Vegetarian Cheesy Ground Meat Pasta
Dive into the comforting flavors of this Vegetarian Cheesy Ground Meat Pasta, a creamy, indulgent twist on a classic favorite! Featuring tender penne pasta smothered in a rich tomato-cream sauce, this recipe incorporates a savory vegetarian ground meat substitute for a satisfying, plant-based protein boost. Enhanced by aromatic garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning, the sauce is elevated with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, creating a luscious, velvety texture. A sprinkling of fresh basil adds an herbaceous finish, making every bite a true delight. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this quick 40-minute recipe is both hearty and family-friendly, delivering the ultimate cheesy pasta experience without the meat.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 3 large Garlic cloves, minced
- 12 oz Vegetarian ground meat substitute
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 14 oz Crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1.5 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the penne pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the vegetarian ground meat substitute to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to warm through for 2-3 minutes.
Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheeses have completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
Toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, mixing until well-coated.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3612 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 180.2 g | 231% | |
| Saturated Fat | 83.1 g | 415% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 412 mg | 137% | |
| Sodium | 5579 mg | 243% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 320.9 g | 117% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.6 g | 113% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.3 g | ||
| Protein | 152.5 g | 305% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2136 mg | 164% | |
| Iron | 28.4 mg | 158% | |
| Potassium | 2999 mg | 64% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
