20 Lightened-Up Pasta Alternatives
Listen up, pasta lovers! You don't need to give up your favorite pasta dishes just because you're watching what you eat or have a gluten sensitivity. You need to try some of these pasta alternatives that will make you forget about traditional pasta forever!
Table of Contents
I'll admit it–I'm a pasta lover. I mean, who isn't?! However, sometimes I want to keep things on the low-carb side and go with some pasta alternatives instead. Yes, I'm going to share some veggie "pasta" recipes with you, but don't worry–they're so delicious you won't even realize you're eating vegetables!
I've compiled a list of some of my favorite pasta alternatives that make low-carb or gluten-free eating FUN! They're super easy to make, low on carbs, and BIG on flavor. From Creamy Ricotta Zucchini Noodles to Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage, you can keep the calories low without skimping on flavor.
Zucchini Noodle Recipes
Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are the perfect way to enjoy your favorite pasta dishes without the extra carbs. These recipes are packed with flavor, from creamy ricotta sauces to savory garlic Parmesan and hearty turkey basil pairings. Whether you're craving something light and fresh or rich and comforting, zoodles make it easy to keep things healthy without sacrificing taste.
Healthy Shrimp Scampi Zoodles
Ground Turkey and Tomato Basil Zucchini Noodles
Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage
Creamy Ricotta Zucchini Noodles
Stir Fried Zucchini Noodles
Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
Spaghetti Squash Recipes
Spaghetti squash is a versatile, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta that delivers all the comfort of your favorite dishes. From creamy ricotta sauces to bold pesto flavors and even spicy Asian-inspired bowls, these recipes prove you don’t need pasta to enjoy a delicious, filling meal. Perfect for anyone looking to lighten up their plate while keeping things cozy and flavorful!
Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls
Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls are nourishing, easy to make, and loaded with flavor. Ready in under an hour, these delicious bowls are the perfect healthy weeknight dinner to add to your weekly rotation this season.
Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Sausage
Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Sausage is a low carb dish that's filling and packed with flavor from a homemade basil pesto and lean turkey sausage. Topped with melted cheese, this dish is one you will make again and again.
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna with ground turkey, creamy ricotta cheese, spinach, fresh basil, and mozzarella makes a dreamy low carb meal that is filling and delicious.
Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Broccoli
This low carb Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Broccoli tastes rich and indulgent but is actually a healthy, low carb dinner your whole family will love.
Italian Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Italian Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a healthy and filling low carb dish packed with a homemade bolognese, spaghetti squash, and fresh mozzarella.
Baked Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Squash
Baked Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti squash is a healthy way to enjoy your favorite comfort food guilt free. It's simple to make, under 350 calories, and has all the crispy, cheesy goodness of the original.
Mediterranean Turkey Spaghetti Squash
Mediterranean Turkey Spaghetti Squash is a low carb and Keto friendly dish that's full of flavor and seriously delicious. Made with lean ground turkey, tomatoes, veggies, and melted feta cheese!
Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
This Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin packed with a combination of Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses with garlic, onion, and fresh herbs is absolutely delicious and surprisingly healthy,
Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Squash
Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Squash is made with Cajun-spiced chicken and roasted spaghetti squash tossed in a delicious cream sauce. This healthy low-carb recipe is packed with indulgent flavors that will have the whole family going back for more.
This low carb spaghetti squash and meatballs with fresh mozzarella is the ultimate comfort food. Flavor-packed beef meatballs and tender spaghetti squash noodles all tossed in a quick homemade marinara. You won't miss the spaghetti at all!
Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Sausage
Garlic Spaghetti Squash
Asian Spaghetti Squash
Creamy Ricotta Spaghetti Squash
Tips for Making These Pasta Alternatives
Here are a few simple tips to make your life easier when preparing these low-carb pasta alternatives:
- Tools: For zucchini, a spiralizer works best for creating long, thin noodles. If you don't have a spiralizer, a julienne peeler or vegetable peeler can also work well, though the noodles will be thinner. For spaghetti squash, a fork is your best friend—use it to scrape out the tender, stringy flesh.
- Cook: There are so many ways to cook spaghetti squash! Microwaving is the quickest, but there are more options if you have more time.
- Flavor: Whether you're making spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles, simple seasonings like garlic, olive oil, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of parmesan can elevate the flavor without overpowering the dish. Experiment with lemon zest or red pepper flakes to add an extra pop of flavor.
- Add salt: Zucchini noodles can release a lot of moisture, making them soggy. After spiralizing, sprinkle the noodles with a little salt and let them sit in a colander for about 10 minutes. Then, gently pat them dry with a paper towel to absorb the excess moisture before cooking.
- Don't overcook: Both spaghetti squash and zucchini noodles cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. You want them to maintain their texture—firm but tender. Overcooking will make them mushy, which is not ideal.
What to Serve with Zoodles or Spaghetti Squash
Here are some delicious protein options to serve with these pasta alternatives:
- Chicken: Placing some Slow Cooker Tomato Balsamic Chicken on a bed of zoodles would be delicious!
- Turkey sausage: Swap the pasta in this Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Pasta for zoodles or spaghetti squash!
- Tofu: Ditch the rice in this Hoisin Tofu Bowl and swap with Asian Spaghetti Squash or Stir Fried Zucchini Noodles!
- Pork: Place this General Tso's Pork over a bed of zoodles instead of rice!
- Seafood: Serve this Blackened Shrimp with a side of sautéed zoodles!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about these pasta alternatives:
Can I spiralize zucchini ahead of time?
Yes! You can spiralize zucchini noodles a day before you plan to use them. Store the noodles in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. This helps keep them fresh and prevents sogginess. Keep them refrigerated and cook them quickly when you're ready to eat.
How far in advance can I prep spaghetti squash?
You can roast or microwave spaghetti squash a day or two before you plan to use it. After it's cooked and cooled, use a fork to scrape out the strands and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I freeze spaghetti squash for later use?
Absolutely! If you have cooked spaghetti squash leftovers, freeze the strands in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag or airtight container. When you're ready to use them, simply reheat in the microwave or sauté on the stovetop. This is a great way to have squash noodles ready whenever you need them!
More Pasta Recipes You'll Love
More Pasta Recipes You'll Love
Here are more recipe collections you won't be able to get enough of!