Celebration Spaghetti
Celebration Spaghetti features a flavorful tomato and olive sauce topped with grated Parmesan, paired with tender spaghetti and fresh zucchini for a festive, savory meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 1 c. pitted ripe olives, sliced ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sweet basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 lb. Creamettes spaghetti ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. softened butter or margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil.
- Sauté sliced zucchini and sliced olives.
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, grated Parmesan, salt, basil, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 15 minutes.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti.
- Toss the spaghetti with softened butter or margarine.
- Arrange the buttered spaghetti on a warm platter.
- Pour the sauce over the spaghetti and top with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier sauce, consider adding cooked ground turkey or beef. If you prefer a vegan option, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. You can also use whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber. If you have fresh herbs like basil or oregano, they can enhance the flavor of your sauce even more.
Serving Suggestions
This Celebration Spaghetti pairs beautifully with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. For a refreshing touch, serve it with a light vinaigrette salad. You might also consider offering a side of Garlic Lover's Pasta Of The Angels for an additional flavor dimension.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the spaghetti and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celebration Spaghetti contains roughly 83 calories, with 7g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (56% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 990mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this Celebration Spaghetti gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti. Many brands offer great alternatives that cook similarly to traditional pasta. Just be sure to check the cooking time as it may vary.
What can I substitute for the zucchini?
If you don't have zucchini on hand, yellow squash or bell peppers are great alternatives that will add a similar texture and taste. You can even try adding spinach or kale for extra nutrients and flavor.
How can I enhance the flavor of the sauce?
To enhance the sauce's flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme just before serving can also elevate the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).