Discover this delicious hearts of palm pasta alternative that’s ready in just 20 minutes!
For years, I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect low-carb pasta alternative. After countless disappointing experiments with zucchini noodles that turned soggy, spaghetti squash that never quite mimicked the real thing, and shirataki noodles with their distinctive smell, I’ve finally found a winner: hearts of palm pasta.
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What makes hearts of palm pasta stand out is how remarkably close it comes to the texture and taste of wheat pasta. Unlike other alternatives that require extensive preparation or leave you feeling like you’re eating a completely different dish, hearts of palm pasta delivers that satisfying pasta experience without the carb overload.
This simple olive oil and garlic preparation takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to derail your healthy eating habits.
Hearts of Palm Pasta Ingredients And Preparation
| Main Components | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hearts of palm pasta | 1 package (9 oz) |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves, thinly sliced | 4 |
| Seasonings | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Freshly ground black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | ½ teaspoon |
| Finishing Touches | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Freshly grated Parmesan cheese | 2 tablespoons |
| Red pepper flakes | Pinch (to taste) |
| Fresh parsley, finely chopped | 1 tablespoon |
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic to the oil and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown – about 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully as garlic can burn quickly!
- Once the garlic reaches that perfect golden color, add the hearts of palm pasta to the skillet.
- Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and oregano over the pasta and toss everything together.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the pasta is heated through.
- Remove from heat and immediately transfer to serving plates.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley.
Hearts of Palm Pasta Variations And Options
This hearts of palm pasta recipe serves as an excellent base for countless variations:
- Butter Lover’s Version: Replace half the olive oil with unsalted butter for a richer flavor profile.
- Ghee Alternative: Substitute ghee for the olive oil for a nutty, clarified butter taste that’s still lactose-free.
- Herb Swap: Replace oregano with dried thyme or Italian herb blend for a different aromatic profile.
- Protein Addition: Toss in 1 cup of shredded rotisserie chicken to transform this side dish into a complete protein-packed meal.
- Fresh Touch: Add halved cherry tomatoes during the last minute of cooking for bursts of juicy freshness.
- Summer Version: Finish with fresh basil leaves instead of parsley for a bright, summer flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearts of Palm Pasta
What exactly are hearts of palm?
Hearts of palm pasta are harvested from the inner core of certain palm tree species. They have a creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor that works surprisingly well in pasta form. Sustainably harvested varieties are widely available in most grocery stores.
What do hearts of palm pasta taste like?
On their own, they have a subtle artichoke-like flavor with a slight tanginess. However, they’re excellent at absorbing the flavors of whatever you cook them with – in this case, the rich olive oil and aromatic garlic become the predominant taste profile.
Is it really like eating actual pasta?
While no low-carb alternative perfectly mimics traditional wheat pasta, hearts of palm comes remarkably close in terms of the overall experience. The texture is slightly more firm and has a bit more “bite” than wheat pasta, but the way it carries sauce makes it an excellent substitute.
Can I use minced garlic instead of sliced?
I strongly recommend sticking with thinly sliced garlic for this recipe. Minced garlic cooks much faster and is prone to burning, which would give your dish a bitter taste. The slices provide bursts of garlic flavor throughout the dish.
Serving Suggestions For Hearts of Palm Pasta
This versatile hearts of palm pasta dish works beautifully as:
- A light but satisfying side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish
- A simple lunch when you need something quick but nourishing
- The base for a more substantial meal with added protein
It pairs exceptionally well with:
- Grilled chicken breast with herbs
- Pan-seared steak
- Roasted pork tenderloin
- Mediterranean salads
- Roasted vegetables
Storing Hearts of Palm Pasta Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When reheating, use the microwave at 50% power and stir halfway through to ensure even warming without making the pasta tough. A splash of olive oil can help refresh the dish if it seems dry after refrigeration.
Recipe Card And Nutritional Information
Hearts of Palm Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 165 per serving
Ingredients And Measurements:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hearts of palm pasta | 1 package (9 oz) |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves, thinly sliced | 4 |
| Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | ½ teaspoon |
| Parmesan cheese | 2 tablespoons |
| Red pepper flakes | To taste |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced garlic, cook until golden (2-3 minutes).
- Add hearts of palm pasta, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes until heated through.
- Top with Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Notes: Watch the garlic closely to prevent burning. For a complete meal, add shredded rotisserie chicken.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 165
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 3g
About the Author: I’m a certified nutritionist and recipe developer passionate about creating delicious meals that support a healthy lifestyle. After losing 40 pounds through low-carb eating, I’ve made it my mission to share accessible, tasty recipes that never feel like a sacrifice. Learn more about my journey on our About page.
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