Vegetarian Macaroni Pasta with Meat Sauce

Satisfy your pasta cravings with this hearty and flavorful Vegetarian Macaroni Pasta with Meat Sauce, a plant-based twist on a comfort food classic. This recipe swaps traditional meat for protein-packed lentils and a medley of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, creating a rich, savory sauce that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Infused with aromatic garlic, onions, and a perfect blend of Italian herbs, the sauce clings beautifully to tender macaroni pasta. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. Perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy a meatless spin on a classic pasta dish, this recipe is sure to delight the whole family.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Macaroni pasta
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
• 3 minced Garlic cloves
• 1 large, diced Carrot
• 1 diced Red bell pepper
• 1 small, diced Zucchini
• 8 oz, finely chopped Mushrooms
• 15 oz, drained and rinsed Canned lentils
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 28 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp, chopped Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and aromatic, about 3 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the diced carrot, red bell pepper, and zucchini, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 5

Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the drained lentils, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Add the cooked macaroni pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 9

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.

Step 10

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Step 11

Serve hot and enjoy your hearty Vegetarian Macaroni Pasta with Meatless Sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2403.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2757.1

Total Fat 59.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.5g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 6904.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 449.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 71.2g	0%
Total Sugars 84.4g
Protein 124.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 941.2mg	0%
Iron 30.2mg	0%
Potassium 7459.7mg	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: 18.9%

Protein: 17.6%

Carbs: 63.6%