One of the easiest ways to get dinner on the table is to make pasta! It’s delicious, pairs well with many flavors, and can be a healthy meal (if you add the right ingredients). Here are 10 healthy pasta recipes that are perfect for dinner tonight – many of them are recipes full of veggies, chicken, and other good stuff. They’re great for families with kids or for serving a large crowd as pasta dinners tend to be cheap + filling.
Best Tips for Cooking Pasta
Pasta is cheap and easy to cook, but there are a few tips to follow to make sure your pasta is cooked perfectly!
- Plan your recipe so you are cooking your pasta as the last step. You don’t want your noodles done long before the sauce is ready – they’ll get clumpy and cold.
- Make sure to salt the water heavily (I recommend using Diamond Crystal Kosher salt) – it’s your one chance to get the pasta salted, but don’t add oil to it – it’ll make your pasta greasy.
- Make sure your water is at a roiling boil before adding your pasta.
- Stir the pasta occasionally while it’s boiling – this will keep it from sticking together.
- Cook your pasta till al dente – your pasta should be firm but tender.
- Drain the pasta in a colander but don’t dry it or rinse it with cold water.
- Reserve some of the pasta water and add it to your sauce – it’s starchy, so it helps the sauce stick to the noodles.
Healthy Pasta Recipes
Easy Lemon Chicken Pasta
This easy lemon chicken pasta is full of flavor! It’s a delicious, weeknight meal that you will love. The bright flavor of the lemon, mixed with the subtle leeks, spinach, and parmesan is unbelievably good!
Sicilian Pasta alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma is a classic, Sicilian dish that is full of rich flavors. The roasted eggplant and the slowly cooked tomato sauce are an incredibly satisfying combination.
Pasta with Pancetta and Tomato Sauce
The sauce is made from sautéed onions, crispy pancetta, garlic, and tomatoes. Topped with parmesan and herbs, this dish is versatile (it works with any pasta type), hearty, and perfect for a night when you want to eat a real meal but don’t have hours to cook.
Spring Minestrone Soup Recipe
This hearty, one-pot pasta and veggie soup is a delicious celebration of spring vegetables. Asparagus, spinach, and leeks all shine in this vegetarian minestrone soup. It’s easily made vegan by removing the cheese garnish.
Israeli Couscous Salad with Zucchini, Mozzarella, & Tomatoes
This Israeli couscous salad with zucchini, mozzarella, and tomatoes is hearty and full of bright flavors. It’s a delicious side dish or lunch option.
Orzo and Chicken Salad Recipe
This delicious orzo salad with shredded chicken, bell peppers, olives, and a wholegrain mustard dressing is a great weeknight meal.
Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Pasta Shells
I did not invent the spinach artichoke combo, but that should not dissuade you from making this delicious recipe. It’s a beautiful and delicious bowl of food!
Butternut Squash Macaroni & Cheese
Combining butternut squash, cheese, and pasta – what could be more perfect? I hope you enjoy this butternut squash macaroni and cheese recipe – it’s multi-step, but it comes together quickly.
Liked these healthy pasta recipes and need more delicious dinner inspiration? Check out our 17 Quick & Easy Chicken Dinners list or our 13 Easy & Delicious Pescetarian Recipes list.
