The Best Keto Pasta Recipes – Deliciously Low-Carb and Easy to Make

Tired of having sweet potato or zucchini noodles as keto pasta alternatives? While they’re delicious, they come nowhere close to the real deal, and we all know it. We now present to you a keto pasta recipe with the same chewy texture as the indulgent original, while remaining low-carb and keto-friendly. How, you ask? Read on to find out and also discover delicious recipes you can try with them for your keto diet!

What is Keto Pasta?

Regular pasta includes wheat and flour, and keto pasta strays away from the traditional Italian recipe as keto diets should not include these ingredients. It is a great and healthy alternative that is low in carbs as well as flour-free, grain-free, and of course gluten-free too!

These keto pasta noodles will have you tasting little to no difference, having the same soft and chewy texture while remaining neutral flavored like regular pasta. This low carb pasta recipe is achieved through three simple ingredients: eggs, mozzarella cheese, and lupin flour! The final one might be a bit unfamiliar – made from lupini beans, this high-protein flour is what helps our recipe with a more authentic pasta taste as it imitates gluten. Almond flour or coconut flour can be used too, but lupin flour has proven to be the most sturdy.

For more gluten-free recipes:

10 Gluten and Dairy-Free Breakfast Ideas and Recipes

Are Corn Tortillas Gluten Free? Homemade Recipe and Best Gluten-Free Tortillas To Try

Benefits of Low-Carb Pasta

Low-carb pasta can be a delicious, healthy choice with several benefits:

• Protein-Packed: Boosts muscle growth and keeps you full longer, ideal for increasing protein intake without extra carbs.
• High in Fibre: Supports digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and helps curb cravings.
• Lower Glycemic Impact: Causes fewer blood sugar spikes, reducing long-term health risks.
• Fewer Calories: Keeps calorie intake in check, aiding weight management.
• Heart-Healthy: Omega-3s help lower triglycerides and improve heart health.
• Gut-Friendly: Promotes digestion and healthy gut bacteria, reducing bloating.

How to Make Homemade Keto Pasta Noodles

Given below are step-by-step instructions for how you can create keto pasta noodles right at home!:

1. Melt the Cheese: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the mozzarella cheese in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds, or until it’s soft and slightly melted.
2. Mix the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the lupin flour and salt. Add the eggs and the melted mozzarella cheese. Stir until the dough begins to come together. If the dough is too thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water to help bring it together.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead for about 2-3 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, dust lightly with more lupin flour.
4. Roll the Dough: Roll the dough into a ball, then flatten it with a rolling pin to about 1/8 inch thick. You can shape it into pasta sheets or cut it into strips for fettuccine, pappardelle, or any shape you like. You can also use a pasta machine.
5. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the pasta noodles into the water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Be careful not to overcook, as keto pasta can become soft quickly.
6. Serve: Drain the cooked noodles and serve with your favorite keto-friendly sauce. Low-carb sauces, such as meat sauce or pesto, enhance flavor and texture. Go Al dente or well-cooked!

Learn more about the keto diet:

A Guide to Keto Diet and a 7-Day Keto Meal Plan

7 Best Keto Yogurt Brands of 2024

3 Delicious Keto Pasta Recipes to Try

Now that you know how to create the base with keto pasta noodles, we have some delectable low-carb pasta recipes for you to experiment with and enjoy as part of your keto diet.

1. Keto Carbonara Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 cups keto pasta (almond or lupin flour pasta)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 4 oz pancetta or bacon, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta: Boil keto pasta with some salt and a little olive oil, drain, and set aside.
2. Prepare sauce: Whisk eggs, heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Cook pancetta: Crisp pancetta or bacon in a skillet, then set aside, leaving some fat in the pan.
4. Sauté garlic: Cook garlic in the same skillet for 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine: Add pasta to skillet, toss with garlic, then remove from heat. Pour in the egg mixture, tossing quickly to create a creamy sauce.
6. Finish: Stir in pancetta, season with salt and pepper, and serve the keto noodles!

2. Keto Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 cups keto pasta (almond or lupin flour pasta)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the keto pasta, drain and set aside.
2. Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
3. Toss the Pasta: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto until well-coated.
4. Optional Garnishes: Add cherry tomatoes and mozzarella for extra flavor and texture, if desired.
5. Serve: Plate the pasta and enjoy this fresh, herby, and creamy keto pesto pasta!

3. Keto Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 cups keto pasta (almond or lupin flour pasta)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine, optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the keto pasta, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the lemon juice and chicken broth (or wine) to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss in the cooked keto pasta. Stir to combine and coat the pasta with the sauce.
5. Finish: Add parmesan cheese, toss everything together, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

For more keto-friendly recipes: 12 Keto Dinner Ideas and Recipes For Delicious, Low-Carb Meals

Comparison to Traditional Pasta

Keto pasta closely mimics the texture of traditional pasta but contains significantly fewer carbs, making it a great option for those on a low-carb or keto diet. Unlike alternatives like zucchini, squash, or shirataki noodles, keto pasta provides a more authentic pasta experience in both taste and texture. It can be seamlessly swapped for traditional pasta in most recipes, allowing you to enjoy your favorite pasta dishes without the carb load. Whether you’re making spaghetti, lasagna, or Alfredo, keto pasta offers a satisfying and low-carb solution.

Conclusion

We hope that you can now enjoy these delicious keto pasta recipes as part of your ketogenic diet without having to compromise on taste and texture. For more diet and exercise tips that can help you lead a healthier lifestyle, check out the JustFit app!