Healthy Pasta Recipes: Light and Flavorful Dishes for Every Taste

Craving healthy pasta recipes that don’t skimp on flavour? Nowadays, you no longer have to feel guilty to enjoy a plate of pasta. Healthy recipes are widely available, from hearty spaghetti napoli to spoonful penne norma.

Whether you prefer gluten-free alternatives or need quick and easy ideas for a weeknight dinner, our recipes have you covered. Are you ready to cook pasta dishes with a healthy twist?

Let's explore our simple yet delicious ways to cook pasta with healthier ingredients and seasonings!

Spaghetti Napoli

This dish features a classic Neapolitan sauce made from garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, and basil. Besides spaghetti, this sauce is also often paired with penne or rigatoni. Some variations include meat, olives, mushrooms, or vegetables. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 cups puréed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 300g spaghetti
• Shaved Parmesan cheese
• 1-2 cups of chopped zucchini or spinach

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in your pot or frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook and stir it occasionally until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Add zucchini or spinach to the sautéed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they wilt.
4. Stir in the puréed tomatoes, then add the basil, oregano, and thyme.
5. Season with pepper and salt.
6. Lower the stove’s heat and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavours to meld together.
7. While the sauce simmers, cook your spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until it becomes al dente.
8. Drain the pasta and toss it in the Napoli sauce, ensuring each strand is coated with the sauce.
9. Serve your pasta in bowls and garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese.

Tagliatelle Norma

This is a delightful twist on a Sicilian classic. The wide, flat pasta holds the rich tomato and eggplant sauce perfectly. It's a must-try for foodies. Check out our recipe here:

Ingredients:

• Tagliatelle (gluten-free or whole wheat)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for a light spray)
• 1 medium eggplant, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Basil
• Ricotta salata

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Spread eggplant chunks on a baking sheet and drizzle with a light spray of olive oil.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Roast the eggplant for 20-25 minutes until it is tender and golden brown.
• In your skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the diced eggplant (from the oven) and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 10-15 minutes.
• Add red pepper flakes and garlic for 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Purée the crushed tomatoes in a food processor or blender until smooth.
• Pour the puréed tomatoes into the skillet with the garlic and red pepper flakes.
• Season it with black pepper and salt.
• Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, thickening slightly.
• While the sauce is simmering, cook the instant tagliatelle according to the package instructions. Once ready, drain and set aside.
• Plate the cooked tagliatelle and spoon the Norma sauce generously over it.
• Scatter the fried eggplant on top, followed by the sautéed onion.
• Finish the dish by generously grating ricotta salata over the top and sprinkling with fresh basil.

Potato Gnocchi Mushroom Truffle

Gnocchi with mushroom truffle sauce is renowned for its soft, pillowy texture and rich flavour with a rich, earthy, and slightly garlicky flavour. Here’s our guide to making homemade potato gnocchi with mushroom truffle sauce:

Ingredients

• 1 kg russet potatoes
• 2 medium eggs
• 1 1/2 cups sifted flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• A mix of crimini mushrooms and shiitake, sliced
• Fresh thyme
• 1/8 cup cream
• A drizzle of truffle oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Spinach or kale

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes until tender. Once cooled, peel and mash them.
2. Mix the mashed potatoes with eggs, grated Parmesan, sifted flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Work the mixture into a dough, then roll it into long ropes.
4. Cut the ropes into small pieces and press each one gently with a fork to create the classic gnocchi shape.
5. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan.
6. Add the garlic and cook until the minced garlic begins to brown.
7. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook the mushrooms until they are golden and softened.
8. Add kale or spinach to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
9. Season with salt and pepper, then add several tablespoons of the gnocchi cooking water to help create a smooth sauce.
10. Stir in the cream and finish with a drizzle of truffle oil for that rich, earthy flavour.
11. Boil salted water in a large pot.
12. Drop the gnocchi into the water, cook them until they rise to the surface and use a slotted spoon to remove them.
13. Toss the cooked gnocchi in the mushroom sauce.
14. Serve it in serving plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan.

Ricotta Gnocchi Napoli

This dish features soft, pillowy gnocchi with a light, delicate texture. Paired with a rich Napoli sauce made of tomatoes, onion, olive oil, and basil, it offers a tangy, savoury flavour. Follow this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and puréed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme), finely chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 500g instant gnocchi (store-bought)
• Salt
• Shaved Parmesan cheese
• Spinach or kale

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan.
2. Use medium heat.
3. Add the finely chopped carrot and onion, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant.
4. Add spinach or kale to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the puréed tomatoes, season with pepper and salt, and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes until it thickens.
6. Stir in fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) and adjust the seasoning to taste.
7. Fill a large pot with salted water and boil it.
8. Add the instant gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface).
9. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi.
10. Plate the cooked gnocchi and generously pour the Napoli sauce over the top.
11. Finish by sprinkling shaved Parmesan cheese on top, and enjoy your quick, healthy dish!

Penne Norma

Penne Norma is a popular Sicilian dish featuring perfectly cooked penne, tomato sauce, crispy fried eggplant, and ricotta salata. It typically serves as a first course (primo). Here's the recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 450g Penne Rigate (gluten-free or whole wheat)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• A light spray of olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 large eggplant, cut into ¾-inch chunks
• 680g plum tomatoes, cut into ½-inch chunks
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn (plus extra for garnish)
• 3/4 cup light or part-skim ricotta cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spread the eggplant chunks on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the eggplant is tender and golden brown.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
5. Add the sliced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
6. Stir in the red pepper flakes.
7. Add the chopped plum tomatoes and tomato paste, then season with salt and pepper.
8. Simmer the tomato sauce for 15-20 minutes, until it thickens and the flavours meld together.
9. Boil a pot of salted water.
10. Cook your penne for about 11 minutes or until al dente.
11. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, then toss the penne with the tomato sauce and torn basil leaves.
12. Serve the penne in bowls, top with the roasted eggplant, and add generous dollops of ricotta cheese. Enjoy!

If you’re looking to enjoy hearty Italian dishes without compromising on health, these recipes are perfect to try at home. From creamy gnocchi to Penne Rigate with roasted eggplant, each recipe brings authentic flavours and wholesome ingredients to your table.

Want healthier pasta alternatives? These recipes are your guide to making delicious, balanced meals with ease. For more inspiration and authentic Italian dining, visit Piccolino Woodfired Pizza and Homemade Pasta to explore our offerings and tips. Buon appetito!

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