One of the first questions people ask me when they ask how I lost 100lbs was did I cut anything out? More specifically, did I cut out carbs. The simple answer is, I didn't cut out any food group - I just watched my portions. Pasta was very much a part of my "diet" (oh how I love pasta). Not only did I watch my portion sizes, but I made some healthier ingredient swaps to make my pasta dishes lighter.
This month I hosted the Pasta Please challenge from Tinned Tomatoes and I set the theme as healthy pasta or dishes that have been lightened up. There were lots of lovely and healthy pasta dishes that were entered and I have shared a round-up of these below. Remember, you don't have to cut anything out (unless you have dietary requirements of course), you just have to get a bit smarter with your cooking and make a few small changes.
More pasta recipes
If you’ve tried any of these pasta recipes, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Maria @ runningcupcake says
I like pasta- we have it with pesto and veggies, so delicious. We have started having gnocchi with tomato and basil sauce too, delish!
Dannii says
I love gnocchi. We only tried it about a year ago, but can't get enough of it now.
Jacqueline Meldrum says
Thanks for hosting Dannii. You had some great entries.
Dannii says
You're welcome :)
Jeanne Horak-Druiff says
Some pasta gems in here! Always nice to have some lighter pasta options in store for the summer months :)
Dannii says
Summer is all about the light pasta dishes, isn't it.
Kate @ Veggie Desserts says
So many lovely pasta recipes! I love the look of the gnocchi and the pasta with sweet potatoes. Yum!
Dannii says
I hope you enjoy trying them.
Chrissie says
Wonderful collection of ideas for pasta. So much nicer than tomato sauce out of a jar! my favourites are the creamy ones.
Dannii says
I love creamy pasta dishes too. Luckily they are easy to make healthier.
Rach @ This Italian Family says
Mmmm! I love pasta!
Dannii says
Me too!
Breige says
I'll be coming back to this whenever I plan to get pasta for dinner! It's nice to change things up. Recently I've been loving pasta with LOADS of veg and pesto mixed in as a sauce
Dannii says
I am loving pesto at the moment too. It is so quick.
Ellie says
Pasta is my weakness so these are great!
Dannii says
Mine too, but luckily it can be healthy too :)
Camilla @FabFood4All says
A fabulous selection of pasta dishes to inspire! I'm sure my daughter in particular would love most of these:-)
Dannii says
I hope she enjoys them :)
Megan says
Yum! the Spaghetti with Sweet Potatoes and Garlicky Chard looks epic! I think finding ways to make your fave dishes lighter is such a good idea! X
Dannii says
I am always looking for new creative ways to use sweet potato.
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong says
Amazing and healthy pasta recipes you have listed here.. ohh that prarn pasta looks mind blowing.. Yummm!!
Dannii says
Lots of delicious choice.