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

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.

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.

How do you eat pasta with 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.

Which pasta sauce is the lowest in calories? ›

Lowest Calorie Pasta Sauce Options
  • 365 by Whole Foods Organic Fat-Free Marinara. ...
  • Classico Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce. ...
  • Organico Bello Organic Spicy Marinara. ...
  • Primal Kitchen Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce with Avocado Oil. ...
  • Delicious & Sons Tomato & Porcini Mushroom Sauce. ...
  • Cucina Antica Alfredo Sauce. ...
  • Yo Mama's Marinara.
Sep 14, 2023

What is the best pasta to eat for weight loss? ›

The best bang for your buck when it comes to weight loss is chickpea pasta, according to Kaytee. "With twice as much fiber and protein, you'll be able to stay satisfied with your meal and consume fewer calories than the other pasta options, helping you to achieve your weight goals," she says.

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.

What is the most unhealthiest pasta? ›

15 Of The Unhealthiest Store-Bought Pastas
  • Buitoni chicken parmesan ravioli - Buitoni.
  • Ronzoni gluten-free penne rigate - Ronzoni.
  • Osem Israeli pearl couscous - Osem.
  • No Yolks broad noodles - No Yolks.
  • Buitoni three cheese tortellini - Buitoni.
  • Trader Joe's gluten-free pasta - Trader Joe's.
  • Barilla spaghetti pasta - Barilla.
Oct 1, 2023

What is the healthiest sauce for pasta? ›

The healthiest pasta sauces get most of their fat from olive oil (marinara) or olive oil and nuts (pesto), not cream or cheese (alfredo). And the good guys don't pile too much salt or sugar on top of your spaghetti. Here's how to find them. Check the photos for some great-tasting Best Bites and Honorable Mentions.

Can I eat pasta every day? ›

It is possible to eat pasta daily and still be healthy. The key to eating pasta every day is to limit your portion size and supplement your pasta bowl with essential nutrients. The recommended portion size is two ounces of dry pasta or one cup of cooked pasta.

Can I eat pasta 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.

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.

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.

What pasta has the fewest calories? ›

Some of the lowest-calorie pastas include:
  • Shirataki noodles.
  • Pastabilities Lower-Calorie Pasta.
  • Fiber Gourmet “Light” Pasta.
  • Spiralized veggies.
  • Hearts of Palm pasta.
Oct 24, 2023

What is a healthy substitute for pasta sauce? ›

Carrot and Beet Sauce

Similar to marinara but with a different flavor, carrots, and beets offer a ton of nutrition and can be supplemented in many dishes that use tomato sauce. Try sauteeing the vegetables with onion, garlic, and olive oil, then blend to desired texture. Add seasonings to taste.

How to make pasta less calories? ›

Replace heavy sauces with low-calorie vegetable-based versions, such as fresh tomato sauce or a light pesto. You can also dress pasta with fresh herbs, garlic, and just a drizzle of olive oil.

What is a low calorie equivalent to pasta? ›

6 Healthy Alternatives to Traditional Pasta
  • Zucchini Noodles or “Zoodles” Zucchini is low in saturated fat and sodium, and very low in cholesterol. ...
  • Squash Noodles. ...
  • Quinoa Pasta. ...
  • Rice Pasta. ...
  • Black Bean Pasta. ...
  • Shirataki Noodles.

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.

Does brown pasta have less calories than white? ›

Still, while there is little difference in the effects of refined and whole-grain pastas on health, pasta that is made from whole grains may be a better choice if you're looking to lose weight. It is lower in calories and higher in satiety-boosting fiber than refined pasta.

What has less calories egg noodles or pasta? ›

Calories. Egg noodles beat pasta when it comes to calories. A hundred grams of egg noodles has around 20 fewer calories than an equal amount of spaghetti.

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