Parolini Spaghetti
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti dish with savory meat sauce, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large crock-pot, add tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, and finely grated zucchini and set to high.
- Chop the red onion and bell pepper.
- Rinse the sliced mushrooms and sauté them in a large skillet with butter, stirring until cooked.
- Drain the sautéed mushrooms and add them to the crock-pot.
- Add minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste to the crock-pot.
- Sauté the lean ground beef or turkey until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
- Add the cooked meat to the crock-pot.
- Stir everything together, cover, and turn the crock-pot to low. Let simmer for 1 to 4 hours.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook spaghetti noodles for about 10 minutes until al dente.
- Serve the sauce over the cooked spaghetti, and enjoy with salad and garlic French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef or turkey with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. You can also add extra veggies like spinach or carrots for more nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. Ensure the zucchini is finely grated to blend well with the sauce, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Parolini spaghetti hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and slices of garlic French bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside the Easiest Italian Beef to complement the pasta’s flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Parolini spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the sauce from drying out. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce separately from the pasta.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parolini Spaghetti contains roughly 560 calories, with 23g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (223% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (187% of the Daily Value), and iron (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1892mg per serving (82% 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 different types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of meat used to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What type of spaghetti should I use?
You can use any type of spaghetti you prefer, including whole wheat or gluten-free options. Cooking time may vary slightly, so follow the package instructions for the best results.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freeze it for later. Just cook the spaghetti fresh when you're ready to serve for the best texture.
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).