Meatless Spaghetti
A hearty meatless spaghetti dish featuring a savory tomato sauce with green peppers, onions, and spices, perfect for vegetarian dinners or when craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. linguine ⓘ
- 2 (5.5 oz.) small cans tomato juice ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2/3 lb. bacon, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 28 oz. can whole tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, diced ⓘ
- 1 pkg. Old English cheese, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 tsp. chili pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, fry bacon until well done.
- Remove from pan and drain.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper to the skillet.
- Saute until tender, then drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add chopped tomatoes, cooked bacon, diced garlic, sugar, cayenne pepper, pepper, and chili pepper to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Meanwhile, cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and serve topped with the tomato and bacon sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped Old English cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use smoked paprika for flavor. You can substitute whole tomatoes with diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes if that's what you have on hand. If you want to add more vegetables, consider incorporating mushrooms or zucchini into the sauté. This dish pairs well with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this meatless spaghetti with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Cheesy Carbonara if you're looking for a hearty Italian feast. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra tomato juice to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatless Spaghetti contains roughly 1029 calories, with 37g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (508% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (210% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 696mg per serving (30% 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 use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute linguine with any pasta of your choice, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to achieve the desired al dente texture.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the linguine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or legumes. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the tomato juice and cheese, are gluten-free as well.
How can I enhance the flavor of the sauce?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil. A splash of red wine can also deepen the sauce's richness. For a spicy kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
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).