Vegan Penne Bolognese

Experience a hearty, plant-based twist on a classic Italian favorite with this Vegan Penne Bolognese. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with a rich and flavorful sauce made from lentils, earthy mushrooms, and robust canned tomatoes, creating a satisfying meat-free alternative perfect for any occasion. Aromatic onion, garlic, and a medley of sautéed vegetables form the base of this savory dish, while dried basil, oregano, and a hint of bay leaf infuse it with authentic Italian flair. Ready in just an hour, this easy vegan pasta recipe is ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner, meal prep, or impressing guests. Serve it hot, topped with fresh herbs, and savor every bite of this wholesome, protein-packed delight!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 1 medium carrot
• 1 medium celery stalk
• 3 garlic cloves
• 200 grams mushrooms
• 400 grams lentils
• 800 grams canned tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 250 milliliters vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the chopped mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the cooked lentils, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth to the pan. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and add the bay leaf.

Step 7

Bring the sauce to a simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Combine the cooked penne pasta with the sauce and toss until well coated.

Step 10

Serve the Vegan Penne Bolognese hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2427.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3086.7

Total Fat 98.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 24.7g
Cholesterol 16mg	0%
Sodium 5254.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 456.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 71.2g	0%
Total Sugars 54.6g
Protein 107.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 482.9mg	0%
Iron 35.9mg	0%
Potassium 6042.1mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.1%

Protein: 13.7%

Carbs: 58.2%