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10 healthy pasta dishes to celebrate World Pasta Day

Marmite pasta with porcini and lemon breadcrumbs

To celebrate World Pasta Day, we've pulled together some of our favourite healthy recipes to inspire you!

To celebrate World Pasta Day, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite healthy recipes to inspire you! Some are great for cooking with kids, are budget-friendly and others are designed specially for those going through cancer treatment, but they all taste great!

Author: Courtney Savage
Published: 24 October 2023

Reducing how much red and processed meat you eat, and eating a better diet by including more wholegrains, cereals, pulses and vegetables, are two of our Cancer Prevention Recommendations, so we’ve designed all our recipes to fit in with those, in favour of something a bit healthier!

Vegetable lasagneVegetable lasagne

Who doesn’t love a cheesy lasagne? The only difference is we’ve swapped red meat for beans and pulses!

⏰ 50 minutes   4.5 of your 5 A DAY Serves 2

 

Lemon, basil and mint pesto pastaLemon, basil and mint pesto pasta

Asides from being a tangy and delicious pesto pasta dish, this was created by Ryan Riley, especially to help people living with cancer enjoy food again.

⏰ 20 minutes   Add steamed greens for 1 of your 5 A DAY Serves 4

Cheesy vegetable pasta bake
Cheesy vegetable pasta bake

Move over boring Mac and Cheese, this veg-packed twist on a classic is sure to be a family favourite and it’s a great recipe for young cooks to get involved and help in the kitchen!

⏰ 40 minutes   2 of your 5 A DAY  Serves 4

Healthy pasta e fagioli recipePasta e fagioli

This chunky vegetable, bean and pasta dish is a great way to reshape your plate and boost your fibre intake, as well as boost your 5 A DAY consumption.

⏰ 55 minutes   4 of your 5 A DAY  Serves 6

 

Spaghetti bolognese with butternut squashSpaghetti bolognese with butternut squash

We’ve cut down on the amount of beef typically used, and opted for butternut squash instead to increase flavour and texture.

⏰ 50 minutes   3.5 of your 5 A DAY  Serves 4

 

Cajun salmon with spicy tomato pastaCajun salmon with spicy tomato pasta

Did you know that eating fish is linked with a lower risk of bowel cancer? Not only is this dish super quick, but gets you one step closer to your recommend 2 servings of fish a week.

⏰ 20 minutes   2 of your 5 A DAY  Serves 2

 

Marmite pasta recipeMarmite pasta with porcini and lemon breadcrumbs 

Another Ryan Riley recipe for people living with cancer, the combination of marmite, mushrooms and parmesan creates a wonderful umami flavour.

⏰ 30 minutes   1 of your 5 A DAY  Serves 2

 

Pasta puttanescaPasta puttanesca

A healthier version of ‘tart’s spaghetti’ that adds a bit of fire to your supper, this dish can also easily be made vegan by leaving out the anchovies!

⏰ 20 minutes   2.5 of your 5 A DAY  Serves 4

 

Rustic Italian pasta and bean soupRustic Italian pasta and bean soup

This chunky soup brings together the best of Mediterranean flavours and is the perfect winter warmer!

⏰ 30 minutes   3 of your 5 A DAY  Serves 2

 

Homemade sauce with overripe tomatoesHomemade pasta sauce

Making tomato sauce is relatively quick and easy and a great recipe to have on hand, as it can be used for a range of dishes – just pick your pasta to go with it!

⏰ 30 minutes   2 of your 5 A DAY  Serves 3

STILL LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION?

If you’re still looking for some ideas (or even something different from pasta!) we have a range of recipes, including budget recipes, recipes for people with cancer, recipes for young cooks and even free cookbooks for you to enjoy!

> Try all our pasta recipes

> On a budget? Try our dishes to suit any wallet

> Living with cancer? We have ideas that will overcome any taste changes

> Cooking with the kids? No problem

> Get a free cookbook and try something new