43 Healthy Italian Dinners That Are Guilt-Free

43 Healthy Italian Dinners That Are Guilt-Free

Read Time: 21 mins

43 Healthy Italian Dinners That Are Guilt-Free1/43 Red Clam Sauce 10 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Red Clam Sauce Recipe photo by Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home Total Time 3 hours 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This recipe tastes like an Italian restaurant specialty and cooks while you take care of other things. What a marvelous way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, Latrobe, Pennsylvania Nutrition Facts: 1 cup sauce with 3/4 cup cooked linguine: 305 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 553mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 7g fiber),

15g protein

15g protein. 2/43 Shrimp Pesto Pasta 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Fresh basil and dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively shrimp pesto pasta. — Gloria Jones Grenga, Newnan, Georgia Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 393 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 406mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. 3/43 Honeydew & Prosciutto Salad 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 30 min Servings 12 servings Go to Recipe From the

To add zip, stir in fresh basil and mint

Recipe Creator: For parties, I turn melon and prosciutto into an easy salad with a honey mustard dressing. To add zip, stir in fresh basil and mint. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 186 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat. 4/43 Turkey Sausage with Pasta 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: If you’re looking for recipes with turkey sausage,

This has the perfect blend of meaty, veggie and cheesy goodness

stop here. This has the perfect blend of meaty, veggie and cheesy goodness. You’ll be craving what’s good for you when this pasta dish is on the menu. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1 cup sausage mixture with 1 cup pasta: 396 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. 5/43 Watermelon Gazpacho 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Watermelon Gazpacho Recipe photo by Joe Crimmings for Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings (1 quart) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My refreshing gazpacho

is a delightfully simple, elegant dish

is a delightfully simple, elegant dish. Serve as a side or with pita and hummus for a meal. —Nicole Deelah, Nashville, Tennessee Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 58 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 599mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit. 6/43 Penne with Veggies and Black Beans 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 25 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Chock-full of zucchini, tomatoes, sweet pepper and carrots, this hearty pasta dish puts your garden harvest to good use. For variety, I sometimes add one-half

cup of salsa or one-half cup of thickened teriyaki sauce

cup of salsa or one-half cup of thickened teriyaki sauce. —Vickie Spoerle, Indianapolis, Indiana Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 300 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein. 7/43 Spring Green Risotto 3 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved JIM WIELAND FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 45 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Once a week I create a new recipe for my blog, An Officer and a Vegan. I first made this risotto when I needed something cheerful and comforting. It would be fantastic

—Denise Warner, Red Lodge, Montana Nutrition Facts:

with asparagus, zucchini or summer squash, but use whatever veggies are in season. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 198 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. 8/43 Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour Servings 2 pizzas (6 slices each) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: A wonderful crust layered with herbed tomato sauce and toppings encourages my family of six to dig right in to this low-fat main course. —Denise Warner, Red Lodge, Montana Nutrition Facts:

Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 1/2 fat

1 slice: 190 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 1/2 fat. 9/43 Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 15 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Try this simple arugula salad recipe for a fresh side the whole family will love. It combines fresh peppery greens with tasty golden raisins, crunchy almonds and shaved parmesan. —Nicole Rash, Boise, Idaho Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 181 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol,

242mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein

242mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1/2 starch. 10/43 Tuna Steak on Fettuccine 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Tuna Steak on Fettuccine Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: For something new to do with tuna, I suggest this tangy dish. Although I prefer the marinade on tuna or mahi mahi, it’s scrumptious on any fish, grilled, baked or broiled. —Caren Stearns, Austin, Texas Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 505 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium,

41g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 42g protein

41g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 42g protein. 11/43 Tuscan Portobello Stew 15 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Tuscan Portobello Stew Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a healthy one-skillet meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for company. I often take this stew to my school’s potlucks, where it is devoured by teachers and students alike. —Jane Siemon, Viroqua, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 309 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 13g fiber), 12g

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat

protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat. 12/43 Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet 9 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: We love Italian sausage sandwiches, but because the bread isn’t diet-friendly for me, I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If you like some heat, use hot peppers in place of the sweet peppers. —Tina Howells, Salem, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 251 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium,

35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein

35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch. 13/43 Minestrone Soup 53 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved TASTE OF HOME Total Time 1 hour 5 min Servings 11 servings (2-3/4 quarts) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This minestrone soup recipe is special to me because it’s one of the few dinners my entire family loves. And I can feel good about serving it because it’s full of nutrition and low in fat. —Lauren Brennan, Hood River, Oregon Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 180 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat),

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat

4mg cholesterol, 443mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat. 14/43 Rosemary Chicken with Spinach & Beans 13 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Rosemary Chicken with Spinach & Beans Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: With two young boys constantly on-the-go, I’m always looking for ways to simplify meals. This recipe uses just one skillet, making it a cinch to prepare dinner for a hungry family in half an hour. —Sara Richardson, Littleton, Colorado Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken

Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat

breast half with 3/4 cup sauce: 348 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 41g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat. 15/43 Marinated Tomatoes 9 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Tasty Marinated Tomatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 10 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My niece introduced me to this colorful recipe some time ago. I now make it when I have buffets or large gatherings because it can be prepared hours ahead. This is

a great way to use a bumper crop of tomatoes

a great way to use a bumper crop of tomatoes. —Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, Georgia Nutrition Facts: about 2 pieces: 93 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable. 16/43 Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes 24 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Relax after work with a cold drink while this savory chicken marinates in an herby tomato blend for an hour,

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Expert Tips

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✅ Key Takeaways

  • These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

  • Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

  • Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

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