Being a vegetarian can be challenging despite its numerous health benefits and personal satisfaction it brings. However, cooking delicious meatless meals doesn’t have to be complicated. With the versatility of pasta as a base ingredient, you can create countless dishes with or without meat. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination. That’s why I’ve curated 20 mouth-watering vegetarian pasta recipes for you to try.
Summer Vegetable Pesto Pasta
Here’s a healthier alternative to a box of Suddenly Salad – homemade pasta that’s packed with fresh vegetables. To make it, use any type of pasta you prefer, but I find rotini or fusilli work particularly well. They’re essentially interchangeable options. If you have the time and inclination, consider making your own pesto from scratch using the provided recipe. This will give your dish a more intense flavor than relying on store-bought alternatives.
The real difference between this homemade version and boxed Suddenly Salad is the abundance of vegetables you can add – think onions, zucchini, squash, and tomatoes as a minimum, with plenty of room for extra additions like diced green peppers and black olives.
Best Vegetarian Lasagna
Often overlooked in favor of its meat-based counterpart, vegetarian lasagna is a culinary gem that’s well worth the time and effort required to prepare it. Not only do you not have to be a vegetarian to appreciate the incredible flavor and texture of this dish, but even die-hard meat-lovers will find themselves converted after just one bite.
The secret lies in the carefully layered ingredients, which include a medley of sautéed vegetables such as leeks, fennel, red onions, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, cherry tomatoes, kale, and an assortment of herbs and spices. Unlike traditional meat lasagna, this vegetarian version boasts a more diverse range of flavors, is fresher, and less greasy. And let’s not forget the aroma that wafts from the oven as it cooks – it’s truly irresistible!
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Understanding that a satisfying vegetarian dinner is always in demand, spinach and ricotta stuffed shells offer an attractive solution. Underlying their appeal is the combination of flavors and textures they bring to the table, which can be especially welcome on a chilly evening when you want something comforting but still relatively quick to prepare.
Ultimately, each jumbo shell will be filled with a rich mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan cheese, spinach, garlic, and other seasonings that blend together in perfect harmony.
Vegetarian Bolognese
While traditional bolognese sauces are often associated with rich meat flavors, this innovative version turns expectations upside down. With its unique blend of vegetables and spices, the meatless bolognese sauce boasts a sensational savory flavor that will leave you wondering how it’s possible to achieve such depth without the meat. The addition of walnuts not only adds a delightful texture but also contributes to the overall richness of the dish, making it a true delight to savor.
Whether served atop pasta or generously spread on garlic bread, this vegetarian bolognese is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Vegan Penne Alla Vodka
Bringing together simplicity and flavor, this vegan-friendly pasta dish is surprisingly quick to prepare, requiring just 10 ingredients and approximately 30 minutes of cooking time. The robust flavors come from the pungency of onions and garlic, the earthiness of oregano, and the subtle kick of vodka, while the tomatoes and cashews add a vibrant splash of color and texture.
When served with a fresh house salad and a glass of rich Italian red wine, this pasta dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Baked Ziti With Roasted Vegetables
Generally speaking, baked ziti is a relatively quick and easy meal to prepare, taking around an hour to cook from start to finish. However, if you’re planning to serve it for dinner, it’s best to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for cooking. Luckily, one of the benefits of this dish is that you can prep it in advance, which can significantly cut down on the overall cooking time.
Baked ziti has a wonderful balance of cheesy goodness and tender pasta, combined with the freshness and lightness of roasted vegetables, making it an excellent alternative to traditional meat-heavy pasta dishes. To take it to the next level, I would recommend adding a sprinkle of garlic – a simple yet essential ingredient that can make all the difference in bringing out the flavors.
Surprisingly, many recipes omit garlic altogether, but I firmly believe that every pasta dish benefits from its presence. A pinch of red pepper flakes would also complement the flavors nicely.
Pasta Primavera
Sprightly and versatile, pasta primavera is a classic dish that has captured the hearts of many, especially those who follow a meatless diet. This recipe has become one of my go-to choices, but feel free to get creative and incorporate your favorite seasonal vegetables for added flavor and texture. The magic behind this iconic dish lies in its creamy lemon sauce, which boasts a sublime balance of smoothness, tanginess, and sweetness.
In contrast to traditional recipes, this version takes a unique approach by incorporating fresh lemon juice and parmesan cheese, yielding an equally delightful result that I thoroughly enjoy. With its light and refreshing quality, pasta primavera is the perfect fit for spring or summer, making it an excellent choice for any season.
Grilled Vegetable Pasta
Zestfully transformed, this dish draws inspiration from pasta primavera, but takes a distinct path by incorporating grilled vegetables instead of sautéed ones. Unlike its cousin, you won’t find any tangy lemon flavor notes. Instead, the primary source of flavor comes from the natural sweetness of the grilled veggies, particularly the caramelized onions, which meld beautifully with garlic, fragrant basil, and nutty Parmigiano Reggiano.
Veggie Lover’s Pasta Salad
Creating a delicious pasta salad is remarkably easy, requiring only a few minutes of prep time. The initial steps involve boiling the pasta and sautéing some vegetables, which can be easily customized based on what’s available at your local market or in your own garden. You’ll also need to mix the cooked veggies with the pasta, followed by a drizzle of your preferred Italian or balsamic dressing.
While it’s perfectly fine to serve this salad immediately after preparation, I find that allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for a bit enhances the overall flavor and texture.
Veggie Spaghetti
Not only does this robust spaghetti feature homemade tomato sauce and more than a half-dozen fresh veggies, but it’s also incredibly rich in flavor due to its garden-fresh ingredients. Unlike traditional spaghetti and meatballs, which often rely on heavy sauces and meaty flavors, this dish shines with a light yet satisfying taste that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Furthermore, its bold, contrasting colors make it a visually stunning option for special occasions or dinner parties, and I must say, it’s one of my go-to choices when hosting friends and family.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Delighting the senses with its simplicity, this innovative spaghetti dish is a game-changer for pasta lovers. Typically made without sauce, it’s a refreshing twist on traditional Italian cuisine. You’ll find that aside from the noodles themselves, the ingredients required are relatively minimal, consisting of garlic, olive oil, green peas, parsley, and vegan parmesan cheese.
To add some extra depth to your dish, consider incorporating salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to suit your personal taste preferences. One of the beauty’s of this recipe is its ability to balance mild, natural flavors with a hint of sophistication. A dry white wine pairs particularly well with it.
Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo
Boosting the nutritional value of this classic dish is easy – all you need to do is add a handful of broccoli florets to the traditional fettuccine alfredo recipe. The end result is a warm, creamy, and full-flavored meal that’s also incredibly delicious. And let’s not forget the best part: the addition of broccoli, which brings with it a plethora of health benefits.
Broccoli is indeed one of the healthiest vegetables out there, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help to protect against a range of diseases.
Vegetarian Ravioli Bake
Velvety pasta dishes are often associated with comfort food, but this particular recipe takes it to the next level by combining nutritious ingredients in under an hour. The combination of mozzarella cheese, walnuts, baby greens, marinara sauce, onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes creates a delightful harmony of flavors that cater to various tastes, including those who prefer their food with a spicy kick.
For added depth, feel free to go heavy on the red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
Ravioli With White Beans and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Hailing from the realm of Italian cuisine, this vegetarian ravioli dish showcases an exemplary combination of flavors and textures that are sure to tantalize even the most discerning palates. The union of white beans, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, basil, and tomato paste creates a rich, satisfying experience that is both filling and delightful.
Each piece of ravioli is expertly crafted to be soft, tender, and bursting with flavor, making it a dish that will undoubtedly win over anyone who tries it, regardless of their dietary preferences.
Rainbow Orzo Salad
Delivering a refreshing twist on traditional salads, this rainbow orzo salad is an ideal choice for sizzling summer days. The harmonious blend of whole-grain orzo and protein-rich garbanzo beans provides a satisfying base that’s both filling and easy to digest. A medley of crunchy vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and cucumbers adds texture and freshness to each bite. Furthermore, the pine nuts contribute not only a delightful crunch but also an earthy, nutty flavor profile.
To further elevate the dish, sautéed garlic is added for depth and warmth, while diced mango injects a subtle sweetness. The crowning glory of this salad lies in its homemade tahini dressing, which masterfully balances flavors with a perfect blend of spice and tanginess. Ultimately, with its kaleidoscope of colors and diverse ingredients, this orzo salad is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it one of my go-to options for the warmest months.
Vegetarian Baked Penne
Although vegetarian baked penne may seem like a daunting dish to prepare and cook at first glance, with about an hour of time invested, it’s actually quite manageable. The extensive ingredients list can be intimidating, but trust us when we say that the end result is well worth the effort. This indulgent pasta dish boasts an incredibly rich flavor profile, thanks in large part to its generous helping of melted cheese and a homemade tomato sauce that truly surpasses store-bought alternatives.
Furthermore, despite its lack of meat, this vegetarian baked penne surprisingly packs a satisfying punch, making it a filling and delicious option for even the heartiest of appetites.
Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Sauce
Pleasingly, orecchiette pasta is one dish I don’t have in my regular repertoire. Nevertheless, when I stumbled upon this recipe, I felt compelled to give it a try. The end result exceeded all expectations, as the harmonious union of cheese, broccoli, shallots, miso paste, lemon zest, and an assortment of seasonings created a truly unforgettable culinary experience that was both satisfying and bursting with flavor. The subtle tanginess added another layer of depth to this mouth-watering dish.
Spaghetti Genovese With Avocado Pesto
Often overlooked for their nutritional value, this recipe may not be suitable for those on a low-carb or keto diet. The combination of potatoes and spaghetti noodles will likely disrupt ketosis, making it challenging to maintain a ketogenic state. However, for those seeking a comforting and mild meal that feels like a homemade dish, this recipe is worth trying. The simplicity of the ingredients is one of its appealing aspects, with just potatoes, spaghetti, and green beans forming the base.
While the preparation work lies mainly in creating the pesto sauce, the payoff is well worth it. To make the pesto, combine avocados, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Once ready, pour the pesto over the main ingredients and enjoy the delicious result.
Pasta Alla Norma
Making this dish may look deceivingly complex, as it resembles a fine dining experience that requires hours of preparation time, but in reality, it can be prepared in under 35 minutes. Many family members have raved about its flavor and texture, making it a staple in our household. The rich tomato sauce boasts a deep, savory flavor from the garlic and a hint of sweetness from the added sugar, while the melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese add a creamy, indulgent touch.
Moreover, this recipe combines the nutritional benefits of eggplant with the wholesomeness of whole tomatoes, making it a relatively healthy option.
Mediterranean Veggie Pasta
Understandably, you’d think that creating a balanced meal with so many ingredients would take hours to prepare, but this gluten-free, veggie-heavy pasta defies expectations by being ready in just 30 minutes. The combination of flavors is indeed impressive, with the pungency of garlic and red pepper flakes harmoniously complemented by the sweetness of tomatoes and olives, as well as the earthiness of spinach and artichokes.
What’s more, this one-pot wonder has all your daily veggie servings covered, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious individuals.
20 Best Vegetarian Pastas
Instructions
Effortlessly whip up a delicious meal by selecting your preferred recipe and gathering all necessary ingredients. Ensure you have everything needed to avoid last-minute trips to the grocery store. To save time, prepare a tasty pasta dish within 30 minutes or less.
