Vegetarian Chef Boyardee

Bring nostalgic comfort to your table with this hearty and flavorful Vegetarian Chef Boyardee recipe! Perfectly tender elbow macaroni (or mini shells) is coated in a rich, homemade tomato sauce packed with aromatic Italian seasoning, hints of garlic, and the satisfying texture of protein-rich TVP. This veggie-friendly twist on the classic canned favorite is easy to whip up in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal for the whole family. Serve it warm, topped with grated Parmesan or plant-based cheese for a vegan option, and enjoy a wholesome, homemade alternative to a childhood favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 cup Vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
• 8 ounces Elbow macaroni or mini shells
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan (optional, use plant-based for vegan option)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste, stirring to combine.

Step 5

Add the vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and sugar, and stir until well incorporated.

Step 6

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

While the sauce is simmering, prepare the TVP by hydrating it according to the package instructions (usually by rehydrating it with boiling water). Drain any excess water and add the TVP to the sauce, stirring to combine.

Step 8

In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 9

Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated and heated through.

Step 10

Optional: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or plant-based cheese before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Vegetarian Chef Boyardee!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1707.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2369.4

Total Fat 54.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 35.7mg	0%
Sodium 3968.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 306.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 51.0g	0%
Total Sugars 53.4g
Protein 167.9g	0%

Vitamin D 23.8IU	0%
Calcium 1283.7mg	0%
Iron 31.0mg	0%
Potassium 6632.6mg	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: 20.5%

Protein: 28.1%

Carbs: 51.4%