Spaghetti is a classic dish, but not always the healthiest option. Believe it or not, you do have other options.
Each of these alternatives to spaghetti will leave you wondering what took you so long to discover them. Pick one to try, and don’t be afraid to get your twirl on.
1. Spaghetti squash
Once cooked and scraped with a fork, the insides of spaghetti squash might fool you for the real deal (it’s low carb and naturally gluten free, too). These veggie strands are great to serve with a lighter sauce, shrimp and all sorts of cheese. Try this recipe for spicy shrimp and spaghetti squash with Gorgonzola.
2. Quinoa pasta
Great for those who follow a gluten-free diet. Sub this pasta (which comes in all shapes and sizes) for any recipe that calls for traditional spaghetti. Give this recipe for quinoa pasta with creamy vegetable sauce a twirl.
3. Shirataki noodles
One reason shirataki noodles might appeal to you is that they have no carbs. They’re slightly chewy, so they provide good texture, especially in dishes like this one for sesame noodles.
4. Brown rice noodles
Brown rice noodles are perfect for Asian-inspired sauces and piled high with veggies. Bonus: there is no gluten in these strands, and they’re high in protein. Try this one-pan recipe for stir-fried vegetables with brown rice noodles. It’s colorful, flavorful and easy to get on the table.
5. Black bean spaghetti
Image: Snixy Kitchen
Turn black bean noodles into a dish with a decidedly Southwestern feel. This recipe from Snixy Kitchen for Southwestern black bean spaghetti with skinny avocado crema sounds like the best of both worlds.
6. Soba noodles
These strands are made with buckwheat flour and have a nutty flavor to them. You can find them fresh or dried (the dried variety looks like flat spaghetti). You’ll love this recipe for spicy soba noodles with kale and shiitake mushrooms. It includes tons of veggies and a soy sauce with spicy Sriracha.
7. Zucchini
Zucchini is another veggie that makes a nice low-carb and naturally gluten-free alternative to spaghetti. Use a spiral slicer to transform zucchini into spaghetti strands. If you don’t have spiral slicer, use a veggie peeler to slice the zucchini into fettuccini-like strands. Serve with red sauce. This recipe for roasted tomato Bolognese sauce over zucchini noodles makes a delicious, veggie-packed dinner.
8. Sweet potato noodles
Image: MJ and Hungryman
Although these noodles are clear when cooked, they’re made from sweet potatoes — actually the starch from sweet potatoes. Enjoy this recipe for vegetarian japchae (Korean stir-fried sweet potato noodles) from MJ and Hungryman for a surprising taste we know you’ll love.
Brought to you by Panera Bread. Try a new Asian-inspired broth bowl today.
More noodle recipes to try
Sweet and spicy cucumber noodles
Pad Thai zucchini noodles
Sriracha udon noodle bowls
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