Ah, pasta. We all love your taste, but few of us enjoy how stuffed and blah you leave us feeling. Whether it's your overload of carbs or the typical rich ingredients used to dress you up, most pasta recipes are just far too heavy. But we have you figured out—the following lighter options are free of bloating ingredients, low in sodium, and rich in healthy nutrients. Here's to a happier (less-puffy) pasta love affair. (Looking for more slimming recipes? Sign up to get healthy living tips, weight loss inspiration, and more delivered straight to your inbox!)
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1
Turkey Noodle Soup with Spinach
What do you get when you combine flat belly-friendly veggies with lean ground turkey and whole grain pasta? This delicious soup, that's what. While the poultry provides 14 satiating grams of protein, the veggies lend vitamin A and beta-carotene, nutrients shown to ward off heart disease and diabetes. (And for even more ways to stay free of chronic disease, don't miss these12 ways to never get diabetes.)
Get the full recipehere!
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2
Tangerine Sesame Noodles With Seared Scallops
With fewer than half the calories you'd find in a piece of flank steak, and 14 grams of muscle-preserving protein per 3-ounce serving, scallops are definitely among the best proteins for dieters. We love this pasta recipe as is, but if you want to dial back on the carbs and up your intake of vitamins C and A, add less spaghetti to the pot and double down on the snow peas and carrots. No matter how you make it, though, you’re sure to love the sweet and savory sauce that tops this mouthwatering dish.
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3
Noodlicious Ramen Salad
While ramen noodles aren't exactly known for being healthy, it's the flavor packets that are filled with most of the junk; the noodles are relatively harmless. With that in mind, be sure you buy a product that actually packages the pasta and the seasonings separately, like Top Ramen. To squeeze more servings out of this tasty, easy-to-make dish, toss it with some shredded cooked chicken and serve the duo over a bed of greens.
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4
Soba Noodles with Almond Sauce and Shredded Chicken
If you have leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie bird at home, you're well on your way toward creating this Asian-inspired dish. The almond butter adds a source of satiating healthy fats to the sauce, while the veggies and almonds lend an addictively crunchy texture to the main attraction. (Looking for more easy meals? Try one of these fool-proof stir-fry recipes from Prevention Premium.)
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5
Shrimp, Crab & Citrus Pasta Salad
Fresh lime and orange juices join with scallions to create a tangy sauce that will make you forget about the jar of marinara in the back of your cabinet. Mix the fresh sauce with shrimp, crabmeat, bow tie pasta, and a few key ingredients, and you've got yourself a healthy and flavorful meal in 30-minutes flat. (For even more quick and nutritious meals, don’t miss these16 speedy suppers ready in 30 minutes or less.)
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6
Ramen in Lemongrass-Ginger Broth with Poached Egg
We can assure you that this broth-based meal is well worth your efforts. While this soup is perfect for any day of the week, we love the idea of whipping it up after a tough workout; not only does thegingeradd a spicy flavor to this savory crock, it also helps soothe sore muscles.
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7
Mushroom Pasta
Nine pantry staples and some mascarpone are all it takes to create this decadent-looking dinner. While a single serving already packs 6 grams of fiber, you can get more bang for your caloric buck by using whole grain rigatoni instead of white noodles. Not sure if you're eating enough of the oft-praised nutrient? Read up on these5 signs your body wants you to eat more fiber.
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8
Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles
Asian seasonings are typically packed with salt—which can leave your stomach bloated and your taste buds begging for water. This recipe, however, calls for light-colored miso (you can find it in natural food stores), which tends to be sweeter and less salty than dark miso, making this stir-fry flat-belly friendly. To ensure an appetizing texture, take the rice noodles off the stove while they're still al dente.
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9
Cold Sesame Noodles with Chicken
If you love noodles that are chewy and soft, you're going to want to make this udon dish time and time again. This recipe is intended to be served cold, making it ideal for a repeat weekday lunch. Pair a one-cup serving with a hearty side salad for a filling meal loaded with bloat-reducing potassium, filling protein, and heart-healthy fats. (Curious which fatty foods can help you trim down? Don't miss these10 high-fat foods you should be eating more of, according to nutritionists.)
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10
Spicy Salmon and Rice Noodle Soup
Salmon in soup!? Yup, that's a thing! Take a break from the ordinary with this low-calorie, omega-3-packed bowl of goodness. The recipe combines spicy notes with cooling coconut milk to create a Malaysian flavor profile you just don't taste every day.
Get the full recipehere!