This Keto "Million Dollar" Pasta Recipe is a low-carb spin on the classic baked pasta dish that delivers all the indulgence with none of the guilt. Featuring Kaizen Lupini Pasta, this recipe brings together tender, high-protein pasta, a rich, meaty tomato sauce, and layers of creamy ricotta and melted cheese for a meal that tastes like a million bucks, making for one amazingly indulgent pasta.

If you’re looking for a low-carb baked pasta recipe that tastes like the real thing, this dish is the perfect balance of comfort food and clean eating. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this keto pasta bake is ideal for a quick and easy weeknight meal!

Why You’ll Love This Keto Pasta Recipe

Grab yourself a generous serving of this pasta bake and watch it easily become one of your new favorite recipes for a few reasons:

• Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent.
• Quick & easy  – Ready in under 30 minutes, with just 15 minutes of prep time. 
• Low-carb & high-protein.
• A perfect balance of flavors the whole family will love.
• Great for meal prep.

Why Choose Kaizen?

At Kaizen, we set out to create a low-carb pasta that actually tastes like pasta. Unlike other alternatives like zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or spaghetti squash, Kaizen Lupini Pasta delivers the taste and texture of real pasta while packing in high protein and fiber.

Key Benefits of Kaizen Pasta:

• 20g protein per serving – More than double the protein of traditional pasta.
• Only 6g net carbs – Perfect for low-carb, keto, and high-protein diets.
• Gluten-free & grain-free – No wheat or grains.
• Real pasta texture – Holds its shape and doesn’t turn mushy or gummy.
• Versatile pasta shapes – Available in Fusilli, Radiatori, Ziti, and more.

Want to try it? Shop Kaizen Lupini Pasta Now

What You’ll Need for This Low-Carb "Million Dollar" Pasta

• Kaizen Lupini Pasta: The best low-carb pasta, packed with protein and fiber.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Enhances the flavors and helps brown the aromatics.
• Yellow Onion: Adds depth and a sweet, savory base to the sauce.
• Garlic Cloves: A must for a rich and flavorful meat sauce.
• Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, protein-rich base for the sauce. (Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage as an alternative.)
• Dried Oregano & Red Pepper Flakes: Give the sauce a classic Italian flavor with a touch of heat.
• Low-Carb Marinara Sauce: Use a sugar-free tomato sauce to keep this dish keto-friendly.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy, cheesy layer in the pasta bake.
• Shredded Cheese: A blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, or cheddar gives the dish a gooey, cheesy topping.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh and aromatic finishing touch.
• Extra Parmesan Cheese: Because more cheese is always a good idea.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For an extra kick of heat.

Swaps & Additions

• Meat Alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage.
• Cheese Options: Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter, higher-protein alternative.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free shredded cheese and cashew-based ricotta.
• Low-Carb Pasta Alternatives: Try Kaizen Fusilli, Radiatori, or Ziti for a different pasta experience.
• More Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.
• Crunch Factor: Sprinkle on toasted pine nuts or almond flour “breadcrumbs” for texture.
• Spice Boost: Add garlic powder, cayenne, or black garlic powder for extra heat.

How to Make the Best Keto "Million Dollar" Pasta

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Season with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Pour in the low-carb pasta sauce, stir well, and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to reduce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add Kaizen Lupini Pasta and cook for 5 minutes, following package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes.

Layer the pasta bake as follows:

1. Spread a layer of pasta and meat sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish.
2. Add spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture, spreading evenly.
3. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a top layer of pasta and sauce.
4. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake & Serve

Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan.

Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Keto Pasta Bake

• Use a high-quality, low-sugar marinara sauce to keep this recipe keto-friendly.
• Cook the pasta al dente so it holds up in the baking process.
• Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.
• Customize the cheese blend – try mozzarella, cheddar, or even Gruyère for a richer flavor.
• Make ahead for meal prep – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

FAQs

1. Can I make this Keto Million Dollar Pasta without meat?

Yes! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based meat alternative. You can also leave it out entirely and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian option.

2. What’s the best low-carb pasta sauce to use?

Look for a sugar-free marinara sauce with low net carbs. Or, check out our roasted tomato marinara recipe!

3. Can I freeze this keto pasta bake?

Yes! Assemble the dish, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through.

4. How do I keep the ricotta mixture creamy?

For the best texture, mix the ricotta cheese with an egg and a splash of heavy cream before layering it into the dish. This prevents it from drying out while baking.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are classic, you can try cream cheese, cottage cheese, or even shredded cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile.

How to Store & Reheat

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe dish.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until hot.

This Keto "Million Dollar" Pasta is the perfect mix of indulgent comfort food and healthy eating. With Kaizen Lupini Pasta, you can enjoy a rich, cheesy baked pasta dish while keeping net carbs low and protein high.

Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking for a crowd, or just craving pasta, this low-carb pasta bake will satisfy every craving.

Get the best keto-friendly pasta here: Shop Kaizen Lupini Pasta

Other Recipes to Try

• Zucchini Fritters
• Keto Lasagna Soup
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta