24 Carrot Life images clockwise from top left: Cottage Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Lightened Up Summer Vegetable Lasagna, Crispy Prosciutto, Fresh Pea, and Mozzarella Whole Wheat Pasta, Weeknight “Baked” Ricotta Pasta, and Skinny Spaghetti and Meatballs from Pinch of Yum.
I’m gonna talk about the weather because I have this feeling that fall is right around the corner. It is already September, after all, and I’m excited for cooler weather since I had a limited (read: non-existent) winter in Mexico last year. Wherever I am, I always crave carb-heavy comfort foods like pasta when the weather gets cold. I mean, who doesn’t love pasta?!
The problem is that pasta isn’t the healthiest meal option, so I’m always looking for ways to make my favorite pasta dishes just a touch healthier. A key element missing from most pasta dishes is protein so I like to add chicken, “skinny” meatballs, or low fat ricotta cheese. And as hard as it is, I try to keep my portions in check, because pasta is still pasta no matter how healthy you try to make it. I also like to start off with a light salad so I’m not starving when I get to the pasta.
I rounded up 12 of my favorite lightened up pasta dishes so we can all get a head start on comfort foods for fall and winter. Many of these recipes are from my own blog, and a few others I have personally tried and I promise they are so delicious. You’ll wonder why you ever wasted time on the extra creamy, super cheesy, completely unhealthy options.
Check out Healthy Pasta Dishes
by Katie Oberwager at Foodie.com
This post is sponsored by Mode Media. I was compensated and all opinions are my own.
I love pasta. Can’t wait to make some of these… Well, the veggie ones. I don’t see myself making meatballs soon.
You could make lentil or black bean meatballs!
mmm that mac and cheese + lasagna looks to-die-for! I am all about the warm comfort food during the Fall + winter as well! It’s only human I think and I always go into the holidays knowing I’ll come out with a little extra fluff…but its so worth it 🙂 Love your recipe round up, cant wait to try the mac!
Definitely so worth it! Thanks, Selena. I hope you get to try some of the recipes soon!