Approved Optavia Lasagna without Zoodles!
In less than 30 minutes, this Palmini lasagna recipe is healthy and delicious. Hearts of palm lasagna is a fantastic low-glycemic, Lean and Green friendly dish made with Palmini noodles as a simple pasta substitute. Perfect if you are sick of watery, hard to make “zoodles.” You’ve come to the correct location if you’re searching for a tasty zucchini substitute for Optavia lasagna recipe! Optavia coaches recommend at least one Lean and Green meal per day, and this Optimal recipe is an excellent way to get in your vegetables while also indulging in a classic comfort food.
Getting Used to Alternatives for Noodles
When I first heard about substituting pasta for vegetables, I was definitely skeptical. Who would want to eat a salad burger? But after experiencing the feeling that comes with fat burn, I decided it was worth it! I realized that it’s not only healthy but I actually liked it!
Then I discovered Palmini and it quickly became one of my favorite pasta substitutes. Palmini is a type of pasta made from the hearts of palm. It has a similar texture to lasagna noodles. That’s what I think I love most. Unlike zoodle layers which are watery and hard to make, Palmini taste like noodles and has that al dente texture!
Nowadays, my favorite way to enjoy pasta is by using Palmini noodles. Plus I can buy them pre-made for lasagna which is so nice! These little squash-shaped noodles are the perfect substitution for regular pasta and they’re packed with nutrients and flavor. Plus, they’re super easy to cook – all you need is a pot of boiling water and 10 minutes!
The Hearts Of Palm lasagna Recipe
Let’s get to the recipe! Palmini isn’t what the noodles are called. It’s the brand that we prefer in our home. Probably because they are perfectly prepared and we can pick them up at Whole foods. We also get them on Amazon which is our normal route.
Palmini creates hearts of palm in different ways. Palmini’s lasagna noodles look just like lasagna minus the wavy ends.
Hearts of palm noodles have a more firm vegetable texture than pasta. They are not as soft and chewy. Also, this vegetable has less starch than pasta which is great! It also means the lasagna will be more runny than typical. However, it’s nothing like zucchini lasagna which comes out like soup!
To sum things up, I’m not sure there’s an ideal remake of those noodles we are all choosing to put aside as we go after optimal health and weight. But in our opinion this lasagna beats the rest and comes the closest to the real thing we grew up on before we started developing our new healthy habits.
What We Love About This Optavia Lasagna Recipe
- Low Prep Time. It only takes 30 minutes!
- Simple ingredients that line up with Optavia lean and green standards. You can pick up the Palmini lasagna sheets here.
- Our family and friends eat it without complaint!
- Palmini lasagna feels like comfort without the follow up regret!
- Works for Vegans and vegetarians! We are not either but this recipe can accommodate anyone which is great!
PALMINI LASAGNA INGREDIENTS

Ground Protein:
6.5 oz of lean ground beef cooked. If you want to add more sauce (see below) use a leaner protein like ground turkey.
Palmini Lasagna Noodles:
Palmini lasagna noodles are easy to find online at Amazon or at Whole Foods. They come in a bag and for this recipe that serves four you’ll need about 24 pieces (1 full green each serving)
Optavia Approved Marinara Sauce:
2 Cups Marinara sauce ( 2 Greens per serving). Check out this article for our favorite marinara sauces. We do recommend finding a thicker sauce because the Palmini will add moisture to your lasagna. A thicker sauce like Yo Mama’s might work best.
Skim Ricotta Cheese:
1 1/3 cups ricotta cheese (about 1/3 lean per serving). Some people add egg to their ricotta but we keep it simple in this recipe. In our experience, the simpler the ingredients, the more true to the Optavia lean and green guidelines. That’s important because the more true you are to your lean proteins, measured greens, and even those healthy fats, the more likely you are to stay in fat burn and hit your weight loss goals!
Low Fat Mozzarella Cheese Shredded:
Your total amount is 5 and 1/3 ounces of low fat cheese. We do a mix of low fat mozzarella and low fat shredded parmesan for the extra taste!
Seasonings:
Italian seasoning, sweet basil, oregano, salt and pepper to taste. These are optional and add condiments to your meal. Use at your discretion
And Here’s Another Option:
In our research we saw one recipe similar to this that mixed it up a bit. For instance, they substituted half of the sauce with 4 cups of spinach to create their green. But that’s not our style but wanted you to have the option.
Ingredients List:
6.5 ounces cooked lean protein (turkey is best)
5 1/3 ounces skim mozzarella
1 1/3 cups low fat cottage cheese
2 cups Optavia approved marinara sauce (the thicker the better)
Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- We use the amazing Ninja Foodi XL oven and heat it to 375 degrees. Most important, it only takes 90 seconds to pre-heat so we do this last. But in a traditional oven, preheat to 400 degrees.
- In a small bowl combine herb ingredients and ricotta cheese
- Divide your ingredients equally into three portions each. This is how you’ll build your layers.
- We use an 8×8 baking dish and spoon 1/3 of the pasta sauce along the bottom.
- Top with 1/3 of your Palmini lasagna noodles
- Next, add 1 layer of ricotta cheese mixture
- Follow that with a layer of mozzarella cheese
- Add layer of parmesan cheese (if using)
- Top with a layer of 1/3 sauce
- Repeat two more times
- Sprinkle top with Italian seasoning for color
- Bake for 20-30 minutes (20 in the Ninja)
- Make sure to check at the halfway point to ensure your cheese isn’t burning. If so, just cover with tin foil.
FAQS:
Where can I find Palmini Noodles?
You can find Palmini Noodles in your local grocery store or online.
What are the nutritional values of Palmini Noodles?
- Each serving of Palmini Noodles contains:
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
What does a Palmini Noodle Taste Like?
The taste and texture of Palmini Noodles are very close to traditional noodles made with wheat flour.
How do I cook Palmini Noodles?
You can cook Palmini Noodles just like you would any other pasta noodle. Simply boil water, add the noodles, and cook for 4-5 minutes. Drain the noodles and add your favorite sauce.
Can I use Palmini Noodles in all my favorite recipes?
Yes! Palmini Noodles can be used in any recipe that calls for traditional wheat flour noodles.
What is the difference between Palmini Noodles and other pasta noodles?
Palmini Noodles are made from the hearts of palm plant, while most other pasta noodles are made from wheat flour. Palmini Noodles are lower in calories and carbs, and they have a similar taste and texture to traditional wheat flour noodles.
But how long do Palmini Noodles last?
Palmini Noodles have a shelf life of up to 2 years.
What are the variety of Palmini noodles
Palmini offers 3 different varieties of Palmini Noodles: Fettuccine, Spaghetti, and Angel Hair.
Is Palmini gluten free?
Yes, Palmini Noodles are gluten free.
Do I need to refrigerate Palmini noodles?
No, you do not need to refrigerate Palmini noodles. They can be stored at room temperature.
Matilda Thompson
Thursday 23rd of March 2023
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Cheryl
Saturday 10th of December 2022
So the recipe states Ricotta but then it says cottage cheese ... which is it? And at what point do I add the cooked lean protein? It's not in the recipe directions. I would normally mix it in with the sauce.
Lindley
Tuesday 4th of October 2022
Thanks for the recipe. Do you have boil the lasagna palmini before it goes in the pan in the oven? Thanks
Tuesday 25th of October 2022
@Lindley, I always boil mine for about ten minutes to make them more pasta-like
Lindley
Tuesday 4th of October 2022
Do you need to cook the Palmini noodles before placing in the baking dish, or can you put them in straight from the bag?