While there are plenty of ways to order smart Italian takeout [1], you can never be sure of exactly what's going into your food. Take matters into your own hands — and kitchen — with these healthier Italian recipes, only lightened up for a healthy diet!
— Additional reporting by Aemilia Madden
Source: Jenny Sugar and Lizzie Fuhr
Cucumber Avocado Caprese Salad
For a refreshing salad with an Italian twist, whip up this caprese salad [2] that is packed with both fiber and protein.
Vegan Pesto
If you love the bright flavor of traditional pesto but you want to skip all the calories, this basil pesto recipe [3] is a healthy topping for pasta or pizza.
Baked Chicken Parmesan
For a 357-calorie dinner that packs in 47 grams of protein, enjoy a serving of baked chicken parmesan [4] that's crunchy and bursting with Italian flavor.
Paleo Meatballs and Spaghetti Squash
This Paleo spin on spaghetti and meatballs [5] uses spaghetti squash as a nutrient-rich alternative to traditional pasta.
Vegan Stuffed Shells
Instead of the traditional stuffed shells, whip up this vegan recipe [6] for a lightened-up alternative that truly tastes like the real thing.
Penne Alla "Not-ka"
Penne alla vodka is an Italian staple that heavily lays on the cream and calories. Even without the booze and significantly less dairy thrown into the pot, this penne alla "not-ka" [7] brings the same tangy flavor and comforting texture indicative of the original.
Fish Parmigiana
Instead of veal or chicken, try out lightened-up fish parmigiana [8]. It's far less fattening and calorie-laden than the restaurant options.
Gluten-Free Pizza Crust
Why buy a pizza when it takes less time to make one? Gluten-free pizza crust [9] is incredibly simple to make and packs in enough protein to forgo the meat if you choose!
Quinoa Pizza Bites
Another gluten-free option! Cute quinoa pizza bites [10] bring all the classic flavors of pizza to the table. They hold their cute shape after being cooked in a muffin tin.
Low-Cal Fettuccine Alfredo
This fettuccine alfredo [11] dramatically lightens the load by making wise (low-fat) dairy choices that don't affect the flavor or texture and by skipping the butter altogether. And it's fewer than 350 calories per serving!
Turkey and Quinoa Balls
Bring some grain power to the table with a variation on the classic Italian staple. Turkey and quinoa balls [12] stuffed with goat cheese make an elegant appetizer for cocktail hour or a healthier addition to your spaghetti.
Spicy Cauliflower Lasagna
Heavy layers of meat and cup upon cup of cheese go into classic lasagna, but this recipe for spicy cauliflower lasagna [13] takes a guilt-free twist on tradition.
Kale Ricotta Dip
Gooey Italian-style spinach dip is always a welcome treat that packs on the calories. This creamy kale ricotta dip [14] is surprisingly delicious! And at only 24 calories per 1/4-cup serving (not to mention a good dose of vitamin A), it's practically guilt-free.
Oven-Baked Eggplant
Cut the calories with this recipe for 30-minute oven-baked eggplant parmesan [15]. Not only will you save calories, but you'll also save plenty of time by cutting out all that coating and frying.