Wormhole solutions obtained by Morris and Thorne (MT) in general relativity (GR) is investigated in a modified theory of gravity. In the gravitational action, we consider f (R, T ) which is a function of the Ricci scalar (R) and the trace of the energy momentum tensor (T ). In the framework of a modified gravity described by f (R, T ) = R + αR 2 + λT , where α and λ are constants, MT wormhole solutions (WH) with normal matter are obtained for a relevant shape function. The energy conditions are probed at the throat and away from the throat of the WH. It is found that the coupling parameters, α and λ in the gravitational action play an important role to decide the matter composition needed. It is found that for a given λ, WH exists in the presence of exotic matter at the throat when α < 0. However, it is demonstrated that the WH exists without exotic matter when α > 0 in the modified gravity. Two different shape functions are analyzed for the WH solutions that admits with or without exotic matter. It is noted that in a modified gravity MT WH permits even with normal matter which is not possible in GR. It is shown that a class of WH solutions exist with anisotropic fluid for λ = −8π. However, for flat asymptotic regions with anisotropic fluids WH solutions cannot be realized for λ = −8π. All the energy conditions are found consistent with the hybrid shape function indicating existence of WH even with normal matter for λ → 0.