The Ultimate Guide to Hearts of Palm Pasta Recipes (With 15 Easy Low-Carb Meals You’ll Love)

Let’s be real, cutting carbs doesn’t mean you’re ready to break up with pasta. If you’ve been searching for a way to enjoy comforting, slurpable noodles without derailing your low-carb lifestyle, hearts of palm pasta recipes might just be your new best friend.

Whether you’re following a keto diet, going gluten-free, doing a Whole30, or just trying to eat cleaner, hearts of palm noodles offer a light, veggie-forward twist on classic pasta dishes. They’re made from the inner core of palm trees (yep, nature’s got pasta covered too), and they come ready to serve, often packed in cans or pouches. No spiralizing. No boiling. Just rinse, heat, and enjoy.

In this ultimate guide, we’re diving into 15 insanely good hearts of palm pasta recipes, all easy, wholesome, and made to fit your busy life. From creamy Alfredo and spicy Thai stir-fries to fresh Mediterranean bowls, we’ve got something for every craving and every dietary need.

So grab your fork (or chopsticks) and get ready to turn this low-carb pasta alternative into your go-to dinner hero. Let’s dig in.

💪 Why Hearts of Palm Pasta Is the Perfect Low-Carb Substitute

Let’s face it, finding a pasta alternative that’s actually enjoyable can feel like chasing a unicorn. Some are too mushy. Others taste like, well… nothing. But hearts of palm pasta hits that sweet spot: it’s light, it’s versatile, and it holds its own with just about any sauce or flavor you throw at it.

Here’s why it’s become a go-to in so many healthy kitchens:

✅ 1. It’s Incredibly Low in Carbs and Calories

One of the biggest reasons people reach for hearts of palm pasta is the carb count. Traditional pasta can pack in 40–60 grams of carbs per serving. Hearts of palm? Just about 2–4 grams per serving, depending on the brand. That makes it ideal for keto, paleo, low-carb, or even diabetic-friendly diets.

Plus, it’s naturally low in calories, perfect for anyone watching their intake without wanting to sacrifice full, satisfying meals.

🌱 2. It’s Naturally Gluten-Free and Grain-Free

Unlike some other “healthier” pastas made from rice, quinoa, or legumes, hearts of palm is 100% grain-free. That’s great news for people with gluten sensitivities, Celiac disease, or anyone simply avoiding grains.

It’s also a smart swap if you’re on a Whole30 or AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) journey, where even gluten-free grains are off the table.

🧘‍♀️ 3. It’s Gut-Friendly and Easy to Digest

Thanks to its light, veggie-based nature, hearts of palm pasta is easier on digestion than heavy wheat or bean-based noodles. It’s also rich in fiber, which supports gut health and helps you stay full longer.

Unlike some high-fiber pasta alternatives that can cause bloating (looking at you, konjac noodles), this one keeps things light and easy.

⏱️ 4. It’s Super Convenient

No boiling water. No straining. No mess. Most hearts of palm pasta comes pre-cooked and shelf-stable. All you need to do is rinse, season, and warm it up, sauté it in a skillet, bake it into a casserole, or toss it into a salad straight from the package.

For busy weeknights or meal prep, this stuff is a dream.

🥦 Vegan & Plant-Based Hearts of Palm Pasta Recipes

Whether you’re fully plant-based or just looking to enjoy more veggie-packed meals, these vegan hearts of palm pasta recipes are proof that healthy can still be seriously crave-worthy. They’re full of flavor, easy to make, and totally satisfying, no meat, dairy, or eggs needed.

Each recipe below is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and full of fiber and nutrients.

🌱 1. Creamy Vegan Alfredo with Garlic & Cashew Cream

Why You’ll Love It:
Rich, creamy, and comfort-food-approved, without a drop of dairy. The cashew-based Alfredo sauce blends perfectly with hearts of palm noodles for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack hearts of palm pasta, rinsed
• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked)
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• Salt, pepper, lemon juice to taste

Quick Instructions:

1. Blend all sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy.
2. Sauté pasta in olive oil for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add sauce and toss to coat evenly. Warm through.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley or vegan Parmesan.

🍛 2. Spicy Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Bowl

Why You’ll Love It:
This bold, vibrant bowl brings the heat with a creamy coconut base and crunchy veggies. It’s a perfect weeknight meal with a Thai-inspired twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack hearts of palm noodles
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp red curry paste (vegan)
• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
• 1 cup mixed bell peppers, sliced
• ½ cup snap peas or zucchini
• Lime, basil, and chili flakes for topping

Quick Instructions:

1. Sauté curry paste in coconut oil until fragrant.
2. Add coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
3. Toss in veggies and cook until just tender.
4. Add pasta, stir to coat, and serve with lime and basil.

🫒 3. Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta with Hearts of Palm

Why You’ll Love It:
Packed with protein and bold Mediterranean flavors, this colorful dish is perfect hot or cold, hello, lunch meal prep!

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 pack hearts of palm pasta
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil + lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, oregano, salt & pepper

Quick Instructions:

1. Warm chickpeas and tomatoes in olive oil.
2. Toss in pasta, olives, lemon juice, and herbs.
3. Serve warm or chilled with a drizzle of olive oil.

🌈 4. Roasted Veggie Primavera

Why You’ll Love It:
Classic pasta primavera, just smarter. Roasted seasonal veggies and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce bring this one to life.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack hearts of palm pasta
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ red onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil + garlic + lemon zest

Quick Instructions:

1. Roast veggies at 400°F for 20 minutes.
2. Sauté garlic, lemon zest in olive oil; add pasta.
3. Mix everything together and serve with fresh basil.

🥑 5. Avocado Basil Pasta (5-Minute Sauce!)

Why You’ll Love It:
Creamy, bright, and totally dairy-free, this avocado-based sauce is a quick win for any night of the week.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 pack hearts of palm noodles
• 1 handful fresh basil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper to taste

Quick Instructions:

1. Blend all sauce ingredients until creamy.
2. Toss with warmed hearts of palm pasta.
3. Serve immediately with crushed red pepper on top.

🍗 Keto & Protein-Packed Hearts of Palm Pasta Recipes

These recipes are perfect if you’re following a keto, low-carb, or high-protein lifestyle. They’re filling, flavorful, and designed to keep your blood sugar stable without sacrificing that comforting, pasta-like experience.

All of these dishes are grain-free, gluten-free, and easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. Bonus: they’re also meal-prep friendly.

🥬 6. Chicken Pesto Hearts of Palm Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:
It’s classic, simple, and endlessly satisfying. This version uses juicy grilled chicken and a bold, herby pesto that clings to every strand of pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack hearts of palm pasta, rinsed
• 1 cooked chicken breast, sliced
• ¼ cup keto-friendly pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil, salt, black pepper
• Optional: grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast

Quick Instructions:

1. Warm pasta in olive oil for 2–3 mins.
2. Stir in pesto and cooked chicken until hot.
3. Garnish with fresh basil or cheese of choice.

🦐 7. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Hearts of Palm Noodles

Why You’ll Love It:
Fast, flavorful, and low-carb perfection. This one feels fancy but takes under 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack hearts of palm pasta
• 8–10 shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp ghee or vegan butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Red pepper flakes, lemon juice, parsley

Quick Instructions:

1. Sauté shrimp in oil + ghee until pink.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 min.
3. Toss in pasta, lemon juice, and parsley.

🍅 8. Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta Bake

Why You’ll Love It:
Comfort food, keto-style. Creamy tomato sauce, melted cheese (or dairy-free option), and chicken make this a go-to for meal prepping.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack hearts of palm pasta
• 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded
• ½ cup sugar-free marinara
• ¼ cup dairy-free cream or full-fat coconut milk
• Fresh basil, shredded mozzarella (or vegan cheese)

Quick Instructions:

1. Mix pasta, chicken, sauce, and cream.
2. Pour into baking dish, top with cheese.
3. Bake at 375°F for 20 mins or until bubbly.

🌮 9. Tex-Mex Taco Pasta Bowl

Why You’ll Love It:
Bold taco flavor meets pasta night. It’s quick, comforting, and totally customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack hearts of palm pasta
• 1 cup ground turkey or beef alternative
• Taco seasoning (sugar-free)
• ¼ cup chopped tomatoes
• Avocado, green onions, cilantro

Quick Instructions:

1. Cook ground turkey with seasoning.
2. Mix with warmed pasta and top with toppings.
3. Add a squeeze of lime for freshness.

🧄 10. Italian Sausage & Peppers “Spaghetti”.

Why You’ll Love It:
This hearty dinner delivers big flavor with sautéed peppers, onions, and chicken or plant-based sausage, all over hearts of palm pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack hearts of palm noodles
• 1 chicken sausage, sliced (or soy-based alternative)
• ½ red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ yellow onion, sliced
• Olive oil, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes

Quick Instructions:

1. Sauté sausage slices until browned.
2. Add peppers, onion, garlic, and spices.
3. Stir in pasta, heat through, and serve warm.

🥗 Fresh & Light Pasta-Inspired Hearts of Palm Meals

Looking for something light, crisp, and quick to throw together? These recipes are perfect for lunch bowls, weeknight dinners, or even a healthy twist on pasta salad for your next potluck.

Each one is low-carb, gluten-free, and naturally refreshing, without the heaviness of traditional pasta.

🍋 11. Zesty Lemon Garlic Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love It:
Bright, citrusy, and super simple. This pasta salad is the perfect side dish, or a base for grilled tofu, shrimp, or chicken if you want to bulk it up.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack hearts of palm pasta
• Juice + zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• Fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper

Quick Instructions:

1. Whisk lemon juice, zest, oil, and garlic together.
2. Toss with pasta and parsley.
3. Chill or serve immediately.

🇬🇷 12. Greek-Inspired Pasta Bowl with Feta & Olives

Why You’ll Love It:
All the flavors of a Greek salad, turned into a low-carb pasta bowl. Briny, tangy, and super satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack hearts of palm noodles
• ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup cucumber, diced
• 2 tbsp crumbled feta or dairy-free cheese
• 2 tbsp Kalamata olives
• Olive oil + oregano + lemon juice

Quick Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Toss with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Top with extra herbs or microgreens.

🍅 13. Cold Hearts of Palm Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil

Why You’ll Love It:
This is your go-to lazy day lunch. It’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together in under 10 minutes, no stove required.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack hearts of palm pasta, chilled
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt

Quick Instructions:

1. Toss everything in a bowl.
2. Let sit for 10 mins to absorb flavor.
3. Serve cold or at room temp.

🥑 14. Avocado Lime Pasta with Cilantro

Why You’ll Love It:
This creamy, zesty combo is perfect for taco night, spring dinners, or a fun twist on guacamole flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 handful cilantro
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 pack hearts of palm pasta

Quick Instructions:

1. Blend avocado, lime, garlic, and cilantro.
2. Toss with warmed pasta and a splash of olive oil.
3. Top with green onions or hemp seeds.

🥢 15. Asian-Style Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing

Why You’ll Love It:
This crunchy, colorful noodle salad is packed with umami flavor and just the right amount of bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack hearts of palm noodles
• 1 tbsp tamari or coconut aminos
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• ½ tsp rice vinegar
• Shredded carrots, cabbage, green onions, sesame seeds

Quick Instructions:

1. Whisk dressing ingredients together.
2. Toss with noodles and crunchy veggies.
3. Chill and serve topped with sesame seeds.

👨‍🍳 Tips for Cooking With Hearts of Palm Pasta

If you’re trying hearts of palm pasta for the first time, or you’ve tried it before and weren’t blown away, this section is for you. While it’s a fantastic low-carb substitute, it definitely has its quirks. But don’t worry, a few quick tweaks can totally transform the taste and texture into something crave-worthy.

💧 1. Always Rinse It First

Most hearts of palm pasta comes packaged in a brine, which can leave a slightly tangy or acidic smell. Rinsing under cold water for 15–30 seconds helps mellow that flavor out. For an extra boost, soak it in a bowl of water with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for 5 minutes.

🔥 2. Sauté for Better Texture (Don’t Boil!)

Unlike traditional pasta, hearts of palm noodles don’t need boiling. In fact, boiling can make them too soft. Instead, sauté them in a hot pan with a little olive oil or ghee for 2–4 minutes. This helps remove moisture, improves texture, and lets them absorb flavor better.

🍳 Try sautéing with garlic, spices, or broth for next-level results.

🧂 3. Season It Like You Mean It

Hearts of palm noodles are mild, think of them like tofu or cauliflower rice. They take on whatever flavors you give them, so be generous with herbs, spices, and sauces. A sprinkle of sea salt, a splash of lemon juice, or a pinch of crushed red pepper can make a huge difference.

🌿 Don’t be shy with seasoning, especially if you’re eating it plain or cold.

🥘 4. Use in Bakes, Stir-Fries, and Saucy Dishes

This pasta really shines when it’s part of a full-flavored dish. Recipes like pasta bakes, creamy sauces, stir-fries, and bowls with bold ingredients (like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, or roasted veggies) make hearts of palm pasta feel rich and satisfying.

🔥 Pro move: Try baking it with sauce and dairy-free cheese, it absorbs flavors beautifully.

🥶 5. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Hearts of palm pasta holds up surprisingly well in the fridge. Keep any leftovers sealed in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days for the best taste and texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, but avoid overcooking or it can go mushy.

💡 Want to prep ahead? Most dishes are great for meal prep, just store sauce separately if you want to keep the noodles firm.

FAQ

🥄 Final Thoughts: Why Hearts of Palm Pasta Deserves a Spot in Your Pantry

Whether you’re eating low-carb, gluten-free, Whole30, or just want a lighter way to enjoy pasta night, hearts of palm pasta is the real deal. It’s simple to prep, endlessly versatile, and works with just about every diet and flavor profile you can imagine.

From creamy Alfredo to spicy stir-fries and fresh, zesty salads, the 15 recipes in this guide prove one thing: healthy eating doesn’t have to mean boring meals. With the right sauces, seasonings, and a few kitchen tricks, this pasta alternative becomes a delicious staple you’ll actually crave.

So if you’ve got a pack of hearts of palm noodles in your pantry; or you’ve been curious to try them; consider this your sign. Pick a recipe, make it your own, and discover just how satisfying low-carb pasta can be.

🍴 Keep the Flavor Going

Loved these hearts of palm pasta recipes? You’ll definitely want to try these next! They’re just as comforting, creative, and perfect for busy weeknights:

• 🧀 Craving creamy comfort food? Don’t miss this Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup – it’s cozy in a bowl.
• 🍗 Want something cheesy with a twist? Try this viral favorite: Popeyes Mac and Cheese.
• 🌮 For a fun, fast low-carb wrap idea, check out these Big Mac Wraps a meal prep hero.
• 🍲 Looking for more protein-packed comfort? You’ll love this Keto Chicken Taco Soup.
• 🍝 And if you liked this guide, don’t miss the creamy, dreamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta it’s a reader favorite!

❤️ Enjoyed this guide?

• Bookmark it for future meal inspo
• Share it with a friend who’s trying to eat cleaner
• Or drop a comment below with your favorite way to use hearts of palm pasta!