Description
Healthy Spaghetti is a vibrant, plant-based pasta dish packed with fresh vegetables, wholesome proteins, and natural flavors. This recipe features whole wheat or legume-based noodles tossed with a colorful medley of sautéed bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, chickpeas, and aromatic garlic, enriched with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and a natural gelling agent to create a light yet satisfying sauce. Finished with fresh basil and plant-based parmesan, this wholesome meal is perfect for quick dinners, family meals, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Base Ingredients
- 200g whole wheat or legume-based spaghetti noodles
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Protein and Garnishes
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup plant-based parmesan (plant-based), grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped bell peppers. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add fresh tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes break down slightly.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce naturally. Mix in chickpeas and combine well. Let the sauce simmer on low heat to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine and Toss: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss gently to coat each strand evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water teaspoon by teaspoon until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil and plant-based parmesan (plant-based) over the top. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Cook noodles al dente to maintain texture and prevent mushiness when tossed with sauce.
- Use fresh vegetables for brightness and nutrient value.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce without diluting flavors.
- Adjust apple cider vinegar gradually to balance the tanginess.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve flavor and aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Healthy spaghetti, plant-based pasta, vegetarian spaghetti, wholesome dinner, whole wheat spaghetti, chickpea pasta recipe, vegetable pasta