13 Classic 500 Calorie Pasta Recipes

If you’re looking for 500-calorie pasta recipes, try Creamy Alfredo Chicken Pasta or Spaghetti Carbonara for rich flavors without the guilt. Pesto Shrimp Linguine and Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage offer satisfying options that won’t derail your diet.

You can also enjoy Four Cheese Macaroni or Shrimp Scampi with Fettuccine, both creamy and delicious. Don’t forget about Cajun Chicken Pasta and Pasta Primavera for more variety. You’ll discover even more tasty and nutritious recipes ahead.

1. Creamy Alfredo Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Process

1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken slices until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Add cooked chicken back to the pan, stirring to coat in the sauce.
7. Toss in cooked fettuccine pasta and mix well.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Pro Tip: For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese before adding the pasta.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

2. Spaghetti Carbonara

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 4 oz pancetta or bacon (diced)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Process

1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook pancetta until crispy. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs and Parmesan cheese together.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and quickly mix in the egg mixture, stirring continuously.
5. Gradually add reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy.
6. Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
7. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Pro Tip: Always mix the eggs off the heat to prevent scrambling.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

3. Pesto Shrimp Linguine

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

Process

1. Cook linguine according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for another minute.
4. Toss in cooked pasta and mix with pesto sauce.
5. Stir in cherry tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper.
6. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

Pro Tip: Use homemade pesto for a fresher and more vibrant flavor.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

4. Baked Ziti With Italian Sausage

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Process

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook Italian sausage until browned and crumbled. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Mix cooked pasta with the sausage sauce and layer half of it in a baking dish.
7. Spread ricotta mixture over the pasta and top with the remaining pasta mixture.
8. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve hot.

Pro Tip: For a richer flavor, mix a bit of heavy cream into the marinara sauce.

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

5. Four Cheese Macaroni

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup gouda cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Process

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
4. Lower the heat and mix in all the cheeses, stirring until melted.
5. Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well.
6. Toss in cooked macaroni and mix until evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Pro Tip: For a crispy topping, bake with breadcrumbs and extra cheese at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

6. Beef Stroganoff With Egg Noodles

Ingredients

• 12 oz egg noodles
• 1 lb beef sirloin (thinly sliced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Process

1. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear beef slices until browned, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.
4. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, bringing to a simmer.
5. Return the beef to the pan and cook for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in sour cream and season with salt and black pepper.
7. Add the cooked egg noodles and toss to coat in the sauce.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Pro Tip: For extra tenderness, let the beef marinate in Worcestershire sauce for 15 minutes before cooking.

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

7. Lobster Ravioli in Garlic Butter Sauce

Ingredients

• 12 oz lobster ravioli (store-bought or homemade)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Process

1. Cook lobster ravioli according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Pour in white wine and let it reduce for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy.
6. Toss in the cooked ravioli and coat well with the sauce.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

8. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Ingredients

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup spinach (chopped)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Process

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture and arrange in a baking dish.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes.
7. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tip: Use fresh spinach for a more vibrant flavor.

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

9. Penne Arrabbiata With Meatballs

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups arrabbiata sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

Process

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper. Form into small meatballs.
3. Bake meatballs for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
4. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
5. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes.
6. Pour in arrabbiata sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Add meatballs to the sauce and toss with cooked pasta.
8. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tip: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of beef for extra heat.

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

10. Shrimp Scampi With Fettuccine

Ingredients

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Process

1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Pour in white wine and let it reduce. Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes.
5. Toss in cooked pasta and mix well.
6. Season with salt and black pepper.
7. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

11. Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup bell peppers (sliced)
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

Process

1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and bell peppers until soft.
4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
6. Add cooked chicken and cherry tomatoes, mixing well.
7. Toss in cooked pasta and coat in the sauce.
8. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

Pro Tip: Use smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

12. Pasta Primavera With Parmesan Cream

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup bell peppers (sliced)
• 1/2 cup zucchini (sliced)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/2 cup broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Process

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic, bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli until tender.
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese.
4. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3 minutes.
5. Toss in cooked pasta and coat well in the sauce.
6. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

Pro Tip: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

13. Classic Lasagna With Meat Sauce

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

Process

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onions until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in garlic, marinara sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with the egg.
6. In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, followed by lasagna noodles, then a layer of ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers.
7. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes.
9. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: Letting the lasagna rest before cutting prevents it from falling apart.

Cooking Time: 60 minutes

Conclusion

Incorporating these 13 high-calorie pasta recipes into your meal rotation can add variety and satisfaction to your dining experiences. Each dish offers a unique blend of flavors and ingredients, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Remember to balance these indulgent meals with lighter options and physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. By enjoying these recipes in moderation, you can savor the richness of pasta while still taking care of your nutritional needs. Happy cooking!