Stop everything: There’s a way to make your favorite noodle dishes even better. Yes, really. And all it takes is a simple swap of the base ingredient. If you use whole grain pasta, you get the same can’t-resist flavors but with more fiber, B vitamins, and protein. These 15 whole grain pasta recipes are the type of healthy comfort food that you’ll find yourself craving when hunger strikes.
Ready in 20 minutes, this fresh meal of spelt spaghetti with vegetables fits the bill. (via Stefanie Gold Marie)
Whole Grain Penne With Spinach, White Beans, and Garlic
When you have a dish made with two starches (pasta and beans), sometimes you need an extra boost of color and flavor. Spinach adds some verdant freshness to this meal, while a garlic, chili, and anchovy oil cuts through any lingering heaviness. (via Avocado a Day Nutrition)
Hearty whole wheat penne and a creamy, smokey, hummus-based sauce will make this a new favorite meal. (via Simply Sissom)
Creamy like carbonara but egg-free, this smokey bacon and spinach pasta is bound to be a winner. Brown sugar is the secret ingredient that gives the sauce just the right balance of flavor. (via Sizzling Eats)
Whole Wheat Spaghetti With Zoodles and Prosciutto
Make your favorite pasta dish a little healthier by using a mixture of half whole wheat spaghetti and half zucchini noodles. Toss with crispy prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a fresh and healthy meal. (via Avocado a Day Nutrition)
Lemon is always key to making creamy dishes taste light. It also helps brighten the flavor of the Brussels sprouts in this recipe. (via The Pretend Baker)
Pasta doesn’t have to be a boring weeknight meal. Made with little scoops of orecchiette, this dish plays with a variety of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. (via Pumpkin & Peanut Butter)
Mushrooms and lentils are a savory duo that add deep flavor to this spaghetti. Add in some kale so you get your daily fix of greens, and don’t forget a sprinkle of Parm on top. (via The Last Food Blog)
Soup is always more exciting with some sort of noodle action in the mix. Penne, sausage, veggies, and herbs give this cozy pot of soup a flavorful Italian flair. (via From a Chef’s Kitchen)
Whole wheat spaghetti forms the base for these healthy bowls filled with salmon, asparagus, and refreshingly cool cucumber. (via The Blond Cook)
Getting a nutritious meal on the table isn’t difficult when you have recipes like this on hand. Whole wheat pasta, cheese, sauce, and veggies cook low and slow to create this satisfying dinner. (via Well Plated)
Briny olives load this meal of whole grain spaghetti, chicken, and tomatoes with flavor. Best of all, it’s made in one skillet… so you have less dishes to worry about at the end of the night. (via ifoodreal)
Savory, juicy turkey meatballs help keep your favorite comfort food on the healthier side. Add a fresh tomato-basil sauce and whole grain linguine for a complete meal. (via The Original Dish)
This creamy avocado pasta, tossed with asparagus and fresh herbs, tastes like spring. A squeeze of lemon gives it a sunny flavor that will put a smile on your face after just one bite. (via Well Plated)
Mushrooms sautéed in butter will fill your house with an irresistible smell when you cook this pasta dish. Combined with an earthy walnut pesto, it’s a meal that will soothe your soul. (via Pinch of Yum)
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Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.
FAQs
Whole-Wheat Pasta
Also called whole-grain pasta, this type of pasta keeps the bran, endosperm, and germ of the grain together. It's filled with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This helps you feel full longer and keeps your blood sugar from spiking. It also has a little over 8 grams of protein per cup cooked.
What does whole grain pasta do for your body? ›
In addition to improving cardiovascular health, whole wheat pasta serves up a good source of fiber, which can support your digestive system and lower risk for diseases like diabetes.
Is whole grain pasta healthier than regular pasta? ›
Whole-wheat pasta, compared to traditional refined pasta, reduces the impact on blood sugar because of its protein and fiber content. In addition, think about adding protein, healthy fats and fiber to the dish. This results in a lower ratio of pasta and a higher ratio of blood-sugar-balancing ingredients.
What can I add to pasta to make it healthier? ›
Try this today: You can easily give almost any pasta dish an easy upgrade by piling on the nutrient-dense ingredients, like veggies. I like making macaroni and cheese and mixing in chickpeas, broccoli, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts to make it a healthy, high fiber meal!
What is the healthiest pasta for weight loss? ›
In fact, whole wheat or whole grain pasta is the best option for weight loss as whole wheat pasta takes longer to digest than pasta made from refined flour. Slower digestion means blood sugar will rise slowly after consumption, preventing your body from storing excess fat.
Which pasta is 100% whole grain? ›
BARILLA WHOLE GRAIN PASTA, MADE WITH 100% WHOLE WHEAT!
Made with 100% whole wheat, Barilla Whole Grain pasta is all natural and an excellent source of fibre. Who knew eating this healthy could taste so good?
Can you eat whole grain pasta everyday? ›
Eating too much whole grain pasta can have some potential effects, but overall it is generally considered a healthy food choice. Whole grain pasta is a good source of fiber, complex carbohydrates, and nutrients, and can be a healthy part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
Can I eat whole grain pasta and lose weight? ›
Because pasta has a low glycemic index, it can help control blood sugar levels and lessen hunger sensations. According to one study, whole-grain pasta reduced appetite and increased fullness more than refined pasta. As a result, you consume fewer calories and are less likely to overeat harmful foods.
Can I eat pasta everyday? ›
It is possible to eat pasta daily and still be healthy. The key to eating pasta every day is to limit your portion size and supplement your pasta bowl with essential nutrients. The recommended portion size is two ounces of dry pasta or one cup of cooked pasta.
What's healthier rice or pasta? ›
A cup of rice contains about 250 calories and 53 grams of carbohydrates, putting it ahead of its pasta rival in calories and carbs. Compared to pasta, rice—brown and white—contains far less protein (roughly 2 grams per serving compared to pasta's 8 grams) and fiber (1 gram for brown rice, .
Oatmeal is a whole grain that can be a delicious, warm way to add whole grains to your eating patterns during the cold winter season. Oats are full of important nutrients like vitamins B and E, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
What is the healthiest sauce for pasta? ›
If you are buying a jarred or canned sauce, choose a tomato-based (marinara) sauce rather than a creamy sauce. Creamy sauces usually have more saturated fat and calories. Eating too much saturated fat has been linked to heart disease. Tomato-based sauces also contain more nutrients like vitamin A and lycopene.
What seasoning can you put on pasta? ›
We've combined basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and sage to provide a typically Italian touch. Whether you're making a salad, lasagne, cream sauce, bruschetta or colourful oven-roasted vegetables, you'll enjoy delicious dishes that are reminiscent of your favourite Italian restaurant.
What can I put on pasta without sauce? ›
Cheese is an excellent way to add flavor to your pasta without having to rely on sauce. Try mixing your angel hair pasta with goat cheese, and toss in sun-dried tomatoes to make an amazing meal with just a few ingredients. Garlic butter is a terrific way to season all types of noodles.
What type of pasta is lowest in carbs? ›
Palmini low-carb pasta uses the interior of a type of palm tree to create a pasta-like substitution. If you've ever had hearts of palm, the taste is somewhat unique (some people love it, and others hate it). As far as low carb noodles are concerned, Palmini is a great option with fewer carbs than most.
Can you eat pasta and still be healthy? ›
The key to eating pasta every day is to limit your portion size and supplement your pasta bowl with essential nutrients. The recommended portion size is two ounces of dry pasta or one cup of cooked pasta. To create a balanced and healthy pasta meal, try adding vegetables, chicken, or fish.
What pasta is not processed? ›
Non-Bleached Pasta is Minimally Processed
Non-bleached pasta is typically made from durum wheat semolina or whole wheat flour, giving it a slightly darker and more rustic appearance than bleached pasta.
Are rice noodles healthier than pasta? ›
Not just vitamin-enriched but even plain pasta has a lot more B-complex vitamins like riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, and folate than rice noodles. However, compared to regular pasta, rice noodles do have one advantage. It's their gluten-free composition.
Ready in 20 minutes, this fresh meal of spelt spaghetti with vegetables fits the bill. (via Stefanie Gold Marie)
When you have a dish made with two starches (pasta and beans), sometimes you need an extra boost of color and flavor. Spinach adds some verdant freshness to this meal, while a garlic, chili, and anchovy oil cuts through any lingering heaviness. (via Avocado a Day Nutrition)
Hearty whole wheat penne and a creamy, smokey, hummus-based sauce will make this a new favorite meal. (via Simply Sissom)
Creamy like carbonara but egg-free, this smokey bacon and spinach pasta is bound to be a winner. Brown sugar is the secret ingredient that gives the sauce just the right balance of flavor. (via Sizzling Eats)
Make your favorite pasta dish a little healthier by using a mixture of half whole wheat spaghetti and half zucchini noodles. Toss with crispy prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a fresh and healthy meal. (via Avocado a Day Nutrition)
Lemon is always key to making creamy dishes taste light. It also helps brighten the flavor of the Brussels sprouts in this recipe. (via The Pretend Baker)
Pasta doesn’t have to be a boring weeknight meal. Made with little scoops of orecchiette, this dish plays with a variety of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. (via Pumpkin & Peanut Butter)
Mushrooms and lentils are a savory duo that add deep flavor to this spaghetti. Add in some kale so you get your daily fix of greens, and don’t forget a sprinkle of Parm on top. (via The Last Food Blog)
Soup is always more exciting with some sort of noodle action in the mix. Penne, sausage, veggies, and herbs give this cozy pot of soup a flavorful Italian flair. (via From a Chef’s Kitchen)
Whole wheat spaghetti forms the base for these healthy bowls filled with salmon, asparagus, and refreshingly cool cucumber. (via The Blond Cook)
Getting a nutritious meal on the table isn’t difficult when you have recipes like this on hand. Whole wheat pasta, cheese, sauce, and veggies cook low and slow to create this satisfying dinner. (via Well Plated)
Briny olives load this meal of whole grain spaghetti, chicken, and tomatoes with flavor. Best of all, it’s made in one skillet… so you have less dishes to worry about at the end of the night. (via ifoodreal)
Savory, juicy turkey meatballs help keep your favorite comfort food on the healthier side. Add a fresh tomato-basil sauce and whole grain linguine for a complete meal. (via The Original Dish)
This creamy avocado pasta, tossed with asparagus and fresh herbs, tastes like spring. A squeeze of lemon gives it a sunny flavor that will put a smile on your face after just one bite. (via Well Plated)
Mushrooms sautéed in butter will fill your house with an irresistible smell when you cook this pasta dish. Combined with an earthy walnut pesto, it’s a meal that will soothe your soul. (via Pinch of Yum)