Vegetarian Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

Savor the hearty comfort of Vegetarian Rigatoni with Meat Sauce—a plant-based twist on a classic Italian favorite that's perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This recipe features tender rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich, tomato-based sauce made with a flavorful medley of garlic, onion, carrots, and celery, paired with a savory plant-based ground meat substitute. Infused with aromatic oregano, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes, the sauce is simmered to perfection for a satisfying depth of flavor. Ready in just 45 minutes and packed with nutritious vegetables, this vegetarian dish is an irresistible blend of tradition and innovation. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a finishing touch the whole family will love! Perfect for those seeking a comforting yet meat-free pasta recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 medium celery stalk, diced
• 12 oz plant-based ground meat substitute
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni 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-high heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery.

Step 3

Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the vegetables have softened.

Step 4

Add the plant-based ground meat substitute and cook, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns, for about 6-8 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

Step 6

Add the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, stir in the cooked rigatoni until well coated.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1930.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2129.2

Total Fat 104.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 47.6mg	0%
Sodium 5633.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 212.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.0g	0%
Total Sugars 50.7g
Protein 114.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1140.1mg	0%
Iron 26.1mg	0%
Potassium 4960.6mg	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: 41.9%

Protein: 20.4%

Carbs: 37.7%