One big reason for the bad press pasta gets is it’s usually served in a large portion. Serve it as a side dish, and you’re suddenly eating less without depriving yourself. One cup of cooked pasta gives you 200 calories or  less, depending on how you prepare it.

Here are a few ways to make that pasta a more healthy meal:

1. Use cheese as an accent, rather than dousing your pasta in a cheese sauce.  A touch of parmesan or pecorino adds character to a simple pasta, minus the guilt.

2. For a protein boost and heart-healthy benefits, toss your pasta in walnut sauce. Simply combine walnuts with basil leaves, olive oil, salt and freshly crushed black pepper. The nutty taste is irresistible.

3. Go high on veggies and low on the quantity of  pasta: toss your spaghetti with lots of roasted vegetables. In fact, pasta can be your excuse to enjoy a variety of nutritious vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, mushroom, zucchini, asparagus and such.

By: Jen Harris