10 Nutrient-Packed Pasta Recipes

Turn pasta night into picky-eater progress with these 10 healthy pasta recipes. These pasta meals feature whole grains and lots of colorful veggies!

Why does pasta have a bad rap in the health food world? I think it’s because we imagine it served by itself: a big ol’ pile of carbs.

It’s true that pasta alone in a bowl is missing something, nutritionally. But you could say the same about any food. Even broccoli!

When you treat pasta as part of a balanced meal that includes veggies, fruits, and protein, you score all the points for a nourishing family meal.

Also, since most kids love pasta, it’s a great vehicle for new flavors, textures, and ingredients that picky eaters are still learning to enjoy.

I’ve got some uh-mazing recipes to share to make your next pasta night something special. Before we get to them, let’s talk about choosing the right pasta, and why it matters.

Start with Good Pasta

Most of us know that whole wheat pasta is the most nutritious you can buy. It’s an easy and worthwhile swap to make in your kitchen, and I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Keep in mind that not all brands of whole wheat pasta taste equally delicious. In my experience, some cheaper whole wheat pastas taste mealy, and fall apart too quickly during cooking. If you’ve tried whole wheat pasta and haven’t loved it, don’t give up. Try another brand!

My personal favorite is Dellalo. Their whole wheat pasta stays chewy and delicate and holds up to any soup or sauce I’ve thrown at it. There are plenty of other delicious brands out there, too! Just experiment and find one your family likes.