Keto Spaghetti: A Delicious Low-Carb Take on a Classic Dish

A low-carb twist on a classic Italian favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Growing up, spaghetti nights were always my favorite. The aroma of a simmering sauce filling the kitchen, the anticipation of twirling noodles on my fork, and the comforting flavors of a hearty meat sauce—it was pure magic. Transitioning to a keto lifestyle, I thought those cherished spaghetti nights were behind me. But then I discovered this keto spaghetti recipe, and it was like welcoming an old friend back into my life, but in a healthier, more refined way.

This keto spaghetti is not just about cutting carbs—it’s about embracing rich flavors, creative ingredients, and a dish that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re reminiscing about family pasta nights or looking for a low-carb alternative to your favorite comfort food, this recipe is the perfect solution.

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What Makes This Keto Spaghetti Special?

This isn’t just another keto recipe. It’s a thoughtful balance of flavors, textures, and dietary needs. Instead of carb-heavy pasta, you have options like zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or even spaghetti squash, each bringing its unique twist. Pair that with a savory, slow-simmered meat sauce that’s rich and satisfying, and you’ve got a dish that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, thanks to its quick preparation, but it’s equally at home on a special occasion table. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.


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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Low-Carb Friendly: Perfect for keto and gluten-free diets.
  • Customizable: Choose your favorite noodle alternative to suit your taste.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
  • Family-Approved: Even non-keto eaters will enjoy it.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the sauce in advance for effortless weeknight meals.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
  • Flavorful: Packed with rich, hearty goodness.

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Essential Information

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: ~284 per serving

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot for boiling noodles
  • Skillet or saucepan for the sauce
  • Spiralizer (for zucchini noodles) or mandoline slicer
  • Colander for draining noodles
  • Sharp knife for slicing vegetables
  • Medium to large skillet (10-12 inches)

Alternative Equipment Tips: No spiralizer? Use a julienne peeler or simply slice zucchini thinly by hand.


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Ingredients

Main Components

  • For the Noodles:
    • 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
    • or 1 package shirataki noodles, rinsed and boiled
    • or 2 cups cooked spaghetti squash
  • For the Sauce:
    • 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
    • 1 ½ cups keto-friendly marinara sauce (sugar-free)
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tsp dried oregano
    • 1 tsp dried basil
    • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Toppings and Garnish

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Expert Tips Before You Start

  1. Zucchini Noodles: Avoid overcooking zucchini noodles—they should be tender-crisp to prevent a watery texture.
  2. Shirataki Noodles: Rinse thoroughly to remove the natural odor, then boil for 2-3 minutes to improve texture.
  3. Spaghetti Squash: Roast until just tender—overcooking can make it mushy.

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Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce:
    • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
    • Stir in ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until browned.
    • Add marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Prepare the Noodles:
    • For zucchini noodles: Sauté in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
    • For shirataki noodles: Rinse, boil for 2 minutes, and pat dry.
    • For spaghetti squash: Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 40-50 minutes, then shred with a fork.
  3. Assemble the Dish:
    • Divide noodles among plates.
    • Top with the meat sauce.
    • Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Variations and Substitutions

Dietary Adaptations

  • Dairy-Free: Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
  • Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground “meat” or mushrooms.
  • Vegan: Combine vegetarian and dairy-free options.

Flavor Variations

  • Add mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor.
  • Spice it up with additional red pepper flakes.

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Pro Tips and Success Secrets

  • Storage Tips: Keep sauce and noodles separate in airtight containers. Sauce lasts up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
  • Reheating: Warm the sauce on the stove and reheat noodles in a skillet to retain texture.
  • Freezing: Freeze sauce in portion-sized containers for easy future meals.

Serving Suggestions

  • Presentation: Serve in wide bowls for a rustic feel.
  • Pairings: Enjoy with a side of garlic keto bread or a crisp green salad.
  • Beverage: Pair with a dry red wine or sparkling water with lemon.

A Dish Worth Repeating

This keto spaghetti is more than a recipe—it’s a way to enjoy a classic comfort food without compromising on flavor or dietary goals. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s sure to become a favorite in your weekly rotation.

Happy cooking, and remember: a delicious meal is always worth the effort! 😊

Keto Spaghetti: A Delicious Low-Carb Take on a Classic Dish

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins
Cooking Temp: 400  °F Estimated Cost: 20 Calories: 284
Best Season: Any season, but especially ideal for summer when zucchini is in peak freshness.

Description

This Keto Spaghetti combines the rich, savory flavors of a hearty marinara sauce with the light freshness of zucchini noodles. It’s a low-carb, gluten-free, and family-friendly dish that satisfies pasta cravings without the carbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect recipe for a quick and delicious dinner.

Ingredients

For the Noodles:

For the Sauce:

Toppings and Garnish:

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 284kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g24%
Cholesterol 80mg27%
Sodium 720mg30%
Total Carbohydrate 17g6%
Dietary Fiber 13g52%
Protein 32g64%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Common Questions

Expand All:
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes! Just ensure it’s sugar-free to keep the recipe keto-friendly.

How do I prevent zucchini noodles from getting watery?

Sauté them quickly over high heat and avoid adding salt until serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just scale up the ingredients proportionally.

What’s the best noodle alternative for texture?

Shirataki noodles are firm and pasta-like, but zucchini noodles have a fresh, light crunch.

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