Vegetarian Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Vegetarian Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese – a hearty, plant-based twist on a classic favorite. This irresistible dish combines al dente pasta with a rich, savory "meat" sauce crafted from plant-based ground meat, vibrant veggies like bell peppers and carrots, and aromatic Italian herbs. Simmered to perfection with crushed tomatoes and finished with fresh basil, the sauce delivers authentic depth and balance. Topped with melty vegetarian cheese, this pasta is as indulgent as it is wholesome, making it an ideal dinner option for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. Keywords: vegetarian pasta, plant-based meat sauce, cheesy pasta recipe, Italian-inspired vegetarian dinner.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium Bell pepper, diced
- 1 large Carrot, grated
- 12 ounces Plant-based ground meat
- 2 14-ounce Cans of crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup Vegetarian cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar), shredded
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the diced bell pepper and grated carrot to the skillet. Sauté for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the plant-based ground meat. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and heated through, about 5-6 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
Once the sauce is ready, add the chopped basil and stir well.
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet or serve the sauce over the pasta on individual plates.
Sprinkle the shredded vegetarian cheese on top of the pasta. Serve immediately, allowing the cheese to melt slightly from the heat of the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2096 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 123.1 g | 158% | |
| Saturated Fat | 47.4 g | 237% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 100 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 4433 mg | 193% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 160.4 g | 58% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.5 g | 80% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.2 g | ||
| Protein | 109.8 g | 220% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1255 mg | 97% | |
| Iron | 20.8 mg | 116% | |
| Potassium | 2486 mg | 53% | |
*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.
