Easy Meatless Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

This easy meatless spaghetti is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with sautéed mushrooms and a savory tomato sauce, it’s a delicious vegetarian twist on a classic favorite. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s great for busy cooks who want comfort food without the meat.

A white plate holds a bed of cooked spaghetti forming the bottom layer, light yellow in color with a smooth, slightly glossy texture. On top sits a thick layer of chunky brown-red meat sauce with visible pieces of carrots and bits of ground meat, spreading evenly across the pasta. The dish is topped with a small amount of shredded white cheese in the center. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with some kitchen tools, including a cheese grater and a butter block, blurry in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 16 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced or finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 25 oz pasta sauce
  • 16 oz whole wheat spaghetti
  • Block of Parmesan cheese, for grating

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, combine the mushrooms, diced onion, minced garlic, olive oil, dried basil, sea salt, and black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Sauté the mixture over medium heat for 7–10 minutes, until the mushrooms release their liquid and it mostly evaporates. If there is excess liquid remaining, drain the mixture using a strainer.
  4. Step 4: Pour the pasta sauce into the skillet with the mushroom mixture and stir well to combine. Heat through.
  5. Step 5: Serve the cooked spaghetti topped with the mushroom tomato sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Step 6: Enjoy your delicious meatless spaghetti!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the mushrooms while sautéing.
  • Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter taste.
  • Try adding chopped spinach or zucchini for additional veggies.
  • Substitute Parmesan with a vegan cheese to keep it fully plant-based.

Storage

Store any leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. For longer storage, freeze the sauce separately and thaw before serving with freshly cooked pasta.

How to Serve

A white round plate with a small green floral pattern holds a serving of spaghetti pasta arranged in a loose nest shape as the base layer, pale golden-yellow and smooth. On top is a thick layer of chunky tomato sauce with pieces of mushrooms and diced vegetables, deep red and brown in color. The dish is finished with a small pile of grated pale yellow cheese sprinkled in the center. A fork lies on the right side of the plate on a white marbled surface, with a woman's hand holding a white-handled utensil partially visible near the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat spaghetti with any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or gluten-free options.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative to keep the dish entirely plant-based.

Print

Easy Meatless Spaghetti Recipe

This Easy Meatless Spaghetti is a wholesome and savory vegetarian pasta dish featuring sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic blended with flavorful herbs and a rich tomato-based pasta sauce, served over whole wheat spaghetti and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple, hearty, and nutritious meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

  • Author: Clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 16 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced or finely diced

Pan Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 25 oz jar pasta sauce

Pasta and Garnish

  • 16 oz whole wheat spaghetti
  • Block of Parmesan cheese, for grating

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, combine the sliced mushrooms, diced onion, minced garlic, olive oil, dried basil, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Cook Down Mushrooms: Continue to sauté the mixture for 7-10 minutes or until the mushrooms have released their moisture and most of the liquid has evaporated. If any excess liquid remains, drain the mixture using a strainer to keep the sauce from becoming watery.
  4. Add Pasta Sauce: Pour the 25 oz jar of pasta sauce into the skillet with the vegetables and stir well to combine. Heat through until warm.
  5. Serve: Plate the cooked spaghetti and top with the mushroom tomato sauce. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the top to taste.
  6. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, meatless spaghetti meal!

Notes

  • You can substitute whole wheat spaghetti with any pasta of your choice.
  • For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
  • If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables.
  • Drain excess mushroom liquid to prevent the sauce from being watery.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: meatless spaghetti, vegetarian pasta, mushroom spaghetti, whole wheat spaghetti recipe, easy pasta sauce, healthy dinner

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