Paleo AIP Pasta Substitutes and 42 Recipes

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In my house growing up, we rarely used the word “pasta”. In fact, other than the terms “pahst-n-peas” (pasta and peas) or “pahst-a-fa-zhole” (pasta e fagioli), I do not remember even hearing that word until I got older and, what my mom referred to as “peasant food” suddenly became chic (such as polenta). Yay for peasants!

The word of choice used in our home was “macaroni”. I can still hear my mom saying in her Brooklyn accent “Jennifah…ya want some moah macaroni?” And don’t even get me started on the “sauce” vs. “gravy” debate…

So fast forward my life about 20-ish years (perchance a few more but I’m in denial), and – thanks to autoimmune disease – there’s no macaroni (or sauce for that matter) for yours truly.

There I go again. I need a moment…

Ok. I’m back. Honestly, I’d rather be sans macaroni and meat sauce than writhing in pain from an autoimmune flare. Truth!

Surprisingly, there are quite a few substitutes that can be used in the place of macaroni (or pasta if you must). And for what is macaroni essentially used – but to be a vehicle for delicious sauce? In my newfound AIP life, “sauce” no longer refers to nightshade heaven, but there are a number of delicious sauces that beautifully compliment macaroni substitutes.

Truly. I am not lying. And as an aside, it took me a long time to get on the “zoodles” and “nomato sauce” bandwagon.

I hope you enjoy this great roundup! Check out this post by Living Loving Paleo called “Zoodles 101 : Everything You Need to Know” for helpful tips on making, storing, and cooking zucchini noodles. As a side-note, the recipes she shares at the end of the post are not AIP-compliant.

Shared on Paleo AIP Recipe Roundtable #152

Sweet Potato Gnocchi (Paleo Pumpkin)
How to Make Butternut Squash Noodles (Savory Lotus – replace ghee with avocado or coconut oil)
Spinach-Stuffed Raviolis (Feeding Yourself Well)
Crispy Fried Parsnip Noodles (Comfort Bites)
Parsnip Gnocchi with Basil Oil (Comfort Bites)

Aglio e Olio a/k/a Zucchini Noodles with Anchovies, Garlic, and Olive Oil (my BIG FAT grain free life)
Paleo Meatballs with Gravy (Noshtastic – omit almond flour and pepper)
Zucchini Pasta with Chicken and Scallion Avocado Sauce (Paleo Running Momma – omit red pepper and ground mustard)
Paleo and AIP Sweet Potato and Sausage Pasta (Paleo Eye)

AIP/Paleo Smoked Salmon Salad with Zucchini Noodles (A Squirrel in the Kitchen)
One Pot Chicken Zoodle Stir Fry (Strictly Delicious)
Thai Beef and Veggie Noodle Bowl (Grazed & Enthused)
Cheesy Chicken & Green Zoodles (The Castaway Kitchen)

Ginger Lime Noodle Bowl (Adventures in Partaking)
“Cheesy” Chicken Pasta (Sweet Potatoes & Social Change)
Pulled Pork and Zoodles (Comfort Bites)
Paleo Asian Pad Thai Noodle Bowl (Beyond the Bite)

Chicken Piccata with Zucchini Noodles (Strictly Delicious)
Zucchini Noodles with Scallops and Bacon (Meatified)
Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole (AYCE to Better Health)
Paleo Beef Stroganoff (Instinctual Wellbeing)

Chicken Zoodle Faux Pho (Eat Heal Thrive)
Salmon Primavera (Phoenix Helix)
Bacon Herb “Pasta” Salad (The Curious Coconut)
Simple Avocado, Lemon & Dill Zoodles (My Healthyish Life)

Zucchini Pasta with Bacon Pesto (Autoimmune Wellness)
Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein (Just Paleo Food)
Spinach Avocado Pesto (Adventures in Partaking)
Roasted Veggies, Bacon, and Pan-Fried Figs (Enjoying This Journey)

Chicken, Bacon, Kale & Spaghetti Squash Hash (Sweet Treats)
Crispy Swoodles with Bacon (nom nom paleo – omit black pepper for strict AIP)
Caramelized Onion Spaghetti Squash (The Almond Eater – sub coconut oil for butter and omit black pepper for strict AIP)
Rich Zucchini Pasta (Feeding Yourself Well)