Turns out, pasta doesn’t have to be the enemy of your waistline. We’ve crafted 17 dishes that are as light as they are fulfilling. Think of it as a guilt-free carb fest, where the only thing you’re overloading on is happiness. So, go ahead, twirl that fork, and enjoy. It’s like getting away with something, but you’re actually doing yourself a favor.

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for a soup that’s both hearty and healthy, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect choice. This soup combines tender gnocchi with chicken in a broth that’s rich in flavor but light on calories. It’s a comforting meal that fills you up without weighing you down, making it ideal for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re in need of a quick meal or something to warm you up, this soup has you covered. Healthy eating never tasted so good!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta on a platter.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Comfort food that doesn’t compromise on health. Baked Feta Pasta is a dish that took the internet by storm, and for good reason. It’s a simple, yet incredibly flavorful pasta that’s both rich and healthy. The feta melts into a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly, making every bite a bliss. But don’t be fooled by its indulgent taste—this dish is lighter than it seems, making it a great option for a healthier pasta night.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A plate of Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Smoked Tomatoes topped with parsley.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Healthy eating just got a whole lot more interesting! Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is a dish that brings bold flavors together in a healthy, fulfilling way. The smoked tomatoes add a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the light, fluffy couscous. It’s a salad that’s both filling and refreshing, making it a great option for lunch or a light dinner. Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or just looking for something different, this salad is sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re a fan of classic comfort foods, Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a must-try. This dish brings together the best of pasta and beans in a broth that’s both nourishing and filling. It’s a soup that doesn’t skimp on flavor, yet it’s surprisingly healthy and fulfilling. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, this soup fits the bill. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, minus the heavy feeling afterward.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Whether you’re an Alfredo fan or just in the mood for something comforting, this dish won’t disappoint. Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is a dish that proves you can enjoy creamy pasta without the guilt. This lighter version of the classic Alfredo still delivers on flavor, with tender shrimp and a sauce that’s rich but not overwhelming. It’s a pasta dish that feels indulgent, yet is surprisingly light, making it perfect for any night of the week. Healthy pasta? Yes, please!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Kale and tortellini soup in a bowl on a wooden table.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for comfort food that won’t weigh you down? This Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken is all about giving you that warm, fulfilling feeling without the post-meal regrets. Packed with nutritious elements, it’s a soup that’s hearty enough to fill you up but light enough to keep you feeling great. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a day when you need some comfort, this soup hits the mark. Enjoy a dish that balances flavor and health in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re craving something hearty but want to keep it light, Steak & Pasta Salad is the answer. This dish combines tender steak with pasta in a salad that’s as fulfilling as it is healthy. It’s perfect for those days when you want something substantial without the post-meal sluggishness. The balance of flavors and textures makes every bite enjoyable, and it’s a meal you can feel good about eating. Who says salads have to be boring?
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you love comfort food but want to keep it on the healthier side, Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins is your go-to. This dish captures the rich, comforting flavors of the original, but with a lighter twist that makes it easier to enjoy. You get all the warmth and satisfaction of traditional chicken and dumplings without the heavy feeling afterward. Perfect for a cozy dinner that feels like a treat, but without the extra calories. Comfort food just got an upgrade!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

A close-up of a dish featuring colorful tortellini mixed with meatballs, spinach, and chopped red bell peppers, topped with melted cheese, served in a white bowl.
Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who love hearty meals, Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs is a game-changer. This dish combines the classic comfort of tortellini with the fulfilling bite of meatballs, all while keeping things on the healthier side. It’s a filling meal that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down, making it perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re feeding the family or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Who knew healthy could be so comforting?
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with rotisserie chicken pasta salad.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With flavors that pop and a texture that’s just right, this salad proves that healthy eating can be easy and enjoyable. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is all about convenience and health in one delicious bowl. This salad combines the juicy goodness of rotisserie chicken with pasta in a way that’s both fulfilling and light. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner when you want something filling that won’t weigh you down. Who knew something so simple could be so good?
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate.
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this gnocchi dish delivers all the satisfaction without any of the guilt. Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce is the kind of dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. These tender little gnocchi are coated in a sauce that’s both tangy and savory, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s a dish that feels rich and indulgent, yet is surprisingly light on calories. Who knew healthy could taste this good?
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Great for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish at a barbecue, this salad brings the best of both worlds to your plate. Pizza Pasta Salad is where your favorite pizza flavors meet the convenience of a pasta salad. It’s a fun, flavorful dish that’s perfect for when you’re craving pizza but want something a little lighter. The pasta and the toppings come together in a salad that’s both fulfilling and easy to enjoy. Who knew pizza could be this healthy?
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked shotgun shells on a white plate.
Smoked Shotgun Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re in the mood for something unique, Smoked Shotgun Shells offer a twist on traditional pasta dishes. These pasta shells are packed with flavor and smoked to perfection, giving you a fulfilling meal that’s still light and healthy. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something decadent, without the guilt. Perfect for when you want to impress guests or just switch up your usual pasta routine. Who says you can’t have it all?
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Perfect for when you want to enjoy something special without overdoing it, this rigatoni alla vodka proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka is a dish that combines classic Italian flavors with a healthier twist. The creamy vodka sauce coats the rigatoni perfectly, offering a rich, indulgent flavor that’s surprisingly light. It’s the kind of pasta dish that feels like a treat, but without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Turkey and Pesto Stuffed Pasta Shells in a black cast iron dish.
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Great for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress with something that looks and tastes gourmet. Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto is a dish that brings together bold flavors and healthy ingredients in perfect harmony. Each shell is packed with a delicious turkey filling and topped with a fresh, vibrant pesto that ties it all together. It’s a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly light and nutritious. You won’t believe healthy can be this delicious!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this pasta dish delivers on flavor and health. Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes is a dish that’s all about simplicity done right. The creamy ricotta pairs perfectly with the fresh tomatoes to create a sauce that’s light yet fulfilling. It’s a meal that feels indulgent without being heavy, making it perfect for any night of the week. Who says you can’t have a little indulgence in your healthy eating routine?
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it comes to comfort food, these Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells take the cake—or the pasta, in this case. They bring you all the cheesy goodness you crave but with a healthier twist that makes them easy to enjoy without the guilt. Each shell is like a little package of indulgence that’s surprisingly light. You get the satisfaction of a rich, cheesy meal that’s kinder to your waistline. Perfect for those nights when you want something comforting but still on the lighter side.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

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