Ziti Pasta With Spicy Marinara Primavera Sauce
A hearty ziti pasta dish simmered in a spicy, flavorful marinara primavera sauce with vegetables and olives, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (29 oz.) cans whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic (from a jar) ⓘ
- oregano
- basil ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- parsley ⓘ
- 2 cans artichoke hearts, quartered ⓘ
- 2 jars mushrooms, halved ⓘ
- 16 oz. jar Old El Paso Homestyle salsa
- 1 small onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 can black and/or green olives ⓘ
- 1 red pepper, sliced ⓘ
- 1 yellow pepper, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the canned whole tomatoes and break them up into smaller pieces.
- Add the jar of salsa, minced garlic, sliced onion, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
- After about 10 minutes, turn down the heat to low and add the artichoke hearts, mushrooms, olives, and both peppers.
- Allow the sauce to simmer on very low heat, covered, for about one to two hours, stirring often to blend flavors.
- Approximately 20 minutes before serving, add the sliced peppers to the sauce.
- Cook the ziti pasta noodles in boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Combine the cooked noodles with the sauce and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the canned tomatoes with vegetable broth. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish; try using fresh basil and oregano instead of dried. Additionally, using whole grain ziti can boost the nutritional value while still providing that classic pasta texture.
Serving Suggestions
This ziti pasta pairs beautifully with a side of Focaccia(Italian Flat Bread) or a light Quick Summer Italian Salad for a refreshing contrast. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a delightful touch before serving. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a protein of your choice, such as Italian sausage or baked tofu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ziti Pasta With Spicy Marinara Primavera Sauce contains roughly 1069 calories, with 40g protein, 226g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (453% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2623mg per serving (114% 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 fresh vegetables instead of canned ones?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or asparagus can be great substitutes for the canned artichokes and mushrooms. Just be sure to sauté them briefly before adding to the sauce to enhance their flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly! Just ensure that the salsa and any additional toppings, like cheese, are dairy-free. You can enhance the dish with plant-based protein sources or extra veggies for a satisfying meal.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this ziti pasta gluten-free, simply substitute traditional ziti with gluten-free pasta varieties available in stores. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without worry.
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).