We recently published an objective piece on the keto diet. While this way of eating (WOE) is not for everyone, we’re keto eaters. Disclaimer: This is not an endorsement of any diet or WOE. Consult with your health care provider before starting any lifestyle changes. That said, one thing I really miss on the keto diet is pasta. So here’s a great keto pasta substitute you probably haven’t tried: turnip noodles.

What is a turnip?

A turnip is a root vegetable. There are many varieties of turnip, but the traditional American turnip is best for keto pasta. It’s purple and white.

Are turnips even keto?

One question I received a lot in response to the turnip keto pasta is whether the turnip, a root vegetable, is keto. According to this chart from ruled.me turnips are keto! For 100g, you’re looking at approximately 7 total carbs or 5 net carbs.

Why don’t more people make turnip keto pasta?

For starters, it may be about availability. I wouldn’t have thought to try turnip noodles if my local Whole Foods didn’t sell them. I found a pack in the produce section from the produce butcher. If you want to spiraling turnip noodles on your own, you’ll likely need a sturdy spiralizer like the one KitchenAid makes for your stand mixer.

How do you prepare turnip keto pasta?

There are many ways you can make turnip keto pasta. You can boil the noodles like you would with regular pasta. You can roast the noodles, too, but keep in mind that will give you a more potato-like texture. Or you can sauté the turnip keto pasta, which is what I did.

What does turnip keto pasta taste like?

If you’ve never had a turnip, keep in mind that turnips have a peppery, slightly bitter taste. I never had a turnip before making this keto pasta, but I knew that the turnip was a strong flavor. This recipe for basil parm mushroom turnip keto pasta balances out the sharpness of the turnip nicely. It will have you drooling for more turnips! In fact, I liked turnips so much I made keto turnip mashed potatoes. I’ll post that recipe soon.

What are the turnip keto pasta ingredients for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll need the following:

• Basil olive oil – You can find this in many grocery stores near the regular olive oil. If you can’t find it, some fresh basil will work nicely.
• Fresh parmesan
• Spiralized turnip
• Baby bella mushrooms
• Garlic powder
• Butter
• Salt and pepper

Turnip keto pasta recipe

Step 1: SAUTÉING Mushrooms and Turnips

You’ll need one deep pan for sautéing the keto pasta, and another shallow pan for sautéing the baby bella mushrooms. Both set to medium high heat.

Mushrooms

Put the butter in the mushroom pan and melt to coat surface. Pour sliced mushrooms into the pan and add salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste. The mushrooms brown nicely if all are flat on the pan. When mushrooms are browned on one side, give a stir to brown the other side. Add more butter if desired.

turnip keto pasta

In the other pan, add your basil olive oil. If you don’t have basil olive oil, regular olive oil and fresh or dried basil will work. Once the pan is hot and coated with oil, and the spiralized turnips. Sauté to desired texture. The noodles will be firm but easy to twirl with a fork. Add salt and pepper to taste.

step 2: combine ingredients

By cooking the turnips and the mushrooms separately, you’ll get a wonderful contrast of flavors. The mushrooms are buttery while the turnip is crisp and bold. Top with fresh parmesan cheese and enjoy.

Have you tried this keto pasta recipe?

If you have, please let us know in the comments! We’d love to know what you think. Thanks for stopping by! We’ll be posting more keto recipes in the future. And if you liked this recipe, please share it!