15 Paleo Recipes For When All You Want Is A Bowl Of Pasta Slideshow

Paleo diets have become increasingly popular recently, and as someone who has tried every diet under the sun, I can truly vouch for this type of eating... at least for a limited amount of time. The struggle comes in when there is a change of season. You know the feeling — the winter cold fronts come in, and there is nothing we want more than a big, warm bowl of pasta. That being said, it's time to find creative ways to fill those cravings without the refined starches weighing heavy on our waistlines.

Adopting the paleo diet plan may sound like a daunting task, but studies show that the benefits are enormous. People who switch to the paleo diet have experienced benefits such as weight loss, lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. The plan is to avoid processed foods, sugars, dairy, grains, legumes, starches, and alcohol. Healthy fats are also heavily encouraged as part of a paleo regimen.

Obviously, this is a really difficult thing to maintain for months or years on end; after all, at some point you are going to go your best mate's birthday and want a slice of that celebratory birthday cake, even if for nothing else but to rejoice in the triumph of not allowing sugar to pass your lips for more than two days! But in the interim between those special occasions, it's good to know you can still indulge in some decadent dishes like these 15 Paleo Recipes for When All You Want Is a Bowl of Pasta.

If you're looking for an alternative to mashed potatoes or roasted veggies, you've got try this spaghetti squash crumble. It's the ultimate sweet-and-savory side dish that just screams comfort food. The yellow winter squash is also low in calories and packed with nutrients, such as beta-carotene and fiber.

For the Andrew Zimmern's Spaghetti Squash Crumble, click here.

Put down the takeout menu! One-pot dishes are great for those hectic weeknights and are sure to help you stick to a paleo diet. Throw any extra vegetables into this super-versatile dish and serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

For the Paleo Eggplant Bolognese recipe, click here.

Pasta lovers, rejoice! There's no reason a paleo diet can't include your favorite Italian fare. Once again, cauliflower serves as a substitute in this traditionally dairy-heavy sauce. Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for the perfect paleo dinner.

For the Paleo Creamy Alfredo recipe, click here.

With fall fast approaching, it's time to incorporate some hearty and comforting dishes into your paleo recipe repertoire. Not only is this recipe paleo, it's high in fiber and can be paired with a variety of toppings.

For Cindy's Paleo Harvest Chili recipe, click here.

These two-ingredient wings are perfect for your next healthy tailgate. Five minutes on the grill gets you crispy but juicy wings with a smoky flavor. Plus, they're safe for paleo and gluten-free diets.

For the Paleo Chicken Wings recipe, click here.

This paleo side dish can be paired with lean protein, such as grilled chicken or fish. Loaded with vegetables and antioxidant-rich spices, it's a quick and nutritious option.

For the Paleo Dirty Cauliflower "Rice" recipe, click here.

This recipe is definitely hearty enough for a caveman. The combination of paleo-friendly sweet potato and cauliflower mash, ground beef, and bacon packs a nutritional punch.

For the Paleo Four-Layer Beef and Bacon Casserole recipe, click here.

Going paleo doesn't mean you have to give up Taco Tuesdays! Grains are off limits, but cauliflower is a great substitute for rice. Your family won't notice the difference and everyone can benefit from the massive amounts of Vitamin C and Thiamin.

For the Paleo Spanish "Rice" recipe, click here.

Shakshuka is a wonderful option when you're looking for a low-calorie dish with all the decadent flavor because it is such a  rich, satisfying dish. A simple, spicy, herb sauce is combined with almond milk for a creamy, fragrant base.

For the Spicy and Creamy Tunisian Green Shakshuka recipe, click here.

This inexpensive meal of eggs, cottage cheese, and frozen broccoli offers four servings for around $5, making it the perfect go-to brunch recipe on a budget.

For the Slow-Cooker Egg and Broccoli Casserole recipe, click here.

Spinach and artichoke dip is a must-have at any party or gathering. Whip this up for your guests and they will love you forever!

For the Spinach and Artichoke Dip recipe, click here.

There's nothing like a delicious bowl of butternut squash soup, but when you add in some juicy shrimp, you have a whole meal that can satisfy even the most potent pasta cravings.

For the Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup with Shrimp, click here.

A quick and tasty Thai curry that takes only 15 minutes to make and has just 177 calories? Yes, please! Curry is a great option for a paleo dinner, especially if you can make it a little healthier and swap out the cream for coconut milk.

For the Prawn Green Curry recipe, click here.

Throw all these ingredients into a slow-cooker for a soft squash and tasty chicken dinner. Use this as your main course or as a side dish during the holidays. Simple and delicious.

For the Slow Cooker Chicken and Butternut Squash recipe, click here.

For the ultimate pumpkin dish, serve this pumpkin-flavored chicken. The pumpkin gives the chicken some much-needed moisture and it's got so few ingredients that there's almost no excuse for takeout this time. For more chicken inspiration check out these 15 Secrets of the Costco Rotisserie Chicken.

For the Pumpkin Stuffed Chicken Recipe, click here.