Looking to level up your pasta game? These healthy pasta recipes are dietitian-approved and are sure to impress!
Whether it’s baked pasta recipes, vegetarian pasta recipes or vegan pasta recipes, you can’t go wrong by making one of these classic dishes. While you can make pasta a thousand different ways, we think it’s best when served with tomato sauce (or canned tomatoes) because it provides an added nutrition bonus!
Cooked tomato products (found in canned tomato products like pasta sauce) contain an ingredient called lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been proven to protect the body against many chronic diseases. Similar to most nutrients, it’s more natural to obtain lycopene from foods rather than supplements. In order to achieve maximum health benefits associated with lycopene, it is recommended to consume tomato products with a heart healthy fat, such as olive oil or avocado. That’s why we recommend enjoying lycopene and its health benefits through delicious foods such as these healthy pasta recipes. So, what are you waiting for? Enjoy some canned tomato products today!
Healthy pasta recipes that are dietitian-approved
Looking to level up your pasta game? These healthy pasta recipes are dietitian-approved and are sure to impress!
If you’re craving pizza and pasta, who says you can’t have both? This Instant Pot Pizza Pasta combines the flavors of two Italian classics, and can be finished cooking in only 10 minutes. What’s not to love?
This simple Italian comfort casserole really is the perfect meal when you need something easy, healthy, and homemade that everyone will love. Easily customize it by using gluten-free pasta and adding some chopped veggies to the Baked Ziti with meat.
Tired of the same old spaghetti and meatballs every week? Shake up your pasta routine with this quick and easy Puttanesca Pasta. Puttanesca is a classic Italian sauce consisting of anchovies, tomatoes, olives, and capers, creating the perfect balance of salty and savory.
Looking for a filling, plant-based meal to switch things up? This walnut and mushroom ragu is sure to impress you and your family! Filled with flavor and bursting with nutrition, this recipe is one that you will turn to again and again. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, as you can get it on the table in under an hour.
This lasagna will fool dairy lovers with its rich tofu ricotta and bold flavors. With high protein ingredients it'll satisfy active individuals while repairing muscle, too!
This tofu tomato pasta sauce is packed with veggies, fiber, and plant-based protein! It's such a quick, go-to weeknight dinner idea and is an awesome way to clear out the fridge.
This delicious, no-fail Vegan Baked Mediterranean Lasagna is rich with the warm, sunny flavors of the Mediterranean—onions, eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, basil, artichokes, olives, herbs and tomatoes, layered with home-made cashew ricotta and plant-based cheese.
This Healthy Ground Turkey Pasta Bake is easy to make, balanced and delicious. Made with whole grain spaghetti, no-sugar-added pasta sauce, lean ground turkey & with veggies added, it makes a great meal prep meal or weeknight dinner option! Also makes great leftovers for work lunches & easy to customize.
Turn to marinara sauce and a cornucopia of vegetables—summer squash, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions—to make this Pasta with Marinara and Roasted Vegetables sing with rustic simplicity.
Who doesn’t love a big warm pan of comfort food on a cool and dreary day? This Creamy Tomato Baked Mac and Cheese is a new twist on an old classic. There are a lot of different variations of Mac and Cheese, but this is one that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Toasted ravioli is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or the main course. Whip up this decadent and creamy Vodka Dipping Sauce, and it will taste just like going to a fancy restaurant, but without the added cost.
If you’re craving pasta, then go ahead and whip up this delicious recipe for Nona’s Beef Ragu! This entire meal can be made in a slow cooker, which makes it perfect for any night of the week. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, which makes dinner time even easier.
While this entire recipe tastes delicious, the star ingredient is a jar of crushed tomatoes. Not only is this a quintessential ingredient for ragu, but it is also incredibly nutritious. Cooked tomato products (found in canned tomato products like pasta sauce) contain an ingredient called lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been proven to protect the body against many chronic diseases and even reduce the risk of stroke. Similar to most nutrients, it’s more natural to obtain lycopene from foods rather than supplements. In order to achieve maximum health benefits associated with lycopene, it is recommended to consume tomato products with a heart healthy fat, such as olive oil or avocado. That’s why we recommend enjoying lycopene and its health benefits through delicious foods such as this recipe for Nona’s Beef Ragu
You can feel good about serving this delectable meal to your family, and they will delight in the complex flavors. To make this meal extra special, serve with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Whether you’re enjoying this beef ragu for a Sunday family dinner or a simple weeknight meal for one, you’ll be satisfied.
Check out this video to learn how this recipe is made. So, what are you waiting for? Enjoy some canned tomato products today!
Nona’s Beef Ragu
If you’re craving pasta, then go ahead and whip up this delicious recipe for Nona's Beef Ragu! This entire meal can be made in a slow cooker, which makes it perfect for any night of the week. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, which makes dinner time even easier.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours10 minutes
Ingredients
1 Tbsp. olive oil
4 lbs. beef brisket, cut into 4 evenly sized pieces
1 onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 (14 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes
½ cup red wine
½ cup beef broth
4 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 beef bouillon cube
1 tsp. basil
1 tap. oregano
salt and pepper, to taste
1 ½ tsp. granulated sugar
2 bay leaves
2 tsp. cornstarch
2 Tbsp. water
Spaghetti, for serving
Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
Season brisket with salt and pepper. Heat one tablespoon of the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef into the pan and sear it on both sides until brown and crispy. Remove the beef from the pan and transfer it into a crock pot.
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil into the pan along with the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent then add the mixture into the crock pot. Mix until combined. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours until the beef easily falls apart when pulled with two forks.
Whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl until well combined. Pour the mixture into the crock pot. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Serve over spaghetti and garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
For other delicious pasta recipes, check out some of our favorites:
If you’re craving pizza and pasta, who says you can’t have both? This Instant Pot Pizza Pasta combines the flavors of two Italian classics, and can be finished cooking in only 10 minutes. What’s not to love?
Using an instant pot to make your meals not only saves time, but cuts down on the amount of dirty dishes as well! This entire meal can be made start to finish in one pot for easy cleanup. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, which makes dinner time even easier.
While this entire recipe tastes delicious, the star ingredient is tomato sauce. Not only does it marry the flavor of the pasta and the pizza, but it is also incredibly nutritious. Cooked tomato products (found in canned tomato productrs like pasta sauce) contain an ingredient called lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been proven to protect the body against many chronic diseases. Similar to most nutrients, it’s more natural to obtain lycopene from foods rather than supplements. In order to achieve maximum health benefits associated with lycopene, it is recommended to consume tomato products with a heart healthy fat, such as olive oil or avocado. That’s why we recommend enjoying lycopene and its health benefits through delicious foods such as this recipe. So, what are you waiting for? Enjoy some canned tomato products today!
Get the full recipe for Instant Pot Pizza Pasta by visiting our friends at Red Gold Tomatoes.
For other delicious pasta recipes, check out some of our favorites:
Tired of the same old spaghetti and meatballs every week? Shake up your pasta routine with this quick and easy Puttanesca Pasta. Puttanesca is a classic Italian sauce consisting of anchovies, tomatoes, olives, and capers, creating the perfect balance of salty and savory. Canned tomatoes are the star of this dish, providing bright color and flavor, as well as being a nutrition powerhouse. Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a cancer-fighting compound, as well as vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Plus, canned tomatoes actually have a higher lycopene content than fresh, as the cooking and canning process enhances the availability of the nutrient, making it easier for your body to absorb.
You can feel good about serving this delectable Mediterranean-inspired meal to your family, and they will delight in the complex flavors. To make this meal extra special, serve with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Whether you’re enjoying Puttanesca Pasta for a Sunday family dinner or a simple weeknight meal for one, you’ll be satisfied.
For the full recipe, visit our friends at Pacific Coast Producers.
For other delicious recipes, check out some of our favorites:
Turn to marinara sauce and a cornucopia of vegetables—summer squash, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions—to make this Pasta with Marinara and Roasted Vegetables sing with rustic simplicity.
Key ingredients for this pasta dish.
Arrange vegetables on a baking sheet, sprinkle with olive oil and seasonings, and then roast.
Yield: 4
Pasta with Marinara and Roasted Vegetables
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Ingredients
3 assorted small summer squash (i.e., scallop, yellow, zucchini), sliced
1 small eggplant, sliced
½ red onion, sliced
1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic, finely diced
2 teaspoons ground oregano
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sea salt to taste (optional)
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
12 ounces fresh pasta (may substitute dried pasta)
2 cups marinara sauce
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 F.
Arrange summer squash, eggplant, onions, and bell pepper on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Sprinkle with garlic, oregano, black pepper and sea salt. Toss together on pan to distribute ingredients.
Place on top rack of oven and roast for about 30 minutes, until golden brown and tender. When done, remove from oven and set aside.
To toast pine nuts, place them in a small baking dish in the hot oven for about 5 minutes while vegetables are roasting. Remove and set aside.
Meanwhile, bring water to boil in a medium pot. Add pasta and cook to al dente stage (according to package directions). Place in colander and rinse and drain.
Add marinara sauce to pot and heat until bubbling. Remove from heat and add cooked pasta, stirring gently to distribute ingredients.
Divide pasta with marinara sauce among 4 pasta bowls (or plates). Top with roasted vegetables, pinenuts, and fresh basil.
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