The Real Reason Veggie Pastas Aren't Worth Your Time
Pasta tends to get a bad rap since it is easy to overeat, and it's also often laden with highly caloric sauces, like Alfredo. While the truth of the matter is that pasta is a healthy food to eat if consumed in moderation, tons of other types of pastas have popped up in response to healthy or clean eating trends. However, just because some pastas have vegetables in them does not automatically make them better for you (via Shape).
The reason veggie pastas aren't worth your time is usually because there is actually very little of the vegetable added into the pasta. Many times vegetables like spinach or tomato are added in tiny amounts just enough to color the pasta, and it might not even be the veggie in its fullest form, as vegetables are often added to the pasta as a powder or puree. Even if the pasta claims to have a full serving of vegetables, it's still less nutritious than eating the full, real veggies (via Time).
Even regular whole wheat pastas have some nutritional value, as they often have more protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber than regular pastas. Again, if eaten in moderation, pasta can be healthy and can be a vehicle for other good-for-you foods like tomatoes, peas, or any other vegetable-topping you can think of.
Veggie pastas that are actually better for you
If you are really watching calories and carbs, there is no better option when it comes to veggie pasta than using real, spiralized vegetables in place of pasta. It's a low-calorie, low-carb option that packs tons of other vitamins and minerals into your dish.
Also, keep in mind that some vegetable pastas might be worth your time, but reading the label is vital. If the pasta is truly vegetable-based, then the first ingredient or first few ingredients should be vegetables.
Alternative pastas that are made of beans are great for getting in extra fiber, but they still pack calories, so don't let loose of portion control. Quinoa is another great take on pasta for those who cannot consume gluten as it is a naturally gluten-free option.
Shirataki noodles are another great alternative for a low-calorie, low-carb pasta. These noodles are primarily water and have a little bit of fiber. That makes them pretty filling without eating tons of calories and they have practically no carbs (via Healthline).
No matter what kind of pasta you want to make, remember to use portion control to prevent overeating. If you really want good pasta, just make regular noodles and enjoy less of them to cut down on calories and carbs, and remember to load up on the veggies too.