30 Healthy Italian Recipes (+ Easy Dinners)

Say hello to the healthy Italian recipes turning comfort food into a wholesome meal!

From classic chicken cacciatore to fun zucchini boats, each one of these dishes is nutritious. 

Italian food can be a healthy choice when you select your ingredients right.

And this collection of a month’s worth of recipes will show you how.

You can still eat cheesy lasagnas or creamy pasta with a few modifications.

There are even some low-carb options for delicious pasta-free Italian bites.

So what are you waiting for?!

Have the Italian food you crave with the nutrients you need thanks to these healthy Italian recipes.

1. Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Shrimp and pasta? Say no more!

There are a lot of great easy shrimp pasta dinners out there.

This one, though, will become your new busy weeknight go-to. 

The pesto-smothered spaghetti, plump shrimp, and juicy cherry tomatoes are where comfort food meets healthy.

And it only takes 20 minutes!

2. Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

A creamy healthy pasta may sound too good to be true. But I assure you, this is legit. 

This rustic Tuscan pot is full of chicken breast, spinach, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and short pasta. 

Instead of drowning that in heavy cream, the sauce uses almond milk. 

So this dish is jam-packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and energizing carbs. 

3. Healthy Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or a hungry family, you need this baked ziti in your life. 

This Italian-American favorite combines whole wheat ziti, browned turkey, and cheese all in one dish. 

Full of protein, calcium, and potassium, this hearty baked pasta is one filling dish.

Serve it up family-style with Italian side dishes like green beans or giardiniera and let everyone help themselves.

4. Zucchini Ravioli

This is a brilliant use of zucchini! Seriously, this is something you need to try.

You ditch the pasta and use strips of zucchini to wrap up savory ground turkey.

Smother it in sauce, add a sprinkle of cheese, and let it bake. 

It’s like all the best parts of ravioli minus the carbs.

That makes it a great choice for those in need of a low-carb and low-calorie dinner.

5. Melon Prosciutto Salad

Meet the salad you’ll be craving all summer long. 

This salad is proof that not all Italian dishes have to be loaded with pasta and rich sauces to be good.

The vibrant colors alone will lure you in for a bite.

Meanwhile, it’s the refreshing flavors keeping you coming back for more.

Salty, sweet, and refreshing, this salad is perfect for entertaining and makes for a light lunch, too.

6. Zucchini Noodles with Sausage and Kale 

The family will be all about these zoodles! 

It’s a great choice for a high-protein and low-carb dinner. 

Savory and fresh, it’s a whole mess of zucchini noodles with Italian sausage, parmesan, garlic, and kale.

So it sneaks some greens in the mix. 

7. Baked Turkey Meatballs

Lean turkey is a healthier meatball alternative when you crave classic spaghetti and meatballs.

Dried herbs, spices, and Italian breadcrumbs pack them with a ton of flavor. And since you bake them, they’re not greasy with cooking oil. 

Plop them on top of a bed of spaghetti with marinara sauce for a comforting meal.

You can also swap out the pasta for zoodles to make it a low-calorie dish.

8. Borlotti Beans

Here’s a hearty and wholesome stew to nourish your body all winter long. 

It’s affordable, gluten-free, and meat-free.

You throw it together with pantry staples like borlotti beans, tomato paste, capers, herbs, and spices.

For fresh ingredients, all you need is parsley, garlic, and onion. 

If you don’t have borlotti beans in the pantry, kidney or cannellini beans work well, too.

9. Italian Turkey Sausage Skillet

Got some egg noodles and turkey sausage on hand? Excellent! You can make this meaty skillet. 

Aside from those two things, you’ll need canned tomato soup, milk, parmesan, parsley, and alliums. 

Savory, hearty, and robust, it’s a comforting meal at 233 calories per serving. 

Plus, it serves a family of eight, so there’s plenty for seconds!

10. Prosciutto Plum Arugula Salad with Mozzarella 

Sweet plums, salty prosciutto, chewy mozzarella, and peppery arugula all come together in this ravishing salad. 

Like all the best salads, it’s light, fresh, and good for you.

Fix it up for a quick lunch or make a big bowl for a feast. It’s a win-win no matter how you serve it.

11. Italian Zucchini Noodles with Garlic, Tomato, and Parmesan

If you’re looking for a light, low-carb vegetarian meal, this pasta is it. 

Fresh zucchini noodles lighten up your bowl.

While it’s the cherry tomatoes sauteed with four cloves of garlic that give it a punch of flavor. 

Sprinkle on the parmesan cheese and basil, then dinner is ready!

12. Lightened-Up Spaghetti Pie

Your kids will be jumping for joy when they hear that spaghetti pie is on the menu for tonight.

Hiding in a jumble of whole wheat pasta, red sauce, and cheese is a ground turkey, carrots, and parsley.

It’s Weight Watchers-friendly and a single serving will cost you less than 300 calories.

13. One-Pan Italian Sausage and Veggies

When it’s a sheet-pan kind of night, you’ll be happy this nourishing meal exists.

Italian sausage fills you up with protein and a medley of veggies provides you with your daily dose of vitamins. 

Nutrition aside, it’s absolutely mouthwatering! 

There’s something about the Italian spices and Parmesan cheese that really does wonders with roasted sausage and veggies.

14. Baked Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic that you can make a little healthier by baking it. 

By ditching the frying pan, you cut down on the oil. You also cut down on the work.

But soggy cutlets need not apply. 

These baked chicken breasts are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Just the way we like it!

15. Risotto Verde

How does one make risotto healthy? Easy, pack it full of veggies. 

Asparagus, spinach, and peas turn risotto rice into a glowing green goddess dish. 

You use just a couple of tablespoons of double cream. And don’t forget the Parmesan or the lemon twist!

16. Spicy Kale Lasagna

The best way to get everyone to eat their leafy greens is to disguise them in a cheesy lasagna. 

With layers of no-boil whole wheat lasagna, three types of cheese, and red sauce, the little tykes will never see it coming. 

This comforting vegetarian dish has a whopping 12 servings.

So you can freeze the leftovers for an easy dinner another day.

17. Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Craving chicken fettuccine Alfredo without the guilt? Make yourself a bowl of this lighter version. 

It trades in the butter and the heavy cream for milk. 

Don’t worry, it still has plenty of cheese and it’s full of juicy chicken. 

18. Easy Italian Salad

This is the perfect salad to pair with any one of these homestyle Italian recipes. 

Fresh and healthy, it’s brimming with garden fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, avocados, and cucumbers.

It also has a few Italian favorites like artichoke hearts and kalamata olives. 

Add breadcrumbs to make it more filling or nix them to keep it gluten-free.

Either way, you’ll want to use crisp, hardy lettuce like romaine.

19. Italian Arugula Salad

Here’s another simple salad to pair with your Italian spread.

It’s a vegan assortment of arugula, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and olives with dried herbs and balsamic vinegar. 

It takes no time at all to prepare, making it a fantastic option for a last-minute side dish. 

20. Cauliflower Pizza Crust 

This cauliflower pizza crust is outstanding!

It cuts down on the carbs, sneaks in a ton of nutrients, and tastes phenomenal smothered with red sauce and cheese.

All the crust calls for is six ingredients and the toppings of your choice. 

21. Classic Italian Bruschetta

Show me a classic Italian bruschetta, and I’ll show you an empty plate!

Bruschetta is one of the first things I ate upon visiting Italy. And I’ve loved it ever since. 

The crisp crostini topped with a fresh tomato and basil topping is too good to resist. 

It’s a fantastic appetizer for a party. Although, I often turn it into a meal just for me.

22. Creamy Basil Chicken

Growing tired of your basic chicken dinners? Creamy basil chicken will fix that. 

Rustic, comforting, creamy, and high in protein, this succulent chicken dinner is oozing with flavor.

Chicken breast simmers in a creamy sauce flavored with garlic, shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, white wine, and more.

For the finishing touch, add a few basil leaves and Parmesan cheese.

23. Healthy Garlic Scallops

These plump succulent scallops are a seafood lover’s dream!

Cook them in ghee to infuse them with flavor, while giving your body a boost of antioxidants and Omega-3s.

Then, pile in the garlic, parsley, and lemon.

You can pair this with pasta, artisanal bread, or a big salad, or keep it as is. 

Whatever you do, don’t overcook these beautiful shellfish. They cook super fast, so keep a watchful eye.

24. Healthy Turkey Bolognese

A bowl of this savory Bolognese is like getting a big hug from grandma.

Needless to say, it’s just about as comforting as it gets. 

It’s also healthy thanks to the meaty sauce featuring turkey, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and broth. 

Say, you could try this with bone broth for more protein and minerals. 

I sometimes even swap out the meat for lentils to make it more economical and rich in plant protein.

25. Italian Wedding Soup (Minestra Maritata)

Italian wedding soup is a classic Italian meal that you’ll want to add to your soup routine.

It’s a brothy soup that’s revitalizing and satisfying at the same time.

The turkey meatballs, pasta, kale, and fresh herbs nourish your body and your soul.

If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought meatballs to cut down on the work.

Just be sure to choose ones with lean meat or plant-based ingredients to keep them healthy.

26. Pesto Pasta Salad

Potlucks, brunches, or picnics, there’s no shortage of occasions for serving this cold pasta dish.

Using your short pasta shape of choice, you spruce it up with shredded chicken, spinach, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. 

Give it a good splash of Italian dressing and toss it with pesto.

Need a vegetarian version? Easy, omit the meat. 

You can also use gluten-free pasta so more people can enjoy it.

27. Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken cacciatore is another Italian classic that’s healthy. 

There’s no pasta in this hearty dish, although, you can add it if you like. 

Instead, it’s all about the chicken, veggies, and robust white wine red sauce. 

White wine is good in moderation and known to have health benefits.

So pour yourself a glass while you’re fixing up this tasty one-pot chicken dinner.

28. Healthy Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Are you staring down your zucchini wondering what on earth to do with it? We’ve all been there a time or two. 

Luckily, this easy zucchini recipe will come to your rescue.

Each tender squash has a savory Italian sausage and veggie filling with marinara sauce and parmesan on top.

It’s packed with a boatload of flavor and nutrients. And guess what? Kids love it too!

29. Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon 

Italian seasoning plus lemon garlic butter equals this irresistible healthy salmon dinner.

Salmon is a heart-healthy food that’s high in Omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also the star of this recipe!

As one of the best-tasting fish in the sea, you don’t need much to make it taste great.

Just a few ingredients to accentuate the slightly sweet flavor will do.

As for cooking, leave that to the oven. 

In about 20 minutes, your perfectly flaky fish filet will be waiting for you.

30. Chicken Piccata

Ending you on a scrumptious note is one of my personal favorites, chicken piccata! 

It’s fresh, bright, and wholesome with just a hint of guilt from the butter. 

But butter does have some health benefits like calcium that’s good for your bones. So in moderation, it’s healthy too!

This is good news because the tantalizing sauce is what makes it delish.