If you’re trying to shed a few pounds or want to reduce your intake of processed foods, pasta is one of the foods you may regret having to give up. Fortunately, there are several pasta dishes that are filled with nutrition and low in calories to help you accomplish your weight loss and overall health goals.
Here are some guilt-free pasta entrees that will make dieting deliciously easy.
Orzo looks similar to rice and offers a significant amount of protein for muscle health and physical energy. Add peas, garlic, and onion to the orzo dish to keep blood sugar levels steady. You can also add sunflower seeds and goat cheese for more calcium and omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for body and brain health.
2. Guilt-Free Pasta Alfredo
If you’ve been craving fettuccine Alfredo but want to make sure you’re watching your calories, this pasta recipe is for you. A sauce made from cauliflower, light cream, and skim milk creates a creamy topping for this entree that is filled with nutrition and low in fat. Add grilled chicken and broccoli for a complete meal.
3. Guilt-Free Creamy Pumpkin Pasta
This pasta is topped with a creamy pumpkin sauce to provide a healthy serving of vitamin A in your meal. The pumpkin sauce is slightly sweet, which pairs well with fresh Italian herbs like basil and oregano. You can use gluten-free or whole-grain pasta for this recipe for an anti-inflammatory meal that is high in fiber.
4. Butternut Squash Noodles
Noodles made from butternut squash are soft, light, and slightly sweet. You can cook the noodles in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and top them with red sauce, Alfredo sauce, or a light pesto for a satisfying plant-based meal.
5. Flat Zucchini Noodles with Parmesan
This easy veggie pasta dish is a wonderful side dish for the protein of your choice. You can enjoy it hot or cold, and adding freshly shaved parmesan on top adds a savory finishing touch. Dress the noodles with olive oil and add crushed red pepper for a deliciously spicy kick.
6. Carrot Ginger Stir Fry Noodles
If you’re craving Asian takeout but you’re trying to watch your carbs, try this stir fry dish with carrot noodles. The ginger gives the dish a spicy kick, and you can add your favorite stir-fry vegetables and chunks of seasoned tofu for a pasta meal packed with protein and beta carotene.
7. Spaghetti Squash with Meatballs
Few things are more satisfying than a hearty bowl of spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. You can add a guilt-free element to this classic comfort food by using spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta. Add turkey, beef, or plant-based meatballs to the meal to make it more filling, and you’ve got a lunch or dinner that is packed with nutrition.
8. Carrot Pesto Noodles
You can make noodles from carrots for a pasta meal that is free from carbs yet filling and delicious. Dress the carrot noodles in a pesto sauce for added flavor and protein and enjoy with a protein such as chicken or salmon for a guilt-free meal that it kind to your tastebuds and your waistline.
9. Zucchini Noodles with Meat Sauce
If you’re craving pasta bolognese, swap traditional noodles with “zoodles,” or noodles made from zucchini. cut the zucchini into thin strips or use a grater or pasta maker to form the noodles. Sautee them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs before topping them with meat sauce for a low-carb pasta dish that makes a satisfying lunch or dinner.
10. Anti-Fatigue Stuffed Ravioli
If you’re looking for a delicious pasta dish that will give you more energy, try this ravioli recipe. Butternut squash and truffle oil help to rejuvenate the muscles and lubricate the joints so you’ll be ready for your next workout. Add protein to this pasta entree with bone marrow, hazelnuts, and pecorino for a complete meal that will fuel your mind and body.
