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.
Hayley
Your mac and cheese and avocado pasta sound insanely good. Everything else sounds delicious too. I have lots of new recipes to try now, as pasta is always a winner in our house.
Dannii
Pasta is so quick and easy. It is a great meal that you can easily make healthy :)
Marisa
Those all look awesome, especially the weeknight pasta in a flash!
Dannii
I hope you enjoy trying it :)
Gemma
Rocket is really good in pasta. Especially with some parmesan.
Dannii
It really is. A good way to add some greens to your dish.
Urvashi
Lots of great ideas there. thanks for including mine :-)
Dannii
You're welcome :)
Emma
These pasta dishes look so yummy! I'm always mixing in simple pesto and pine nuts with mine which is delicious but I need a change so I've bookmarked this page for the next time I cook pasta
Dannii
Pesto and pasta is such a quick dish, we eat it quite often too.
Lisa Mallis
WOW - what a great resource! I'm thrilled I found you through the UBC. I have bookmarked this page! I'm looking forward to trying out Weeknight Pasta in a Flash!
Dannii
Welcome to the blog :)
Julie
Healthy mac and cheese? I am definitely going to have to make that!
Dannii
It is awesome!
Lucie
Your recipes always make me drool! And I'm totally with you on the pasta front, it's been a face comfort food of mine since childhood!
Dannii
I love a hearty bowl of pasta in winter - it is very comforting.
Steph
Sweet potato and pasta? Isn't that too many carbs?
Dannii
Everyone has different needs. If you are training a lot, then you need the extra carbs.
Courtney @RunningforCupcakes
I found myself saying yum to all of these! I will definitely be trying out these recipes soon!
Dannii
Writing the post made me hungry too.
Lucy
That creamy broccoli one looks recipe good. Kind of reminds me of broccoli and Stilton soup, but mixed in with pasta.
Dannii
That sounds like a great combo. I am going to do that for a quick meal.
Alex@vegginout
Yummm, what a great collection of pasta dishes!! I love pasta too, and one of my favorite ways to enjoy it is with a no-bake pasta sauce with fresh tomatoes and herbs, olives, capers, feta cheese, and olive oil. It's perfect for summer! I really want to try that avocado pasta. I've seen it a couple different places, and it just looks so creamy and delicious!
Dannii
We make that too and we call it summer spaghetti. I love no cook sauces.
Deborah
This all looks so good. I would like some more pasta dishes with chicken breast in it, as that always goes down well in our house.
Dannii
I will add it to the list :)
Brynn
I can't wait to try the healthy mac and cheese. My husband is a big fan, but I'd like to make it vs out of a box. Looks delicious....ok, they all do!!
Dannii
It is so much better than the box stuff and still really easy to make.
Melanie
I would love a healthy recipe for a carbonara. It is my favourite pasta dish, but so unhealthy.
Dannii
There is one in the Italian section of my recipes :)
Indigo
Yum! I am hungry now looking at all these recipes. I look forward to trying some.
Dannii
It made me hungry writing it :)
allison
Great roundup! I LOVE pasta and need to try some of these recipes.
Dannii
Pasta is one of the best things ever. To eat, anyway.
Lauren
I love your avocado pasta so much. I make it every week (sometimes twice a week) and I have still not got bored with it. Thanks for the recipe!
Dannii
Yay! I am so glad you like it.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
What a great round-up of pasta dishes! I love that these are healthy. Makes you feel a little less guilty about indulging in all the carbs!
Dannii
I am all about the carbs! I keep pretty active, so it's all good :)
Jess
I would love some more quick pasta dishes. Nothing where the sauce takes too long or where meat has to be cooked for a long time.
Dannii
I have lots more quick meals coming up soon :)