Savory Vegetarian Spaghetti with Spicy Veggie Sauce
Indulge in this delicious Savory Vegetarian Spaghetti, a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish that’s packed with flavor and goodness! This recipe was inspired by a beloved newspaper feature, showcasing how quick and easy homemade sauce can be, especially when whipped up in the microwave. With a hearty blend of vegetables and spices, this sauce not only comes together in a jiffy, but it also elevates simple pasta into a colorful feast. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or generous enough to serve at a gathering, this dish is versatile enough to impress any palate while being entirely vegetarian. The kick from the cayenne and the richness of Worcestershire sauce bring depth to the vibrant mix of fresh zucchini, mushrooms, and frozen veggies, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal.
6-8 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable crumbles
10 ounces
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Zucchini
1 (peeled and minced)
Mixed mushrooms
8 (diced)
Frozen mixed vegetables
1 (10 ounce) package
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon
Salt
1 teaspoon, divided
Pepper
2 teaspoons, divided
Dried basil
1 tablespoon
Dried oregano
1 tablespoon
Ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Pasta sauce
16 ounces (homemade or store-bought)
Salsa
1 (16 ounce) jar (medium heat)
Sugar substitute (Splenda)
1/2 teaspoon
Whole-wheat spaghetti
12 ounces
Parmesan cheese
to taste (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1
Cook the whole-wheat spaghetti according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the vegetable crumbles, olive oil, minced zucchini, diced mushrooms, frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, ground nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
3
Microwave the mixture on medium-high for 8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender.
4
Stir in the pasta sauce, salsa, and sugar substitute into the vegetable mixture. Cover and microwave for an additional 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through the cooking time.
5
Once the sauce is ready, toss it with the cooked spaghetti until well combined. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish of this recipe?
The main dish is Savory Vegetarian Spaghetti with Spicy Veggie Sauce, a meat-free twist on a classic Italian pasta dish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian, utilizing vegetable crumbles instead of meat.
How many servings does this spaghetti recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this dish?
Whole-wheat spaghetti is used to add extra fiber and nutrients to the meal.
Can I use regular white spaghetti instead of whole-wheat?
Yes, you can substitute regular spaghetti if you prefer, though the nutritional profile will change.
What are vegetable crumbles?
Vegetable crumbles are a plant-based meat alternative designed to mimic the texture of ground meat.
Which vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce features minced zucchini, diced mushrooms, and a package of frozen mixed vegetables.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be peeled and finely minced before being added to the sauce mixture.
Is there a specific way to prepare the mushrooms?
The 8 mixed mushrooms should be cleaned and diced into small pieces.
How is the sauce cooked?
The sauce is conveniently prepared in the microwave to save time and effort.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The seasoning includes dried basil, dried oregano, ground nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Is this spaghetti sauce spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick provided by the cayenne pepper and medium-heat salsa.
What type of salsa should I use?
A 16-ounce jar of medium-heat salsa is recommended for the best flavor balance.
Why is sugar substitute added to the sauce?
A small amount of sugar substitute like Splenda is used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the heat of the spices.
Can I use real sugar instead of a substitute?
Yes, you can replace the 1/2 teaspoon of sugar substitute with regular granulated sugar if desired.
How long does the first microwave step take?
The vegetable and crumble mixture is microwaved on medium-high for 8 minutes.
When do I add the pasta sauce and salsa?
Add the pasta sauce, salsa, and sugar substitute after the initial 8-minute microwave period.
How long is the second microwave cooking session?
The mixture is microwaved for an additional 10 minutes after adding the liquid sauce ingredients.
What microwave power level should be used?
The recipe suggests using a medium-high power setting for cooking the sauce.
Do I need to stir the sauce while it microwaves?
Yes, you should stir the mixture halfway through each microwave cooking cycle.
Is Worcestershire sauce vegetarian?
Traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so look for a specific vegetarian or vegan version for this recipe.
How should the spaghetti be cooked?
Cook it in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the instructions on the package.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish is best served hot and garnished with grated Parmesan cheese to taste.
Can I use fresh mixed vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables, though you may need to adjust the microwave time to ensure they become tender.
Is this a good recipe for a quick family dinner?
Absolutely, the microwave method makes it a quick and easy option for busy weeknights.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a beloved newspaper feature that showcased the ease of microwave sauces.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients in total, including optional garnishes like Parmesan cheese.
Can I add extra vegetables to the sauce?
Yes, the recipe is versatile; you can easily add bell peppers or spinach to the mix.
Is this dish considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is a healthy choice because it is packed with fiber-rich whole grains and various vegetables.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.