Lentil and Mushroom Ragù over Whole Wheat Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

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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