30 Low Calorie Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Now (2024)

FAQs

Which type of pasta has the lowest calories? ›

"Vegetable-based pastas, such as zucchini noodles or hearts of palm noodles, tend to be lowest in carbs and calories," says Sassos. "They are also packed with nutrient-dense vitamins and minerals and are naturally gluten-free.

Replace heavy sauces with low-calorie vegetable-based versions, such as fresh tomato sauce or a light pesto. You can also dress pasta with fresh herbs, garlic, and just a drizzle of olive oil.

Incorporating quality carbs, such as pasta, into meals is useful in preventing large fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which helps keep food cravings under control. Pasta is also a low-fat food, just be mindful of what sauce you pair it with!

Spaghetti has 221 calories for 1 cup (140 grams) of cooked spaghetti with no added salt, fat, or toppings. The calories are 80% carbs, 15% protein, and 5% fat.

The best bang for your buck when it comes to weight loss is chickpea pasta, according to Kaytee. "With twice as much fiber and protein, you'll be able to stay satisfied with your meal and consume fewer calories than the other pasta options, helping you to achieve your weight goals," she says.

Whole-wheat pasta is an easy-to-find nutritious noodle that will bump up the nutrition of your pasta dish. Made from whole grains, every cup of cooked pasta (140 grams) boasts 43 g of carbohydrate, 3 g of fiber and 8 g of protein per serving, per the USDA.

You should avoid pasta made from refined flour if you are looking to achieve weight loss goals. Refined pasta has been stripped of many of its natural nutrients and is higher in calories and lower in fiber, meaning you will likely feel full for less time after eating it.

Dietitians and other health care professionals should consider pasta as a low-glycemic carbohydrate option within the context of a healthy diet or a weight loss/weight maintenance diet.

In conclusion, both pasta and rice can be healthy options when consumed in moderation and paired with nutrient-dense ingredients. However, if we were to compare the two, whole-grain pasta is generally considered a healthier option than white rice due to its higher fiber content and lower glycemic index.

A medium banana contains 105 calories, per the USDA's FoodData Central database. That's about the same amount of calories in a medium sweet potato or a cup of grapes. A small banana has 90 calories, while a large banana contains 121 calories.

How many calories should I eat to lose weight? ›

In order to lose at least a pound a week, try to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days, and reduce your daily calorie intake by at least 500 calories. However, calorie intake should not fall below 1,200 a day in women or 1,500 a day in men, except under the supervision of a health professional.

At 117 calories per 100g Vs pasta's 160 calories per 100g, rice has significantly lower calories, so swapping pasta to rice may be beneficial for anyone controlling their calories as a way to lose or maintain their weight.

Capellini is a much finer diameter cut than spaghetti. Capellini is a long rod shaped pasta and it is thinner than Spaghetti. The difference is the diameter of the noodles. Capellini (angel hair pasta) is fine, while spaghetti noodles are thicker.

Still, while there is little difference in the effects of refined and whole-grain pastas on health, pasta that is made from whole grains may be a better choice if you're looking to lose weight. It is lower in calories and higher in satiety-boosting fiber than refined pasta.