11 healthy Italian recipes

Looking for healthy Italian recipes? Want a light pasta or pizza recipe? Check out our ideas below, and then take a look at our healthy curry recipes, healthy takeaways and healthy pasta recipes.

11 healthy Italian recipes

Vegan risotto

Fennel, courgette, peas and parsley make for a wonderfully green risotto. Flavoured with nutritional yeast in place of parmesan and less than 350 calories a portion, it’s a lovely and light version of this Italian favourite.

Marinated summer veg antipasti

Our antipasti recipe uses a colourful combination of summer veg. It’s a healthy mix of aubergines, peppers, courgette and mushrooms – serve with crusty bread to mop up the juices.

Courgetti with pesto and balsamic tomatoes

Try swapping out pasta for spiralized courgette in this low-calorie meal with baby plum tomatoes, garlic, pesto and pine nuts.

Tuscan pork steaks

Tuscan bean and barley stew

This stew is a perfect one to have on hand for a quick and healthy dinner. It’s ready in 30 minutes, serves four and is under 200 calories. You can use any leafy greens for this, just whatever you have around.

Spicy prawn linguine

This spicy prawn linguine has a chilli kick to keep it interesting. It’s so delicious you’ll forget you’re being virtuous.

Sicilian-style fish stew

Here, white fish is gently simmered in a tomato and couscous sauce and topped with zesty gremolata. A filling and healthy dinner idea that has fewer than 250 calories a portion but is still packed with protein.

Spinach and risotto-stuffed tomatoes

This is a simple, healthy meat-free dinner made from leftover risotto, pine nuts and lots of spinach.

Butternut squash lasagne

This vegetarian take on a family favourite is perfect if you’re trying to pack in more veg to mealtimes. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, too.

Lentil ‘meatballs’ with fresh tomato sauce 

Lentils are a great way to make a meal vegetarian. Here, they’re used to create an alternative to traditional meatballs and are served with pasta, Italian style. Plus, they’re low-calorie and ready in just 40 minutes.

Chicken, red pepper and olive cacciatore

This summery Italian one-pot is easy to make and freezes brilliantly, plus, it’s a great healthy dinner idea and gluten-free. The recipe is easily halved if you only want three or four portions.