Looking for a satisfying, low-carb alternative to traditional lasagna? This Palmini Lasagna uses hearts of palm noodles in place of pasta — making it keto-friendly, gluten-free, and much easier on blood sugar than the original. It’s one of our favorite recipes at Sage Wellness because it delivers all the comfort of classic lasagna without the inflammatory ingredients. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Yield: One 9×13-inch baking dish
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~169 |
| Total Fat | ~10g |
| Saturated Fat | ~6g |
| Cholesterol | ~35mg |
| Sodium | ~450mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | ~7g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~1g |
| Net Carbs | ~6g |
| Sugars | ~3g |
| Protein | ~12g |
How does this compare to traditional lasagna?
A single serving of classic lasagna typically contains approximately 350 calories, 35–40g net carbs, and 15g fat. This Palmini version delivers a fraction of the carbohydrates — making it far more blood-sugar friendly while still being satisfying and protein-rich.
Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 (12–14 oz) package or can Palmini Lasagna Noodles (8 oz drained weight)
- 24 oz marinara or pasta sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Divide the sauce, ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, and pepper into three equal portions, as you will create three layers.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Build the first layer:
- Palmini lasagna noodles
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Light sprinkle of salt and pepper
- Repeat the layering process two more times in the same order:
- Marinara sauce
- Palmini noodles
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper
- For the final layer, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and, if desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley and basil.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated through and the cheese is fully melted.
- Check the lasagna after about 15 minutes. If the cheese is browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Notes
- For extra flavor, allow the lasagna to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- If Palmini lasagna noodles are unavailable, thinly sliced hearts of palm can be used as a substitute.
Noodle Alternatives
Can’t find Palmini noodles? Here are several great substitutes depending on your dietary needs and what’s available at your local grocery store.
Low-carb / keto options
- Zucchini slices — The most accessible option. Slice lengthwise into thin strips, lightly salt, and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before layering. Widely available year-round.
- Eggplant slices — Rich, hearty, and pairs beautifully with marinara. Slice into ¼-inch rounds, lightly salt, and let sit for 10 minutes before patting dry.
- Yellow squash slices — Similar to zucchini with a slightly milder flavor. Prepare the same way.
- Cabbage leaves — Blanch whole leaves briefly in boiling water until pliable, then use as noodle layers. A surprisingly delicious option.
Grain-free but not strictly keto
- Thinly sliced sweet potato — Slightly higher in carbs than the options above, but still far better than refined pasta. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Slice thin and roast for 10 minutes at 400°F before layering.
- Chickpea or lentil pasta sheets — Higher in protein and fiber than wheat pasta, with a lower glycemic impact. Look for these at health food stores or online.
Best for beginners: If you’re new to low-carb cooking, zucchini or eggplant are the most approachable and easiest to find.
Why We Love This Recipe
Traditional lasagna is made with refined wheat pasta — a high-glycemic carbohydrate that can spike blood sugar, promote inflammation, and contribute to insulin resistance over time. This Palmini version swaps the pasta for hearts of palm noodles, which changes the nutritional profile significantly.
Hearts of palm offer several advantages
- Blood sugar friendly — Hearts of palm are very low in carbohydrates and have a negligible effect on blood sugar, making this dish suitable for diabetics, pre-diabetics, and anyone following a low-glycemic diet.
- Gut-supportive — They contain fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy microbiome.
- Anti-inflammatory — By eliminating refined wheat, this recipe removes one of the most common dietary triggers for inflammation and digestive irritation.
- Gluten-free — Ideal for anyone with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or autoimmune conditions where gluten may be a trigger.
- Lower calorie — At approximately 169 calories per serving compared to 350+ for traditional lasagna, this version supports healthy weight management without sacrificing satisfaction.
For patients managing blood sugar, working on weight, healing the gut, or reducing systemic inflammation, small swaps like this one can make a meaningful difference over time — without giving up the foods you love.
