Pasta Alternatives That Are Worth Trying

There is no better comfort food than pasta. So versatile, so yummy. And with all the different options for pasta alternatives available these days, there’s a noodle for everybody. In case you’re unaware, chickpea pasta is a thing. So is black bean, lentil, rice, and quinoa pasta. Hidden veggie pasta made with vegetables like carrots and spinach. Then there’s ZOODLES, a personal fave of mine. Spaghetti squash, my first love in the realm of pasta alternatives. I could go on and on. Any pasta has my heart because it truly is a comfort dish, not to mention how easy it is to make.

Banza chickpea rotini noodles are a great alternative to traditional pasta noodles Banza chickpea rotini noodles with turkey bolognese sauce

If you’re not giving these goodies a try, you’re missing out. Here’s why: all of these alternatives to traditional pasta offer loads of nutritional benefits. Whether it’s added fiber or protein, an extra serving of vegetables, or simply a lower carbohydrate option, a pasta alternative is a really easy way to try something new AND potentially cut calories. They also add color to your plate- this may be a great way to get your kids to try something new!

So, which do I recommend? I recommend trying them all. I always keep lentil pasta and chickpea pasta on hand because they’re a great source of protein, and they cook in a pot on the stove just like regular pasta. AND I think they taste very similar to regular pasta. Add some veggies and your favorite sauce and you’ve got an easy meal. For zoodles, you’ll need a spiralizer for your zucchini or pre-spiralized zoodles (found at almost any grocery store in the produce section) and you can sauté them in oil for a couple of minutes for a fun way to add a serving of veggies.

wild sockeye Alaskan salmon with farm fresh heirloom tomatoes and pesto noodles wild sockeye Alaskan salmon with pesto zoodles

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