Vegetarian Spaghetti with Sausage

Savor the ultimate comfort food with this Vegetarian Spaghetti with Sausage, a plant-based twist on a classic pasta dish that's bursting with rich, Italian-inspired flavors. Featuring perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti and hearty, browned plant-based sausage, this dish is simmered in a vibrant garlic-tomato sauce made with juicy cherry tomatoes, a hint of tomato paste for depth, and a dash of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Finished with fresh basil and an optional sprinkle of vegetarian Parmesan cheese, this quick and wholesome meal is ready in just 40 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. Whether you're a vegetarian or simply exploring meatless options, this satisfying recipe offers a delicious way to indulge in the flavors of hearty Italian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 4 links plant-based sausage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 0.5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cups fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese (optional, use vegetarian-friendly)
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the spaghetti cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the plant-based sausage into rounds and saute them for 4-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Saute the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn.

Step 4

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, vegetable broth, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6

Return the browned plant-based sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the pasta and gently toss to incorporate.

Step 9

Divide the spaghetti among serving plates and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1180.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1948.0

Total Fat 97.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 47.6mg	0%
Sodium 5583.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 155.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.2g	0%
Total Sugars 18.9g
Protein 114.1g	0%

Vitamin D 23.8IU	0%
Calcium 1239.7mg	0%
Iron 27.6mg	0%
Potassium 2680.7mg	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: 45.0%

Protein: 23.3%

Carbs: 31.7%