Pasta, a popular food in many cuisines, is known for its long list of uses and fantastic flavor. But did you know some are unhealthy as they contain undesirable carbs and fats? So, what would those individuals need to do to enjoy this fantastic food option? Well, low-carb options seem like the perfect alternative. These start with vegetable-based noodles to those made with alternative flours.
This post will look at five excellent low-carb pasta recipes, beginning with a unique soy sauce-infused one you’ll enjoy guilt-free. So, get ready for low-carb pasta, and bring your apron while you’re at it!
1. Soy Sauce Low-Carb Pasta Recipes
Who doesn’t love soy sauce? For the uninitiated, soy sauce is a flavorful addition to any dish, and pasta is no exception when paired. You can also add other soy sources, such as tofu, to enhance soy nutrition. One tablespoon of soy sauce contains only 1 gram of carbs, which makes it a low-carb-friendly condiment. Moreover, its umami flavor also adds a bit of oomph to the dish!
- Ingredients:
Ingredients for this dish include eight oz. Low-carb pasta (e.g., shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles), 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 cup thinly sliced bell pepper, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1/2 cup chopped scallions, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, two cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Procedure:
Cook the low-carb pasta as directed on the package, then drain and set aside. Take a skillet and heat the sesame oil over low-medium heat. Sauté until the bell pepper, scallions, and carrots are cooked through. Add the ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and cook for a minute. To bring everything together, throw in the prepared spaghetti plus soy sauce. Sprinkle salt and pepper before serving, and top with chopped cilantro! Bon appétit!
2. Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Low-Carb Pasta
- Ingredients:
The ingredients needed for this dish are eight oz low-carb pasta (e.g., spaghetti squash or almond flour pasta), 2 tbsp butter, eight oz sliced mushrooms, 2 cups fresh spinach, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Procedure:
To make the dish, cook the low-carb pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Melt butter over medium-low heat on a skillet and add mushrooms, sautéing until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Stir in spinach, cooking until wilted. Pour in heavy cream, bringing to a simmer. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, and toss them to combine. Sprinkle salt and pepper, then serve immediately.
3. Pesto Chicken Low-Carb Pasta
- Ingredients:
For this recipe, you’ll need eight oz low-carb pasta (e.g., konjac noodles or chickpea pasta), 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken, 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade basil pesto, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Procedure:
Begin by cooking the low-carb pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, pesto, and cherry tomatoes in a large bowl. Toss until evenly coated-season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with crumbled feta cheese, and have a blast!
4. Shrimp and Asparagus Low-Carb Pasta
- Ingredients:
You will need the following ingredients: 8 oz. low-carb pasta (e.g., Palmini noodles or edamame pasta), one lb. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, one bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup white wine, three cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp dried basil, salt and pepper to taste, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.
- Procedure:
To prepare this dish, cook the low-carb pasta as directed, then drain and set aside. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet, then sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute. Add shrimp until pink and cooked through, then set them aside. Sauté asparagus until tender-crisp, then add white wine and dried basil, simmering for 2 minutes. Combine shrimp, pasta, and asparagus in the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
5. Eggplant and Ricotta Low-Carb Pasta Roll-Ups
- Ingredients:
The ingredients required for this recipe include one large eggplant, thinly sliced lengthwise, 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, one large egg, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 2 cups marinara sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Procedure:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Salt eggplant slices on a baking sheet, let sit for 15 minutes, then pat dry. Mix ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and basil; season with salt and pepper. Apply marinara sauce on the base of a baking dish. Roll tightly with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture on each eggplant slice. Top the roll-ups with the remaining marinara and mozzarella cheese, and place them with the seam facing down. Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese begins to melt. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh basil, if desired.
A Flavourful Finale
As you explore these low-carb pasta recipes, remember that healthy eating can still be delicious and satisfying. Embrace the culinary adventure by experimenting with different low-carb pasta alternatives to discover new favorites. Share your creations with friends and family, inspiring them to join you on this wholesome journey. With a bit of creativity and a willingness to experiment, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying an array of mouthwatering low-carb pasta dishes catering to your taste buds and health goals.
