Ina Garten’s Rich Mushroom Bolognese Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Mushroom Bolognese transforms traditional meat sauce into a vibrant vegetarian masterpiece that surprises and delights the palate.

Robust cremini mushrooms provide an incredible depth of flavor reminiscent of classic Italian cooking traditions.

Rich umami notes dance across the plate, creating a sensory experience that challenges conventional pasta expectations.

Hearty yet surprisingly light, this sauce captures the essence of comfort food without feeling heavy or overwhelming.

Savory ingredients blend seamlessly, developing complex layers that seduce taste buds with every careful bite.

Family and friends will marvel at the incredible richness achieved through plant-based ingredients.

Cook Up a Deep, Flavorful Sauce with Ina’s Touch

Step 1: Sauté Mushroom Magic

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they transform into golden-brown delights, releasing their rich, earthy aroma.

Step 2: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

• Minced garlic
• Fresh oregano
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Cook for a brief moment to awaken their intense flavors.

Step 3: Splash of Wine Delight

Pour wine into the pot, scraping up the delicious browned bits from the bottom, creating a flavor foundation that sings with depth.

Step 4: Tomato Sauce Symphony

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring to a boil, then let it simmer and develop its complex character.

Step 5: Pasta Perfection

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt and pasta, cooking until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Save a cup of pasta water for later magic.

Step 6: Creamy Sauce Transformation

• Remaining wine
• Ground nutmeg
• Fresh basil
• Mascarpone cheese

Let it simmer and become a velvety masterpiece.

Step 7: Cheese Finale

Remove from heat and sprinkle Parmesan cheese, creating a final layer of flavor. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips to Avoid Mushy Mushrooms and Bland Sauce

• Select Premium Mushrooms: Opt for a mix of fresh mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and porcini to create layers of earthy, complex flavors in your bolognese.
• Maximize Umami Depth: Finely chop mushrooms to release maximum moisture and develop rich, meaty undertones that make this vegetarian sauce incredibly satisfying.
• Patience with Sautéing: Allow mushrooms to brown slowly without overcrowding the pan, which ensures caramelization and concentrates their natural, intense taste.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Chop fresh basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the deep, robust sauce and add a fresh, aromatic finish.
• Perfect Pasta Pairing: Choose wide, flat pasta like pappardelle or tagliatelle that can hold the thick, hearty mushroom sauce, creating a more enjoyable eating experience.

Store Ina’s Bolognese for Days of Flavor

• Freeze: Portion cooled Mushroom Bolognese into individual freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date and contents. Flat-packed bags save space and freeze quickly, allowing you to stack them neatly in your freezer for convenient meal planning up to 3 months.
• Refrigerate: Store leftover Mushroom Bolognese in an airtight glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and food safety. Place the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, to maintain freshness.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen Bolognese in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Change the Game with These Bolognese Tweaks

• Hearty Veggie Fusion: Replace mushrooms with a mix of roasted eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers for a colorful vegetable-packed version.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add kalamata olives, capers, and swap red pepper flakes for harissa paste to create a bold, tangy flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Plant Option: Incorporate lentils or crumbled plant-based meat alternative to boost protein content while maintaining the rich sauce texture.
• Creamy Herb Infusion: Swap mascarpone with cashew cream and increase fresh herb quantities like thyme and rosemary for an aromatic, velvety sauce.

A Forkful of Flavor to End the Meal

Garten’s Mushroom Bolognese transforms classic Italian comfort into plant-based magic.

Earthy mushrooms dance with robust tomatoes, creating symphonic flavor profiles that delight palates.

Rich mascarpone and Parmesan cheese elevate this vegetarian masterpiece beyond traditional expectations.

Fragrant herbs and spices whisper complexity through each delectable bite.

Mediterranean influences shine through wine-kissed sauce and elegant preparation techniques.

Culinary adventurers seeking soul-satisfying meals: savor, share, comment, and spread deliciousness with passionate kitchen comrades.

Why Ina Garten Mushroom Bolognese Feels So Hearty

• Savor Umami-Rich Mushroom Magic: This recipe transforms ordinary mushrooms into a deeply flavorful sauce that delivers an incredible depth of taste, creating a luxurious vegetarian twist on classic Bolognese that bursts with earthy, complex notes.
• Craft Restaurant-Quality Comfort at Home: With professional-level techniques like deglazing and layering ingredients, home cooks can effortlessly produce a sophisticated pasta dish that rivals high-end restaurant preparations, making gourmet cooking accessible and enjoyable.
• Experience Creamy Texture Perfection: The addition of mascarpone and Parmesan cheeses creates a velvety, silky sauce that clings beautifully to pasta, ensuring each bite is perfectly coated with rich, smooth goodness that melts in your mouth.
• Whip Up Weeknight Gourmet in Under 30 Minutes: This streamlined recipe offers maximum flavor with minimal effort, transforming simple ingredients into an impressive meal that can be prepared quickly, making it ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious, stress-free dinners.

What Makes Mushroom Bolognese So Rich Without Meat

Main Ingredients:

• Cremini Mushrooms: Hearty and meaty base for the Bolognese, providing rich umami flavor and substantial texture.

• Pasta: Classic Italian noodle that serves as the foundation of the dish, best when cooked al dente.

• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer that adds depth to the sauce.
• Fresh Oregano: Adds a subtle earthy and slightly peppery herb profile.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, fresh herb that provides a classic Italian finishing touch.

• Olive Oil: High-quality cooking fat for sautéing mushrooms and creating a smooth base.
• Red Wine: Adds complexity and depth to the sauce, helping to deglaze the pan.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Rich, smooth base for the sauce with natural sweetness.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and intensifies the sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds richness and depth to the final dish.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Creamy, soft cheese that creates a luxurious and smooth sauce texture.

• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a gentle, warm background heat.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds a warm, slightly sweet undertone to the sauce.

Baked Mediterranean Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean pasta brings zesty herbs and rich flavors from coastal kitchens to your plate. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delightful forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) rotini pasta
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 (12 ounces/340 grams) can artichoke hearts, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 200 grams bocconcini (mozzarella balls), halved
• 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Garnish (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Parmesan cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully drop pasta into the bubbling water and cook for 6-8 minutes until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Drain thoroughly, reserving the pasta in the pot.
3. Select a spacious skillet and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Heat over medium-high temperature until the oil shimmers. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Introduce diced tomatoes into the skillet, sprinkling with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes, letting the tomatoes soften and release their natural juices.
5. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, incorporating marinated artichoke hearts and kalamata olives. Toss carefully to ensure even distribution of ingredients and flavors.
6. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, creating an even layer. Strategically place fresh mozzarella balls across the surface, ensuring balanced coverage.
7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly with slight browning around the edges.
8. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and settle. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for additional seasoning.

Notes

• Elevate your weeknight dinner with this Mediterranean-inspired pasta that brings sunshine and flavor to your table.
• Perfectly balanced ingredients create a harmony of tangy artichokes, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella.
• Prep time is lightning-fast, making this dish ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious yet simple meals.
• Craving a one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal cleanup? This recipe has you covered.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting pepper quantities or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese provide the perfect finishing touch to this vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg