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Healthy Pasta Alternatives: Foods That Easily Replace White Noodles (PHOTOS)

10 Healthy Pasta Alternatives

Whether it's cold pasta salad before a BBQ or a warm plate of spaghetti and meatballs after a long run, pasta -- every shape, size and possible name -- is the ultimate in comfort foods.

But as we all know, the flour that helps make white pasta what it is can be the cause of more than a few extra pounds on our bodies. Most pastas are made with refined wheat flour, but unfortunately, during the refining process for white pastas, the outer shell filled with nutrients is often removed, according to today.msn.com. This leaves your dish full of starchy, white pasta that is stripped of fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Luckily for you, there are healthier pasta options out there -- ones that still let you enjoy your favourite comfort food and get some extra nutrients along the way. We're not saying you should never eat delicious white pasta, but consider switching it up every once in a while.

Here are 10 healthier alternatives to white pasta:

Zucchini

10 Healthy Alternatives To Pasta

Zucchini:

Shredded with a peeler, zucchinis can make the perfect spaghetti replacement. They are rich in fibre, can lower cholesterol and is a lighter pasta option. Get a recipe here.

Squash:

'Spaghetti squash' gets its name from the inner 'flesh' of a squash, very similar to strands of noodles. Squash is high vitamins A and C, and magnesium and can protect your body against some forms of heart disease. Get a recipe here.

Whole Grains:

Whole grain pasta is filled with vitamin B and isn't stripped of any minerals. And if you're lacking fibre, whole grain pastas are one of the tastier options. Get a recipe here.

Quinoa:

Quinoa (both in grain and gluten-free pasta form) is high in vitamin B and can help your body produce bone growth. Get a recipe here.

Soba Noodles:

Soba noodles are made from buckwheat and originally from Japan. They are high in protein and can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Get a recipe here.

Rice Pasta:

Rice noodles are made of whole grains and contain anywhere from 0 to 0.7 grams of fibre per serving.Get a recipe here.

Shirataki Noodles:

Shirataki is made from a root plant grown in many parts of Asia. At times called the miracle noodle, these noodles are filled with fibre and claim to have no calories or carbs.Get a recipe here.

Black Bean Spaghetti:

Yes, that's right, the spaghetti itself is black. Black bean pasta is high in protein -- almost 20.5 grams per serving.Get a recipe here.

Broccoli Slaw:

Seen on HungryGirl.com, broccoli slaw is low in calories, high in nutrients and is even fat-free.

Cabbage:

Similar to broccoli slaw, shredded cabbage is another spaghetti alternative. Packed with vitamin B and antioxidants, cabbage also reduces cholesterol. Get a recipe here.

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