Recipe by It’s Skinny

Low Carb Pepperoni Pasta

An overhead image of a skillet of low-carb pepperoni pizza pasta, topped with melty cheese and fresh basil.

Ingredients

1 package It's Skinny Angel Hair pasta
1/2 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
1 cup pepperoni (8 oz.)
1 tbsp oregano
1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Who doesn’t love delicious, cheesy pepperoni pizza!? It’s one of those guilty pleasures that even the most ardent followers of the keto lifestyle indulge in every so often (knowing that even one slice will likely take you out of ketosis).

What about pasta? A big, filling bowl of pasta with tons of cheese and tomato sauce? Sounds like a big indulgence too, right? Well, today, we're taking the best of both worlds—pizza and pasta and making them into one crave-busting, guilt-free, low-carb pepperoni pasta dish. You're going to love this pizza bowl!

Pepperoni Pizza, Pasta, and other Carby Delights

Some dishes are iconic—the cheeseburger, fries, and, of course, pepperoni pizza! Despite its Italian origins, it doesn't get any more American staple than a big ol' slice of pizza. While an authentic New York slice might be worthy of breaking your keto streak, most pizza chain pizza (or gas station freezer pizza) is not.

Americans have a long love affair with pizza. Pepperoni itself originated in New York, by Italian immigrants who wanted to recreate the spicy, preserved meats they enjoyed in Italy, like salami. Pepperoni comes from cured pork and/or beef , seasoned with paprika and other types of chili pepper (in fact, the Italian word for bell pepper is “peperone”). As Italian families helped their neighbors develop a taste for the spicy, flavorful delight of Italy, the pepperoni sausage took off.

Pizza today is also a little different from its Italian origins. The Americanized version that many people think of was derived from a simple Naples dish made of dough, tomatoes, cheese, and sometimes anchovies. In the early 1900s, pizzerias sprouted throughout New York and soon the rest of the states. By the middle of the 20th century, pepperoni was a ubiquitous pizza topping at almost all Italian-style pizza restaurants in the United States.

Then there's pasta. If you're craving pasta, you know It's Skinny has you covered with zero net carb, keto-friendly noodles . Today, we combined these two favorites into one crave-busting, low-carb pepperoni pasta dish! (You're welcome.)

Because we give this recipe a final hit in the oven, the cheese becomes extra melty—almost like a keto pizza casserole. To keep it suitable for a low-carb diet, we use crushed tomatoes instead of pizza sauce (don't worry, there's still plenty of flavor). If you would rather use marinara sauce, look for one without added sugar to keep it keto-friendly.

It’s Skinny: The Secret to Beating Carb Cravings

Most keto dieters know that cravings are pretty common . But one of the worst ways to tackle those cravings is to try to white-knuckle your way through them. Feelings of deprivation build, and you’ll get that dreaded pizza and pasta FOMO.

A better way is to find healthy ways to meet your cravings in keto-friendly ways. This pepperoni pasta is a perfect example. It has everything you love—spicy pepperoni, savory sauce, gooey cheese…and because we use It's Skinny pasta, a zero net-carb base.

It’s Skinny Pasta is the ideal answer for nearly any diet or meal plan. It’s gluten-free, plant-based, low-carb, and even available in organic varieties . It’s Skinny comes in some great shapes and styles, including classics like:

It’s the perfect way to upgrade all your favorite carby recipes into guilt-free delights. What’s more, It’s Skinny has only 9 calories per pack. It’s full of filling glucomannan fiber, and the stats are so good that intermittent fasters can enjoy It’s Skinny without breaking their fast.

So, how did It's Skinny pull off this miraculous creation? Thanks to a funny-looking little plant called Konjac. Konjac roots resemble turnips, beets, and radishes. But what's inside these humble plants is the perfect ingredient for making zero-net-carb pasta!

Unlike so many other pasta swaps, It's Skinny doesn't water down your dish or have an overpowering flavor. If you've been disappointed by spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice before, It's Skinny is a great option. Plus, there's no boiling water and waiting for the al dente texture.

If you haven't tried It's Skinny before, don't be intimidated! It couldn't be easier. Simply open the pack, drain out the water, and rinse the It's Skinny noodles. Set them aside while you cook the rest of the ingredients. When your sauce and protein are nearly done, add the It's Skinny noodles to the pan to heat through for about 3 minutes.

In no time, you have a delicious, wholesome meal that’s keto-friendly! Beat all your carb cravings by giving your tastebuds what they want—a yummy bowl of healthy pasta!

Customizing Your Pepperoni Pasta Bowl

When you make this yummy low-carb pasta pizza bake, you may have a hankering to add some extras. There are plenty of pizza ingredients that would be perfectly at home with pepperoni pasta. Experiment and have fun with the recipe by adding all your favorite pizza toppings. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

You can add practically any non-starchy vegetables to this meal, and it will still be keto-friendly (and delicious). Start by thinking of pizza toppings. What goes well with pepperoni? Green peppers, spicy peppers, and black olives are the most common. Mushrooms would be another delicious addition.

Of course, the sky's the limit here. You could try broccolini, kale, different types of sauteed onions, fresh red onion, broccoli, cauliflower, artichoke hearts, and even asparagus. Take your pepperoni pasta on a run through the garden to make it extra exciting. Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil would bring out your favorite pizza flavors.

Can I swap the cheese?

Mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza cheese, but this dish is delicious with all sorts of cheese. For a similar Italian-style dish, you could add parmesan cheese, asiago, or provolone.

Otherwise, experiment with soft cheese. Ricotta, feta, and goat cheese could all pair well with this dish. If all you happen to have is cheddar or Monterey Jack, then that's perfectly okay, too. When it comes to cheese, we say bring it on!

What else could I add to this pepperoni pasta?

Once again, look to pizza for inspiration. A meat-lovers version with delicious sausage and ham would provide plenty of protein. You could also add other Italian meats like prosciutto, salami, pancetta, or speck. Ground beef would be delicious. You could also swap out your pepperoni slices with turkey pepperoni if you prefer.

For a milder version, ham has a similar smokiness without the spice. You could also add anchovies, chicken, or any other type of protein that you enjoy on pizza. This pasta recipe is extremely versatile, and because it takes just a short time to prep, it's an excellent option for lunch or dinner.