Garden Pasta

cold pasta salad

About

Brenda Gantt

I am a self-taught cook. I started cooking around 18 years old. I stood in the kitchen and watched my mother, who was my biggest inspiration at the time, cook.

Servings: 6

 

INGREDIENTS:

  • 5 Tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 Celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 Carrots, chopped
  • 1 Onion, medium, chopped
  • 8 Green onions, chopped
  • 1 package of Equal (or any preferred sweetener)
  • 1 tsp Basil
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Oregano
  • 1 Tbs Vegetable or salad oil
  • 1 lb Spaghetti

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Put the chopped tomatoes, celery, carrots, onion, and green onions in a pot and cover it tightly.
  2. Cook the vegetables over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until they start to soften.
  3. Add the basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano, and the package of Equal (or your preferred sweetener) to the pot.
  4. Cover the pot again and cook over medium-low heat for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
  5. After 5 minutes, add the vegetable or salad oil to the pot and simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
  6. While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain the cooked spaghetti.
  7. Once the sauce is ready and the carrots are tender, toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce until it’s well coated.
  8. Serve the flavorful vegetable spaghetti hot and enjoy a delicious and low-fat meal.

 

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving):

  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 1/2g

 

This tasty and nutritious vegetable spaghetti is a delightful choice for a satisfying and light meal.

 

Here are some delicious options:

  1. Mushroom Medley: Add a mix of sliced mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms, to the vegetable mix for a hearty and earthy flavor.
  2. Pesto Paradise: Instead of the tomato-based sauce, toss the cooked spaghetti with homemade or store-bought basil pesto for a fragrant and fresh twist.
  3. Cheesy Delight: Mix in some grated Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or your favorite cheese to the sauce for a creamy and cheesy vegetable spaghetti.
  4. Vegetarian Primavera: Add a variety of colorful seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes to the sauce for a vibrant and healthy primavera-style spaghetti.
  5. Spicy Arrabbiata: If you enjoy spicy food, add some red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the sauce for a fiery arrabbiata version.
  6. Lemon Garlic Zest: Enhance the flavor by adding freshly squeezed lemon juice and minced garlic to the sauce for a zesty and tangy spaghetti dish.
  7. Caramelized Onion Sweetness: Caramelize the onions before adding them to the sauce for a rich and sweet flavor profile.
  8. Roasted Veggie Heaven: Roast the vegetables in the oven before combining them with the sauce for a deep and smoky taste.
  9. Creamy Tomato Basil: Blend some cooked tomatoes and basil together to create a creamy tomato basil sauce for the spaghetti.
  10. Greek Inspired: Add Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and crumbled feta cheese to the vegetable mix for a Mediterranean-inspired spaghetti dish.
  11. Vegan Veggie Delight: Use a cashew-based cream sauce with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly option. Load up the spaghetti with various sautéed vegetables and sprinkle with vegan cheese.
  12. Peanut Noodles: Make a peanut sauce using peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic. Add steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and chopped scallions to the spaghetti for a tasty and unique Asian-inspired dish.
  13. Herb Garden Pasta: Mix in a variety of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, mint, and chives to the vegetable mix. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a light and herby pasta.
  14. Chickpea and Spinach: Add cooked chickpeas and chopped baby spinach to the vegetable mix for a protein-packed and nutritious spaghetti option.
  15. Cajun Spiced: Season the vegetable mix with Cajun spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme for a bold and flavorful Cajun-inspired spaghetti.
  16. Greek Lemon Orzo: Substitute spaghetti with orzo pasta and mix in diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Dress it with a lemon-oregano vinaigrette for a refreshing Greek-inspired dish.

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