Preparing a delicious pasta dish is hard work, especially when you’re counting calories. Everything is a factor to take into account: the type of pasta, the sauce and, above all, the toppings. But don’t worry, here are simple low-calorie dishes that don’t compromise on flavor:
Tropical pesto pasta
Amount of calories: 465 calories
What do you need:
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2 cups spaghetti, cooked al dente
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6 garlic cloves
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2 cups loose baby spinach leaves
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1 cup tightly packed basil leaves
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1/2 cup Pecorino-Romano cheese, cubed
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1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
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1/4 cup lemon juice
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2 tablespoons of olive oil
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1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
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1/4 teaspoon salt
In a food processor, grate the Romano cheese until coarse, about 30 seconds. Add the garlic and process again until well combined with the cheese. Add the baby spinach, basil leaves, walnuts, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt and process again until the mixture becomes a thick paste. Carefully pour olive oil over the mixture and process until the oil is incorporated. Place the cooked pasta in a serving bowl and top with the sauce. Toss to coat.
Tomato Penne and Beans
Amount of calories: 460 calories
What do you need:
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1 cup penne pasta, cooked al dente
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3 1/2 cups Italian-style diced tomatoes
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2 1/4 cups cannellini beans
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1 1/4 cups fresh spinach
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
In a large nonstick skillet, combine the tomatoes and cannellini beans and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Add spinach to skillet; cook and stir for 2 more minutes until the leaves have wilted. Arrange the cooked penne on a serving plate and pour the sauce over it. Top with feta cheese.
light zucchini pasta
Amount of calories: 290 calories
What do you need:
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1 cup linguini pasta, cooked al dente
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3 zucchini, grated
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt
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1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic until golden. Add a handful of zucchini and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the rest of the zucchini and continue cooking for about 3 more minutes. Place the cooked pasta in a serving bowl and toss with the cooked zucchini, yogurt, and Cheddar cheese. Season with salt and black pepper before serving.
Now you can enjoy a delicious pasta dish without guilt and without counting calories. Try any of these healthy, low-calorie pasta dishes now!
