Who says you can’t have your pasta and eat it too? If you’re looking to enjoy a hearty pasta dish without the extra baggage, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up the best pasta recipes that are lighter on the waistline but still packed with rich, decadent flavors.
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
This creamy Greek yogurt macaroni and cheese has all the creamy, cheesy comfort of the traditional dish but is a whole lot lighter and healthier for you!
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
This zesty lemon ricotta pasta is the perfect recipe for a light quick meal. Creamy ricotta brings decadence while basil and tomatoes keep things fresh.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Bucatini cacio e pepe is a simple, classic peasant dish from Italy made with just five ingredients. This creamy decadent pasta uses sheep’s milk Pecorino Romano cheese along with starchy pasta cooking water to create an indulgent meal that’s both easy and economical.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
This bright and meatless sun-dried tomato pasta combines al dente rigatoni noodles, a rich and creamy sun dried tomato sauce, shredded parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Make it in less than 30 minutes for a comforting midweek dinner!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Creamy Tandoori Sauce Pasta
This creamy tandoori sauce pasta is a vibrant fusion of hearty pasta and Indian spices. The rich, creamy sauce delivers indulgent flavors while keeping it a lighter choice.
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Oat Milk Alfredo Pasta Recipe
This creamy oat milk alfredo pasta recipe offers a rich and luxurious dinner, ready in 20 minutes. Using oat milk makes it a lighter yet decadent option for alfredo lovers.
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Teriyaki Noodles with Chicken
Easy teriyaki noodles with chicken is sweet, tangy, and savory. Perfect for a quick dinner, this light yet flavorful dish is ready in under 15 minutes and keeps you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Noodles with Chicken
Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta
Creamy tomato shrimp pasta combines sautéed shrimp with a creamy tomato goat cheese sauce and spaghetti. This restaurant-worthy meal is rich in flavor but still a lighter pasta option, ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta
Pancetta Pasta
This easy pancetta pasta recipe is an Italian classic, ready in 20 minutes. Angel hair pasta with crispy pancetta, garlic, and a simple olive oil sauce creates a rich and comforting meal that feels indulgent without being heavy.
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Teriyaki Pasta
Teriyaki pasta is a mouthwatering Asian twist on traditional pasta. You only need 20 minutes and 4 ingredients to make this flavorful yet lighter dish.
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Authentic Fettuccine Alfredo
This fettuccine alfredo is made in the traditional Italian style without heavy cream. Butter, garlic, and parmigiano reggiano mixed with starchy pasta water form a creamy sauce in just 15 minutes, delivering a rich taste with a lighter touch.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Fettuccine Alfredo
Pasta with Pancetta and Peas
Pasta with pancetta and peas features sautéed pancetta, shallot, and garlic in a white wine and butter sauce with cherry tomatoes. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that remains light yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Pancetta and Peas
Tagliolini with White Truffle
The taste of white truffle makes this dish special. With only 4 main ingredients and little time, this luxurious Italian pasta offers decadent flavors without the extra calories.
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Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Green goddess pasta salad is creamy, tangy, and herb-packed. Perfect for summer potlucks or spring lunches, this pasta dish is light yet full of vibrant flavors with shredded chicken, tender pasta, baby spinach, arugula, and avocado.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Gouda Mac and Cheese
Gouda mac and cheese recipe makes homemade cheesy macaroni and cheese in just 30 minutes. It’s rich and comforting, providing an indulgent feel while being a lighter option.
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Spinach Green Pasta Sauce
This green pasta sauce is so good and creamy you’d never guess it’s packed with spinach. The blended spinach creates a light and creamy sauce that adds a decadent feel to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Green Pasta Sauce
Smoked Salmon Pasta
Smoked salmon pasta feels like a dinner for a special occasion, but it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Smoky salmon and fettuccine are tossed in a creamy lemon-infused sauce for a light yet indulgent dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Pasta
Pasta Primavera
Pasta primavera is made in one pan and features penne, loads of arugula and spinach, chives, asparagus, peas, fresh herbs, and parmesan. It’s a lighter, flavorful option for pasta lovers.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera
Creamy Pesto Pasta
Creamy pesto pasta is a simple meal that provides homemade comfort food. This incredible and easy dinner comes together in 20 minutes or less, offering a creamy and indulgent taste without the heaviness.
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Italian Keto Pasta Marinara Recipe
Our Italian Keto Pasta Marinara Recipe is a super Quick and Easy Keto Dinner for the whole family. Fully Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Grain-Free and Diabetic Friendly Keto Meal, you can prepare well in advance and enjoy day after day.
Get the Recipe: Italian Keto Pasta Marinara Recipe
Mushroom Spinach Pasta
Mushroom Spinach Pasta tossed in a super flavorful, creamy Parmesan sauce. This meatless pasta is prepared on the stovetop in just 30 minutes for an easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Spinach Pasta
Veggie Pesto Pasta
Veggie Pesto Pasta is a flavorful, nutritious weeknight dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes. This bright and zesty vegetarian dish features al dente pasta, zucchini, and asparagus tossed in herby pesto, lemon juice, and zest.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pesto Pasta
Taco Pasta
This Taco Pasta casserole recipe combines all the delicious Tex-Mex flavors we love in a tangy, satisfying dish that’s ideal for a busy weeknight or casual gathering. If your family loves tacos, they’ll adore this dish!
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta
Easy Beet Pasta Sauce
This easy beet pasta sauce is a healthy weeknight dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes! It’s made in just 1 pot and is naturally vegan, dairy-free, and can be made gluten-free. The pink beet sauce is creamy, savory, and packed with flavor!
Get the Recipe: Easy Beet Pasta Sauce
Creamy Tomato Farfalle
This 20 minute creamy tomato farfalle brings a healthy take on traditional cream sauce with peas and crispy prosciutto for an easy, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
