Low-Carb Pasta: A Delicious Keto-Friendly Recipe with 3 Ingredients
Are you craving pasta but trying to stick to a low-carb diet? You’re in the right place! Today, we’re making low carb pasta that’s gluten-free, keto-friendly, and incredibly easy to whip up. This delicious recipe uses just three simple ingredients to create a satisfying dish paired with a hearty meat sauce. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pasta, this low-carb option is perfect for you!
What makes this low-carb pasta special? We’re using mozzarella cheese, egg yolks, and xanthan gum to make a pasta dough that comes together beautifully. The result is a dish that looks, feels, and tastes like real pasta, but without all the carbs. It’s not just low-carb but also gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for anyone with dietary restrictions. Plus, cooking it in an air fryer gives it the perfect texture—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!
So, how do we make this low-carb pasta? We’ll melt the mozzarella, mix it with egg yolks and xanthan gum, then let it rest before cutting it into noodles. After a quick trip to the air fryer, you’ll have low-carb pasta noodles ready to be tossed in a flavorful meat sauce. It’s a fast, easy, and tasty meal that fits perfectly into any low-carb or keto meal plan. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for this delicious low-carb pasta recipe!
Ingredients for Low Carb Pasta
For the Pasta:
- 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 4 egg yolks
- ½ tsp xanthan gum
For the Easy Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp sweetener
- 2 cups low-sugar marinara sauce
How to Make Low-Carb Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Dough
- Add your mozzarella cheese to a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it in 30-second increments until the cheese is fully melted. Be sure not to overheat—it should just be melted, not boiling.
- Once the cheese is melted, stir in the egg yolks. Mix until the eggs are fully combined with the cheese.
- Sprinkle in the xanthan gum. This ingredient is key to giving the pasta dough a firm texture without altering the taste. Mix everything until a smooth dough forms.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Pasta
- After mixing, knead the dough for a few minutes to make sure everything is well incorporated.
- Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out as thin as possible. The thinner you roll, the more it will resemble traditional pasta.
- Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to firm up.
- Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge and cut it into your preferred noodle shape. Fettuccine-style noodles work perfectly for this recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place your cut noodles in the air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes. The air fryer gives the noodles a light crisp while keeping them tender inside.
- Once done, let the pasta cool slightly before adding it to your favorite sauce.
How to Make the Meat Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- In a large sauté pan, heat some avocado oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to the pan along with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. If there’s too much oil from the beef, drain it off at this stage.
Step 3: Add the Marinara Sauce
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Pour in the low-sugar marinara sauce and optional sweetener. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Once your pasta and meat sauce are ready, toss the noodles in the sauce until they’re fully coated.
- Serve the dish with a side salad or some steamed veggies for a complete, keto-friendly meal!
Nutritional Information for Low-Carb Pasta (Per Serving)
- Calories: 186
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 12g
- Total Carbs: 5g
- Net Carbs: 4g
This low-carb pasta dish is perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. The combination of melted mozzarella, rich egg yolks, and xanthan gum creates a pasta dough that’s not only low in carbs but also packed with flavor and texture. Plus, the savory meat sauce adds a hearty touch to this satisfying meal.
Whether you’re new to the low-carb world or a seasoned keto enthusiast, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s quick, simple, and delicious. And with only 4g of net carbs per serving, you can enjoy it guilt-free!
FAQs
- Can I use other cheeses for this low-carb pasta recipe?
Mozzarella works best because of its reliability and mild flavor. However, you could experiment with other low-moisture cheeses like cheddar or gouda, though the texture may differ. - Is this pasta recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this low-carb pasta is keto-friendly with only 4g of net carbs per serving, making it an excellent option for those following a keto diet. - Can I freeze the pasta dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough before cutting it into noodles. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. - Can I cook this pasta in boiling water?
While air frying gives the best texture, you can also boil the noodles for 1-2 minutes. Just be careful not to overcook them as they can become too soft. - How do I store leftover low-carb pasta?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the air fryer or microwave before serving.
Low Carb Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Microwave-safe bowl
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 2 Sheets of parchment paper
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Large sauté pan
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Spoon or spatula for mixing
- 1 Measuring spoon for xanthan gum
- 1 Refrigerator for chilling dough
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 4 egg yolks
- ½ tsp xanthan gum
For the Easy Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp sweetener
- 2 cups low-sugar marinara sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Dough
- Add your mozzarella cheese to a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it in 30-second increments until the cheese is fully melted. Be sure not to overheat—it should just be melted, not boiling
- Once the cheese is melted, stir in the egg yolks. Mix until the eggs are fully combined with the cheese.
- Sprinkle in the xanthan gum. This ingredient is key to giving the pasta dough a firm texture without altering the taste. Mix everything until a smooth dough forms
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Pasta
- After mixing, knead the dough for a few minutes to make sure everything is well incorporated
- Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out as thin as possible. The thinner you roll, the more it will resemble traditional pasta
- Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to firm up
- Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge and cut it into your preferred noodle shape. Fettuccine-style noodles work perfectly for this recipe
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
- Place your cut noodles in the air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes. The air fryer gives the noodles a light crisp while keeping them tender inside
- Once done, let the pasta cool slightly before adding it to your favorite sauce
How to Make the Meat Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- In a large sauté pan, heat some avocado oil over medium-high heat
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to the pan along with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Cook the beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. If there’s too much oil from the beef, drain it off at this stage
Step 3: Add the Marinara Sauce
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor
- Pour in the low-sugar marinara sauce and optional sweetener. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Once your pasta and meat sauce are ready, toss the noodles in the sauce until they’re fully coated
- Serve the dish with a side salad or some steamed veggies for a complete, keto-friendly meal!