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 pasta is the lowest in 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.

What is the best pasta for a diet? ›

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.

Which pasta is healthiest? ›

Wholegrain pasta is lower in calories and contributes more vitamins and minerals than the white, refined equivalent, making it a healthier choice.

What pasta has the least amount of carbs? ›

  1. Shirataki noodles (konjac noodles) and tofu shirataki noodles. If you're counting carbs and craving pasta, these are your best bet. ...
  2. Zucchini noodles. Also known as zoodles, these are simply long strands that have been spiralized from whole squash. ...
  3. Hearts of palm noodles. ...
  4. Spaghetti squash noodles.
Oct 31, 2022

Is pasta better for weight loss than rice? ›

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.

Which noodle has the least calories? ›

Shirataki Noodles Have 11 Calories per 100g

These lowest calories noodles consist of water and starch from the roots of the konjac plant, which is a type of yam. In the digestive system, glucomannan acts like a dietary fibre, which means the body does not break it down to use as energy.

Can I still eat pasta and 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.

What is the name of the pasta for weight loss? ›

Nowadays, a number of pasta varieties are available in the market, that you can easily incorporate into your weight loss diet. Pasta variants like Buckwheat Pasta, Whole Wheat Pasta, Chickpea Pasta, Rajma Pasta, Lentil Pasta and Makhana Pasta are ideal options.

Is pasta better than potatoes for weight loss? ›

OR PASTA. AND they make you feel fuller for longer. than rice or pasta because of the way their are.

Is there such a thing as healthy pasta dish? ›

Baked Pasta with Sausage, Kale, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Kale is a nutritional powerhouse and getting your family to eat is easier than ever. Just add it to a cheesy baked pasta with hearty sausage and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes!

What is the healthiest noodle to eat? ›

Try one of these healthy noodle options to add more variety and nutrients to your next meal!
  • Squash noodles. You can make your own noodles out of squash as a healthy, nutritious alternative to dried noodles from the store. ...
  • Black bean noodles. ...
  • Whole grain noodles. ...
  • Quinoa noodles. ...
  • Buckwheat noodles.

What is the lowest calorie pasta? ›

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 pasta is not fattening? ›

1. Whole-Wheat Pasta. Whole-wheat pasta is an easy-to-find nutritious noodle that will bump up the nutrition of your pasta dish. Made from whole grains, every cup of cooked pasta (140 grams) boasts 43 g of carbohydrate, 3 g of fiber and 8 g of protein per serving, per the USDA.

What is skinny pasta? ›

It's Skinny is a plant-based pasta made from Konjac, an ancient root vegetable that is naturally low-calorie and 0 net carbs, allowing you to enjoy all the incredible flavors you would expect of your favorite pasta dishes—without the guilt!

Can you buy low calorie pasta? ›

Eat Water Slim Pasta Penne 20 Pack * 270 Grams | Made from Organic Konjac Flour | Keto Paleo Diet and Vegan | Zero Sugar/Carbohydrate and Low Calorie Food. This product has sustainability features recognised by trusted certifications.

Does brown pasta have less calories than white pasta? ›

One cup of cooked white pasta: Approximately 220 calories. One cup of cooked whole-wheat pasta: Approximately 174 calories.

What is a low calorie alternative 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.

Are there less calories in whole wheat pasta? ›

Whole-grain pasta is also lower in calories and higher in fiber and certain micronutrients than refined pasta. Fiber moves through the gastrointestinal tract undigested and helps promote fullness. For this reason, whole-grain pasta may be more effective than refined pasta in reducing appetite and cravings.

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