Contributed by Jennifer Andrews, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Pasta is a favorite meal for millions of people world-wide and is a quick and easy meal to put together for any night of the week.

With the rise of low-carb and high-protein diets over the years, pasta has developed a reputation as a high-carb food that can hinder weight-loss efforts. Yet, pasta can actually be a healthy food and part of a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Try the following top ten healthy pasta recipes that will be sure to keep your friends and family healthy – and happy.

10. Whole-wheat penne

Whole-grains are healthy complex carbohydrates that provide energy to the brain and body for normal daily functions. Try this Whole Wheat Penne with Broccoli and Sausage recipe that adds antioxidants from the veggies and protein from the meat.

9. Farfalle

Add Farfalle with Zucchini and Parsley-Almond Pesto to your healthy pasta recipes line-up for a healthy meal that can be served warm or cold.

8. Spaghetti with Homemade Sauce

A classical spaghetti dish can be made healthy by subbing in whole-grain noodles for white and preparing a fresh home-made sauce from scratch.

7. Bow-Tie Pasta

Bow-tie pasta shapes are not only fun to look at but delicious to eat. Make this pasta meal healthy by adding roasted squash and greens for additional flavor and nutrients.

6. Dairy-Free Mac & Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a favorite among both kids and adults, however, it’s high calorie and fat content often leaves much to be desired. This Dairy-Free Creamy Macaroni Bake leaves out high-fat ingredients and adds pureed vegetables instead for a still-creamy, but far healthier version.

5. Pasta Salad

A simple pasta vegetable salad is made extra-nutritious with the addition of broccoli, tomatoes, radicchio and herbs including parsley and basil. Home grown tomatoes make your pasta salad even more flavorful.

4. Beans, Greens and Pasta

Pull this Fusilli with Swiss Chard, beans and bacon recipe out of your healthy pasta meals collection for a hearty meal that will please all taste-buds.

3. Chicken Pasta

Enjoy a well-balanced meal by pairing protein-rich chicken with healthy carbs such as whole-grain pasta and spinach as in this Pesto Chicken Florentine.

2. Lasagna

Lasagna typically conjures of images of high-fat and calorie ingredients such as cheese and meat. Make over this meal by decreasing the cheese content and adding vegetables for a vegetarian version.

1. Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells can be made healthier by using reduced-fat ricotta cheese and ingredients such as spinach and bulgur.