21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (2024)

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Who says you cannot have pasta on a low-calorie diet? With these no-more-than-300-calories healthy pasta recipes, anyone can enjoy a decent Italian meal.

Does your restrictive diet prevent you from freely consuming your calories?

With these 21 healthy recipes that are low in calories, you will learn that eating pasta on a low-calorie diet doesn’t have to be a firm no-no.

Delicious, versatile, and with no more than 300 calories! With the 21 low-calorie pasta dishes enjoy your favorite comfort food and still experience the results of weight loss.

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (1)

Table of Contents

1. Israeli Couscous Salad

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (2)

Source: beyondthechickencoop.com

Less than 200 calories but super filling, this bright salad is just the thing you need for lunch.

The thing I love most about it has to be the zesty, sweet, and orange dressing. Combined with a bit of garlic, it offers tons of flavor.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 198

• Fats: 3g

• Protein: 5g

• Carbs: 34g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar:

2. Tuna Pasta Salad

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (3)

Source: goodiegoodielunchbox.com.au

Avocados, cherry tomatoes, corn, and spring onions accompany the filling pasta shells and tuna in this recipe.

The pasta, tuna, and veggies are gently tossed in a lemony mayo dressing that gives the pasta a light creaminess that combines perfectly with the tuna protein and tomato acidity.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 131

• Fats: 4.6g

• Protein: 6.2g

• Carbs: 16.5g

• Fiber: 1.8g

• Sugar: 1.3g

3. Pasta Primavera

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (4)

Source: theforkedspoon.com

With broccoli, tomatoes, peas, peppers, asparagus, squash, zucchini, and green onions, this pasta is as packed as veggies as it can possibly be.

Loaded with super healthy nutrients and an amazingly silky butter and cream sauce, no one can resist this amazing taste.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 274

• Fats: 9g

• Protein: 11g

• Carbs: 39g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 7g

4. Springtime Asparagus Tomato Pasta

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (5)

Source: flippedoutfood.com

A similar recipe to the primavera pasta, with a similar number of calories but slightly fewer veggies.

If you have some wiggle room in your calorie limit, I really suggest you crumble some feta cheese on top for the freshest and most satisfying springtime pasta ever.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 266

• Fats: 8g

• Protein: 8g

• Carbs: 39g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 7g

5. Risoni with Spiced Roasted Butternut Pumpkin

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (6)

Source: thedevilwearssalad.com

For a late fall salad, try this risoni pasta and butternut pumpkin bowl. It is hearty, sweet, filling, crunchy, and filled with enough spices to be super fragrant but not overpowering.

The butternut pumpkin is cubed, well-seasoned, roasted, and then tossed (along with the pasta), with cranberries, currants, and peanuts.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 286

• Fats: 8g

• Protein: 11g

• Carbs: 54g

• Fiber: 9g

• Sugar: 18g

6. Gluten-Free Pasta Salad

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (7)

Source: thedevilwearssalad.com

Tarragon wraps the chicken, spaghetti, spinach, and roasted peppers nicely.

Plus, the chicken is also marinated with Dijon and Worcestershire sauce, which gives an even more powerful flavor punch.

Garnish with chopped herbs for an extra dash of freshness. Check out more low calorie chicken recipes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 145.85

• Fats: 2.29g

• Protein: 11.74g

• Carbs: 20.74g

• Fiber: 1.74g

• Sugar: 1.61g

7. Spaghetti Squash Feta Cheese Casserole

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (8)

Source: apaigeofpositivity.com

This casserole has cherry tomato and feta at the bottom and then is topped with baked spaghetti squash, cooked ground turkey, herbs, and spinach.

It is also topped with mozzarella cheese, which takes the cheesiness to a whole new level.

The warmth from the thyme and basil makes this pasta-like dish even more satisfying.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 293

• Fats: 5g

• Protein: 38g

• Carbs: 23g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 9g

8. Vegan Puttanesca

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (9)

Source: asweetalternative.com

Although the classic puttanesca sauce is made with anchovies, this vegan version doesn’t fall behind because it makes up for the fish loss by adding some more olives and capers.

Super creamy, rich in tomatoes, and deep garlic taste, this brown rice pasta dish is a real keeper.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 303

• Fats: 6g

• Protein: 7g

• Carbs: 58g

• Fiber: 8g

• Sugar: 8g

9. Tahini Pasta

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (10)

Source: asweetalternative.com

Made with gluten-free pasta and only a handful of simple ingredients, this has to be one of the easiest low-calorie recipes you can whip up for dinner.

Did I mention that it only takes 17 minutes to whip up? You just whisk the tahini, lemon, and garlic sauce and pour it over.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 315

• Fats: 12g

• Protein: 9g

• Carbs: 46g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 1g

10. Rainbow Orzo Salad

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (11)

Source: freshapron.com

Orzo is probably the most convenient starch you can put in your salads, especially if you are not a fan of rice.

Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, basil, and feta cheese all do their part for the delicious taste.

Crunchy, light, and super fresh, this orzo salad is the perfect lunch or side.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 205

• Fats: 11.2g

• Protein: 4.6g

• Carbs: 22.6g

• Fiber: 1.7g

• Sugar: 3.7g

11. Easy Zoodles

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (12)

Source: twohealthykitchens.com

Besides the zoodles – spiralized zucchini – this recipe also uses spaghetti, which makes this dish even more fun to make and eat.

Smothered in your favorite pasta sauce, grain, and zucchini noodles make quite the combo.

It also tastes great with some feta cheese crumbled on top. Just saying!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 94

• Fats: 1g

• Protein: 4g

• Carbs: 19g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 2g

12. Light Asparagus Pasta with Fresh Basil

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (13)

Source: thehealthfulideas.com

Light as it can get, this 167-calorie pasta with asparagus and basil is green goodness you will surely make your regular.

With lemon flavors and crunchy pine nuts for topping, there’s absolutely nothing I would change in this recipe. Except maybe, make the portion larger.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 167

• Fats: 9g

• Protein: 6.4g

• Carbs: 18.7g

• Fiber: 2.7g

• Sugar: 1.8g

13. Tandoori Pasta

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (14)

Source: myplantifulcooking.com

With a generous amount of ginger and Indian spices, you can only imagine how flavorful and fragrant this tomato low calorie pasta recipe is.

The vegan yogurt gives a nice creaminess that also balances out the spicy kick, but it is really the maple syrup that neutralizes the acidity and gives a slight sweetness.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 260

• Fats: 1g

• Protein: 9g

• Carbs: 53g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 7g

14. Spinach Green Pasta Sauce

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (15)

Source: thehealthfulideas.com

Garlicky green and creamy sauce made with cashew milk, spinach, and basil, squeezed with a bit of lemon juice for a zesty kick and finished off by adding a generous sprinkle of Pecorino Romano.

You can easily lower the calories by simply cutting back on cheese a bit.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 313

• Fats: 7.9g

• Protein: 12.2g

• Carbs: 47.9g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 3.1g

15. Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Tomatoes

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (16)

Source: cookingjourneyblog.com

Pasta with tomatoes and a creamy mushroom sauce.

The tarragon in the mushroom cream sauce really wraps the flavors beautifully, but the taste wouldn’t be so rich without the shallots.

For a vegan version, omit the cheese and use nut or other dairy-free milk for the cream.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 224

• Fats: 13g

• Protein: 10g

• Carbs: 20g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 11g

16. Creamy Vegan Avocado Pasta

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (17)

Source: mrishtanna.com

With only 300 calories and loaded with the healthiest fats, there is absolutely nothing you won’t love about this pasta.

A healthier alternative than the classic cheese-rich pasta, this avocado version with chopped tomatoes, basil, and a touch of lemon will make your taste buds dance.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 304

• Fats: 19g

• Protein: 3g

• Carbs: 13g

• Fiber: 7g

• Sugar: 3g

17. Low Carb Baked Feta Pasta

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (18)

Source: easylowcarb.com

There seems to be a tomato-and-feta-baked-pasta craze going on all over the globe, but the thing about this one is that it is actually super low in carbs.

Without actual pasta but with zucchini noodles, so you can enjoy it guilt-free.

Check out more low calorie meals here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 197

• Fats: 16g

• Protein: 8g

• Carbs: 9g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 6g

18. Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (19)

Source: mrishtanna.com

The thing that makes this dish stand out has to be the sun-dried tomatoes.

They give a much more intense flavor than regular tomatoes or tomato sauce. And blended with almond milk and seasoned the Italian way, they make one heck of a pasta sauce.

Vegan and also soy-free!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 244

• Fats: 2g

• Protein: 14g

• Carbs: 58g

• Fiber: 7g

• Sugar: 21g

19. Vegetable Pasta Salad

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (20)

Source: fitasafiddlelife.com

Okay, you can already guess that this low-calorie pasta salad is already loaded with veggies. It is also creamy, colorful, and rich in texture.

Carrots, celery, pepper, green onions, zucchini, and radishes with elbow pasta in a lemony dill avocado mayo sauce.

Perfect for potlucks and get-togethers

Per Serving:

• Calories: 210

• Fats: 11g

• Protein: 4g

• Carbs: 23g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 2g

20. Protein Pasta Salad with Kidney Beans

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (21)

Source: myplantifulcooking.com

Loaded with protein and veggies, this has to be one of the perfect things to make on your regular meatless Mondays.

Super nutritious and vegan, the edamame, lettuce, peppers, beans, and tomatoes, all give a vitamin boost that makes this pasta salad even more enjoyable.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 293

• Fats: 5g

• Protein: 19g

• Carbs: 41g

• Fiber: 10g

• Sugar: 5g

21. Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (22)

Source: healthyrecipes101.com

Technically, this soup is not so much of a soup but a pasta dish with veggies and some broth.

So healthy and filling and yet with just under 220 calories, this is what an ideal lunch should look like. There’s broth, there are veggies, and there is pasta.

Check out more low-calorie soup recipes here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 219

• Fats: 5g

• Protein: 9g

• Carbs: 34g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 4g

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (23)

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes

Counting your calories? These low-calorie pasta recipes are comforting, yummy, and easy to make. Perfect for a light dinner!

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 4 -6

Ingredients

  • 1. Israeli Couscous Salad
  • 2. Tuna Pasta Salad
  • 3. Pasta Primavera
  • 4. Springtime Asparagus Tomato Pasta
  • 5. Risoni with Spiced Roasted Butternut Pumpkin
  • 6. Gluten-Free Pasta Salad
  • 7. Spaghetti Squash Feta Cheese Casserole
  • 8. Vegan Puttanesca
  • 9. Tahini Pasta
  • 10. Rainbow Orzo Salad
  • 11. Easy Zoodles
  • 12. Light Asparagus Pasta with Fresh Basil
  • 13. Tandoori Pasta
  • 14. Spinach Green Pasta Sauce
  • 15. Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Tomatoes
  • 16. Creamy Vegan Avocado Pasta
  • 17. Low Carb Baked Feta Pasta
  • 18. Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
  • 19. Vegetable Pasta Salad
  • 20. Protein Pasta Salad with Kidney Beans
  • 21. Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Instructions

  • Scroll up to get a bunch of easy, yummy, and delicious pasta recipes. Don't be afraid to get creative with the ingredients, you might discover a flavor you didn't know you liked.

  • Get your shopping list going and make sure you've got all the ingredients.

  • Get cooking and make your next Low-Calorie Pasta Recipe!

Notes

Which one of these recipes was your favorite? Let me know in the comment section or on Pinterest!

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below with your rating! I love the feedback and respond to every comment!

21 Skinny Low Calorie Pasta Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest pasta for weight loss? ›

All types of pasta can be worked into a weight-loss diet, but some types may offer more of an advantage. While you may think of veggie noodles as being the best pasta for weight loss, edamame pasta is my top pick if you're trying to shed a few pounds.

Which type of pasta has the lowest calories? ›

"Vegetable-based pastas, such as zucchini noodles or hearts of palm noodles, tend to be lowest in carbs and calories," says Sassos. "They are also packed with nutrient-dense vitamins and minerals and are naturally gluten-free.

How do you eat pasta with less calories? ›

In addition to whole wheat pasta, pasta made from other ingredients such as chickpeas, lentils, and veggies are great options when you are on a diet. Non-traditional pasta like these are generally lower in carbohydrates and calories while having higher protein content.

How to make pasta less calories? ›

What are some low-calorie options for pasta dishes? Mix the pasta 50/50 with a low calorie vegetable like summer squash, cauliflower, broccoli, green beans or spaghetti squash. You can also use spaghetti squash instead of pasta or use a lower calorie rice noodle. I always make my mac & chee with 1/2 cauliflower.

Can I eat pasta every day and still lose weight? ›

Dietitians and other health care professionals should consider pasta as a low-glycemic carbohydrate option within the context of a healthy diet or a weight loss/weight maintenance diet.

Are egg noodles healthier than pasta? ›

Are Egg Noodles Healthy? Egg noodles can give you extra nutrients that regular pasta won't, though they also lack in some areas compared to pasta. Still, you don't have to choose only one. Add both to your pantry for a well-rounded diet and supplement each with vegetables, proteins, and other sources of nutrients.

What pasta is skinnier than spaghetti? ›

Capellini is a much finer diameter cut than spaghetti. Capellini is a long rod shaped pasta and it is thinner than Spaghetti. The difference is the diameter of the noodles. Capellini (angel hair pasta) is fine, while spaghetti noodles are thicker.

Is pasta less fattening than rice? ›

The main differences between refined (white) pasta and white rice are in the amount of calories, fiber, and protein in each. Pasta contains more calories, more fiber, and more protein than rice. However, many healthier varieties of pasta and rice are available that are more nutritious than their refined counterparts.

Will cutting out pasta help me lose weight? ›

By eliminating them, you decrease food cravings, making it easier to eat less and lose weight. The main problem with white rice, bread, pasta and potatoes is that they trigger a cycle of food craving. They release a sudden spike of sugar in your bloodstream. Your body responds to that extra sugar by releasing insulin.

How can I eat pasta everyday without gaining weight? ›

Eat pasta in small portions.

Half a cup of pasta should be the main course, with the rest consisting of toppings like sauce, lean meats, fish, vegetables, nuts, seafood, and olive oil.

Does boiling pasta remove calories? ›

The calories don't change. The pasta has exactly the same number of calories. The change occurs because cooked pasta absorbs water and, as a result, increases in weight while the calories stay the same (water doesn't have calories), so the calories per 100 grams or per portion of cooked pasta go down.

How to eat pasta for weight loss? ›

Eating simple pasta without any veggies would mean loading up on carbs. Instead, add lots of sautéed veggies to your pasta, such as corn, broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, olives and jalapeños. This will also reduce your overall consumption of carbs-loaded pasta and increase your fiber intake.

Does microwaving pasta reduce calories? ›

While the type of starches might be slightly altered with reheated pasta, the number of calories consumed will still be exactly the same. "One cup of pasta - cooked or reheated —still has about 200 calories," Fernstrom said.

Which pasta is healthiest? ›

Whole-Wheat Pasta

Also called whole-grain pasta, this type of pasta keeps the bran, endosperm, and germ of the grain together. It's filled with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This helps you feel full longer and keeps your blood sugar from spiking. It also has a little over 8 grams of protein per cup cooked.

What noodles are best for weight loss? ›

Shirataki noodles are a great substitute for traditional noodles. In addition to being extremely low in calories, they help you feel full and may be beneficial for weight loss. Not only that, but they also have benefits for blood sugar management, cholesterol levels, and digestive health.

Which is better for weight loss, rice or pasta? ›

At 117 calories per 100g Vs pasta's 160 calories per 100g, rice has significantly lower calories, so swapping pasta to rice may be beneficial for anyone controlling their calories as a way to lose or maintain their weight.

Is brown pasta better for losing weight? ›

Depending on your health goals, whole-wheat pasta can help you lose weight. Whole-wheat pasta (and other whole grains) take longer to digest than pasta made from refined flour. Because of this, it raises blood sugar more slowly, which prevents excess fat storage, especially around your midsection.

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