Healthy Italian Recipes That Won't Put You In a Pasta Coma

Lighter, Brighter Italian

Chefs are putting their healthy riffs on classics—think clever twists on veggies and livened-up sauces. The results are modern yet familiar, and really delicious. These dishes from Ali LaRaia, the chef and cofounder at The Sosta in New York City, bring that fresh take on Italian to your table.

Inspired by her travels throughout Italy, LaRaia is determined to change the outdated notion that healthy and Italian can't exist in the same sentence. "We're using fresh, flavorful ingredients with great texture in surprising ways like spelt flour in a pasta or vegetable puree as the sauce in lasagna," she says. Check out her knockout recipes (and this Italian cocktail to wash them down with).

Root Vegetable Lasagna

Thanks to the range of textures, the vegetables in this dish are so satisfying, says LaRaia. The protein content (21 grams per serving!) pump up the fullness factor too.

Sicilian Tuna and Beans

This salad only takes five minutes to assemble; toss it together in the morning to tote to work for lunch, or whip it up as a healthy dinner when you're short on time and energy.

Spelt Fusilli with Pea Pesto

Spelt pasta (made from the nutty, hearty grain) has similar nutritional benefits to whole wheat pasta. Peas, ricotta, and lemon juice make this dish light and fresh—a.k.a. perfect for summer.