Learn this technique and you will open up doors of possibilities. Vegetarian meatballs are always a good pair to al dente pasta. With meaty texture of the vegan meatballs, any red meat eater would love. These Delicious Meatballs are a good source of plant-based protein, and the best part is it is so easy to put together, quick and easy for the whole family. Simple ingredients like nutritional yeast and tomato paste can really amp up your game. This is Italian comfort food better than the traditional meatball.
Each time spent in the kitchen is an opportunity to create something new just like this Pasta dish which was originally planned to be just pesto but turned out to have lots of extra elements that ended up all working together. This Plant-based meatballs with your favorite marinara sauce paired with garlic bread is truly an awe-inspiring experience.
In this dish we used red quinoa noodles, a healthier alternative. We also rehydrated some lions mane which will then be marinated and seared to perfection. To make it even heartier we will be adding some Vegan breakfast sausages balled into golf ball sized vegan meatballs that are better than real meatballs courtesy of Nutcase Vegan Meats.
Chop up what ever herb you got handy and mix it in together with the noodles along with Italian seasoning, pink salt olive oil and lemons. Lastly fresh herbs like fresh basil, grated vegan cheese and lemon rind and final drizzle of olive oil for that final chef kiss blessing for much flavor.
To summarize here is my 3 step pasta dish
- Cook noodles as directed in the package
- Sear something in a large skillet up until it is golden brown. It can be any produce or meat substitute, as for this recipe, we are using vegan meatballs recipe, you can also make quinoa meatballs, mushrooms or leafy greens. Blend something; can be roasted peppers, onions, tomatoes, oil and herb etc to be Mixed with noodles.
- Make your produce of choice shine even brighter by Squeezing in some lemon juice, drizzling olive oil and hefty amounts of pink salt and pepper.
The endless possibilities of ingredients you can mix and match is at your command. Feel free, learn as you go, this techno is a crowd pleaser and very hard to mess up.
Use this new found skill to nourish your loved ones. Get good at something that would boost self confidence. Find fulfillment and joy in undertaking a simple responsibility. You will be amazed at some profound insights you will come across as you take responsibility in cooking spaghetti.
Thanks for spending time here and make sure to make time to get mindful in the kitchen and everywhere. Shout out to Ancient Harvest for some amazing pasta products!
Substitution
- Feel free to substitute the vegetables in the recipe with your favorites or whatever you have on hand. You can use vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or carrots.
- If you don't have vegetable broth, you can use water and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Alternatively, you can use vegetable bouillon cubes or powder to make your own broth.
- Instead of plant-based milk, you can use coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamier texture.
Variation
- For a protein boost, you can add cooked chickpeas, tofu, or vegan sausage to the one-pot pasta. Black beans, white beans or blended sunflower seeds will add a heartiness to the dish.
- To add a touch of heat, you can include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika.
FAQ
- Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, a Gluten-free upgrade you can use gluten-free pasta in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta may require different cooking times.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy the one-pot pasta immediately after cooking, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- Can I freeze the one-pot pasta? Due to the nature of pasta, it may not freeze well as the texture can become mushy upon thawing. It's recommended to enjoy this dish fresh or store leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days.
Storage
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a pot on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of vegan one-pot pasta, and feel free to customize it to your taste preferences and dietary needs!
Quinoa Spaghetti with Vegan Meatballs
Ingredients
- For the Vegan Meatballs: use nutcase vegan meats or make one from scratch
- - 1 cup cooked quinoa
- - 1 cup cooked lentils
- - ½ cup breadcrumbs ensure they are vegan
- -½ cup flour
- - ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- - 2 cloves garlic minced
- - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- - 1 teaspoon dried herbs such as basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- - Olive oil for frying
- For the Blended Red Bell Pepper Sauce:
- - 2 red bell peppers roasted and peeled
- - ½ cup tomato sauce
- - ¼ cup vegetable broth
- - 2 cloves garlic minced
- - 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast optional, for added flavor
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Pasta:
- - 8 oz 225g quinoa spaghetti (or any other vegan spaghetti of your choice)
- - Fresh basil leaves chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, turning gently to ensure even cooking. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red bell peppers, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, minced garlic, nutritional yeast (if using), salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the quinoa spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet used for the meatballs, pour in the blended red bell pepper sauce and heat over medium heat until warmed through.
- Add the cooked quinoa spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve the quinoa spaghetti topped with the vegan meatballs and garnish with fresh chopped basil.
- Enjoy your delicious vegan quinoa spaghetti with vegan meatballs and blended red bell pepper sauce! This recipe is packed with protein, flavor, and wholesome ingredients. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and add any additional vegetables or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
