Vegetarian Penne Pasta with Meatballs

Savor the perfect harmony of flavors in this Vegetarian Penne Pasta with Meatballs—a comforting pasta dish that’s hearty, wholesome, and packed with Italian-inspired goodness. Tender penne pasta is coated in a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce featuring dried oregano, basil, and a touch of garlic. Juicy vegetarian meatballs are pan-seared to perfection, adding a satisfying, protein-packed twist to this meat-free masterpiece. With just 15 minutes of prep and minimal ingredients, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings. Finish it off with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of fragrant basil leaves for a gourmet touch. Whether you're vegetarian or simply looking for lighter dinner options, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
• 16 pieces Vegetarian meatballs
• 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 8 leaves Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the vegetarian meatballs to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and heated through.

Step 5

Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 6

Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and gently toss to combine everything evenly.

Step 8

Serve the pasta with meatballs hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2768.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4627.3

Total Fat 181.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 94.8mg	0%
Sodium 10380.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 554.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 92.4g	0%
Total Sugars 69.7g
Protein 259.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2372.1mg	0%
Iron 52.4mg	0%
Potassium 8481.8mg	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: 33.3%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 45.4%