With plenty of seasonal produce, pasta sauce recipes, and an array of available pasta shapes, there are endless possibilities for vegetarian pasta. In this list, you'll find our favorite 20 vegetarian pasta recipes that are an exceptional way of enjoying the bounty of nature.
Summer Vegetable Pesto Pasta is a true celebration of the season's bounty, bringing together the freshest produce in a flavorful dish. The dish features twirls of al dente pasta adorned with a pesto prepared with basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan.
What sets this dish aglow are the jewel-toned summer vegetables, sautéed to tender perfection. Sun-kissed cherry tomatoes, zucchini ribbons and vibrant bell peppers are all part of the medley.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is the epitome of Italian simplicity. Translating to "spaghetti with garlic and oil," this classic recipe is a testament to the magic that can be conjured from the humblest of pantry staples. It features perfectly al dente spaghetti strands, bathed in a luscious blend of golden olive oil, thinly sliced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
The essence of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio lies in its minimalist brilliance as every ingredient has a place in this symphony.
Red pepper and tomato are complementary flavors that work well together in pasta. The smokiness from the roasted red peppers along with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes transforms this dish into a delight. The dish is simple yet so flavorful because the ingredients used are fresh and have space to present themselves.
Topped with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a shower of chopped basil, this Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Penne is a simple pasta elevated with sophistication.
Butternut Squash is a fall harvest that can be used to prepare a multitude of dishes and recipes. One of the popular Butternut squash recipes is the butternut squash ravioli. Each of the ravioli is filled with a rich roasted butternut squash filling. The roasting process incorporates natural richness to the vegetable and caramelizes its sugars.
The roasted squash is then expertly blended with a touch of Parmesan. The ravioli is cooked in a brown butter sauce flavored with fresh, finely chopped sage leaves.
Eggplant Parmesan is the vegetarian version of chicken parm recipes. In this dish, slices of eggplant are lightly breaded and fried until golden. The pieces are then nestled amid a tangle of al dente pasta.
This dish is a texture lover's dream—a harmony of silky pasta, crunchy eggplant, and melted mozzarella cheese. The eggplant brings a meaty, umami flavor to the ensemble, while the marinara sauce is the primary savory element.
Caprese Pasta Salad is a fusion of the beloved Caprese salad and pasta. Al dente pasta, typically fusilli or rotini along with juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella pearls make this a sophisticated affair. The key to its magic lies in the simplicity of ingredients—the vibrant red, white, and green hues reflecting the Italian flag.
It is a summer dish that evokes memories of sunny Mediterranean lunches. You can have it for picnics, potlucks or a quick weeknight dinner.
Related: 19 Types Of Salads You Will Fall In Love With
Sweet Potato gnocchi is a variation of the regular potato gnocchi recipes. These orange-hued dumplings are handcrafted and infused with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes.
The gnocchi is cooked in a sage-infused brown butter sauce that serves as the savory counterpart of the sweet potatoes. Alternatively, a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce also works in this case.
This pasta recipe is a meal version of the classic spinach and artichoke dip added to al dente pasta. The pasta used in the concoction are fettuccine or penne which twirls in the decadent sauce made with cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic.
It is a culinary ode to the beloved vegetarian appetizer that inspired the dish. The preparation method is easy and can be easily modified with the addition of red pepper flakes or some black pepper for a subtle kick.
Sun-dried tomato and olive spaghetti is a Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish made with Kalamata olives, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. This dish effortlessly captures the essence of the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast with each vibrant, flavor-packed bite.
The sun-dried tomatoes, intensely concentrated in flavor, add a sweet and tangy note, while the briny Kalamata olives contribute a salty richness. The ensemble is brought together by the golden elixir of extra virgin olive oil, enhancing the overall richness and providing a smooth finish.
There are many vegetarian lasagna recipes to choose from. In lieu of traditional meat, this dish weaves together a tapestry of textures and tastes that elevate it into a comforting dish.
The beauty lies not only in the colorful medley of ingredients but also in the melding of flavors as the lasagna bakes in the oven. A crown of bubbling mozzarella or Parmesan cheese crowns each slice, adding a savory finish that's both decadent and satisfying.
Sun-dried tomato pasta is one of the simplest pasta recipes. The concentrated sweetness in the tomatoes allows it to add flavor to the pasta without the need for any other ingredients. Ribbons of linguine or spirals of fusilli entwined with the chewy, concentrated richness of sun-dried tomatoes to make it a burst of Mediterranean sunshine.
Along with the tomatoes, the dish is seasoned with warm olive oil, garlic and black pepper.
Stuffed shell pasta is one of the more complicated pasta recipes. In this dish, jumbo pasta shells are cooked and filled with a savory filling. The filling used is prepared with a sumptuous blend of ricotta and spinach.
The process is a labor of love: the shells, tender and al dente, carefully envelop the vibrant green filling, showcasing the artistry of vegetarian cuisine. Once nestled in a cozy baking dish, they are generously smothered in marinara or tomato sauce so that there is flavor in each bite.
Pasta Primavera is pretty much spring on a plate. It is one of the richest vegetarian pasta dishes which celebrates bright and fresh seasonal produce. This Italian-American classic is prepared with al dente pasta cooked in a mixture of colorful vegetables, making it visually appealing as well as delicious.
Commonly used veggies in the mix are bell peppers, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and vibrant green peas. While the choice of vegetables may vary, the essence remains constant: a harmonious blend of fresh, seasonal flavors.
Who doesn't love a good old mac and cheese? Many of us have forgotten the allure behind homemade mac and cheese because we have plenty of store-bought variations to choose from. However, there is nothing like freshly homemade mac and cheese.
In the dish, elbow macaroni is first boiled and then transferred to a velvety, cheese-laden sauce. The sauce starts with a roux —a blend of butter and flour—creating the foundation for a lush béchamel sauce. The cheeses used are often cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. You can also tailor the recipe to your whims with the addition of ingredients like mustard, cayenne, and even some breadcrumbs.
Cacio e Pepe is a Roman pasta dish that translates to cheese and pepper. The dish is made with about five ingredients which speaks volumes about the simplicity and ease of preparation of the dish. The al dente spaghetti or tonnarelli is generously coated in a velvety sauce crafted from pecorino Romano, a sharp and salty sheep's milk cheese.
The cheese and pepper are mixed with pasta water to create a creamy, luscious coating that clings to each strand. The result is a dish that marries the boldness of the cheese with the warmth of freshly ground pepper.
Burrata cheese is known for its creamy interior oozing like liquid gold to create a luxurious sauce that clings to each strand of pasta. To craft this masterpiece, cook your favorite pasta to perfection. In a skillet, sauté garlic until it releases its fragrance, then add vibrant cherry tomatoes, allowing them to blister and burst.
As the pasta joins this flavorful dance, the pièce de résistance arrives—the burrata. Gently nestle the burrata atop the pasta, letting its decadent creaminess meld with the tomato and basil-infused sauce.
In this simpler form of the summer vegetable pesto pasta, the herbaceous pesto takes center stage. It is made with pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil.
Each bite is a burst of freshness, the basil infusing the pasta with its aroma while the pine nuts add a subtle crunch. Pesto spaghetti embodies the simplicity of Italian cuisine, where a handful of high-quality ingredients can create a dish that is comforting and sophisticated.
Zucchini pasta, also known as "zoodles," consists of zucchini noodles cooked in one of your favorite pasta sauces. With a spiralizer in hand, zucchinis are expertly transformed into long, noodle-like strands, offering a light and refreshing alternative to regular pasta noodles. These green ribbons of goodness not only contribute a delicate texture but also absorb the flavors of accompanying sauces with finesse.
Whether lightly sautéed for a crisp, al dente texture or briefly blanched for a softer consistency, zucchini pasta can be added to a preferred sauce. It is nutritious as well as rich in fiber which goes with different diet plans.
This one-pan wonder has the best of both worlds—fresh seasonal produce cooked in a rich cheesy sauce with al dente ziti pasta. There is texture, flavors, and aroma, infused in each bite to make it an experience worth remembering.
The dish is brought to life with aromatic herbs like basil and oregano, imparting a touch of Mediterranean flair. As the ziti bakes in the oven, the cheese forms a golden crust, offering a delightful contrast to the tender pasta beneath.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad will bring you to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. It all starts with al dente orzo pasta. These small rice-shaped wonders are cooked with a colorful ensemble of ingredients. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a splash of tangy lemon juice to this to tie it all together.
Served chilled, it's a refreshing side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light and satisfying lunch.
