Save This vibrant dish combines spiralized zucchini, carrots, and sweet potato with a rich tomato-basil sauce. Lightly sautéed vegetable noodles are paired with a fragrant sauce made from garlic, herbs, and crushed tomatoes. Finished with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil, it offers a fresh, nutritious twist perfect for any festive occasion or healthy meal plan. Ready in just 40 minutes, it suits gluten-free and dairy-free diets.
When I first stumbled upon this New Year Paleo Pasta, it felt like unlocking a secret passage to healthy comfort food. The idea of spiralized vegetables replacing traditional pasta was a revelation that made this dish an instant favorite in my kitchen.
I remember the first time unexpected guests arrived just as I was about to dig in; serving this vibrant, healthy pasta felt like a proud moment where I nailed both nutrition and flavor in one dish.
Ingredients
- Vegetable Pasta: Spiralized zucchini, carrots, and sweet potato bring color and texture while keeping it paleo and gluten-free
- Sauce: A robust tomato and basil blend made richer with olive oil and aromatic herbs
- Garnish: Toasted pine nuts add a surprise crunch that ties the whole dish together
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Gather your spiralized vegetables and prep your aromatic sauce ingredients so everything flows smoothly.
- Build The Base:
- Sizzle onion in olive oil until translucent and sweet, then add garlic to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
- Bring The Sauce To Life:
- Combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and herbs, letting it simmer until it thickens slightly and basil infuses every spoonful.
- Sauté The Veggies:
- Cook sweet potato first to tenderize just right, then gently toss in zucchini and carrots, making sure they stay firm yet silky.
- Plate And Garnish:
- Lay down a colorful bed of vegetable noodles, lavish with the rich sauce, and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil for that perfect finish.
Save This dish became the highlight of a New Year celebration when my family gathered around the table craving comfort but wanting to kickstart the year on a healthy note; it felt like more than food, it was a fresh, nourishing beginning.
Keeping It Fresh
I love adding fresh basil at the end because it brightens every bite and keeps the sauce feeling light yet flavorful. The key is to tear the leaves gently rather than chopping them finely to keep that rustic charm.
When You're Missing Something
If you ever find yourself short on sweet potato, swapping in butternut squash or parsnips works wonders without losing the comforting sweetness in the dish.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
This pasta shines on its own but adding grilled shrimp or chicken can elevate it to a fuller meal that pleases meat lovers at the table.
- Don't forget to toast your pine nuts right before serving to keep them crunchy
- Oh wait one more thing: gently toss the noodles in the skillet without overcooking for the best texture
- Using fresh peeled garlic makes a surprising flavor impact
Save Thanks for spending time with me in the kitchen sharing this recipe; I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.
