Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta Recipe – Low-Carb Gluten-Free

This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure). 

If you’re looking for a healthy, low-carb and gluten-free pasta alternative, Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta is a game-changer! This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, gluten-free dish that’s ready in just minutes. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet, this pasta is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite meals without the extra carbs. Toss it with olive oil and marinara sauce, or get creative with your favorite seasonings and toppings!

Plate of cooked Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta with marinara sauce, served with a fork, with the product packaging in the background. A healthy, low-carb pasta alternative ready to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love Trader Joe’s Hearts Of Palm Pasta

  • Healthy and Low-Carb – This pasta is made from hearts of palm, making it naturally low in carbs and gluten-free. It’s a great alternative to traditional pasta without sacrificing flavor or texture.
  • Quick and Easy to Make – With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 10 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast, satisfying meal.
  • Versatile and Customizable – This pasta pairs well with a variety of sauces, from marinara to pesto or even a creamy Alfredo. You can also add your favorite seasonings and toppings to make it your own.
  • Light Yet Satisfying – Unlike heavy wheat-based pasta, hearts of palm pasta is light but still filling. It absorbs flavors beautifully, making every bite delicious.
  • Perfect for Special Diets – Whether you’re following a gluten-free, keto, or plant-based diet, this pasta is a great addition to your meal plan. It’s all-natural, packed with fiber, and good for you!

Hearts of palm pasta simmering in marinara sauce in a frying pan, showing how easy it is to cook.

Ingredients For Trader Joe’s Hearts Of Palm Pasta

  • Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta – The star of the dish! A delicious, gluten-free, and low-carb pasta alternative.
  • Olive Oil – Adds flavor and prevents the pasta from sticking to the pan. You can use any oil of your choice.
  • Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the pasta.
  • Pepper – Adds a hint of spice and warmth to the dish.
  • Marinara Sauce (optional) – A classic pairing that brings rich tomato flavor. You can swap it with Alfredo, pesto, or any sauce you love.
  • Optional toppings: Minced garlic, parmesan cheese, extra olive oil, or any seasonings of your choice to customize the flavor.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Hearts of palm pasta being stirred with a spatula in a frying pan, coated in marinara sauce.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Trader Joe’s Hearts Of Palm Pasta

  • Frying Pan – Used to cook the pasta and heat the sauce.
  • Spatula – Helps stir and toss the pasta evenly in the pan.

A spatula stirring hearts of palm pasta in marinara sauce on a stovetop.

How To Make Trader Joe’s Hearts Of Palm Pasta

  • Open the package and drain the hearts of palm pasta.
  • Heat a frying pan over high heat and add olive oil.
  • Add the pasta to the pan and use a spatula to break it up and toss it in the oil.
  • Once the oil starts sizzling, reduce the heat to medium.
  • Stir the pasta occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • If using marinara sauce, pour it over the pasta and mix well.
  • Let the sauce heat through for about 1 minute, stirring as needed.
  • Turn off the heat and serve hot.
  • Add any optional toppings like Parmesan cheese, extra olive oil, or garlic for extra flavor.

A spatula mixing hearts of palm pasta with marinara sauce in a frying pan, creating a delicious and healthy low-carb pasta alternative.

Serving Suggestions

A spatula lifting hearts of palm pasta coated in marinara sauce from a frying pan, showcasing its texture and how easily it cooks into a tasty, low-carb meal.

Tips For Success

  • Drain Well – Hearts of palm pasta comes pre-packaged with some liquid. Make sure to drain it well before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your dish.
  • Don’t Overcook – This pasta only needs a few minutes to heat through. Overcooking can make it too soft.
  • Use High Heat First – Start with high heat to help remove excess moisture, then reduce to medium for even cooking.
  • Add Flavor – Since hearts of palm pasta has a mild taste, season it well with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. A little garlic, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning goes a long way.
  • Pair It With The Right Sauce – Marinara, pesto, Alfredo, or a garlic butter sauce all complement this pasta beautifully. Choose a sauce that enhances the flavors you love!
  • Customize Your Toppings – Grated Parmesan, fresh basil, crushed nuts, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add extra texture and flavor.
  • Make It A Meal – For a protein-packed meal, serve this pasta with grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas.

A plate of cooked hearts of palm pasta with marinara sauce, placed in front of the Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta packaging.

Variations And Substitutions

  • Try a Different Sauce – Swap out marinara for pesto, Alfredo, garlic butter, or even a creamy avocado sauce for a unique twist.
  • Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes, chili oil, or diced jalapeños to give the dish a little heat.
  • Go Dairy-Free – Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and opt for a dairy-free sauce like a cashew-based Alfredo.
  • Add Protein – Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or ground turkey to turn this into a complete meal.
  • Use Extra Veggies – Sauté some mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to mix in with the pasta.
  • Boost The Flavor – Toss the pasta with lemon zest, capers, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
  • Low-Fat Option – Instead of olive oil, use a splash of vegetable broth to cook the pasta with less fat.
  • Make It Creamy – Stir in Greek yogurt, ricotta, or a splash of heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture.
  • Use a Different Oil – Instead of olive oil, try avocado oil, coconut oil, or butter for a different taste.
  • Turn It Into a Cold Pasta Salad – After cooking, let the pasta cool and mix it with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing dish.

A plate filled with hearts of palm pasta coated in marinara sauce, showcasing its texture as a delicious low-carb pasta alternative.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover hearts of palm pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may become too soft and watery once thawed.
  • Reheating on the Stovetop: Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add a little olive oil, and stir the pasta until warmed through. If using sauce, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
  • Reheating in the Microwave: Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

A fork lifting hearts of palm pasta coated in marinara sauce from a plate, highlighting its noodle-like texture and delicious low-carb appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does hearts of palm pasta taste like?

Hearts of palm pasta has a mild, slightly tangy flavor with a texture similar to al dente noodles. It absorbs sauces well, making it a great substitute for traditional pasta.

A close-up of a fork twirling the delicious hearts of palm pasta coated in marinara sauce.

Do I need to rinse the pasta before cooking?

No, rinsing is not necessary. However, draining the liquid from the package is recommended to remove excess moisture before cooking.

A close-up of hearts of palm pasta coated in marinara sauce, highlighting its texture as a delicious and healthy low-carb pasta alternative.

Can I eat hearts of palm pasta raw?

Yes! Hearts of palm pasta is fully cooked and can be eaten straight from the package. If you prefer a warm meal, a quick sauté enhances the texture and flavor.

A close-up view of delicious and healthy hearts of palm pasta mixed with marinara sauce.

Is hearts of palm pasta keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and works well for a keto or low-carb diet. Just be mindful of the sauce and toppings you add to keep it keto-friendly.

What sauces go well with hearts of palm pasta?

It pairs well with marinara, Alfredo, pesto, garlic butter, or even a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. Feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors!

Can I cook hearts of palm pasta in the microwave?

Yes! You can microwave it in a bowl for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. However, sautéing it on the stovetop enhances the flavor and removes any excess moisture.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too soft?

Avoid overcooking it. Since it’s already soft, it only needs a few minutes to heat through. Cooking on high heat initially helps keep the texture firm.

Other Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Burritos From Trader Joe’s – These crispy, golden-brown chicken burritos cook perfectly in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal with no prep required.

Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Fries – Make Trader Joe’s sweet potato fries in the air fryer for a crispy, perfectly seasoned side dish that’s ready in minutes.

Trader Joe’s Frozen Kimbap Sushi Rolls – Enjoy authentic Korean flavors at home by easily heating up Trader Joe’s frozen kimbap sushi rolls for a quick and tasty snack or meal.

Other Easy Pasta Recipes

15-Minute Chicken Pesto Pasta – This quick and flavorful chicken pesto pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner, combining tender chicken, fresh basil pesto, and pasta in just 15 minutes.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Linguine – Indulge in this rich and creamy garlic shrimp linguine, packed with juicy shrimp, a luscious garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.

Homemade Alfredo Sauce Pasta – This easy homemade Alfredo sauce creates a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish that’s better than restaurant-style fettuccine Alfredo.

Chicken Zucchini Mushroom Pasta – A healthy and delicious pasta dish made with tender chicken, sautéed zucchini, and mushrooms in a light, flavorful sauce.

Click Here To Pin This Recipe

Trader Joe’s Hearts Of Palm Pasta

This easy Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta is a healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free alternative to regular pasta! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s ready in minutes. Toss it with olive oil and marinara sauce, or customize it with your favorite toppings for a fast and flavorful dish.
Cook Time6 minutes
Total Time6 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy healthy pasta, gluten-free pasta, hearts of palm pasta, low carb pasta, Trader Joe's pasta
Cooking Method: Stovetop
Diet: Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Vegan (if using vegan sauce), Vegetarian
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 1 package Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta
  • tbsp olive oil or any oil of choice
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Marinara sauce to taste (optional)
  • minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, additional olive oil, other seasonings of choice optional toppings

Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)

Instructions

  • Open the package of Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta.
  • Add olive oil to a frying pan.
  • Turn heat to high and add the hearts of palm pasta to the pan.
  • Use a spatula to break up and toss the pasta in the oil.
  • Let the oil heat until sizzling, then reduce heat to medium.
  • Cook for 5 minutes, stirring every minute.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • If desired, add marinara sauce and toss to combine.
  • Heat the sauce through for about 1 more minute.
  • Optional: Add minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, or other toppings of choice.
  • Remove from heat and serve hot.

Notes

  • You can easily customize this pasta with different sauces like Alfredo, pesto, or garlic butter.
  • Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
  • Great for anyone following a gluten-free, low-carb, or plant-based diet.
NEVER MISS A RECIPE!I publish a new recipe several times per week. Want the new recipes in your inbox? Sign up for FREE notifications!
Save This Recipe

More Main Dish Recipes

Save this for later on your social media:


Get Melanie's FREE Recipes In Your Inbox!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate This Recipe (only if you tried it, otherwise leave blank)