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This collection of 40+ dietitian-created easy, healthy pasta recipes will show you that pasta can be a healthy choice! These recipes use simple ingredients that pack in tons of flavour and nutrition benefits. You’ll find nutritious shrimp pastas, other seafood pastas, vegan options, pasta salads, and more!
Have you ever wondered if pasta is healthy? Or maybe you’ve been told that it “isn’t good for you?”
You may be surprised to hear that as a registered dietitian, pasta is one of my favourite foods – I think it’s actually an excellent way to get in a ton of nutrients (and veggies!)
Why? Pasta itself is actually a VERY simple food – basically just made from wheat flour and water.
Pasta also obviously tastes delicious and is a comforting food to many people. If this is what it takes to get in a ton of vegetables and nutrition, I say go for it!
What Makes These Pastas A Healthy Option?
The key to making pasta a healthy choice? It’s what you prepare WITH the noodles!
Pasta is such a great vehicle for pairing with:
- tons of vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber
- quality proteins, like seafood, meat, or plant-based options like tempeh
- healthy fats, like olive oil or sauces made from various nuts and seeds
This unique combinations of fat, protein, fiber, and carbohydrates creates a balanced meal that provides you with energy, while preventing those unwanted spikes and crashes in blood sugar.
TIP: If you’d like to increase the nutrient content of these pastas even more, why not try a pasta made from lentils or chickpeas? These are rich in fiber and plant-based protein! And if you’re gluten-free, there are some awesome gluten-free pastas out there, made from whole grains like brown rice or quinoa.
In this post, I’ve rounded up 40+ healthy pasta recipe ideas that include all the nutrition benefits above. Here you’ll find plenty of:
- shrimp pastas
- other seafood pastas
- vegan + vegetarian pastas
- pasta sauces
- pasta alternatives
I’d love to know which of these healthy pasta recipes you end up making. Let’s get cooking!
Shrimp Pasta Recipes
In this section you’ll find healthy shrimp pastas and pasta salads! I gave shrimp it’s own category, since it’s one of the most popular pasta protein pairings 🙂
1. Pasta With Veggies, Zoodles & Garlic Shrimp
Proving pasta can be a healthy option, this easy pasta recipe is packed with fresh veggies, zoodles, tomatoes, spinach, herbs and garlic prawns.
Get the recipe
2. Winter Pasta Salad
Winter Pasta Salad With Roasted Vegetables
This Winter Pasta Salad is made with oven-roasted butternut squash, broccoli, and mushrooms, as well as arugula, shrimp, and a thyme-mustard vinaigrette. This recipe is easy, healthy, and can be made dairy-free, gluten-free, and/or vegan if needed.
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3. Basil Walnut Pesto Linguine With Shrimp
This basil-walnut pesto pasta recipe is made with linguine noodles, fresh arugula, and sautéed shrimp (both fresh and frozen shrimp work well). It’s a simple, healthy, 30-minute pasta dinner that’s packed with good-for-you ingredients.
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4. Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad With Shrimp
Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad With Shrimp
This roasted veggie pasta salad is packed with balanced nutrition and tons of antioxidants! Perfect to make for an easy weeknight dinner, packed lunch, or to bring to your next summer BBQ.
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5. Lemon Orzo Salad With Shrimp
Summer Lemon Orzo Salad
This lemon orzo salad is served with feta, zucchini, and shrimp. Light, delicious, and easy – enjoy it as a cold summer pasta salad!
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6. Creamy Harissa Pasta With Shrimp
This harissa pasta recipe pairs the most deliciously creamy sauce made from harissa, tahini, smoked paprika, and nutritional yeast with 4 different kinds of vegetables and (optional) shrimp for added protein. It's easy to make, so flavourful, and incredibly nutritious!
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Other Seafood Pastas
In this section you’ll find healthy pasta recipes using seafood other than shrimp. We’ve got recipes featuring seared scallops, canned mackerel, and tuna!
7. Seared Scallops & Zucchini Noodle Pasta
Pan Seared Scallops and Zucchini Noodle Pasta
This simple Pan Seared Scallops and Zucchini Noodle Pasta is a nutritious, healthy, and balanced weeknight meal. Dinner in 30 minutes! Gluten-free and dairy-free versions available.
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8. Mediterranean Canned Mackerel Pasta
30-Minute Mediterranean Canned Mackerel Pasta Recipe
This quick + easy canned (tinned) mackerel pasta recipe is packed with heart-healthy omega-3s, protein, and micronutrients! Nutritious, delicious, and ready in 30-minutes – this is one of the most popular recipes on my blog for a reason.
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9. No-Mayo Tuna Pasta Salad
Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad
This Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe is easy, fast, and healthy. Made without mayo and ready in 20-minutes! Perfect for a make-ahead meal.
Recipe is dairy-free and can be gluten-free if using gluten-free pasta.
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10. Tuna Tomato Pasta Bake
Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole (Pasta Bake)
A healthy twist on classic tuna noodle casserole! This tuna pasta bake is packed with protein, veggies, and tomato sauce. Only 10 ingredients, it's easy, nutritious and the perfect pasta for dinner. Recipe uses canned tuna as a convenient, quality protein source that makes this meal so filling and satisfying!
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11. Canned Salmon Pasta With Spinach & Broccoli
This healthy canned salmon pasta recipe is made with spinach, broccoli, and lemon. It's such a quick and easy dinner option! Filled with protein, healthy fats, and lots of fiber-rich veggies.
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12. Canned Mackerel Pasta Salad
Easy Canned Mackerel Pasta Salad
This Canned Mackerel Pasta Salad is an excellent source of omega-3s, protein, and tons of veggies. Super delicious, ready in 30 mins, and great for meal prep or a packed lunch!
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13. Tuna Pasta Salad With Pesto
Tuna Pasta Salad With Pesto
This Tuna Pasta Salad With Pesto is an easy, healthy make-ahead lunch idea. It's made with protein-packed canned tuna and a dairy-free hemp seed pesto. Simple, delicious, and ready in 30 minutes!
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Vegan & Vegetarian Pastas
In this section you’ll find vegan and vegetarian pasta options. I’m a huge fan of using cashew cream to make a creamy plant-based pasta sauce, as well as replacing ground meat with protein-packed ground tempeh!
14. Pasta With Cashew Cream Tomato Sauce
Pasta With Vegan Cashew Cream Tomato Sauce
This nutrient-dense and deliciously creamy pasta comes together so quickly. A perfect option for anyone who is vegan, dairy-free, or who just wants to switch things up!
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15. Tofu Tomato Pasta With Vegetables
Easy Tofu Tomato Pasta With Vegetables
This tofu tomato pasta sauce is packed with veggies, fiber, and plant-based protein! It's such a quick, go-to weeknight dinner idea and is an awesome way to clear out the fridge. Feel free to customize it (see ideas in notes)! Recipe is vegan + can be made gluten-free.
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16. Baked Tomato Pasta With Eggs & Feta
This baked tomato pasta recipe is made with tomato sauce, feta cheese, eggs, fresh basil, vegetables, and a bunch of delicious spices. It's an easy, healthy, vegetarian meal that's ready in about 30 minutes! This recipe can be made gluten-free and dairy-free if needed.
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17. Creamy Goat Cheese Tomato Pasta
Creamy Goat Cheese Tomato Pasta
This goat cheese tomato pasta recipe is so quick and easy to prepare. Goat cheese gets stirred into the pasta sauce making it extra creamy and SO delicious. It's made with simple, healthy ingredients and is packed with fiber-rich veggies – perfect for a weeknight dinner!
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18. Creamy Tahini Pasta
Creamy Tahini Pasta (25-Minutes!)
This creamy, vegan tahini pasta recipe is made with one of my favourite "cheesy" miso tahini sauces. It's delicious, quick to make, and nutritious. Feel free to add extra veggies, like broccoli!
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19. Lemon Artichoke & Spinach Pasta
The classic flavour combination of spinach and artichoke without the use of cream cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream! This lemon and artichoke pasta with spinach is a quick, healthy, and delicious pasta dinner recipe. It’s packed with nutritious veggies and full of fresh flavours. Feel free to serve with an additional protein, like shrimp or chicken.
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20. Kale Pasta Salad With Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Kale Pasta Salad With Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This kale pasta salad is made with sun-dried tomatoes, red bell peppers, parmesan, and a simple red wine vinaigrette. It's an easy, delicious, and nutritious make-ahead meal! Recipe is vegetarian and can easily be made gluten-free.
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21. Eggplant Pasta Bake
This cozy eggplant pasta recipe combines nutritious veggies like eggplant (aubergine), zucchini, kale, and tomatoes for a super flavourful and delicious vegetarian pasta bake. It's topped with cheeses like parmesan and ricotta, which get nice and melty in the oven! Gluten-free option included.
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22. Baked Spaghetti Frittata With Veggies
Baked Spaghetti Frittata With Veggies
This oven-baked spaghetti frittata recipe is packed with veggies, fibre, and protein! It's nutritious, easy to make, and an awesome option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Bonus: it's great for meal prep AND for using up leftover pasta!
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23. Tempeh Tomato Sauce Pasta
Vegan Crumbled Tempeh Tomato Sauce Pasta
This plant-based tomato pasta sauce uses crumbled, ground tempeh to increase the protein content of the dish for a filling, nutritious weeknight meal! Recipe is vegan and easily made gluten-free.
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24. Vegetarian Taco Pasta Bake
Healthy Taco Pasta Bake (Vegetarian)
This vegetarian taco pasta bake is made with crumbled tofu, plenty of vegetables, taco sauce, salsa, and melty cheddar cheese. It's such an easy, delicious, and nutritious dinner idea that is perfect for meal prep and batch cooking.
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25. Simple Carrot Pasta
Simple Carrot Pasta (30-Minutes)
This 30-minute carrot pasta recipe is a simple and delicious way to add more vegetables to your pasta! It's only 10 ingredients and so easy to make. Recipe is vegan and can easily be made gluten-free
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26. Roasted Red Pepper Cashew Cream Pasta
Roasted Red Pepper Cashew Cream Pasta (Vegan)
This vegan/dairy-free Roasted Red Pepper Cashew Cream Pasta is super quick and easy to make, nutrient-dense, and deliciously creamy!
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27. Baked Pesto Pasta
Easy Baked Penne Pesto Pasta
This 6-ingredient, oven-baked penne pesto pasta is an easy and cozy vegetarian dinner idea. Pasta is tossed with broccoli, cremini mushrooms, and pesto sauce, topped with shredded cheese, and baked in the oven until the cheese is melted, browned, and delicious!
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28. Bruschetta Pasta Salad
Bruschetta Pasta Salad (With Sourdough Breadcrumbs!)
This cold bruschetta pasta salad is made with juicy cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh basil. Homemade sourdough breadcrumbs add the perfect crunch + bruschetta-inspired flavour! This recipe is seriously SO delicious – it's great for a dinner party, barbecue, or packed lunch.
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29. Miso Mushroom Pasta
Healthy Mushroom Pasta (No Cream!)
This mushroom pasta recipe is made with miso paste, garlic, shallots, lemon, parmesan, and parsley. It's a nutritious, lightened up pappardelle mushroom pasta made without heavy cream, butter, or wine! Can easily be made vegan, if desired.
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30. Lemon Kale Pasta With Eggs
Lemon Kale Pasta With Fried Eggs
This lemon kale pasta with fried eggs is one of my go-to, quick + easy dinner recipes! All you need to make this tasty and nutritious meal are 30-minutes and 7 simple ingredients.
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31. Cottage Cheese Pasta Bake
This super EASY cottage cheese pasta bake is made with tomato sauce, broccoli, spinach, and protein-packed cottage cheese. It's creamy on the inside, with a layer of crispy melted cheese and penne pasta on the top. Perfect for a healthy, vegetarian dinner for the whole family!
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32. Mushroom Cashew Cream Pasta
Vegan Mushroom Cashew Cream Pasta
This delicious mushroom cashew cream pasta sauce may taste decadent, but it's jam-packed with nutritious ingredients! Recipe is dairy-free, vegan, and can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta of choice.
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33. Caprese Pasta Salad
Refreshingly Simple Caprese Pasta Salad
Bursting with flavour, this caprese pasta salad recipe is easy to make, or make-ahead. It's perfect for a BBQ, picnic, or packed lunch idea. Balsamic vinaigrette and pesto dressing options included!
Get the recipe
Pasta Sauces
In this section you’ll find some of my favourite stand-alone pasta sauce recipes. All recipes are 100% plant-based, and can be used with other dishes (like grain bowls)!
34. Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce (4-Ingredients!)
All you need to make this cherry tomato sauce are 4 simple ingredients. It's incredibly simple to make, yet the flavours are so sweet and delicious! Quick, easy, and healthy – this sauce will transport you to the Tuscan countryside 😉
Get the recipe
35. Miso Tahini Sauce
5-Minute Miso Tahini Sauce
This creamy, "cheesy," and delicious miso tahini sauce is made with just 6 ingredients and takes only 5 minutes to make! It's a healthy vegan sauce that's perfect for pastas, grain bowls, and more!
Get the recipe
36. Vegan Hemp Seed Pesto
Vegan Hemp Seed Pesto
This homemade vegan hemp seed pesto is nutrient-dense and can be whipped up in just minutes! Recipe is nut, dairy, and gluten-free.
Get the recipe
37. Vegan Red Pesto (Sundried Tomatoes & Red Peppers)
Sun-Dried Tomato Red Pesto Sauce (Vegan)
With sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers, this vegan red pesto sauce is easy and delicious! Serve it with pasta, or use it as a dip or a spread. Easily made with or without nuts.
Get the recipe
38. Creamy Vegan Zucchini Pesto
20-Minute Zucchini Pesto Sauce (Vegan)
This quick 20-minute zucchini pesto sauce recipe is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and absolutely delicious. Raw, grated zucchini and fresh basil give this healthy homemade pesto sauce such a fresh taste and a generous serving of veggies in every bite. Serve it with pasta, grain bowls, as a spread, dip, and more!
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39. Creamy Ricotta Pesto
10-Minute Creamy Ricotta Pesto
This creamy homemade ricotta pesto recipe pairs perfectly with pasta, proteins, or veggies! It's quick, easy, nutritious, and tastes amazing.
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Pasta Alternatives
While not your typical wheat-based pastas, I felt like I should include these “pasta alternatives,” in case you feel like trying something a little different! I never think veggies should replace traditional pasta noodles, but I love having them to switch things up from time to time.
40. Spaghetti Squash With Kale Pesto & Shrimp
This healthy spaghetti squash recipe is served with a kale miso pesto and sautéed shrimp. It's dairy-free, gluten-free, and high in fibre and protein. All you need is 10 ingredients!
Get the recipe
41. Spaghetti Squash With Tomato Sauce
Baked Spaghetti Squash With Tomato Sauce
This easy baked spaghetti squash recipe is stuffed with tomato sauce, goat cheese, and spinach. It's a simple, healthy, and super comforting vegetarian dinner idea. All you need are 7 ingredients!
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42. Sweet Potato “Fettuccine” With Shrimp & Veggies
This Sweet Potato "Fettuccine" is made with tons of veggies and shrimp for protein! It's simple, fresh, and absolutely delicious. Recipe is ready in 30 minutes, and is both gluten- and dairy-free.
Get the recipe
43. Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Casserole
This Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Casserole is packed with vegetables and protein. Spaghetti squash is cooked and mixed with a tasty homemade tempeh bolognese, then topped with freshly grated parmesan and oven-baked for a delicious weeknight dinner. Vegan/dairy-free option available.
Get the recipe
And there you have it –40+ Easy, Healthy Pasta Recipesto cook and enjoy. I so hope you found some inspiration from this list!
More Recipe Round-Ups To Explore
- 20+ Easy, Healthy Vegetable Side Dish Recipes
- 15+ Easy, Healthy Egg Recipe Ideas
- 30 Healthy Plant-Based Breakfast Ideas
- 18 Healthy Lunch Ideas To Pack For Work
- 30+ Healthy Meal Prep Snack Recipes
If you make any of these recipes, don’t forget to tag me onInstagramorPinterest– seeing your creations always makes my day. You can alsosubscribe to my email listto never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!
Get the Recipe:40+ Easy, Healthy Pasta Recipes, Including Pasta With Garlic Shrimp
Proving pasta can be a healthy option, this easy pasta recipe is packed with fresh veggies, zoodles, tomatoes, spinach, herbs and garlic prawns. Plus more easy, healthy pasta recipes!
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 2 people
Print Pin
5 from 3 votes
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Ingredients
- Approx. 170 g pasta (enough for 2 people; choose gluten-free alternative if needed)
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 large zucchini, spiralized (or 2 small)
- Approx. 18 medium-to-large prawns (shrimp)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 a lemon, juice only (optional)
- Salt + pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano or nutritional yeast (dairy-free alternative)
Instructions
Bring a pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain when done.
Using a spiralizer, make noodles out of zucchini. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to make zucchini "ribbons," or just chop the zucchini into 1-inch pieces (see note).
Heat a large pan over medium and add 2 Tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, and oregano. Sauté for a minute, then add tomatoes and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook until spinach is wilted.
Heat another pan over medium-high heat and add remaining Tbsp of olive oil. Once hot, cook prawns for 1-2 minutes on each side. Prawns are cooked once they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat once done.
Add zucchini noodles, drained pasta, and fresh basil to the large pan with tomatoes and spinach. Stir together for 2 mins, adjusting spices to taste.
Serve pasta and top with prawns, lemon juice, freshly grated parmesan reggiano, and an extra drizzle of olive oil as desired. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
*If you don’t want to spiralize zucchini and prefer to chop it into smaller pieces, cook the zucchini at the same time as the tomatoes. The reason the zoodles are added at the end is because they cook very fast!
*Cooked zucchini can at times be very watery. If that’s the case, simply drain off the excess liquid before serving.
*For gluten-free version, simply use certified gluten-free pasta noodles.
*For dairy-free version, simply omit parmesan topping or swap with nutritional yeast or other dairy-free alternative.
*This is a loose recipe and can be modified based on what you have on hand. Try it with other sautéed veggies, like bell peppers, carrots, kale, broccoli, etc!
Nutrition
As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.
Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose
Keyword: pasta, pescetarian, prawns, vegetables, zoodles
Author: Carrie Walder
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy.
