If you're longing for a creamy carbonara, a rich ragu or a lush lasagne, look no further. Our super simple pasta recipes are perfect for feeding the family and sating those carb cravings. They're filled with nutritious ingredients, too – dishes like our slow cooker vegetable lasagne pack in a whopping five of your five-a-day, meaning plenty of vitamins and fibre.

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Find more of our popular healthy family recipes.

1. Slow cooker lasagne

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Dust off that slow cooker and put it to work in the morning, then come home to this bubbling, cheesy beauty. Our slow cooker lasagne is low-fat, low-calorie and perfect for a classic, comforting family meal. Waves of pasta sheets layered with tender mince, a rich tomato mix and creamy béchamel sauce. What more could you want?

Don't have a slow cooker? Try this healthy veggie lasagne.

2. Healthy pasta primavera

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Fill your plate with greens and try our healthy version of the classic Italian dish pasta primavera. Get a taste of spring with this healthy, hearty recipe. Pack in broad beans, leeks and tasty asparagus tips for a vibrant supper in three easy steps. Spend just half-an-hour turning simple ingredients into creamy pasta perfection.

Get even more greens on your plate with our springtime spaghetti with leeks, peas & pesto.

3. Lighter spaghetti & meatballs

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We couldn't make a list of hearty family favourites and miss out spaghetti & meatballs. Our healthy version uses the clever addition of low-fat lentils and a punchy tomato and garlic sauce. This ultra-satisfying low-calorie dinner is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Leave out the chilli if the children don't like spicy food.

Try making our slow cooker meatballs.

4. Chicken arrabbiata

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Combine two favourite comfort food dishes to make our chicken arrabbiata. This dish kicks the heat up a notch, so it's great for families who like a little spice in their lives, but again, you can always tone it down for sensitive tastebuds. The red wine gives the sauce great depth of flavour, too.

Discover more delicious meals with our healthy chicken recipe collection.

5. Lentil ragu

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We know 'rich' and 'healthy' don't normally appear in the same sentence, but this lentil ragu is an exception to the rule. It's a healthy spaghetti supper that'll get you four steps closer to your five-a-day and it uses mainly storecupboard ingredients to create an affordable, filling family staple. Freeze extra portions for more speedy midweek meals.

Want a meaty Bolognese recipe that's also good for you? Try our healthy turkey Bolognese.

6. Tofu & spinach cannelloni

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Tofu is a veggie's best friend, especially when it's packed into a pasta dish bursting with flavour. Our tofu & spinach cannelloni is rich in protein and iron, which is especially important for vegetarians. We reckon this recipe is sure to satisfy even the fussiest meat eaters, too.

Discover a wealth of healthy veggie mains.

7. Chilli & bean pasta bake

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Picture bubbling cheese, piping hot penne and an addictive beany base. Are we making your mouth water? Then you need to try our chilli & bean pasta bake. This uncomplicated recipe is easily doubled if you have a crowd of hungry dinner guests, (or ravenous family members looking for seconds), and it's also freezable for future meals.

8. Pasta with tomato & hidden veg sauce

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If your little ones are suspicious of veggies in plain sight, get crafty and try our pasta with tomato & hidden veg sauce. A healthy, stealthy meal, it delivers an impressive five of your five-a-day and needs very little effort, making it an instant win in our book. Top with plenty of parmesan and a little rocket for a pop of colour and peppery flavour. You can freeze the sauce, too, for when you need dinner in a pinch.

Try our best hidden veg recipes for kids.

9. Lemony prawn pasta

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Fancy cooking something light and summery with just five ingredients? Our lemony prawn pasta is a basic storecupboard recipe that won't leave you in a carb coma or needing a nap. Grab crème fraîche, broccoli and a pack of prawns and you've got a meal for four.

Enjoy more triple-tested healthy prawn recipes.

10. Sardine pasta with crunchy parsley crumbs

Sardine pasta with crunchy parsley crumbs

Canned sardines are a great source of omega-3 and add oomph to this simple, family-sized pasta dish. Our sardine pasta with crunchy parsley crumbs is an affordable way to get more oily fish into your diet, and the kids will love the crisp and crumbly topping. Try scattering with chilli flakes for extra heat.

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Like these recipes? See more family cooking guides...

Top 5 healthy family meals
Quick and healthy family meals
Healthy family slow cooker recipes

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