Vegan Spaghetti with Spinach
This vibrant Vegan Spaghetti is a delicious twist on the classic spaghetti Bolognese, with the added bonus of green, spinach-infused pasta! Packed with flavor, veggies, and protein-rich vegan mince, it’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. The spinach spaghetti gives the dish a beautiful color and extra nutrition. This recipe is vegan, gluten-free (if using gluten-free pasta), and super customizable to suit your tastes!
Why You'll Love This Vegan Spaghetti
Nutrient-Dense: Packed with spinach and vegetables, this meal is loaded with nutrients.
Flavorful: A hearty, savory flavor from vegan mince, fresh veggies, and a creamy sauce with a cheesy twist.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: You can swap the spinach spaghetti for regular spaghetti or any pasta of your choice.
Ingredients & Equipment (4 Portions)
You will need a large frying pan to fit all the ingredients together comfortably, as well as a large pot for cooking the pasta—make sure it’s big enough to cook the spaghetti for your desired portions without sticking. You’ll also need a spoon and spatula for stirring during cooking, and a strainer to drain the cooked pasta properly and remove any excess water before combining it with the sauce.
For the Sauce:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 5 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 sweet red pepper, sliced into small strips
- 1 pack of vegan mince (or soy mince for a gluten-free version)
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 medium courgette, grated
- Spice mix (Italian herbs, oregano, basil, and any spices typically used in spaghetti Bolognese)
- 1 large tomato, skin removed and chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup of chopped mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons vegan cream (unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for that cheesy flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Pasta:
- 250g spinach spaghetti pasta (or substitute with regular spaghetti or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt, for cooking the pasta
- A splash of olive oil, for the pasta water
Instructions:
Prepare the Vegan Spaghetti Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add a splash of olive oil.
- Cook the spinach spaghetti according to the package instructions (approximately 10 minutes), or until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, saving a bit of pasta water if you want to thin the sauce later.
Cook the Veggies:
- In a large frying pan, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and mushrooms (if using) until softened and golden brown.
- In a separate pan, sauté the sliced sweet red pepper, grated carrot, and courgette until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the sautéed pepper, carrot, and courgette to the pan with onions and garlic. Stir well to combine.
Cook the Vegan Mince:
- Add the vegan mince to the pan, following the package instructions for frying. Stir occasionally until the mince is browned and cooked through.
Make the Sauce:
- Once the mince is cooked, add your chosen spice mix (like Italian herbs, oregano, and basil) and chopped tomatoes to the pan. Stir well.
- Add tomato paste and stir to combine, letting it cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the vegan cream and nutritional yeast, mixing until the sauce is creamy and well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked spinach spaghetti to the pan with the sauce. Gently toss everything together, making sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Add a little pasta water if needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
Garnish and Serve:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra nutritional yeast for that extra cheesy flavour.
- Optional: for an extra touch, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes or vegan parmesan on top before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like spinach, kale, or eggplant to boost the flavour and nutrition.
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to make it a bit spicy.
- No Mushrooms: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can skip them or replace them with more of your favorite veggies.
Why This Vegan Spaghetti is So Good:
This Vegan Spaghetti with spinach is not just visually appealing with its green hue but also packed with veggies, healthy fats, and plant-based protein. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. It’s a wholesome, satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
If you enjoyed this vegan spaghetti recipe, I’d love for you to join me on this journey! I’m just getting started and will be sharing many more easy, delicious vegan recipes soon. You can follow me on my Instagram account for daily food inspiration and updates, and don’t forget to visit my blog page to explore more plant-based meals. Your support means the world—let’s grow this vegan community together!
