By Marjory Pilley Published · Updated
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This Vegetarian Pasta fa*gioli recipe replaces meat with chopped and sauteed mushrooms. Not only is it hearty and delicious, but lower in fat and calories too!
In this pasta fa*gioli vegetarian recipe, we used finely diced and sauteed mushrooms to replace the beef crumbles that you would typically find in Olive Garden Pasta fa*gioli. It's a meat replacement technique that I learned several years ago from The Mushroom Council.
It's called blending. Essentially,a protein (like beef) is entirely or partially replaced with chopped mushrooms. We've use this trick to make Healthy Meatloaf and Cheesy Mushroom Quinoa too.
Mushrooms add fantastic flavor to the soup, but aren't overpowering because there's so much going on in this Meatless Monday recipe.
How to make Pasta fa*gioli vegetarian
Begin by brushing away dirt and finely chopping mushrooms to a consistency that resembles beef crumbles. Saute the diced mushrooms along with the onions, celery and carrots in a large pot for about 5 minutes or until softened.
Add the beans, tomatoes, juices and seasonings to the pot and allow the soup to heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
In case you are wondering, there is no broth in this recipe. You didn't miss a thing. For a thinner consistency, add up to a cup of vegetable broth or water.
The longer it sits, the better it gets! Keep it on the stove for another 10 minutes or so and it's even more flavorful.
How to make Vegan Pasta fa*gioli
Don't top with Parmesan Cheese and this recipe is vegan! Another option is to top with nutritional yeast.
How to Freeze Vegetarian Pasta fa*gioli
This soup freezes beautifully. Cook pasta just until it is firm since it will be reheated. To assemble before cooking, add all of the ingredients to a freezer bag and stir to combine. Remove excess air and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then heat soup on the stove-top.
Freeze leftovers from a meal in single serving sized containers for a quick soup fix at another time. Reheat smaller portions in a small pot on a stove-top or in the microwave.
Enjoy!
Please rate this recipe if you make it and tag @DinnerMom or #DinnerMom on social media. We love to see what you are cooking up!
📋 Recipe
Vegetarian Pasta fa*gioli with Mushrooms
Vegetarian Pasta fa*gioli replaces the meat with chopped and sauteed mushrooms. Not only is it delicious, but lower in fat and calories too!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Marjory Pilley
Ingredients
- 8 ounces mushrooms cleaned and finely chopped in food processor or with a knife
- 2 ounces ditali pasta or macaroni elbows; about 2 cups cooked el dente
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion diced
- ½ cup celery diced
- ½ cup carrot thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 28 ounce diced tomatoes I used 1 box
- 1 cup red kidney beans half of 15.8 ounce can; drained and rinsed*
- 1 cup Great Northern beans half of 15.8 ounce can; drained and rinsed*
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup tomato juice
- 2 teaspoons vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon thyme dried
- Garnish with cheese if desired
Instructions
Prepare ingredients as indicated.
Heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add mushrooms, onion, celery, carrot and garlic to pot and cook for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are softened.
Add remaining ingredients to the pot and cook until heated through, about 10 minutes.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes more.
Top with cheese, if desired.
Notes
Use the other half of the beans to make a batch for the freezer. While you have everything out, fill up a plastic bag that seals with the ingredients. Or, double the recipe and freeze the leftovers.
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Nutrition
Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 905mg | Potassium: 1521mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 3560IU | Vitamin C: 33.9mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 5.9mg
Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Rachel Lucy
I made this pasta dish tonight and was pleasantly surprised by the great flavors! Definitely a recipe I'll make again!Reply
Marjory
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Reply