7 Delicious Pastas, Lightened Up!

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Antipasta Penne

When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a comforting plate of pasta. Indulge the healthy way with these tasty dishes that are low in fat, but high in flavor.

Downing an antipasti platter followed by a plate of pasta can spell diet disaster. Get the best of both worlds (without breaking the calorie bank) with this delicious dish. Sauteed soppressata, artichoke hearts, and olives join forces with tomato and fresh basil to form the mouth-watering sauce. Stirring in chunks of mozzarella at the end makes it all feel utterly indulgent.

Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Food Network Kitchen Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese Healthy Eats Food Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

This recipe takes mac ‘n cheese to a whole new level. Skim milk, reduced fat sour cream, part-skim mozzarella and low-fat Swiss cheese form the creamy sauce while a hearty dose of spinach packs protein and nutrients. Broiling it all with the pasta makes for a mouth-watering finish.

Lemon Linguine

Meatballs just got a makeover. Here, using turkey cuts calories without sacrificing flavor. The meat gets a little kick when combined with Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, fennel seeds and red pepper flakes. Instead of tomatoes, lemon, cream and Parmesan cheese form the zesty sauce.

Roasted Cauliflower Lasagna

Food Network Kitchen Roasted Cauliflower Lasagna Healthy Eats Food Network,Food Network Kitchen Roasted Cauliflower Lasagna Healthy Eats Food Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Vegetarians will love this meat-free lasagna. Roasted cauliflower stands in for the usual ground beef and gets blended into a savory ricotta cheese mixture. The homemade tomato sauce stars sweet red bell pepper and basil.

Turkey Kale Oat Meatballs

Food Network Kitchen Healthy Eats Food Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Is there anything kale can’t be used for? Here, the nutrient-dense veggie helps form the base of these turkey meatballs. Fiber-rich oats replace traditional breadcrumbs to bind the garlic, onion and Parmesan cheese.

Spicy Fish and Olive Pasta

This dish is a cinch to throw together — yet the results are spectacular. Pieces of fresh tilapia and kalamata olives are cooked in a homemade red pepper tomato sauce. The result? The perfect combination of salt and spice.

Cheesy Baked Spinach Penne

FN_FN Kitchens Creamy Spinach Baked Penne.tif

FN_FN Kitchens Creamy Spinach Baked Penne.tif

©2012, Television Food NEtwork, G.P. All Rights Reserved

2012, Television Food NEtwork, G.P. All Rights Reserved

A cheesy casserole is transformed into a healthy family feast with the help of chopped spinach, cottage cheese (a tasty stand-in for ricotta) and part-skim mozzarella.

Abigail Libers is a freelance writer and editor living in Brooklyn.

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