Many people believe that sustainable healthy weight loss is the way to go and don't want to limit their diet too much. They'd instead focus on daily calorie intake, tracking the macros, and staying reasonably active.
It's no secret that pasta is a favorite food for many people. It's versatile, affordable, and can be cooked in various ways.
When it comes to healthy eating and weight loss, pasta is often seen as a no-no food. But the truth is, if you choose the right recipes, pasta can be a part of a healthy diet.
And no, you don't have to turn to zoodles or any other low-carb pasta replacements. All recipes on this list are made using real pasta.
These fourteen low-calorie pasta recipes can let you enjoy your favorite dish without compromising your diet. Every recipe is under 500 calories, with some coming to as low as 200 calories per serving! This leaves you plenty of calories left to enjoy two more delicious meals and stay in the calorie deficit.
*Calories per serving are based on 2 ounces (60 grams) of dry pasta per person.
Here are some great low-calorie pasta dishes for you to choose from!
Tuna pasta will bring the flavors of the Mediterranean Sea to your table with capers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a splash of sea salt.
≈330 calories per serving
This salty pancetta pasta dish uses just three ingredients in the sauce to create an explosion of flavors. Pancetta and tomato sauce form the perfect pairing to smother and color the pasta spirals!
≈420 calories per serving
This low-calorie pasta recipe has spicy wilted kale and garlic, salty roasted eggplant, feta crumble, a splash of lemon, and al dente whole wheat penne.
≈200 calories per serving
This creamy and spicy cajun parmesan shrimp pasta is a perfect dinner on a busy day. Cajun seasoning is always the best spice choice for shrimp. It’s not only the spiciness level that is in the ideal amount but also the flavors and aroma from other spices in the mix that make it the best choice to pair with the nutty and creamy taste of parmesan cheese.
≈440 calories per serving
Full of healthy veggies, this low-calorie pasta makes for a fantastic healthy dinner!
≈300 calories per serving
This fettuccine with homemade meatballs is a delightfully satisfying meal. Tubed tomato paste is full of deep, savory flavors and, when cooked out with aromatics, can be the perfect, time-saving hack for creating a rich tomato pasta sauce in no time!
≈440 calories per serving
This one-pot low-calorie pasta is slathered in creamy ricotta and mixed with fresh green broccoli.
≈280 calories per serving
This Baked Feta Pasta will change any skepticism about viral TikTok recipes. We love everything about this recipe! It’s low-effort and super delicious. Feta, tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper... almost too good to be true? Try it! Fact: stores ran out of Feta once it went viral for the first time.
≈420 calories per serving
Mushroom pasta mixed with sausage mince is a hearty dish full of rich flavors and country aromas. The intensity of porcini mushrooms will take you directly to Italy, and when mixed with tasty sausage and a drizzle of truffle oil, no one will be able to resist.
≈360 calories per serving
A simple and delicious Shrimp and Pesto Pasta. Indeed not a unique combination but worthy of being a regular on your weeknight plate because of how quickly it comes together.
≈280 calories per serving
Creamy and flavorful one-pot pasta with butternut squash, kale, and parmesan. This is comfort food at its best. It's sweet, savory, creamy, cheesy, and low-calorie.
≈320 calories per serving
This green low-calorie pasta recipe is full of delicious veggies and aromatic herbs.
≈400 calories per serving
One-pot orzo with mushrooms and spinach is comforting, effortless, and, most importantly, delicious. This immensely satisfying low-calorie meal uses simple ingredients and is easy to cook; it’s ready to eat in less than 20 minutes!
≈200 calories per serving
Classic Tomato Spaghetti with Basil is quick and easy to make, but the simple flavor is so delicious, comforting, and satisfying.
≈230 calories per serving
