11 Best Pastas on Grocery Shelves, According to a Dietitian

From fusilli to farfalle, pasta comes in all shapes and sizes and is so much more than just the base for your sauce and meatballs. Of course, pasta has earned a bad rap in recent years after the "no-carb revolution" that swept the Western world by storm. However, we want to change the narrative, as data published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention, and Health suggests that higher pasta consumption (just over three servings per week) is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, according to observational data. And, a review study published in Nutrients highlighted that, after evaluating over 30 studies, the medical literature generally doesn't suggest that pasta intake is directly linked to body weight outcomes. So, pasta really can be a part of a healthy diet. The key is also finding the healthiest pasta brands that you enjoy eating.

Unlike many other refined grains (like donuts and white bread), pasta has a unique protein structure that makes it have a low glycemic index. And many varieties are typically enriched with important nutrients, like folic acid. But if you aren't a fan of the original white pasta varieties, luckily for you, there are now kinds of pasta made from cauliflower, lentils, and other ingredients that give your pasta dish a boost of nutrients, like fiber (and depending on the ingredients, may allow your pasta to be deemed 'gluten-free').

We've rounded up 11 of our favorite healthy pastas that run the gamut of textures, flavors, and compositions that we consider to be the "best" on the market. Just remember that what you serve with your pasta and how much you are eating as a serving is just as important as which pasta you are picking. Half a cup of pasta is considered a "serving" (approximately the size of a baseball), and it is suggested to pair your pasta with "good" fats, vegetables, and lean protein instead of high-fat meats (like sausage).

Whether you're vegan or gluten-free, Keto or simply looking for quality pasta, there's something in here for everyone. Read on, and for something nutritious to go with your new pasta brands, check out these 5 Pasta Sauces with the Highest Quality Ingredients.

Pasta Rummo Spaghetti

Pasta Rummo prides itself on its slowly crafted pasta. With seven phases that culminate in a "Bureau Veritas" certification–that is, external validation of robust business practices and product quality—this pasta has top-tier taste.

Additionally, this pasta is great at absorbing delicious sauces due to its extrusion through a special bronze die. You really can't go wrong here.

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Ancient Harvest Red Lentil Rotini

A high-protein pasta option? Count us in! Ancient Harvest offers an alternative take on the classic rotini with their Red Lentil option that offers a whopping 14 grams of protein per serving with 3 grams of fiber.

Made with just two ingredients (red lentil flour and organic quinoa flour), you can feel confident that you're eating a heart-healthy meal that will keep you full and energized throughout the day.

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Banza Chickpea Penne

Protein pasta has taken the world by storm, especially for those who follow a plant-based diet and skip the meat-heavy pasta toppings. Banza Penne Pasta is made from chickpeas and comes with 11 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, both of which are necessary to feel satiated throughout the day.

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Eden Kamut Spirals 100% Whole Grain

Organic Eden Pasta is made from a very particular ancient variety of Khorasan (Kamut) wheat, which makes this particular whole-grain pasta naturally sweet and smooth. With a whopping 15% of your daily iron needs in each serving—as well as 20% of your daily magnesium—this pasta is a great one-ingredient addition to your dinner that won't have you guessing but instead leave you full and satisfied.

Seapoint Farms Organic Edamame Spaghetti

This was a new one for us, too! Edamame Spaghetti is a powerhouse food, as it provides 24 grams of protein per mere 2 ounces, with an additional 12 grams of fiber (the FDA recommends about 28 grams per day, so you're nearly halfway there with just one serving of edamame pasta) to keep your gut regular and your appetite satiated.

The only ingredient involved is USDA-certified organic soybeans, making it the perfect option for those who are gluten-free as well as those following a vegan or Keto lifestyle.

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Kevin's Natural Foods Chicken Pasta Primavera

Pasta that is ready to enjoy in minutes, gluten-free, and made with real vegetables may sound like a dream come true for pasta lovers who live both a busy and a gluten-free lifestyle.

Kevin's Natural Foods offers an entire line of paleo-certified pasta dishes made with their gluten-free cauliflower pasta, like flavor-packed Chicken Penne Alla Vodka and a gluten-free, dairy-free Beef Stroganoff.

Fiber Gourmet Light Elbows

With no added sugars, you can easily knock out your entire daily fiber needs with Fiber Gourmet's Light Elbows. This pasta provides 24 grams of fiber in each serving, and as fiber is necessary for gut microbiota upkeep and regular bowel movements, you'll want to share this one with the kiddos, too.

Add healthy toppings like vegetables and lean meats, and you've got yourself a powerhouse of a meal!

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VeggieCraft Cauliflower Linguine

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Perhaps you have picky kids who don't like eating their veggies, or perhaps that picky kid is you. With cauliflower pasta made by the likes of VeggieCraft, you don't have to worry about fulfilling your daily vegetable needs.

With 13 grams of protein (so it's great for plant-based diets, as well), you can hit two birds with one stone. Additionally, this cauliflower linguine has no added sugar and a relatively low sodium count, so it's certainly heart-healthy and appropriate for most dietary needs.

Barilla Whole Wheat Spaghetti

Your pasta doesn't need to have all the bells and whistles that gourmet and small-scale pasta companies offer. In fact, making a simple switch to whole wheat—no matter the brand—can potentially help with proper weight management.

This pasta is also made with one sole ingredient (whole grain durum wheat flour) that offers 7 grams of fiber per 2-ounce serving.

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Explore Cuisine Black Bean Spaghetti

We want to offer something a bit out of left field for those who like to explore new tastes and options. If you're looking to spice up your family dinners, try Explore Cuisine's Black Bean Spaghetti, which is made with black soybean flour.

This pasta offers the highest protein count of all our listed options at a whopping 25 grams per serving and also contains 11 grams of fiber and zero added sugars. A

Additionally, consuming this black soybean pasta will fuel you with 30% of your daily iron and potassium needs, making it a great food to add to your weekly retinue.

GoodWheat Spaghetti

Made with one simple ingredient and containing a whopping 8 grams of fiber, this pasta option is US Farm Grown and is non-GMO. This high-fiber pasta provides four times more fiber than standard pasta and tastes just as good.