Spaghetti with vegetables
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (about 225 grams) of spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
- Water for boiling
- Salt (for seasoning the pasta water)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced or julienned
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste, for spice)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional
Method
1)Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season the boiling water with a pinch of salt. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Vegetable Sauce:
2)In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until they become fragrant and slightly translucent.
3)Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, cherry tomatoes, broccoli (if using), and mushrooms (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
4)Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
5)Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
6)Add the cooked spaghetti to the vegetable sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
7)Serve the vegetable spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
What does a spaghetti go well with?
Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Serve vegetable spaghetti with garlic bread or breadsticks for a delicious and comforting combination.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing can complement the pasta dish. You can use mixed greens, Caesar salad, or a Caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as asparagus, eggplant, or zucchini can be served alongside vegetable spaghetti for extra flavor and texture.
Protein: If you want to add protein to your meal, consider serving vegetable spaghetti with grilled chicken breast, sautéed shrimp, or tofu.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over the vegetable spaghetti to enhance the flavor.
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic glaze reduction over the spaghetti for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Wine: A glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors of vegetable spaghetti nicely.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives can be used as a garnish to add a burst of freshness to the dish.
Béchamel Sauce: For a creamy twist, you can serve vegetable spaghetti with a side of béchamel sauce (white sauce).
Bruschetta: A bruschetta appetizer with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil on toasted bread can be served before the main meal.