Healthy Tuscan Pasta Recipe
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This Healthy Tuscan Pasta is a simple and flavorful dish made with chickpea pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic garlic and basil. It’s light yet satisfying—perfect for summer or any time you want a wholesome, veggie-forward meal on the table fast.
Looking for more light pasta recipes? Try this chickpea pasta salad next!
This light Tuscan pasta reminds me of a grown-up version of buttered noodles—with a healthy twist!
It’s made with just a handful of ingredients and comes together in 20 minutes or less. I used chickpea pasta for a protein-packed base, but it works beautifully with whole wheat or regular pasta too.
This is the kind of dish that’s great for using up garden-fresh tomatoes or basil, and it’s so easy to customize with your favorite seasonings.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make these overnight oats with peanut butter powder:
Ingredient Notes
Chickpea Pasta – Chickpea pasta adds extra protein and fiber, but any pasta works, like whole wheat, regular, or veggie-based. Protein pasta is great as well.
Olive Oil – Go for a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor when finishing the dish.
Garlic – Use fresh cloves for the strongest aroma and taste.
Basil Paste – Great for convenience; fresh basil leaves work too if you prefer a more classic flavor. I purchased this at Aldi.
Cherry Tomatoes – Look for firm, brightly colored tomatoes for the best texture and sweetness.
Mozzarella Cheese – Use a fresh mozzarella log and cube it yourself for better melt and flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes – Any kind works—adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Variations
Add sautéed spinach or kale for a boost of greens.
Use goat cheese or feta instead of mozzarella for a tangier flavor.
Add grilled chicken or white beans for extra protein.
Toss in olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
How to Make Healthy Tuscan Pasta: Step by Step
Here are quick visual instructions. Be sure to check out the full instructions with exact ingredients in the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: Warm ¼ cup of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat and then stir in the garlic, basil paste, and cherry tomatoes.
Step 2: Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften and begin to split.
Step 3: Remove from heat and mix in the cooked pasta, cubed mozzarella, and red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Pour in the remaining ¼ cup of olive oil (or more, if preferred) and gently toss to combine.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Want more flavor? Sprinkle in some garlic salt, sea salt, or Italian seasoning.
For more texture, toss in some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts.
This dish is best served warm while the cheese is soft and melty.
If you’re using fresh basil, stir it in right before serving to keep it vibrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Whole wheat, regular pasta, or veggie noodles work great here.
If you use gluten-free chickpea pasta, then yes, it’s completely gluten-free.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
You can! Just omit the mozzarella or swap it for a plant-based cheese alternative.
I hope you love this tuscan pasta recipe. Please consider leaving a star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below. Thank you so much!
More Dinner Ideas
Healthy Tuscan Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz chickpea pasta 1 box, (cooked according to package and drained.)
- ½ Cup Olive Oil divided
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- ½ TBSP basil paste or fresh basil
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes 1 container
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese 1 log, cubed
- 1-2 tsps Red Pepper flakes to taste
- Optional – fresh basil sliced
Instructions
- Warm ¼ cup of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the garlic, basil paste, and cherry tomatoes.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften and begin to split.
- Remove from heat and mix in the cooked pasta, cubed mozzarella, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in the remaining ¼ cup of olive oil (or more, if preferred) and gently toss to combine.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
I purchased Chickpea pasta and basil paste at ALDI.
Nutrition
The nutritional details for recipes are estimated using MyFitnessPal and can vary with different products, measurement accuracy, and source reliability. We aim to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee the precise accuracy of the nutritional data