One of the most terrible things you could ever tell someone who loves Italian food is that they must switch to being gluten free. Spaghetti and meatballs, pizza, tortellini, lasagna, carbonara, ravioli…the list could go on and on. All these favorite Italian entrees highlight pasta as the main ingredient and pasta is not edible for someone who is allergic to gluten.
You do not have to suffer in complete despair however! There are several different tips and tricks you can use to create healthy, delicious, gluten-free alternatives to your favorite Italian Entrees. You may not even miss the pasta!
How to Make Italian Entrees Gluten Free
One of the simplest ways to make a pasta dish gluten free is to simply substitute gluten free pasta for traditional. You can usually find most gluten-free, veggie pastas, or other similar alternatives in the grocery store shelved next to traditional pastas and the marinara sauces. There are also gluten-free dough’s available at most grocery stores, such as cauliflower crusts, that make great pizza alternatives!
The Best Gluten Free Italian Dishes
Italian cooking goes far beyond pastas and breads. Many people who have never visited the Mediterranean do not realize the abundance of fresh produce, livestock, and high-quality ingredients that are available to create gluten-free meals that have made the region famous.
Check out our top gluten-free entrees:
- Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan- This classic Italian dish is served with pasta noodles and breaded chicken, but it is super easy to make dishes like this gluten-free! Substitute almond flour for your breading and bake the chicken rather than fry. Sub in zucchini noodles for the pasta and you will have a protein packed, vitamin rich, meal with absolutely no grain! The best part is you can still top with your favorite marinara and feel like you are eating the traditional meal.
- Ratatouille- Not only is Ratatouille gluten-free, but it is also a superb vegan entrée that all your guests will love! The dish highlights fresh summer vegetables and savory marinara sauce for a hearty dish that will really hit the spot.
- Zucchini Lasagna- When you are on a low carb diet and missing pasta, zucchini lasagna is a great alternative. Substitute slices of zucchini for your lasagna noodles and load up on the cheese and marinara sauce and you might even find yourself liking this gluten-free lasagna better than the real thing!
- Gluten-Free Gnocchi- Potatoes are the staple ingredient in gnocchi but recipes also call for flour to create the potato dough and hold the ingredients together. If you are making gnocchi at home, the best alternative is to substitute a gluten-free artisan flour for the grain flour. Rice flour or potato flour both tend to work well for gnocchi.
- Gluten Free Focaccia- Giving up bread is super hard, but when you can learn to make gluten free versions, you can start to enjoy breads like focaccia once again! Use a gluten free flour alternative in any recipe. Add rosemary, thyme, basil, garlic powder, onion, and sun-dried tomatoes to create a beautiful bread that is perfect for dipping in a roasted garlic or basil marinara sauce.
Gluten free diets can be super easy and help you achieve a healthy lifestyle when you know the right alternative choices to make and still be able to enjoy your favorite Italian entrees!
