For a lot of people, pasta is an easy go-to meal, but that doesn’t mean it has to be unhealthy. Most conventional store-bought pasta is filled with artificial ingredients, so we’ve decided to figure out what makes a good, healthy pasta. While researching, we found that the best pastas are made from just a few whole ingredients and feature nutrient-packed bases like beans or whole grains.
They cater to personal dietary restrictions and have a balanced macronutrient profile. Keeping these things in mind, we’ve handpicked our favorite healthy pastas, including Explore Cuisine's Edamame Spaghetti. We also prepared a buying guide with tips from a certified nutritionist if you want to pick your own, so check it out below.
Quick List - Top Healthy Pastas
Kara Swanson is a certified nutritionist and the founder of Life Well Lived. She is married to her best friend and the proud mother of three. Her passion is to make nutrition simple+easy+delicious!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Luckily, there are a ton of other pastas available now that are made from more healthful options such as whole wheat, quinoa, spelt, and buckwheat. Do note, however, that texture and taste might differ slightly from type to type, but that’s just part of the fun! Read our product descriptions for specific examples.
Time to ditch the refined white pasta for something heartier and healthier for you. Pasta isn't bad for you, and I'm sure all the carb lovers are excited about that, but not all pasta is created equal. Make sure you grab a pasta that is whole-wheat or even better, a bean-based pasta.
If possible, try to also avoid pasta with the word "enriched" in the ingredients list. This means that the pasta is refined–it will have more calories and less of a nutrient profile. Usually, this also means less fibers, which, in turn, means that you will feel less full after eating it, which may cause you to eat more amounts of it.
You should also look for pastas with at least two grams of fiber and as close to zero grams of sodium as you can get. This will help you feel fuller when eating it, and, since salt is usually a part of the cooking process, you'll be able to adjust the amount of sodium intake you get.
Get in the habit of reading labels because not all pastas are healthy for you. Make sure to grab a pasta that has minimal ingredients and is free from artificial ingredients. One of the reasons pasta gets a bad rep is that it really doesn't have any nutritional value, which is why it's important to grab one that isn't stripped of it's nutrients and avoid white pasta.
Half the time we eat pasta, we’re basically just eating noodles and sauce. But as most traditional pastas are high in carbs and low on everything else, that makes for a pretty unbalanced meal. Meals that are too high in carbs tend to give you energy spikes and don’t fill you up for very long.
So, for the sake of your satiety and energy levels, it might make sense to look for a pasta that has a more even balance of carbs, protein, and fat. For reference, the Food and Nutrition Board recommends that adults get 45 – 65% of their calories from carbs, 10 – 35% from protein, and 20 – 35% from fat.
On the other hand, if you’re watching your carb intake, there are also pastas that cater to low-carb diets.
Our bodies run on carbs so carbs are not the enemy. But make sure you're consuming something else with your bowl of pasta. Add in some veggies or beans for some added fiber and protein. Get creative or find a new recipe to switch up your usual pasta and pasta sauce routine.
If you have a serious gluten allergy, it’s especially important to look for the official certification as many pastas that “contain no gluten” may still be processed on machines that have been used to process gluten for other products.
Thankfully, it's super easy to find a pasta no matter what dietary restrictions or allergies you have. You can easily find a gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb pasta on the shelves in almost any grocery store. Make sure to read the labels to determine if it fits your needs.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Volume | Ingredients | Calories | Carbohydrates | Gluten-Free | Vegan | Organic | Pasta Shape | |||||
1 | Kaizen Fusilli|3 pack | ![]() | A Keto-Friendly Option With Extra Protein | 8 oz | Lupini Flour, Fava Bean Protein, Tapioca Starch, Xanthan Gum | 130 | 21g | Fusili | ||||
2 | Carbe Diem! Spaghetti | ![]() | Reduced Carbs, Lower Calories, Classic Pasta Enjoyment | 12 oz (Pack of 3) | Modified Wheat Starch, Semolina Wheat, Vital Wheat Gluten | 110 | 40 g | Spaghetti | ||||
3 | It’s Skinny Variety Pack | ![]() | Low-Calorie Pasta Option for Carb-Conscious Consumers | 9.52 oz (Pack of 6) | Konjac Powder, Oat Powder, Water, Sorbic Acid, Calcium Hydroxide | 4.5 | 2 g | Spaghetti、Angel Hair、Fettuccine、Rice | ||||
4 | Palmini Palmini |Linguine | ![]() | Low-Calorie Linguine Pasta | 12 oz (Pack of 3) | Sliced Hearts of Palm, Water, Natural Sea Salt and Citric Acid | 20 | 4 g | Linguine | ||||
5 | Banza Rotini Pasta Made from Chickpeas | ![]() | Chickpeas, Reimagined as Rotini | 8 oz | Chickpeas, Pea Starch, Tapioca, Xanthan Gum | 190 | 34g | Rotini | ||||
6 | Pete's Pasta Variety Penne | ![]() | Real Pasta, Reimagined for Real Life | 8 oz | Modified Wheat Starch, Wheat Protein, Durum Wheat Semolina, Wheat Fiber | 110 | 34g | Penne | ||||
7 | Al Dente Carba-Nada Variety 2 Pack | ![]() | Fettuccine With Fewer Carbs | 20 oz | Durum wheat semolina, wheat gluten, digestive resistant corn starch, egg | 180 | 32 g | unknown | Fettuccine | |||
8 | 365 by Whole Foods Market Pasta Sea Shapes | ![]() | Everyday Mac, Elevated | 8.8 oz | Organic Durum Wheat Semolina | unknown | 41g | Sea Shapes | ||||
9 | The Only Bean High Protein Pasta Edamame Spaghetti Noodles | ![]() | Pure Edamame Power, Pasta Perfected | 8 oz | Organic Edamame Beans | 190 | 20g | Spaghetti | ||||
10 | Barilla Ready Pasta - Rotini | ![]() | Perfect Pasta in 60 Seconds | 7 oz | Water, Pasta [Semolina (Wheat), Durum Wheat Flour], Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt | 190 | 41g | Rotini |
Volume | 8 oz |
---|---|
Ingredients | Lupini Flour, Fava Bean Protein, Tapioca Starch, Xanthan Gum |
Pasta Shape | Fusili |
Kaizen's Keto Pasta Fusilli is a low-carb, keto-friendly option with 20g of protein per serving and just 6g of net carbs. It is free of gluten and provides a low-carb or keto pasta substitute. This pasta offers a filling, high-protein choice while minimizing carbohydrate intake, ideal for anyone managing their blood sugar levels.
Calories | 130 |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 21g |
Gluten-Free | |
Vegan | |
Organic |
Volume | 12 oz (Pack of 3) |
---|---|
Ingredients | Modified Wheat Starch, Semolina Wheat, Vital Wheat Gluten |
Pasta Shape | Spaghetti |
Carbe Diem! Spaghetti offers a revamped pasta experience with 55% fewer net carbs and 45% fewer calories compared to traditional brands. Made from modified wheat starch, durum wheat, and vital wheat gluten, it retains the familiar taste and texture of traditional pasta while catering to health-conscious consumers. Each serving provides 16g of net carbs and 24g of dietary fiber, enhancing satiety and supporting digestive health. Suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based diets, Carbe Diem! Spaghetti boasts versatile shapes like Spaghetti, Rotini, Penne, Fettuccine, and Elbows, ensuring compatibility with a variety of sauces. Designed for easy preparation with minimal foaming, this pasta cooks like regular pasta, making it a convenient choice for busy lifestyles. With a commitment to preserving the essence of beloved pasta dishes, Carbe Diem encourages guilt-free enjoyment without compromising on flavor or nutritional integrity, making it an ideal option for pasta enthusiasts seeking balanced dietary choices.
Calories | 110 |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 40 g |
Gluten-Free | |
Vegan | |
Organic |
Volume | 9.52 oz (Pack of 6) |
---|---|
Ingredients | Konjac Powder, Oat Powder, Water, Sorbic Acid, Calcium Hydroxide |
Pasta Shape | Spaghetti、Angel Hair、Fettuccine、Rice |
The Skinny Pasta Variety Pack offers a selection of low-carb, gluten-free pasta alternatives designed to support healthy eating without sacrificing taste or texture. Each pack includes a range of pasta shapes, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, and rice, providing versatility for a variety of dishes. Crafted primarily from the konjac plant (also known as glucomannan), Skinny Pasta is known for its incredibly low calorie and carbohydrate content. This makes it an excellent choice for those on low-carb or ketogenic diets, as well as individuals seeking to manage their weight or blood sugar levels. Skinny Pasta is not only low in calories and carbs but also high in fiber, promoting a feeling of fullness and aiding in digestion. It cooks quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes, making it convenient for busy schedules and quick meals.
Ideal for pasta lovers with dietary restrictions, Skinny Pasta is gluten-free, grain-free, and soy-free, catering to those with gluten intolerance, celiac disease, or other food sensitivities. It’s also vegan and non-GMO. The variety pack allows you to experiment with different shapes and textures, adapting to various recipes from Italian classics to Asian stir-fries. Skinny Pasta holds all types of sauces well and offers a pasta solution that combines low calories, low carbs, and high fiber with the convenience of quick cooking, making it a versatile and nutritious addition to any pantry.
Calories | 4.5 |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 2 g |
Gluten-Free | |
Vegan | |
Organic |
Volume | 12 oz (Pack of 3) |
---|---|
Ingredients | Sliced Hearts of Palm, Water, Natural Sea Salt and Citric Acid |
Pasta Shape | Linguine |
Palmini Linguine is a low-calorie, low-carb pasta alternative. It’s naturally gluten-free and non-GMO, making it an ideal choice for anyone on a low-carb or gluten-free diet. Its light texture and neutral flavor make it a versatile addition to various dishes, suitable for those looking to maintain blood sugar levels without sacrificing taste.
Calories | 20 |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 4 g |
Gluten-Free | |
Vegan | |
Organic |
Volume | 8 oz |
---|---|
Ingredients | Chickpeas, Pea Starch, Tapioca, Xanthan Gum |
Pasta Shape | Rotini |
Banza Rotini brings a bold twist to your pasta night with a delicious, protein-packed alternative made from chickpeas. With no additives or artificial ingredients, this rotini delivers clean, wholesome flavor in every bite—perfect for those looking to upgrade their pantry staples.
Proudly made in Detroit, USA, this pasta is as nutritious as it is satisfying. Whether you're tossing it in pesto or pairing it with roasted veggies, Banza Rotini turns every meal into a better-for-you classic.
Calories | 190 |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 34g |
Gluten-Free | |
Vegan | |
Organic |
Volume | 8 oz |
---|---|
Ingredients | Modified Wheat Starch, Wheat Protein, Durum Wheat Semolina, Wheat Fiber |
Pasta Shape | Penne |
Pete’s Pasta lets you savor the soul of Italy without sacrificing your health goals. Made in the Majella mountains from organic durum wheat semolina, this low-carb trio—penne, rotini, and elbow—is slow-dried to lock in that perfect al dente bite. With only 7g of carbs, triple the protein, and fourteen times the fiber of traditional pasta, it’s pasta that fuels, not fatigues.
Say goodbye to flavorless substitutes and hello to real pasta satisfaction. Pete’s Pasta has no odd textures, no aftertaste—just familiar, fork-twirling comfort you can feel great about. Whether you're keto-curious or simply craving a better bowl, this 3-pack brings the joy of pasta back to your plate.
Calories | 110 |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 34g |
Gluten-Free | |
Vegan | |
Organic |
Volume | 20 oz |
---|---|
Ingredients | Durum wheat semolina, wheat gluten, digestive resistant corn starch, egg |
Pasta Shape | Fettuccine |
Carba-Nada’s Lower Carb Fettuccine offers fewer carbs than traditional pasta. It’s an ideal option for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake while still enjoying the texture and flavor of regular fettuccine. This pasta works well for people managing blood sugar levels, providing a satisfying meal without excessive carbs.
Calories | 180 |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 32 g |
Gluten-Free | unknown |
Vegan | |
Organic |
Volume | 8.8 oz |
---|---|
Ingredients | Organic Durum Wheat Semolina |
Pasta Shape | Sea Shapes |
Crafted with simple, Non-GMO ingredients, 365 by Whole Foods Market Macaroni brings quality you can trust to your pantry staples. This kosher-friendly classic is perfect for everything from comforting mac & cheese to hearty pasta salads, giving you flexibility without compromise.
Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping meals ahead, this macaroni delivers reliable texture and taste in every bite. With 365, it's easy to feel good about what's on your plate—and in your cart.
Calories | unknown |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 41g |
Gluten-Free | |
Vegan | |
Organic |
Volume | 8 oz |
---|---|
Ingredients | Organic Edamame Beans |
Pasta Shape | Spaghetti |
The Only Bean Edamame Spaghetti is a protein-packed pasta alternative made from just one ingredient—100% organic edamame beans. With over 40 grams of plant-based protein and only 9 net carbs per serving, it’s a powerhouse choice for keto and low-carb lifestyles.
Quick to cook in just 3–5 minutes, this nutrient-rich spaghetti is as convenient as it is delicious. Whether you're tossing it with pesto, marinara, or your favorite sauce, it delivers a clean, satisfying bite every time.
Calories | 190 |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 20g |
Gluten-Free | |
Vegan | |
Organic |
Volume | 7 oz |
---|---|
Ingredients | Water, Pasta [Semolina (Wheat), Durum Wheat Flour], Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt |
Pasta Shape | Rotini |
Barilla Ready Pasta Rotini brings the classic "al dente" texture and flavor you love—without the wait. Made with just pasta, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt, this fully cooked rotini is ready to eat after just 60 seconds in the microwave. No boiling, no straining, no stress.
Each 7-ounce pouch delivers convenience without compromising quality, perfect for busy weeknights or on-the-go meals. Crafted with Non-GMO ingredients, this pantry staple makes it easy to enjoy a satisfying pasta dish anytime, anywhere.
Calories | 190 |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 41g |
Gluten-Free | |
Vegan | |
Organic |
To bulk up my salads, I love adding a little bit of pasta for some whole grains. It adds some texture to my salads and I love the flavor it brings with all the veggies. Plus, it keeps my salads from getting boring!
No. 1: Kaizen |Fusilli|3 pack
No. 2: Carbe Diem!|Spaghetti
No. 3: It’s Skinny |Variety Pack
No. 4: Palmini |Palmini |Linguine
No. 5: Banza|Rotini Pasta Made from Chickpeas
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