Healthy Pasta Recipes For Two

Alfredo di Lello, the Roman restaurateur who created his signature sauce in the 1920s, might be startled to find this streamlined version that still tastes rich enough to satisfy those deep creamy-pasta cravings. The addition of zucchini boosts the nutritional profile. And when cut into thin strands, it can be twirled gracefully on a fork

Go fishing at your grocery store and you won't find a meal that is much easier, or healthier, than this one. Salmon is one of a few foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help prevent disease.

This soup recipe for two is inspired by the flavors and ingredients of paella, but unlike paella it's simple enough for a speedy weeknight dinner. If you can't find Spanish chorizo, use pepperoni (add a pinch of smoked paprika if you have it). Serve with warm whole-grain garlic bread.

Put your wok to work and whip up this easy stir-fry dinner-for-two in just 20 minutes. Bursting with chunks of swordfish and mixed vegetables, it tastes great served over rice or chow mein noodles.

Traditional macaroni and cheese is transformed by adding mushrooms, spinach, and tomato sauce. And it's ready in just 20 minutes!

In this braised cauliflower and squash penne pasta recipe, we cook the pasta and vegetables in broth rather than water to make this warming vegetarian pasta extra flavorful. The starch from the pasta and vegetables combines with the broth as it simmers and creates a silky sauce. And you can make the whole dish in just one pot, so cleanup is a breeze.

Lamb and eggplant are combined in dishes throughout the Mediterranean. Together they deliver a complex, hearty, earthy flavor that's truly satisfying. In this dish, toasted pine nuts and tangy feta cheese are excellent accents.

Sweet shrimp and fennel are just the thing to pair with spicy, garlicky tomato sauce in this healthy makeover of an Italian pasta recipe. If you're not a fan of heat, adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to taste. Serve with a green salad with a red-wine vinaigrette or sautéed green vegetables.

Simply toss the ingredients together and sit back while your slow cooker prepares this ultimate spaghetti and meatball dish.

Domestic white (or “button”) mushrooms stand in for the meat in this still-hearty variation of a classic sauce. Serve with a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan or a spoonful of part-skim ricotta cheese. Complete the meal with a crisp arugula salad.

Thin rice noodles, made from finely ground rice and water, can be found in large supermarkets. For this easy grilled chicken main dish recipe, thin spaghetti can be substituted as well.

Slices of pork tenderloin marinated in lime juice are the perfect accompaniment to an easy kale and gnocchi side. Add some steamed or roasted carrots to round out the meal.

Gorgeous-looking and lively tasting, this dish is rich in omega-3s, thanks to a double-hit of walnuts (nuts and oil). And although it's a bit pricy, walnut oil adds a distinctive, complementary flavor. You can also use it in a vinaigrette to top an accompanying salad.

Basil, garlic, nutmeg and pepper gently season this red, white and green Italian-style pasta entree.

Apples and mild white miso lightly sweeten this easy one-pot soup. It's got plenty of flavor with few ingredients, but feel free to add sliced scallions for a refreshing crunch or a dash of hot sauce for zing. Serve with toasted baguette with melted Cheddar cheese and a watercress salad.

This classic Roman pasta dish gets a jolt from crushed red pepper and garlic-infused oil.

Chopped tomatoes, fresh basil and Parmesan cheese update canned tomato soup.

Cutting the bok choy into long, thin strips mimic the long noodles in this pork stir-fry. We like Japanese soba noodles because they are made with buckwheat, which gives them a nutty flavor and a boost of fiber. You can also use mild-flavored rice noodles or whole-wheat spaghetti. Serve with sliced cucumbers dressed with rice-wine vinegar and a glass of sauvignon blanc.

Sauces made with heavy creams are loaded with calories and saturated fat. This recipe uses a peanut sauce that has all the richness of a cream sauce but with heart-healthy fats instead. Be careful--if using a store-bought sauce, check the ingredients list for added sugars!

This pretty vegetable and pasta main dish recipe scores high in flavor and nutrients. Each serving provides more than half the daily recommendations for vitamins A and C.

Orecchiette is a traditional ear-shaped pasta. This raw sauce is perfect for hot summer nights.

Fat-free sour cream adds extra richness without a lot of calories and fat to this quick turkey and pasta dinner for two.

Sure, orzo is good in soup, but there's no need to stop there. Here it's a base for a bold blend of spices, tomato sauce and flavorful ground lamb. The optional pinch of crushed red pepper will add the heat that many crave.

Italian ragus tend to be long-simmered dishes, but a French ragout is a quicker affair, a thick, cheesy stew. Tossed over pasta, this one is a true fusion, a halfway point between ragu and ragout.