Keto Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Basil

Inspired by a TikTok creation, this keto-friendly version of creamy tomato pasta combines a luscious, low-carb sauce with fresh spinach and basil. Perfect for a satisfying, guilt-free meal, this dish maintains the creamy texture and rich flavors while keeping the carbs in check.

Ingredients:

  • Pasta: 12 oz shirataki noodles (for a low-carb alternative)
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Tomato paste: 3 tbsp (preferably no-added-sugar)
  • Coconut cream: 1 cup (or use heavy cream for a richer texture)
  • Nutritional yeast: 1/4 cup
  • Vegan mozzarella: 1/2 cup, shredded (ensure it’s keto-friendly, or use a low-carb cheese)
  • Red pepper flakes: 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
  • Salt: to taste
  • Black pepper: to taste
  • Fresh spinach: 2 cups
  • Fresh basil: 1/2 cup, roughly chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shirataki Noodles:

  • Rinse the shirataki noodles thoroughly under cold water. Boil them for 2-3 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This helps to remove the distinctive odor and improve the texture.

2. Sauté the Garlic:

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

3. Incorporate the Tomato Paste:

  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes. This allows the paste to caramelize slightly and enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor.

4. Make it Creamy:

  • Pour in the coconut cream and stir well to combine.
  • Add the nutritional yeast, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

5. Melt the Cheese:

  • Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded vegan mozzarella or keto-friendly cheese.
  • Stir continuously until the cheese melts and is fully incorporated into the sauce.

6. Add the Noodles:

  • Add the prepared shirataki noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them thoroughly with the creamy sauce.

7. Finish with Greens:

  • Add the fresh spinach and basil to the skillet.
  • Toss gently until the spinach wilts and the basil is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

8. Serve:

  • Divide the pasta among serving bowls.
  • Garnish with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if desired.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, assuming 4 servings):

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Protein: 10g

Detailed Steps and Additional Tips:

1. Preparing Shirataki Noodles:

  • Shirataki noodles are a great low-carb pasta alternative. Rinsing and boiling them helps to reduce their natural odor and improve their texture.

2. Sautéing Garlic:

  • Garlic should be sautéed just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. It adds a depth of flavor to the sauce without overpowering it.

3. Caramelizing Tomato Paste:

  • Caramelizing the tomato paste enhances the flavor of the sauce, making it richer and more robust.

4. Cream Alternatives:

  • Coconut cream provides a creamy texture with a hint of coconut flavor. For a more neutral taste, heavy cream can be used, but it will slightly alter the flavor profile.

5. Melting Cheese:

  • Use a low-carb or keto-friendly cheese that melts well. Vegan cheeses can sometimes be tricky to melt, so stirring continuously on low heat helps achieve a smooth texture.

6. Adding Greens:

  • Adding spinach and basil at the end of cooking helps to preserve their vibrant colors and fresh flavors.

Additional Notes:

  • Variations: Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of coconut or heavy cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
  • Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a side of sautéed greens or a simple mixed salad.

Enjoy this creamy, keto-friendly pasta that delivers all the indulgent flavors while keeping your carb count low. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special treat!