While pasta is hands down one of the best, most delicious foods in the world, it's also the biggest sources of temptation for anyone on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
So we rounded up 16 recipes that are like pasta, just without any actual pasta. You know, the ones using veggies instead of noodles but keeping the flavors the same?
Sure, these recipes are definitely and 100% not pasta, but they're the next best thing. So go ahead and bookmark your favorites — they'll come in handy when pasta cravings strike.
This marinara sauce might seem like it's too thick when you first make it, but that's ok! The zoodles will release some water when you add them, helping to thin out the sauce a bit. Get the recipe.
This marinara sauce might seem like it's too thick when you first make it, but that's ok! The zoodles will release some water when you add them, helping to thin out the sauce a bit. Get the recipe.
2. One-Pot Fajita "Pasta" With Zucchini Noodles
This veggie-loaded recipe cooks everything in one pan so cleanup is a breeze. Get the recipe.
3. Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs With Lemon Zucchini Noodles
Who needs spaghetti and meatballs when you can have zucchini noodles and turkey meatballs tossed in a savory garlic butter? Get the recipe.
4. Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo
Everything you love about chicken Alfredo minus the fettuccini noodles. Get the recipe.
These veggie noodles get dressed in a creamy sauce made with cashew milk, roasted garlic, and roasted red peppers — so you know it's going to be good. Get the recipe.
These veggie noodles get dressed in a creamy sauce made with cashew milk, roasted garlic, and roasted red peppers — so you know it's going to be good. Get the recipe.
This simple, six-ingredient dinner combines earthy beets with creamy yogurt to create a flavorful dish that's both beautiful and delicious. Get the recipe.
This simple, six-ingredient dinner combines earthy beets with creamy yogurt to create a flavorful dish that's both beautiful and delicious. Get the recipe.
Cream cheese and Parmesan coat these zoodles in a luscious sauce that tastes just like Alfredo, only way easier to make and totally keto-friendly! Get the recipe.
Cream cheese and Parmesan coat these zoodles in a luscious sauce that tastes just like Alfredo, only way easier to make and totally keto-friendly! Get the recipe.
These zoodles are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy thanks to hoisin sauce and red pepper flakes. Oh, and the best part? They only take 15 minutes to make. Get the recipe.
These zoodles are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy thanks to hoisin sauce and red pepper flakes. Oh, and the best part? They only take 15 minutes to make. Get the recipe.
9. Butternut Squash Spaghetti Bake
Because when it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a good baked pasta — even if it's made with butternut squash instead of actual pasta. Get the recipe.
If you love shrimp scampi, you'll love this low-carb version that swaps the noodles out for zucchini. It gives you all the flavors you love, just minus the pasta. Get the recipe.
If you love shrimp scampi, you'll love this low-carb version that swaps the noodles out for zucchini. It gives you all the flavors you love, just minus the pasta. Get the recipe.
This recipe combines two of the best parts of pizza — the marinara sauce and the pepperoni — in a low-carb dish that'll satisfy your pizza cravings. Get the recipe.
This recipe combines two of the best parts of pizza — the marinara sauce and the pepperoni — in a low-carb dish that'll satisfy your pizza cravings. Get the recipe.
These creamy zucchini noodles get their cheesy flavor from a simple sauce made with almond milk and nutritional yeast — no actual cheese — so they're totally vegan. Get the recipe.
These creamy zucchini noodles get their cheesy flavor from a simple sauce made with almond milk and nutritional yeast — no actual cheese — so they're totally vegan. Get the recipe.
13. Paleo Zucchini Carbonara
This low-carb version of the classic swaps the pasta out for zucchini noodles and uses nutritional yeast in place of cheese — but you could totally use Parmesan if you want. Get the recipe.
14. Zucchini Noodles in Creamy Tomato Sauce
Zucchini noodles tossed in a creamy tomato sauce made with crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan — what could be better? Get the recipe.
A vibrant pesto made with roasted poblano peppers, basil, cilantro, and Parmesan cheese gives these zoodles a bright flavor and beautiful green hue. Get the recipe.
A vibrant pesto made with roasted poblano peppers, basil, cilantro, and Parmesan cheese gives these zoodles a bright flavor and beautiful green hue. Get the recipe.
16. Cajun Chicken Zoodles
Three teaspoons of Cajun seasoning gives these zoodles a ton of flavor and subtle heat, so feel free to use less if spicy food isn't your thing. Get the recipe.
Looking for more low-carb recipe inspiration? Check out these posts:
• 50 Tasty-Looking Recipes That'll Make You Want To Try A Keto Diet ASAP