Wholesome Veggie Spaghetti Bolognese

A hearty vegetarian spaghetti bolognese packed with butternut squash, mushrooms, and vegetables in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect comfort food that satisfies meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.

By Ricky Robinson Updated April 23, 2024

This wholesome veggie spaghetti bolognese really hits the spot. It's packed full of flavour from garlic, herbs and plenty of vegetables, but feels indulgent and satisfying like a proper comfort food dish should.

The sauce simmers away on the hob, filling your kitchen with delicious aromas. Mushrooms, butternut squash and tomatoes make up the base, creating a chunky, flavourful sauce that clings to the spaghetti really well. A few classic ingredients like onion, celery, oregano and tomato puree provide that unmistakable bolognese flavour.

The vegetables break down slowly, creating a thick sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.

What makes this recipe work is how the butternut squash softens and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. The mushrooms provide a meaty texture and depth of flavour, whilst the combination of oregano and bay leaf brings an authentic Italian touch to the dish.

Wholesome Veggie Spaghetti Bolognese recipe image
Wholesome Veggie Spaghetti Bolognese

This veggie version is really easy to throw together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Nothing fancy needed here, just honest vegetables cooked properly until they're soft and sweet. The longer you let the sauce simmer, the better it gets, with all the flavours melding together nicely.

It makes a big batch that's perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring plenty of leftovers for the week ahead. You can freeze portions too, which is always handy when you need a quick midweek dinner. The sauce actually improves after a day or two in the fridge as the flavours develop further.

Hearty yet healthy, it's a proper feel-good dish that the whole family will love. Even people who usually turn their noses up at vegetarian food tend to enjoy this one because it doesn't feel like anything's missing. Serve it with grated vegetarian hard cheese on top and you've got yourself a cracking dinner.

Wholesome Veggie Spaghetti Bolognese

Total Time 55 min
Servings 4 servings
Calories 485 cal
Protein 16g

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Knife
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Large Pot
  • Chopping Board

Instructions

  1. 1
    Prepare the vegetables, heat the oil in a pot and add the onion & celery. Cook for a few minutes.
  2. 2
    Add the butternut squash & mushrooms, and cook for 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the pot so that nothing catches, giving it a stir every now and then.
  3. 3
    Stir in the oregano, tomato puree & the bay leaf. Cook for a few minutes.
  4. 4
    Pour in the Passata, stock pot & water. Turn the heat up and bring to a bubble, then turn the heat down. Cover pot with a lid and simmer for 30 minutes.
  5. 5
    Cook the spaghetti (according to packet instructions) with lots of salt in your boiling water, then drain. Stir your pasta into the veggie sauce and divide into bowls. Sprinkle over some grated vegetarian hard cheese and enjoy.
Ricky Robinson - Recipe Author
Ricky Robinson

Home cook sharing delicious recipes with a focus on flavour and simplicity.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months. The sauce tastes even better the next day.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with grated vegetarian hard cheese on top and crusty garlic bread on the side. A simple green salad works well to balance the richness.

Wholesome Veggie Spaghetti Bolognese recipe image

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