Who says you can’t have a rich, satisfying bowl of pasta on a keto diet? This Spicy Keto ‘Pasta’ recipe swaps traditional noodles for tender cauliflower florets, all smothered in a creamy, spicy tomato sauce with savory ground turkey. The best part? It all comes together in the Instant Pot, making it the perfect one-pot wonder for a busy weeknight. Get ready to curb those carb cravings with a dish that’s packed with flavor, not guilt!
Ingredients
• 7 oz (200g) ground turkey
• 1 lb (450g) cauliflower, chopped into florets
• ½ cup (75g) onions, finely chopped
• 1 fresh chili pepper, finely chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) canned diced tomatoes, sugar-free
• 1 ½ cups (340g) cottage cheese
• 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth
• ¼ cup (60g) sour cream, for topping
• 3 tbsp (42g) butter
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp chili flakes
• 1 tsp chili powder
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Place the rinsed cauliflower florets into the Instant Pot, pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle with salt. Secure the lid, set the steam release handle to the ‘Sealing’ position.
3. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ button and set the timer for 6 minutes on high pressure.
4. Once the timer finishes, perform a quick pressure release. Carefully open the lid, remove the cauliflower, and drain any excess liquid. Set aside to cool slightly before cutting into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
5. Drain the remaining broth from the pot. Select the ‘Sauté’ function. Add the butter to the pot and allow it to melt.
6. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, chili flakes, and chili powder. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the turkey is browned.
7. Stir in the finely chopped fresh chili pepper and cook for another 2 minutes to release its flavor.
8. Pour in the canned tomatoes, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer on ‘Sauté’ mode until most of the liquid has reduced and the sauce has thickened.
9. Press the ‘Cancel’ button to turn off the heat. Stir in the cottage cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce, then gently fold in the cooked cauliflower florets.
10. Transfer the keto pasta to serving bowls. Top each portion with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and enjoy immediately!
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Per Serving
• Calories: 274
• Total Fat: 15.7g
• Net Carbs: 7.7g
• Protein: 24.8g
• Fiber: 3g
Pro Tips
• For a more ‘al dente’ pasta feel, reduce the Instant Pot cooking time for the cauliflower to 4-5 minutes to prevent it from becoming too soft.
• Control the heat by de-seeding the chili pepper for a milder spice, or add an extra ½ teaspoon of chili flakes for a truly fiery kick.
• Swap the ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or even a spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• For an extra smooth and creamy sauce, blend the cottage cheese in a blender until smooth before stirring it into the pot at the end.
FAQ
Q: How can I make the sauce even creamier
A: For an extra smooth and creamy sauce, the recipe suggests blending the cottage cheese in a blender until it’s completely smooth before stirring it into the pot. This eliminates the curds and creates a velvety texture for your keto pasta.
Q: Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey
A: Yes, this recipe is very versatile. You can easily swap the ground turkey for ground chicken, ground beef, or even a spicy Italian sausage to create a different flavor profile for your spicy keto pasta.
Q: How do I control the spice level of this dish
A: You have full control over the heat. For a milder dish, de-seed the fresh chili pepper before chopping it. If you want a truly fiery kick, feel free to add an extra half-teaspoon of chili flakes along with the other spices.
Q: Can I make this keto pasta recipe without an Instant Pot
A: Absolutely. To make this on the stovetop, steam or boil the cauliflower florets until tender-crisp and set them aside. In a large skillet or pot, follow the recipe steps to sauté the onions and brown the turkey, then simmer the sauce. Finally, stir in the cottage cheese and cooked cauliflower.
