Vegetarian Penne Bolognese

Transform your pasta night with this hearty Vegetarian Penne Bolognese, a plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite! This wholesome recipe features penne pasta enveloped in a rich, slow-simmered sauce of lentils, crushed tomatoes, and a medley of aromatic vegetables like onion, carrot, and celery. Infused with fragrant dried herbs and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, every bite is a perfect harmony of texture and flavor. Ready in just one hour, including 15 minutes of prep, this dish is a satisfying, protein-packed meal for four. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a comforting yet elegant finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meatless Monday, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of classic Italian cuisine craving a vegetarian twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1 large Carrot, finely chopped
• 1 Celery stalk, finely chopped
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
• 28 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups Vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Stir in the lentils, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Mix well.

Step 6

Add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.

Step 8

Once the lentils are fully cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 9

Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss to combine.

Step 10

Serve the Vegetarian Penne Bolognese hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2174.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2347.8

Total Fat 53.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 4115.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 389.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 53.7g	0%
Total Sugars 53.7g
Protein 98.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 886.5mg	0%
Iron 29.7mg	0%
Potassium 5695.9mg	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: 19.7%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 64.1%