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.
Ami@NaiveCookCooks says
Love the pasta dishes you compiled here!! Thanks a ton!
Dannii says
You're welcome! I hope you enjoy trying them.
Katie @glutes and ladders says
That chili and prawn pasta looks amazing! You're completely right, portions are so much more important than cutting any one food. When I lost the bulk of my weight, I definitely didn't cut carbs.
Dannii says
I wish more people knew that they didn't have to cut things out, just watch their portions.
Nayna Kanabar (@SIMPLYF00D) says
What an amazing collection of pasta dishes.They look great.
Dannii says
Thanks :)
Dave says
I looooooove pasta! And all these look so good!
Dannii says
I know you do :p
Teresa says
After seeing your post about using courgette instead of spaghetti, we have been doing that and honestly, once all the sauce is on it, you really can't tell the difference.
Dannii says
Yay! I am glad that you like the idea. We have courgette noodles a lot of the time.
Kelly says
Healthy alfredo? Yes please!
Dannii says
I hope you enjoy it.
Cailee says
YUM! I love love LOVE spaghetti squash for a healthy 'pasta' dish!! ...Plus it's gluten free, naturally!! These look delicious and satisfying!! :)
Dannii says
I wish that it was easier to get spaghetti squash here in the UK.
Shobha says
I would love to try out creamy avocado pasta .. as I have never tasted it .
Dannii says
It's really good. One of our favourite meals.
[email protected] says
Oh I can't wait to try the healthy mac and cheese and the one with the sweet potatoes. Yumm....never thought to make it with sweet potatoes.
Dannii says
Healthy mac and cheese is almost life changing :)
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
I def want to try your creamy avocado pasta Danni
Dannii says
I hope you enjoy it!
Hayley says
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 says
Pasta is so quick and easy. It is a great meal that you can easily make healthy :)
Marisa says
Those all look awesome, especially the weeknight pasta in a flash!
Dannii says
I hope you enjoy trying it :)
Gemma says
Rocket is really good in pasta. Especially with some parmesan.
Dannii says
It really is. A good way to add some greens to your dish.
Urvashi says
Lots of great ideas there. thanks for including mine :-)
Dannii says
You're welcome :)
Emma says
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 says
Pesto and pasta is such a quick dish, we eat it quite often too.