Keto Easy Pesto Shirataki Noodles with Butter
Quick, low-carb pasta dish starring chewy shirataki noodles tossed with butter and pesto. Fresh basil flavor shines through in this 10-minute meal, ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The noodles' neutral taste lets vibrant pesto take center stage. This version prioritizes simplicity: microwave, pan-sear, and toss for minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 8 ounce tofu shirataki noodles, spaghetti shaped
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 tablespoon pesto sauce, pre-made or fresh
Instructions
- 1
Rinse and drain tofu noodles thoroughly.
- 2
Microwave on high for 1 minute, then rinse and drain again.
- 3
Pat dry with paper towel if desired.
- 4
Heat skillet over medium-high heat.
- 5
Add noodles and saute until dried and lightly browned.
- 6
Add butter and pesto sauce, stirring until coating evenly.
- 7
Heat through and serve immediately.
Tips
Thoroughly rinse and drain noodles twice to remove residual liquid, preventing a soggy final dish.
Use room-temperature or soft pesto so it incorporates smoothly without clumping when heated.
Good to Know
Covered in refrigerator up to 2 days. Reheat gently in skillet with splash of water to restore moisture.
Prepare noodles through drying step. Store in airtight container. Toss with pesto and butter just before serving.
Portion into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil, grated parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Common Mistakes
Skip thorough rinsing to avoid rubbery, odorous noodles.
Avoid high heat during final toss to prevent pesto from separating or butter from browning excessively.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
FAQ
Can I use jarred pesto instead of frozen?
Yes, jarred pesto works fine. Frozen pesto often has fresher flavor and less oxidation, but both deliver good results. Stir jarred pesto well before measuring.
What if my noodles still smell fishy or soapy?
This is normal for shirataki noodles. Rinse thoroughly under cold water, microwave, then rinse again. Pan-searing further reduces odor. If persistent, brief blanching in boiling water helps.
Can I prepare this ahead and reheat?
Yes, but texture suffers slightly on reheating. Store cooked noodles separately from pesto. Reheat noodles gently in a skillet with 1-2 tablespoons water, then add fresh pesto for best results.