies, like broccoli!
The classic flavour combination of spinach and artichoke without the use of cream cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream! This lemon and artichoke pasta with spinach is a quick, healthy, and delicious pasta dinner recipe. It’s packed with nutritious veggies and full of fresh flavours. Feel free to serve with an additional protein, like shrimp or chicken.
This kale pasta salad is made with sun-dried tomatoes, red bell peppers, parmesan, and a simple red wine vinaigrette. It's an easy, delicious, and nutritious make-ahead meal! Recipe is vegetarian and can easily be made gluten-free.
This cozy eggplant pasta recipe combines nutritious veggies like eggplant (aubergine), zucchini, kale, and tomatoes for a super flavourful and delicious vegetarian pasta bake. It's topped with cheeses like parmesan and ricotta, which get nice and melty in the oven! Gluten-free option included.
This oven-baked spaghetti frittata recipe is packed with veggies, fibre, and protein! It's nutritious, easy to make, and an awesome option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Bonus: it's great for meal prep AND for using up leftover pasta!
This plant-based tomato pasta sauce uses crumbled, ground tempeh to increase the protein content of the dish for a filling, nutritious weeknight meal! Recipe is vegan and easily made gluten-free.
This vegetarian taco pasta bake is made with crumbled tofu, plenty of vegetables, taco sauce, salsa, and melty cheddar cheese. It's such an easy, delicious, and nutritious dinner idea that is perfect for meal prep and batch cooking.
This 30-minute carrot pasta recipe is a simple and delicious way to add more vegetables to your pasta! It's only 10 ingredients and so easy to make. Recipe is vegan and can easily be made gluten-free
This 6-ingredient, oven-baked penne pesto pasta is an easy and cozy vegetarian dinner idea. Pasta is tossed with broccoli, cremini mushrooms, and pesto sauce, topped with shredded cheese, and baked in the oven until the cheese is melted, browned, and delicious!
This cold bruschetta pasta salad is made with juicy cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh basil. Homemade sourdough breadcrumbs add the perfect crunch + bruschetta-inspired flavour! This recipe is seriously SO delicious – it's great for a dinner party, barbecue, or packed lunch.
This delicious mushroom cashew cream pasta sauce may taste decadent, but it's jam-packed with nutritious ingredients! Recipe is dairy-free, vegan, and can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta of choice.
Bursting with flavour, this caprese pasta salad recipe is easy to make, or make-ahead. It's perfect for a BBQ, picnic, or packed lunch idea. Balsamic vinaigrette and pesto dressing options included!
In this section you’ll find some of my favourite stand-alone pasta sauce recipes. All recipes are 100% plant-based, and can be used with other dishes (like grain bowls)!
This creamy, "cheesy," and delicious miso tahini sauce is made with just 6 ingredients and takes only 5 minutes to make! It's a healthy vegan sauce that's perfect for pastas, grain bowls, and more!
With sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers, this vegan red pesto sauce is easy and delicious! Serve it with pasta, or use it as a dip or a spread. Easily made with or without nuts.
This quick 20-minute zucchini pesto sauce recipe is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and absolutely delicious. Raw, grated zucchini and fresh basil give this healthy homemade pesto sauce such a fresh taste and a generous serving of veggies in every bite. Serve it with pasta, grain bowls, as a spread, dip, and more!
While not your typical wheat-based pastas, I felt like I should include these “pasta alternatives,” in case you feel like trying something a little different! I never think veggies should replace traditional pasta noodles, but I love having them to switch things up from time to time.
This healthy spaghetti squash recipe is served with a kale miso pesto and sautéed shrimp. It's dairy-free, gluten-free, and high in fibre and protein. All you need is 10 ingredients!
This easy baked spaghetti squash recipe is stuffed with tomato sauce, goat cheese, and spinach. It's a simple, healthy, and super comforting vegetarian dinner idea. All you need are 7 ingredients!
This Sweet Potato "Fettuccine" is made with tons of veggies and shrimp for protein! It's simple, fresh, and absolutely delicious. Recipe is ready in 30 minutes, and is both gluten- and dairy-free.
This Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Casserole is packed with vegetables and protein. Spaghetti squash is cooked and mixed with a tasty homemade tempeh bolognese, then topped with freshly grated parmesan and oven-baked for a delicious weeknight dinner. Vegan/dairy-free option available.
If you make any of these recipes, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. You can also subscribe to my email list to never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!
Get the Recipe:35+ Easy, Healthy Pasta Recipes, Including Pasta With Garlic Shrimp
Proving pasta can be a healthy option, this easy pasta recipe is packed with fresh veggies, zoodles, tomatoes, spinach, herbs and garlic prawns. Plus more easy, healthy pasta recipes!
Freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano or nutritional yeast (dairy-free alternative)
Instructions
Bring a pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain when done.
Using a spiralizer, make noodles out of zucchini. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to make zucchini "ribbons," or just chop the zucchini into 1-inch pieces (see note).
Heat a large pan over medium and add 2 Tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, and oregano. Sauté for a minute, then add tomatoes and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook until spinach is wilted.
Heat another pan over medium-high heat and add remaining Tbsp of olive oil. Once hot, cook prawns for 1-2 minutes on each side. Prawns are cooked once they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat once done.
Add zucchini noodles, drained pasta, and fresh basil to the large pan with tomatoes and spinach. Stir together for 2 mins, adjusting spices to taste.
Serve pasta and top with prawns, lemon juice, freshly grated parmesan reggiano, and an extra drizzle of olive oil as desired. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
*If you don’t want to spiralize zucchini and prefer to chop it into smaller pieces, cook the zucchini at the same time as the tomatoes. The reason the zoodles are added at the end is because they cook very fast!*Cooked zucchini can at times be very watery. If that’s the case, simply drain off the excess liquid before serving.*For gluten-free version, simply use certified gluten-free pasta noodles.*For dairy-free version, simply omit parmesan topping or swap with nutritional yeast or other dairy-free alternative.*This is a loose recipe and can be modified based on what you have on hand. Try it with other sautéed veggies, like bell peppers, carrots, kale, broccoli, etc!
Nutrition
As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.
Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.
