Vegetarian Penne with Meat Sauce
Relish the comforting flavors of a classic Italian dish with a modern, plant-based twist in this Vegetarian Penne with “Meat” Sauce. Perfectly cooked penne pasta is coated in a rich and hearty sauce made with plant-based ground “meat,” aromatic garlic, and sweet crushed tomatoes, all seasoned with fragrant dried herbs like oregano and basil. A hint of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves provide the perfect finishing touches. Quick and easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, this vegetarian recipe offers all the indulgence of a traditional meat sauce but in a healthier, meatless version. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this dish is as satisfying as it is wholesome.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 12 ounces plant-based ground 'meat'
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the plant-based ground 'meat' to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, until it's browned.
Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring to combine.
Season the sauce with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Serve the vegetarian penne hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
497 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.5 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.7 g | 39% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 1202 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.4 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.3 g | ||
| Protein | 25.8 g | 52% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 206 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 831 mg | 18% | |
*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.
