How Can You Enjoy Pasta on the Keto Diet?
Are you on a keto diet but craving pasta? Traditional pasta is high in carbs, making it off-limits for those following a low-carb, high-fat diet. It’s basically the exact opposite of what you should eat while following keto. There is no doubt that following a keto diet can be tough for those who really love their pasta.
Fortunately, with the rise in popularity of the keto diet, there are many creative and delicious alternatives to traditional pasta that are keto-friendly and easy to make at home. The majority of these healthy keto-friendly alternatives will emulate your favorite kinds of pasta. In this article, we’ll share 5 incredible keto pasta recipes that will satisfy your pasta cravings without sabotaging your diet.
Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, are a popular low-carb alternative to pasta. They are easy to make with a spiralizer and have a similar texture to traditional noodles. When paired with a creamy avocado sauce, zoodles make for a delicious and healthy meal. For extra protein, add chicken breast or salmon.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 avocado, pitted and peeled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the avocado, basil, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Pour the avocado sauce over the zoodles and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Spaghetti Squash with Meatballs
Spaghetti squash is another popular low-carb alternative to pasta. When cooked, the inside of the squash forms spaghetti-like strands that make a perfect base for meatballs.
Ingredients:
- medium spaghetti squash
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Brush the cut side of each half with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes until the flesh is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Use a fork to shred the flesh of the spaghetti squash into spaghetti-like strands.
- Serve the meatballs over the spaghetti squash.
Broccoli and Bacon Carbonara
Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, and bacon. This keto version uses broccoli instead of pasta and is just as delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 strips bacon, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and toss with the bacon and garlic.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the egg and cheese mixture over the broccoli and bacon. Toss until the eggs are cooked and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Chicken Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles
This keto-friendly version of chicken alfredo swaps out the traditional pasta for zucchini noodles. It’s a creamy and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Mix in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet and whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss with the sauce until tender.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
- Pesto Shrimp with Shirataki Noodles
Pesto Shrimp with Shirataki Noodles
Shirataki noodles are made from konjac root and are a great low-carb pasta alternative. When paired with pesto shrimp, they make a delicious and filling meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 bags Shirataki noodles, rinsed and drained
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the shirataki noodles to the skillet and toss with the garlic until heated through.
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss with the pesto until coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
FAQs:
- Are these recipes suitable for a keto diet? Yes, all of the recipes in this article are keto-friendly and low in carbs.
- Where can I find shirataki noodles? Shirataki noodles can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores or online.
- Can I make these recipes at home? Yes, all of the ingredients are easy to find and the recipes are easy to follow.
Conclusion
With these 5 incredible keto pasta recipes, you don’t have to sacrifice your favorite Italian dishes while on a low-carb diet. From zucchini noodles to shirataki noodles, there are plenty of low-carb pasta alternatives that make these recipes delicious and satisfying. Plus, they’re all easy to make at home, so you can enjoy a cozy night with a delicious bowl of pasta. Try out these recipes and let us know which one is your favorite!
Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication. Enjoy your pasta night with these amazing keto recipes!