If you’re looking for a great recipe that delivers the hearty richness of a traditional meat sauce but is completely plant-based, this lentil spaghetti sauce is for you!
Made with brown lentils, walnuts, and simple ingredients, this lentil marinara sauce is packed with Italian flavors and a satisfying texture. Whether you’re cooking for the entire family or just want a healthy recipe for yourself, this dish is a great way to enjoy a classic pasta recipe with a nutritious twist. Serve it with your preferred noodle, a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese, and some fresh basil for a comforting and delicious meal!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta Sauce
- Brown Lentils – The base of this hearty sauce. You can substitute with green lentils or a mix of red lentils for a softer texture.
- Chopped Walnuts – Adds a rich, meaty texture. Swap with sunflower seeds or omit for a nut-free version.
- Yellow Onion – Essential for depth of flavor. A large onion or even shallots work as substitutes.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Brings a sweet, umami richness. If unavailable, use roasted bell pepper or extra tomato paste.
- Garlic Cloves – Adds bold flavor. You can use garlic powder in a pinch.
- Tomato Sauce – Forms the base of the lentil pasta sauce recipe. Crushed tomatoes or homemade tomato sauce also work well.
- Tomato Paste – Intensifies the red sauce and adds a rich consistency.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Adds sweetness and depth. You can use red wine vinegar or lemon juice as an alternative.
- Oil from Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Infuses the sauce with extra flavor. Olive oil works as a substitute.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of dry herbs for classic Italian flavors. You can use a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to taste.
- Nutritional Yeast or Vegan Parmesan Cheese – Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor. You can also use traditional parmesan cheese if not strictly vegan.
Pasta
- Spaghetti or Preferred Noodle – Any whole wheat pasta, red lentil pasta, or gluten-free pasta will work.
- Fresh Parsley – For garnish. Swap with fresh basil or other fresh herbs.
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
- Food Processor – Helps chop the walnuts and blend the lentils to the right texture.
- Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven – Ideal for cooking the hearty sauce.
- Wooden Spoon – For stirring and preventing sticking.
- Colander – To drain the cooked pasta.
- Chef’s Knife – For chopping ingredients like large onion and garlic cloves.
How to Make Lentil Spaghetti Sauce
Prep
- Finely chop the walnuts into a mince-like consistency, or pulse them in a food processor.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and lentils to the food processor, blending for 30 seconds. Alternatively, finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes and mash them with the brown lentils.
Noodles
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente.
Cooking the Sauce
- Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and sauté the onion and walnuts in olive oil for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic cloves, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, lentil mixture, and balsamic vinegar. Let the lentil marinara sauce reach a gentle simmer for 7-10 minutes.
Finishing Touches
- Stir in salt, black pepper, and nutritional yeast.
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the chunky sauce and stir gently.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, extra vegan parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Tips & Tricks For This Lentil Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
- For a richer sauce, add crushed tomatoes or extra tomato paste.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a few cups of water or reserved pasta water.
- For more depth, simmer the meat sauce with a bay leaf.
- Use whole tomatoes for a homemade touch.
- Add red lentils for extra plant-based protein and a smoother texture.
- For extra flavor, sauté some bell pepper with the onions.
FAQs
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Absolutely! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat over medium heat, adding a little water if needed.
Yes! Green lentils work well, while red lentils create a creamier red lentil pasta sauce.
Heat in a large saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, adding pasta water if needed.
Definitely! Try bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini for more nutrients.
Meaty Vegan Lentil Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Pasta Sauce
- 1 19oz can brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 large can tomato sauce 680ml
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 1 box spaghetti or other pasta noodles 410g
- fresh parlsey optional
Instructions
Prep
- Start by finely chopping the walnuts into a small mince like consistency. (Or pulse in the food processor a few times)
- Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes and lentils into the food processor and blend for 30 seconds. (Or finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes and mash them in a bowl with the lentils). The idea is to leave the lentils a bit textured, and not fully blended to a paste.
Noodles
- Start cooking the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
Cooking the Sauce
- In a large pot or dutch oven on medium heat, sauté the onion and walnuts in a little oil for for 3-4 mins.
- Next, add in the garlic, tomato paste and Italian seasoning and cook for 1 min stirring constantly.
- Now add in the tomato sauce, lentil mixture, and balsamic vinegar and allow the sauce to simmer for 7-10 mins.
Finishing Touches
- Add in the salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast and stir to combine. Now, add the pasta noodles directly into the sauce and stir gently to combine.
- Serve with a little fresh parsley, and more nooch or vegan parm for topping. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Lentil Spaghetti Sauce
This lentil pasta sauce recipe is a great way to enjoy a hearty sauce with simple ingredients found in most grocery stores. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or family meals, this great recipe is packed with plant-based protein, rich Italian flavors, and perfect for pasta lovers. Enjoy this healthy recipe with fresh basil, your preferred noodle, and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese! I hope you love this lentil sauce as much as I do!
This was a fantastic recipe loved the lentil substitute over meat. I have been eating more plant based this year and finding all your recipes so amazing.
I’m so glad you loved the lentil substitute in this recipe! It’s always rewarding to hear that people are enjoying more plant-based meals. I’m happy my recipes are inspiring you on your journey. Thank you for the kind words!
Very meaty texture and the flavor was actually better than a beef version!! Thanks essy!
That’s fantastic to hear! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the ‘meaty’ texture of the lentil substitute. I always aim to create recipes that are both delicious and satisfying, even without meat. Thank you for your kind words!