If you forced me to choose one food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be pasta. It’s the food that keeps on giving and the dinner I can always get behind. I grew up on buttered noodles, always have red sauce in my fridge, and I think my heart skips a beat when I see pasta alla vodka on a menu. And currently? I’m in a pretty serious relationship with vegetarian pasta recipes that satisfy all of my carb cravings while also sneaking in some greens.
My current go-to, lazy-girl dinner is Banza Pasta (see more gluten-free pasta options here) topped with good store-bought pasta sauce that I heat up with some spinach mixed in. It may not be glamorous, but it’s a quick and yummy meal that never fails me. But when I have a bit more time on my hands, I turn to one of these 13 vegetarian pasta recipes. Each and every one of these recipes has earned a spot on this list by being vegetarian (obviously), simple to make (most under 30 minutes), and indisputably delicious (major crowd pleasers). Go ahead and boil a pot of water now, because these vegetarian pasta recipes are on the menu tonight, tomorrow, and all week long.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
13 Vegetarian Pasta Recipes That Satisfy Every Time
Vegetarian Pasta Bolognese
Why we love it: Before you roll your eyes at a vegetarian bolognese, hear me out. The veggies, herbs, and tomato sauce marinate together on the stove until it all gets a richness that’s incredibly satisfying and even sort of… meaty? The tofu takes on the consistency of traditional bolognese’s ground beef, but absorbs the flavors of the onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Basically, this veggie pasta recipe is a hug in a bowl that everyone needs to try.
Hero ingredient: Tofu to the rescue.
Get the recipe for Vegetarian Pasta Bolognese.
Rigatoni With Brussels Sprouts, Kale Pesto, and Lemon
Why we love it: Fun fact: Rigatoni is my favorite pasta shape, and this is my favorite recipe to make with it. Like all good vegetarian pasta recipes, it’s got a strong veggie-to-pasta ratio, which not only adds nutritional value but great texture, too. It tastes indulgent without actually being too indulgent, probably because these Brussels sprouts are highly addictive.
Hero ingredient: This kale pesto is the sneakiest way to get your veggies.
Get the recipe for Rigatoni With Brussels Sprouts, Kale Pesto, and Lemon.
Creamy Vegan Pasta With Tomatoes and Basil
Why we love it: Bookmark this 15-minute pasta recipe immediately. It’s the creamiest no-cream meal I’ve ever tasted. The walnut sauce gives this vegan pasta that rich, satisfying taste that usually comes with an alfredo but in a completely healthy, nutrient-packed way. You can even prep the sauce in advance, so when it comes time to serve, all you have to do is toss it together. But be sure to take note of Camille’s warning: It’s highly addictive.
Hero ingredient: The creamy walnut sauce is actually nuts.
Get the recipe for Creamy Vegan Pasta With Tomatoes and Basil.
One-Pot Pasta Primavera With Summer Veggies & Ricotta
Why we love it: This is one of those vegetarian pasta recipes that is infinitely customizable, shockingly simple, and undeniably delicious. Have you ever tried a one-pot pasta recipe that doesn’t require you to drain the water? I was admittedly so confused about how you could make pasta without draining it, but this recipe has totally changed the way I think. This method allows the veggies to cook right alongside the pasta and gives everything a melty, saucy, and cohesive flavor that’s to die for.
Hero ingredient: The frozen peas are the easiest pasta topping ever.
Get the recipe for One-Pot Pasta Primavera With Summer Veggies & Ricotta.
Tikka Masala Pasta
Why we love it: Tikka masala lovers, may I introduce you to your new obsession. This vegetarian pasta recipe is accurately described as almost Indian-like pasta alla vodka, which in my opinion, is one of the greatest food fusions to exist. It’s ready in 30 minutes and you can make the sauce ahead of time to speed things up even more. While this recipe may seem incredibly out of the box, don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
Hero ingredient: This sauce just can’t be beat.
Get the recipe for Tikka Masala Pasta.
Roasted Mushroom Pasta With Herbs from What’s Gaby Cooking
Why we love it: My mouth waters just from looking at this pasta. I can literally taste it through the screen. The mushrooms (any kind works) soak up the garlicky, herby flavors and add protein, fiber, and antioxidants to the meal. However, it’s the crunch from the homemade breadcrumbs that really won me over. This vegetarian pasta recipe is carbs on carbs, but it’s the perfect treat-yourself meal that you’ll make time and time again.
Hero ingredient: Will run for breadcrumbs.
Get the recipe for Roasted Mushroom Pasta With Herbs.
Creamy Lemon Pasta
Why we love it: This 30-minute meal will transport you to the coast of Italy with every bite. It’s rich and decadent, but light and fresh enough to be the perfect summer meal. Fresh herbs, zingy zest, and a tiny bit of heat brighten both the flavor and your plate by balancing the richness and adding color to the dish.
Hero ingredient: When life gives you lemons, make this pasta.
Get the recipe for Creamy Lemon Pasta.
One-Pot Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Burrata Pasta from Half-Baked Harvest
Why we love it: Honestly, what’s not to love about a quick, simple, fresh, and delicious vegetarian pasta recipe? This pasta was born from pantry staples and seasonal ingredients, making it the perfect dinner for any night of the week. You simply stir sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and artichokes into the hot pasta, then top it with burrata, allowing the heat to melt the cheese and cook down the spinach. It’s almost a no-recipe recipe because of how simple it is. But the flavors? Anything but boring.
Hero ingredient: The sun-dried tomatoes taste like little bits of sunshine.
Get the recipe for One-Pot Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Burrata Pasta.
Summer Spaghetti With Tomatoes, Burrata, & Basil
Why we love it: When it comes to vegetarian pasta recipes, sometimes the simplest is best. Camille first tasted this pasta combo in Tuscany, and we all owe her a thank you for bringing the recipe back with her. This summer favorite comes together in just 10 minutes with only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Plus, it’s sure to woo anyone who’s lucky enough to join you for dinner.
Hero ingredient: A whole lotta burrata.
Get the recipe for Summer Spaghetti With Tomatoes, Burrata, & Basil.
Pesto Pasta Primavera
Why we love it: Camille makes this one-pan pesto pasta almost every week and after you taste it, I guarantee you’ll do the same. It’s the perfect recipe for when you need to satisfy some carb cravings, but also want to use up the veggies in your fridge. I’m confident that any variation of green veggies tossed in pesto and goat cheese will be mouth-wateringly delicious. The key is to chop all of your veggies to be about the same size as the penne pasta, and each forkful will be perfect.
Hero ingredient: Extra goat cheese, please.
Get the recipe for Pesto Pasta Primavera.
Half Baked Harvest’s Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka
Why we love it: Pasta alla vodka, specifically this recipe, would be the main course of my final meal on Earth. I was lucky enough to be present when Tieghan Gerard of Half-Baked Harvest whipped this up at Camille’s house. The results left me speechless. So simple, yet so tasty. This is one of those vegetarian pasta recipes that you can serve at any gathering, because vegetarian or not, this recipe is incredible.
Hero ingredient: The basil pesto is a genius twist on a classic dish.
Get the recipe for Half-Baked Harvest’s Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka.
Butternut Squash, Spinach, & Goat Cheese Pasta
Why we love it: Whether it’s a quiet weeknight at home or a dinner party with your closest friends, this vegetarian pasta recipe is always a good idea. It comes together in one pot and is truly a full meal, since it’s full of pasta, leafy greens, and roasted veggies. Plus, if you’re feeling lazy, you can skip the brown butter sauce (even though it’s delicious) and simply drizzle everything with olive oil and a squeeze of orange.
Hero ingredient: The roasted butternut squash squashes the competition.
Get the recipe for Butternut Squash, Spinach, & Goat Cheese Pasta.
Eggplant Pasta Bake With Tomato & Zucchini from Walder Wellness
Why we love it: This recipe is everything I love about baked pasta–hot, cheesy, comforting–but made healthy by tons of nutritious veggies like eggplant, zucchini, and kale. It asks for only 11 ingredients, and chances are, you already have them all in your kitchen. Not to mention the veggies are totally customizable and it’s great for large groups and meal prep. A crowd-pleaser fit for a crowd!
Hero ingredient: Eggplant is an egg-cellent addition.
Get the recipe for Eggplant Pasta Bake With Tomato & Zucchini.
