If you’re on a low-carb diet to maintain a healthy waistline, cutting out pasta is often the first step. If you’re anything like me, you know those cravings can be intense. Luckily, there are innovative ways to indulge in veggie pasta—pasta crafted from vegetables—that can be so delightful that you’ll hardly notice the absence of traditional pasta! (Also see: 15 Grilled Veggie Dishes That Can Stand Up to Meat)
A spiralizer is likely the simplest tool for crafting your own vegetable noodles, resulting in the longest and most pasta-like strands. Alternatively, you can utilize a mandoline with a shredding attachment, the grating function of your food processor, or purchase pre-shredded vegetables at the supermarket. A vegetable peeler can also create long, thin strips of veggies for your pasta substitute.
1. Carrot noodles with peanut sauce
Try this easy vegetarian dish featuring carrot noodles paired with a peanut sauce that doesn’t require cooking. Use spiralized carrots, or even pre-shredded carrots, for a quick yet scrumptious meal. The zesty peanut sauce will leave you feeling pleasantly full and satisfied. If you’re allergic to peanuts, switch it with almond, cashew, or sunflower butter.
2. Zucchini noodles (zoodles) with meatballs
Indulge in the comforting flavors of spaghetti and meatballs without traditional pasta by opting for this zucchini-based version. Both homemade and store-bought zucchini noodles come together in just minutes, creating a satisfying meal when smothered in marinara sauce and meatballs.
3. Spaghetti squash topped with chicken, mushrooms, and kale
Swap out regular pasta for spaghetti squash, a nutritious, low-carb option, and enjoy it with an antioxidant-rich topping of chicken, mushrooms, and kale. This vegetable-loaded variation is a refreshing alternative to the heavier sauces typically served with spaghetti squash.
4. Vegan mushroom Bolognese
For a hearty meatless alternative, this mushroom Bolognese is packed with flavor and vegetables. Unlike typical vegan Bolognese recipes, this one skips the tofu or soy, relying instead on mushrooms, eggplant, and other vegetables for texture. Serve it over spaghetti squash or zoodles instead of traditional pasta.
5. Parsnip shrimp lo-mein
You no longer have to miss out on Chinese noodle dishes—this parsnip shrimp lo-mein replicates classic flavors while adding nutritional benefits. The dish is quick to prepare in just one pan, making it nearly as simple as ordering takeout.
6. Vegan garlicky sweet potato spaghetti
Craving Alfredo sauce? This healthy, dairy-free version maintains the umami of the original by using cashews, garlic, and nutritional yeast in place of dairy. Combine this rich sauce with hearty sweet potato noodles for a fulfilling dish without the usual heaviness. (Also see: 12 Tasty Ways to Enjoy a Meatless Meal)
7. Chicken pad thai with daikon noodles
The delicate texture of daikon noodles complements the tangy and spicy notes of pad thai sauce beautifully. Cooking the daikon in the residual flavors from the chicken results in a robust taste that enhances the dish.
8. Roasted beet noodles with pesto and baby kale
One of my go-to pasta meals is simply noodles tossed with pesto. This roasted beet variation adds an extra layer of flavor and is nearly as easy to prepare once you have the beet noodles ready. For a quicker option, consider using store-bought pesto.
9. Greek-inspired cucumber noodles
This vegetarian, no-cook dish features cucumber noodles infused with Greek flavors such as olives, tomatoes, and hummus. To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese.
10. Coconut curry with zucchini noodles
Warm up with a cozy bowl of curry noodles while keeping it light by using zucchini noodles. This straightforward recipe for coconut curry with zoodles is loaded with vegetables and brings comforting warmth.
11. Broccoli slaw spaghetti
When you’re pressed for time, that affordable bag of broccoli slaw from the grocery can serve as an excellent pasta replacement. A basic spaghetti sauce combined with ground beef over cooked broccoli slaw makes for a rapid and tasty meal.
12. Miso soup with vegetable noodles
A comforting bowl of noodle soup is one of my favorite ways to enjoy noodles. This straightforward miso soup recipe with vegetable noodles can quickly transform into a heartier meal with the addition of an egg or tofu for protein.
13. Sweet potato or butternut squash mac and cheese
Kids love mac and cheese, and this version with sweet potato or butternut squash noodles offers the creaminess they crave while sneaking in some additional vitamins and nutrients. Just cut the sweet potato noodles into small sections to resemble traditional macaroni.
14. Vietnamese jicama noodle salad
This cold Vietnamese noodle salad, featuring crunchy jicama noodles tossed with fresh veggies in a zesty sauce, offers a refreshing alternative to traditional rice noodles.
15. Salmon and rutabaga noodles
Rutabagas are rarely used in recipes, but they’re a delicious and nutritious option, especially as the base for this salmon and rutabaga noodle dish. The quickly cooking salmon as the main protein ensures that this meal comes together in no time.
