5 Veggie Noodle Recipes That Actually Taste Like the Pasta Dish

By Sophia Breene

While there’s nothing wrong with a big bowl of pasta (especially when a craving for comfort food strikes), sometimes it’s just a bit too much. Whether trying to cook a lighter dish or prepping food for gluten-free friends, we’ve got a perfect solution: Make that favorite pasta dish using vegetables as noodles. Spaghetti squash, thin asparagus shoots, shaved zucchini ribbons, shredded cucumbers or carrots, and slices of hearty eggplant all make excellent pasta substitutes. It’s not as scary (or as flavorless) as it sounds—cooking with veggie-noodles is easy, tasty, and super healthy. Here are a few recipes to get started.

Photo: Irena Macri of Eat Drink Paleo

1. Paleo Lasagna via Eat Drink Paleo

Impress those living the Caveman lifestyle with this hearty, crowd-pleasing “pasta” dish. Meat sauce and plenty of eggplant, mushrooms, and zucchini ensure that nobody goes hungry. It’s gluten-free and can be made dairy-free easily if the optional Parmesan and ricotta cheese are jettisoned. Serve alongside a paleo snack if you have a really hungry crowd.

Photo: Laura of The First Mess

2. Spaghetti Squash Noodle Bowl With Lime Peanut Sauce via The First Mess

This yummy Asian-inspired noodle bowl is both comforting and nutritious. Unlike many all-veggie dishes, this one recipe uses cooked greens, which make the meal much more satisfying. Pro tip: Make a double batch of the lime peanut sauce and use it on everything.

Photo: Izy of Top with Cinnamon

3. Lazy Girls’ Zucchini Spaghetti With Peas, Crème Fraîche, and Pesto via Top with Cinnamon

Making noodles out of veggies can seem a bit tricky. What’s the best method—a mandoline, a vegetable spiralizer, or some seriously fancy knife skills? This recipe proves that it can be done without any special equipment. All you need is a box grater! After making lovely zucchini ribbons, mix them up with garlic, pesto, peas, and creme fraiche (optional).

Photo: Julie Fagan of Peanut Butter Fingers

4. Meatballs With Roasted Asparagus via Peanut Butter Fingers

Who doesn’t love health-ifying classic comfort foods? These lean beef meatballs are loaded with flavor, thanks to tons of spices and whole-wheat breadcrumbs. Plop a few meatballs on …read more

Source:: Greatist