10+ Healthy Lunch Pasta Recipes for Delicious Midday Meals

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring, especially when it comes to pasta. Healthy lunch pasta recipes can be delicious and packed with nutrients, making them perfect for a satisfying meal. You can enjoy flavors that excite your taste buds while still taking care of your health.

Whether you’re at home or need a quick fix for a busy day, these recipes offer variety and ease. From fresh vegetables to lean proteins, you can create a pasta dish that meets your dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

1) Spinach Artichoke Pasta

Spinach artichoke pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort to your lunch. It combines the creamy flavors of spinach and artichokes with pasta for a satisfying meal. You can use whole wheat pasta for added nutrition and fiber.

This recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy days. In just about 20 minutes, you can enjoy a warm, tasty bowl that feels indulgent yet is packed with goodness.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225 grams) whole wheat pasta
• 1 cup (150 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup (150 grams) canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheese (like mozzarella or Parmesan)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, combine the spinach and artichokes.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and heat gently.
4. Add the cooked pasta and cheese. Mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

2) Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and satisfying meal that you can enjoy for lunch or dinner. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce.

You will love the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. These ingredients add a nice touch and make the dish colorful. You can make it in about 30 minutes, perfect for a busy day.

To make this dish, you will need a few simple ingredients. The creamy sauce makes it feel special, like something you’d get at a restaurant. It’s an easy one-pot meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
• 8 oz (225g) pasta
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup (150g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups (60g) spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
3. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
5. Pour in the cream and mix well.
6. Add Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
7. Combine the pasta with the sauce and serve hot.

3) Eggplant Lasagna

Eggplant lasagna is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes. You use layers of roasted eggplant instead of noodles, making it a great low-carb option for lunch.

To add flavor, stack layers of cheese, marinara sauce, and other veggies between the eggplant. You can include ricotta, mozzarella, and even spinach for extra nutrition.

Baking brings everything together into a comforting dish. It’s simple to prepare, and you won’t miss the pasta!

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large shallot, sliced
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground meat or plant-based protein
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplants and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 20 minutes to remove moisture.
3. Rinse and pat dry the eggplant slices.
4. Brush olive oil on a baking sheet, then add the eggplant.
5. Roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. In a skillet, sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant.
7. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Mix in the marinara sauce.
8. In a baking dish, layer eggplant, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
9. Repeat layers and finish with mozzarella on top.
10. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Enjoy!

4) Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta

Parmesan spinach mushroom pasta is a delicious and healthy choice for lunch. The combination of flavors makes it both satisfying and nutritious.

To start, you’ll want to cook farfalle pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat some olive oil in a skillet and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then add sliced mushrooms and fresh spinach.

Once the mushrooms soften, combine everything in one pot. Toss in grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta well. This dish not only tastes great, but it’s also easy to prepare in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400g) farfalle pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 14 oz (400g) mushrooms, sliced
• 6 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook farfalle pasta in boiling water until al dente.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and add garlic, cooking until fragrant.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until softened.
4. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
5. Combine the pasta and Parmesan cheese in the skillet.
6. Toss everything together and serve.

5) Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta

Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta is a quick and tasty option for lunch. With the combination of sausage, fresh spinach, and tomatoes, you create a flavorful dish in no time. This recipe takes around 30 minutes to prepare.

You will need Italian sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter choice. The spinach adds nutrients while the tomatoes provide a tasty base for the sauce. It’s a simple way to enjoy pasta while keeping it healthy.

Ingredients

• 12 oz Italian sausage or chicken sausage
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pasta of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add sausage and cook until browned.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Combine with pasta and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

6) Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that you can make any day of the week. The combination of shrimp and pesto sauce creates a flavorful dish that you will love. Use your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine.

To make it healthier, consider adding fresh vegetables like arugula or tomatoes. These add color and nutrients, making your meal more balanced. You can use both fresh and frozen shrimp, making this recipe flexible.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Mix in pesto and cherry tomatoes.
5. Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and pesto mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

7) Avocado Pasta Salad

Avocado pasta salad is a delicious and healthy choice for lunch. The creamy avocado adds great flavor and nutrition. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies.

To make this salad, cook your pasta until tender. Then, mix in sautéed corn and onions for sweetness. Fresh tomatoes and chopped cilantro will add brightness and freshness.

Toss everything with a creamy avocado dressing for a satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick lunch at home.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (your choice)
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup corn, sautéed
• 1/2 cup onion, sautéed
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp lime juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. In a bowl, mash the avocado.
3. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to the avocado.
4. Combine pasta, corn, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro in a large bowl.
5. Mix in the avocado dressing until well combined.

8) Baked Zucchini Pasta

Baked Zucchini Pasta is a great way to enjoy a healthy meal. This dish combines fresh zucchini with creamy pasta and lots of flavors. It’s perfect for a comforting lunch without the extra calories.

To make this recipe, you will need zucchini, pasta, garlic, and your choice of herbs. A topping of crunchy Parmesan cheese adds a delightful touch. The blend of these ingredients makes for a tasty experience.

You can easily bake this dish in your oven for a deliciously cheesy finish. It is both satisfying and nutritious. Serve it warm, and enjoy every bite of this wholesome meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 8 ounces pasta
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs (like basil or oregano)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add chopped zucchini and cook until tender.
5. Mix cooked pasta, zucchini, and ricotta in a baking dish.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

9) Garlic Shrimp Linguine

Garlic Shrimp Linguine is a simple yet delicious dish. It features tender shrimp tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This pasta is perfect for a quick lunch.

To make this meal, start by cooking linguine according to the package instructions.

While the pasta cooks, sauté shrimp in butter and garlic. Add a splash of white wine for extra flavor and toss in some Parmesan cheese.

Once the pasta is done, drain it and mix everything together. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and taste. This dish can be ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for a busy day!

Ingredients

• 8 oz linguine
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup white wine
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook linguine according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add shrimp, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp turn pink.
5. Pour in white wine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.

10) Broccoli Tomato Orecchiette

Broccoli Tomato Orecchiette is a simple and healthy dish you can make for lunch. The combination of orecchiette pasta, fresh broccoli, and juicy tomatoes makes a tasty meal.

To start, you’ll need to cook the orecchiette until it’s al dente. Then, sauté the broccoli and tomatoes with garlic for a flavorful boost.

Mix it all together with olive oil and Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish.

This dish is quick to prepare and packed with nutrients. It’s not just healthy; it’s satisfying and full of color.

Ingredients

• 1 head of broccoli
• 130 g orecchiette pasta
• 4 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 100 g Parmesan cheese, grated
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot.
2. Cook orecchiette in the boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
5. Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes.
6. Add broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
7. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet.
8. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper.
9. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.