Vegetarian Classic Pasta Bolognese

Savor the comforting flavors of this Vegetarian Classic Pasta Bolognese, a hearty and wholesome twist on the traditional Italian favorite. This recipe swaps the meat for a rich combination of lentils and finely chopped cremini mushrooms, creating a plant-based sauce that’s just as satisfying. Simmered with aromatic vegetables like onion, carrot, and celery, and seasoned with classic Italian herbs, this dish is bursting with layers of flavor. Perfectly paired with your pasta of choice and optionally topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, this vegetarian Bolognese is a delicious way to enjoy a meat-free meal without sacrificing taste. Ready in just over an hour, it’s an ideal recipe for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz uncooked pasta of choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, finely diced
• 2 celery stalk, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Add the garlic and mushrooms to the pan. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.

Step 4

Stir in the lentils, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Add the oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

Step 6

Discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7

Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Step 8

Enjoy your hearty vegetarian classic pasta Bolognese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2618.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2813.5

Total Fat 74.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 94.8mg	0%
Sodium 6526.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 415.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 56.8g	0%
Total Sugars 70.7g
Protein 137.2g	0%

Vitamin D 15.9IU	0%
Calcium 1866.9mg	0%
Iron 23.3mg	0%
Potassium 7164.2mg	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: 23.2%

Protein: 19.1%

Carbs: 57.7%