Vegetarian Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce
Experience the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine with a plant-based twist in this Vegetarian Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce. This hearty dish features tender penne pasta tossed in a rich, flavorful sauce made with a medley of fresh vegetables, including onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and red bell peppers, paired with a robust tomato base. The secret to its 'meat sauce' appeal lies in the use of a vegetarian ground meat substitute, perfectly seasoned with oregano, basil, garlic, and black pepper for an authentic taste. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is a satisfying, protein-packed meal that’s ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch that elevates every bite. Perfect keywords include "vegetarian pasta recipe," "meatless pasta sauce," "penne pasta dinner," and "plant-based Italian recipes."
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, diced carrot
- 1 diced celery stalk
- 8 oz, diced mushrooms
- 1 small, diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 12 oz vegetarian ground meat substitute
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 0.5 cup, grated (optional) parmesan cheese
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 or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the diced carrot, celery, mushrooms, and red bell pepper to the pan. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetarian ground meat substitute, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Combine the cooked penne pasta with the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2671 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 77.4 g | 99% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.5 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 3366 mg | 146% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 367.3 g | 134% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 44.2 g | 158% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.3 g | ||
| Protein | 130.4 g | 261% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 895 mg | 69% | |
| Iron | 29.7 mg | 165% | |
| Potassium | 5534 mg | 118% | |
*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.
