Follow these Easy Steps Delicious Healthy Pasta Dinner Recipes A Comprehensive Guide

If there's one thing that gets me more excited than a new episode of The Office, it's a good pasta recipe. I mean, who doesn't love a big ol' bowl of carbs covered in delicious sauce and toppings? And let's be real, pasta is the perfect comfort food for those days when you just need a little extra love.

One-Pot Pasta Recipe with Chicken & Spinach

Okay, I know I said I love carbs, but sometimes I need to balance it out with some protein and veggies. That's where this one-pot pasta recipe with chicken and spinach from Cookin' Canuck comes in. Not only is it super easy to make (hello, one-pot wonders!), but it's also packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. spaghetti
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk (any kind will do!)
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté chicken over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and mushrooms are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add spaghetti, chicken broth, and milk to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Simmer until pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure pasta isn't sticking to the bottom of the pot.
4. Add cooked chicken, spinach, and Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir until spinach is wilted and cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top with red pepper flakes, if desired, and serve immediately.

Boom, simple as that! This one-pot wonder is the perfect dinner for busy weeknights when you just want something quick and easy.

Awesome Lemon Chicken Pasta

Now, if you're in the mood for something a little lighter and fresher, this lemon chicken pasta recipe from This Healthy Table is your new go-to. Lemon zest and juice give this dish a bright, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and pasta. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover chicken you might have in the fridge.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. linguine (or any pasta shape you prefer!)
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add cooked chicken, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Cook until chicken is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let cook until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add cherry tomatoes and cooked linguine to the skillet. Toss until everything is coated in the sauce. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Divide pasta between bowls and serve immediately.

Pro tip: If you're feeling fancy, garnish with some extra lemon zest and parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Bowtie Pasta Salad with Spinach and Tomatoes

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Pasta salad? That's not funny, that's just boring." But hear me out. This bowtie pasta salad with spinach and tomatoes from Delish is the perfect way to jazz up your usual pasta salad routine. It's light, refreshing, and packed with colorful veggies.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. bowtie pasta
• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
4. Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss until everything is coated in the dressing.
5. Chill pasta salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

See, pasta salad can be fun! And it's the perfect dish to bring to a summer barbecue or potluck.

Turkey and Greens Skillet Pasta

Last but not least, we have this turkey and greens skillet pasta recipe from Kitchn. It's one of those meals that looks and tastes impressive, but is actually super easy to make (shh, I won't tell anyone).

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. rigatoni pasta
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. ground turkey
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz. baby spinach
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove turkey from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let cook until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add baby spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted.
6. Add cooked rigatoni pasta and browned turkey to the skillet. Toss to combine. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if desired.
7. Divide skillet pasta between bowls and serve immediately.

And there you have it, folks! Four delicious pasta recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're in the mood for something hearty and comforting or light and refreshing, there's a pasta recipe here for you. Go forth and carb-load, my friends!

Nutrition Information:

Unfortunately, we don't have the nutrition information for these recipes. But hey, everything in moderation, right?

Recipe FAQs:

Q: Can I use another type of protein in these recipes?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu, or swap ground turkey for ground beef.

Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
A: Most of these recipes are best served immediately, but you can definitely save any leftovers for a quick and easy meal later on.

Cooking Tips:

• When cooking pasta, be sure to generously salt the boiling water. This will help give the pasta more flavor.
• Don't overcook your pasta! It should be al dente, meaning it still has a bit of bite to it.
• Feel free to get creative with your pasta toppings and add-ins. Want to add some roasted veggies or crispy bacon to your pasta? Go for it!