Mediterranean Spaghetti Recipe with Paleo Pasta Alternative

Last Updated on August 13, 2020 by Ellen Christian

This Mediterranean Spaghetti recipe is loaded with chunks of vegetables in a rich pasta sauce. Try this dish with a paleo pasta alternative today.

I love to cook most nights. It’s relaxing and lets me be creative in the kitchen. I get tired of eating the same old thing every week so I like to try new recipes and new cuisines. I always return to my favorite Italian cuisine though. It’s just one of those tastes that I cannot get enough of. Have you ever tried my Italian Scallop Tortellini? It’s one of our favorite skillet bakes. Or, you might want to try this Italian American Scallopini recipe.

Mediterranean Spaghetti Recipe

One of the problems with Italian meals is that they are usually fairly high in carbohydrates.  Thankfully, there are a few alternatives that work as well for those that are gluten-free or paleo.

Just because I love to cook doesn’t mean I want to spend all day in the kitchen. I have a business to run, books to read, and a garden to play in. I like to rely on a few healthy shortcuts to make meal preparation time a little shorter. A Mediterranean spaghetti recipe usually has fresh tomatoes, olives, feta, parsley, and capers to create a Mediterranean pasta sauce. 

One way I save time is by using strained or chopped tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.  Make sure that you look for a brand that has very few added ingredients. We enjoy pasta with Kalamata olives, but you can really add any olive you like.

Mediterranean spaghetti variations

Now, you can adjust this Mediterranean spaghetti recipe to your family’s taste preferences. My family does not like capers, so I leave those out. If you enjoy capers, feel free to add them to keep the recipe more authentic.

For those that are gluten-free or paleo, you can try zoodles (zucchini noodles) that you make with a spiralizer or you can try these sweet potato noodles. If you are gluten-free you have a bit more flexibility and could also try red lentil pasta or black bean pasta which is my daughter’s favorite.

Frequently asked questions

What you need to make Mediterranean Spaghetti

You only need a few simple tools to make this Mediterranean spaghetti recipe.

Spiralizer – If you want to keep this paleo, you’ll want to use a spiralizer to make zoodles or zucchini noodles. Zoodles are a great low carb alternative to pasta and they taste great.

Saute pan with lid – Mediterranean spaghetti typically has the sauce and the pasta mixed together before serving rather than ladling the sauce over the pasta like other Italian dishes. You’ll want a large saute pan with a lid to mix everything together.

Serving tips for Mediterranean spaghetti

Typically, Mediterranean spaghetti is meat-free. But, if your family enjoys meat, you can certainly add meatballs or sausage if you like. Or, you can turn this into Mediterranean chicken spaghetti if you want to. If your budget allows, toss in some seafood.

If you are not following a Paleo diet, you can serve this Mediterranean pasta with feta or Parmesan cheese. 

You can serve this recipe for Mediterranean spaghetti with a side salad or, if you are not paleo, you can add a loaf of crusty Italian bread.  If you’re gluten-free, you can try my gluten-free bread.

More healthy pasta recipes

If you enjoyed this Mediterranean spaghetti recipe, you might like these.

• Tips for serving gluten-free pasta
• Farmer’s market garden pasta recipe
• Easy pasta puttanesca