Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes for a Healthy Lifestyle

Pasta can still be part of a healthy lifestyle if you choose the right ingredients and practice portion control. In this blog post, we'll share three delicious low-calorie pasta recipes that are packed with flavor and nutrients. These recipes are perfect for those seeking to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. Let's dive in!

6/3/20232 min read

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta:

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 2 cups baby spinach

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.

  4. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts slightly.

  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the shrimp mixture until well combined.

  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

    Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta:

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces whole wheat linguine

  • 1 ripe avocado

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the whole wheat linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  2. In a food processor, combine avocado, basil leaves, lemon juice, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

  3. Toss the cooked linguine with the avocado pesto until well coated.

  4. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and serve immediately.

    Veggie-Packed Marinara Pasta:

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces whole wheat penne

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms

  • 1 cup diced zucchini

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (assorted colours)

  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the whole wheat penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent.

  3. Add mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.

  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.

  5. Toss the cooked penne with the vegetable marinara sauce until well combined.

  6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.