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.
Jacqueline Meldrum
Thanks for hosting Dannii. You had some great entries.
Dannii
You're welcome :)
Jeanne Horak-Druiff
Some pasta gems in here! Always nice to have some lighter pasta options in store for the summer months :)
Dannii
Summer is all about the light pasta dishes, isn't it.
Kate @ Veggie Desserts
So many lovely pasta recipes! I love the look of the gnocchi and the pasta with sweet potatoes. Yum!
Dannii
I hope you enjoy trying them.
Chrissie
Wonderful collection of ideas for pasta. So much nicer than tomato sauce out of a jar! my favourites are the creamy ones.
Dannii
I love creamy pasta dishes too. Luckily they are easy to make healthier.
Rach @ This Italian Family
Mmmm! I love pasta!
Dannii
Me too!
Breige
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
I am loving pesto at the moment too. It is so quick.
Ellie
Pasta is my weakness so these are great!
Dannii
Mine too, but luckily it can be healthy too :)
Camilla @FabFood4All
A fabulous selection of pasta dishes to inspire! I'm sure my daughter in particular would love most of these:-)
Dannii
I hope she enjoys them :)
Megan
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
I am always looking for new creative ways to use sweet potato.
[email protected] The Gastronomic Bong
Amazing and healthy pasta recipes you have listed here.. ohh that prarn pasta looks mind blowing.. Yummm!!
Dannii
Lots of delicious choice.
[email protected]
Love the pasta dishes you compiled here!! Thanks a ton!
Dannii
You're welcome! I hope you enjoy trying them.
Katie @glutes and ladders
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
I wish more people knew that they didn't have to cut things out, just watch their portions.
Nayna Kanabar (@SIMPLYF00D)
What an amazing collection of pasta dishes.They look great.
Dannii
Thanks :)
Dave
I looooooove pasta! And all these look so good!
Dannii
I know you do :p
Teresa
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
Yay! I am glad that you like the idea. We have courgette noodles a lot of the time.
Kelly
Healthy alfredo? Yes please!
Dannii
I hope you enjoy it.
Cailee
YUM! I love love LOVE spaghetti squash for a healthy 'pasta' dish!! ...Plus it's gluten free, naturally!! These look delicious and satisfying!! :)
Dannii
I wish that it was easier to get spaghetti squash here in the UK.
Shobha
I would love to try out creamy avocado pasta .. as I have never tasted it .
Dannii
It's really good. One of our favourite meals.
[email protected]
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
Healthy mac and cheese is almost life changing :)
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry
I def want to try your creamy avocado pasta Danni
Dannii
I hope you enjoy it!