Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re looking for a hearty meal that’s full of flavor and sneaks in those much-needed veggies, then this Quorn Bolognese Pasta recipe is for you. I’m not the biggest fan of fruit and vegetables, but I’ve found a way to include them in my meals without even noticing too much. This bolognese is a perfect example of how you can get your daily micronutrients while enjoying a tasty, comforting dish! Plus, it’s a super easy and quick meal that’s bound to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Method
Cook the Vegetables
Start by heating 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and red pepper to the pan. Sauté them for a few minutes until they begin to soften. Once the vegetables start to cook, cover the pan and let them soften further for about 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps bring out the sweetness and depth of flavor in the veggies. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the pan or burning.
Prepare the Pasta
While your vegetables are softening, take a large pot and fill it with water. Bring it to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. It’s essential not to overcook the pasta as you’ll be combining it with the sauce later, and you want the pasta to hold up well in the bolognese mixture.
Add the Quorn Mince and Sauce Ingredients
Once the vegetables have softened, remove the lid from the saucepan and add the crushed garlic, 300g of Quorn mince, 1 tablespoon of tomato purée, 300g of passata, 3 tablespoons of tomato and chili pasta sauce, 150ml of vegetable stock, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the pan. Stir everything together to combine. The garlic will add a lovely aromatic flavor, while the Quorn mince will absorb all the delicious juices from the sauce, giving it a meaty texture.
Season the Sauce
Now that all the ingredients are in the pan, it’s time to season the sauce. Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano to taste. Give everything another good stir to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Cover the pan again and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and hearty sauce that will coat your pasta beautifully.
Combine the Pasta with the Sauce
After the sauce has simmered and thickened slightly, stir in your cooked pasta. Mix the pasta well into the sauce, ensuring that each piece is coated in the flavorful bolognese sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the mixture simmer a bit longer.
Optional Add Cheese
For that extra indulgence, you can top the bolognese with some grated cheese. Once the cheese is sprinkled on top, pop the entire dish under the grill for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. This step adds a wonderful cheesy, crispy layer to the top, giving it that perfect finishing touch.
Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is well mixed, serve the Quorn Bolognese Pasta on plates and enjoy a comforting, veggie-packed meal. You can garnish it with fresh basil, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or even a bit more grated cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious pasta!
Necessary Tools
- Large saucepan
- Chopping board and knife
- Wooden spoon
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Grater (if topping with cheese)
Quorn Bolognese Pasta: A Delicious Way to Sneak in Veggies
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 red pepper, finely chopped
1 crushed garlic clove
300g Quorn mince
300g passata (about 3/4 of a carton)
3 tbsp tomato and chili pasta sauce (or use the full carton of passata and add your own flavorings)
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
150ml vegetable stock
Oregano, salt, and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add your finely chopped veggies (onion, carrot, and red pepper) and cook for a few minutes. Cover the pan and let the veggies soften for about 10-15 minutes.
- While the veggies are cooking, boil your pasta in a large pot according to the package instructions, then drain it once cooked.
- Once the vegetables are softened, add the garlic, Quorn mince, tomato purée, passata, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and vegetable stock to the pan. Stir everything together.
- Season the sauce with oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover the pan and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes to let all the flavors come together.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and mix everything well. You can either serve it as it is, or for that extra indulgence, top with grated cheese and pop it under the grill for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- When cooking the vegetables, be careful not to overcook them, as you want them soft but not mushy. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks so it doesn’t get overdone. Al dente pasta holds up better in the sauce.
- If you add cheese on top and grill it, watch closely to avoid burning the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This Quorn Bolognese Pasta is great on its own, but you can always mix things up with these tasty ideas
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for a delicious carb combo.
- Add a fresh salad for some extra crunch and freshness.
- Top with fresh basil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for added flavor.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Quorn is a great alternative to meat? It’s made from mycoprotein, a protein-rich fungus that’s super sustainable and low in fat. It’s an awesome way to enjoy a meat-free meal while still getting that satisfying texture.
Conclusion
This Quorn Bolognese Pasta is a perfect meal for any day of the week. It’s simple to make, full of nutrients, and so satisfying. Whether you’re looking to sneak in some extra vegetables or just want a delicious, hearty dinner, this recipe will hit the spot. Plus, it’s so easy to customize add some extra veggies like courgette, mushrooms, or even celery to make it your own! Enjoy!
