Lentil and Mushroom Ragù over Whole Wheat Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, plant-powered pasta dish featuring earthy lentils, mushrooms, and herbs simmered into a rich sauce that clings perfectly to whole wheat spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs (225g) whole wheat spaghetti, olive oil, small, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion, 2 finely diced carrots, and 2 finely diced celery stalks; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 8 ounces sliced mushrooms; cook for 3 minutes until mushrooms release liquid and brown slightly. Stir in 1 cup rinsed dried green lentils, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
  4. Step 4: Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until lentils are tender and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Add drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing until sauce coats strands evenly.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lentil and Mushroom Ragù over Whole Wheat Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lentil and Mushroom Ragù over Whole Wheat Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (225g) whole wheat spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lentil and Mushroom Ragù over Whole Wheat Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lentil and Mushroom Ragù over Whole Wheat Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Lentil and Mushroom Ragù over Whole Wheat Pasta vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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