Home » Recipe Collections

35+ Vegetarian Pasta Recipes

ByKristen Wood Last updated

Vegetarian pasta is one of my favorite weeknight options! These delicious recipes are quick, dependable, and easy to enjoy any night of the week.

Close-up of cooked spaghetti in a creamy sauce, garnished with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

A Note From Kristen

Pasta nights always make dinner feel easy for me, especially when the flavors are bold and the steps stay simple. These vegetarian pasta recipes come together quickly with pantry staples, fresh herbs, and straightforward techniques that fit even the busiest evenings. Whether I’m in the mood for something creamy, veggie packed, or light and fresh, there is always a dish here that keeps dinner stress free and satisfying. Happy eating!
~Kristen

35+ Vegetarian Pasta Recipes

Below you will find a mix of classics, lighter options, and creative twists that highlight vegetables, cheeses, and herbs in a way that feels comforting without weighing you down. Every recipe is vegetarian and weeknight friendly. Enjoy!

Vegetarian Bolognese
Hearty, comforting, and completely vegan and vegetarian, this bolognese is your new go-to for easy weeknight dinners and pasta nights!
Grab The Recipe
A plate of spaghetti topped with chunky vegetarian bolognese sauce, grated cheese, and fresh parsley, with a fork and a small bowl of grated cheese on the side.
Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This garlic parmesan pasta is rich, creamy, and full of cozy flavor. The garlic and parmesan melt together into a silky sauce that makes every bite comforting and satisfying. Perfect for an easy, delicious meal.
Grab The Recipe
A plate of creamy pasta topped with grated cheese and red pepper flakes, with a fork placed nearby.
Pasta Fresca
This Italian inspired pasta fresca comes together in about 30 minutes and makes a great weeknight dinner. Fresh herbs, vegetables, and a light creamy sauce keep it flavorful without being heavy. It’s an easy dish you’ll want to make again.
Grab The Recipe
A plate of rotini pasta with spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and grated cheese—perfect for those seeking delicious vegetarian pasta recipes—with fresh mushrooms and a bowl of tomatoes nearby.
Tallarines Verdes Recipe
Creamy and full of flavor, this Tallarines Verdes recipe makes Peruvian green spaghetti with a rich sauce that's easy and delicious.
Grab The Recipe
A plate of tallarines verdes garnished with crumbled cheese, chopped nuts, and fresh basil leaves, served on a speckled ceramic plate.
Creamy Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce Recipe
Easy, creamy, and flavorful 10-minute coconut milk pasta sauce recipe.
Grab The Recipe
A pan of cooked spaghetti in a creamy coconut milk pasta sauce, garnished with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper.
Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto
This cavatelli with arugula pesto takes the classic pasta-and-pesto combo to a new level. The peppery arugula, fresh herbs, and pine nuts create a bright, flavorful sauce that coats every bite. It comes together in about 30 minutes, and a spoonful of ricotta on top makes it even better.
Grab The Recipe
A bowl of pasta with pesto, arugula, ricotta, and pine nuts, surrounded by sliced bread, pesto sauce, pine nuts, and garnished with green leaves.
Greek Pasta
Quick and full of bright Mediterranean flavor, this one-pot Greek pasta brings together olives, feta, tomatoes, and fresh herbs for an easy dinner that feels extra delicious.
Grab The Recipe
A plate of pasta salad with rotini, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, black olives, red onion, and parsley, served with a fork.
Pasta alla Nerano
Pasta alla Nerano blends golden zucchini, garlic, basil, and a silky cheese sauce into something light and incredibly flavorful. It is a simple Amalfi Coast classic that works for both easy weeknights and special dinners.
Grab The Recipe
A plate of spaghetti topped with roasted zucchini slices and fresh basil, with a small bowl of grated cheese and a bottle of olive oil in the background.
Halloumi Pasta Recipe
This halloumi pasta combines golden, pan-seared halloumi with juicy tomatoes and a savory herb sauce. It is rich, simple to make, and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Grab The Recipe
A plate of spaghetti topped with grilled halloumi, chopped tomatoes, and basil, with a fork in the background.
Best One Pot Zucchini Mushroom Pasta {Creamy Vegan Recipe}
You’re about to put this one-pot zucchini mushroom pasta on repeat. The zucchini gets golden and sweet, the mushrooms add a deep, earthy flavor, and everything comes together in a creamy coconut sauce that happens to be vegan.
Grab The Recipe
A pan of cooked spaghetti mixed with sliced, roasted zucchini and a creamy sauce, set on a wooden surface with bread and garlic in the background.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta with coconut milk: warm, cozy, and delicious. This rich dish might just become your new weeknight favorite!
Grab The Recipe
A close-up of a bowl of sun-dried tomato pasta rotini covered in marinara sauce and topped with grated cheese and herbs.
Green Goddess Pasta Bake
This cheesy green goddess pasta bake blends comfort food with plenty of greens. Broccoli, spinach, Hatch green chiles, and silken tofu create a creamy, nutrient packed sauce with a bit of cheese for balance. It’s cozy without feeling heavy and makes great leftovers.
Grab The Recipe
A plate of broccoli casserole topped with melted cheddar cheese sits next to a bowl of salad and a block of cheddar cheese—perfect inspiration for anyone seeking hearty vegetarian pasta recipes.
Manicotti
Manicotti is comfort food at its best. Soft pasta tubes are filled with a creamy cheese-and-spinach mixture and baked under a bright, tangy marinara until everything melts together. It is cozy, hearty, and the kind of dish that always disappears fast, whether you make it for a relaxed dinner or a family gathering.
Grab The Recipe
Baked manicotti pasta filled with ricotta and spinach, topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil in a white casserole dish.
Spicy Harissa Pasta
This creamy and spicy harissa pasta recipe is bursting with the rich, deep flavors of the Mediterranean. Naturally plant-based!
Grab The Recipe
A plate of spaghetti garnished with chopped herbs and nuts, accompanied by a fork on the side.
Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta
This creamy goat cheese pasta is a fresh, wholesome vegetarian meal that comes together with minimal effort. It uses simple ingredients and takes only a short time to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Grab The Recipe
A bowl of creamy spinach and noodle salad is placed next to a halved lemon and wooden-handled fork and spoon on a white surface.
Penne Rosa Pasta
Penne rosa is an easy, one-pot pasta with a creamy tomato sauce that comes together fast. It is cozy, flavorful, and perfect for nights when you want something simple but satisfying. If you’re looking for a creamy pasta that’s different from your usual marinara or Alfredo, this is a great go-to.
Grab The Recipe
A skillet filled with penne pasta in a creamy tomato sauce, garnished with herbs, surrounded by bread, green bell pepper, tomatoes, and spinach.
Creamy Oregano Pasta
Savor the creamy goodness of my homemade oregano pesto pasta! With a perfect blend of fragrant herbs and velvety sauce, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds. It's comfort food with a touch of sophistication, ready to charm your taste buds.
Grab The Recipe
Avocado Pesto Pasta
This easy avocado pesto pasta recipe is creamy, comforting, and packed with heart-healthy fats. Vegan and easily made gluten-free.
Grab The Recipe
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
This creamy tomato and spinach pasta tastes like a dish you would order at a restaurant, yet it is made with lighter, wholesome ingredients. It is a flavorful vegetarian meal that works beautifully for quick weeknight dinners as well as slow, relaxing weekend cooking.
Grab The Recipe
A plate of rigatoni pasta in a creamy tomato sauce with spinach, served on a white dish beside a red and white napkin.
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
Cool evenings are the perfect excuse to make this cozy butternut squash pasta. The creamy sauce, wilted kale, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts create a simple dish that feels special and easy to share.
Grab The Recipe
A white bowl filled with pasta shells, kale, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, and topped with chopped walnuts and grated cheese.
Creamy Rasta Pasta Recipe
This vegan and vegetarian Rasta Pasta recipe is a creamy pasta dish with Jamaican-inspired flavors. It comes together in less than 30 minutes and is easily made gluten-free, too.
Grab The Recipe
Gigi Hadid Pasta
Here's my spin on the viral Gigi Hadid Pasta recipe! This creamy spicy vodka sauce pasta recipe without vodka is easy to make and delivers big bold flavors.
Grab The Recipe
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e pepe is comfort food in its simplest form. Spaghetti, Pecorino Romano, butter, and plenty of black pepper come together to make a silky, peppery sauce that feels indulgent without any fuss. It is quick, classic, and always hits the spot, especially on busy nights or whenever you want something cozy and uncomplicated.
Grab The Recipe
A plate of spaghetti pasta topped with grated cheese and black pepper, placed on a white plate with a fork nearby.
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
This creamy tomato basil pasta is rich, comforting, and full of bright flavor. The silky vegan sauce pairs perfectly with any noodles, making it an easy and delicious choice for pasta night.
Grab The Recipe
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Creamy Lemon Mascarpone Pasta
This lemony mascarpone pasta comes together with a rich, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to every strand. Fresh arugula, sautéed garlic, and red onion bring brightness, texture, and depth, turning a simple dish into something extra satisfying.
Grab The Recipe
A plate of pasta with creamy white sauce and wilted spinach, served with a silver spoon on a patterned dish.
Spicy Roasted Red Pepper & Chipotle Pumpkin Seed Pasta Bowl (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
This vibrant pasta bowl brings together roasted red peppers, chipotle, and a creamy pumpkin seed milk sauce for a smoky, slightly spicy dish. Finished with pepitas, herbs, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, it’s a flavorful vegan meal that feels hearty and satisfying.
Grab The Recipe
Easy Vegan Red Lentil Pasta
This vegan red lentil pasta makes an easy gluten-free dinner everyone can enjoy. The coconut curry sauce is rich and cozy, the vegetables keep it fresh, and the whole dish comes together fast. It is simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights when you still want something nourishing.
Grab The Recipe
A bowl of rotini pasta with vegetables and sauce, garnished with cilantro, on a marble surface with spinach leaves and a fork nearby.
Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Shells
These spinach artichoke stuffed shells are loaded with a creamy, flavorful filling and baked under Alfredo sauce and gooey mozzarella. They’re cozy enough for a low-key weeknight but special enough to serve when you want to impress.
Grab The Recipe
A close-up of a cheesy, baked stuffed pasta shell with spinach and ricotta, topped with melted cheese and chopped parsley, being lifted from a baking dish.
Gluten Free Pasta Shells with Greek Yogurt Rose Sauce
If you want a satisfying vegetarian meal that is simple, healthy, and creamy without feeling heavy, this recipe is for you. These gluten-free pasta shells coated in a Greek yogurt rose sauce create an easy, flavorful meatless dinner that you will want to make again and again.
Grab The Recipe
A white bowl of pasta with red tomato sauce, garnished with chopped herbs, sits on a white plate with a red-checked napkin and cutlery beside it.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Crispy Lentils
This butternut squash mac and cheese topped with crispy lentils is such a good twist on the classic. The squash makes the sauce extra smooth and flavorful, and the lentils add a little crunch that keeps every bite interesting. It feels comforting, but still a bit on the healthier side, which makes it an easy favorite for weeknights.
Grab The Recipe
A white bowl filled with pasta shells coated in a creamy orange sauce, topped with roasted lentils. A decorative gourd is in the background.
Vegan Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Craving mac and cheese without the heavy feeling after? This vegan version with broccoli keeps everything fully plant-based while still giving you that cozy, creamy comfort you want.
Grab The Recipe
A bowl of macaroni and cheese mixed with broccoli, placed on a checkered cloth with additional bowls and forks nearby.
Penne Arrabbiata
Penne arrabbiata brings a bold kick of heat with its garlicky tomato sauce, crushed red pepper, and fresh basil. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an easy, flavorful choice for busy weeknights.
Grab The Recipe
A bowl of penne pasta with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and basil leaves, with a fork and fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and olive oil on the side.
Roasted Pepper Pasta
This red pepper pasta is all about the creamy, roasted pepper sauce that clings to every piece of rigatoni. With fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan on top, it’s a vibrant, easy dish that feels a little gourmet without the effort.
Grab The Recipe
A bowl of rigatoni pasta with red tomato sauce, topped with parmesan cheese shavings and fresh basil leaves.
Creamy Zucchini Pasta Sauce Recipe with Parmesan
This creamy zucchini pasta sauce is your new favorite way to use up fresh or frozen zucchini. It blends the lightness of the zucchini with the richness of parmesan, and you only need six simple ingredients. It’s an easy, flavorful sauce that works beautifully with any pasta.
Grab The Recipe
A bowl of pasta topped with shredded cheese sits on a wooden surface next to sliced bread with butter and two whole zucchinis.
Easy Dairy Free Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce (Vegan)
This dairy-free cauliflower Alfredo is creamy without using any cream at all. Blended cauliflower creates a smooth, rich sauce that’s light, satisfying, and a clever way to add more veggies to your meals. Even kids usually love it, making it an easy weeknight win.
Grab The Recipe
A bowl of penne pasta with green peas, creamy sauce, red pepper flakes, and a lemon wedge, served in a patterned white dish.
Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad
This pesto orzo salad is fresh, flavorful, and comes together fast. With pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta, it makes an easy lunch, a great meal-prep option, or a simple side for any meal.
Grab The Recipe
A white bowl of orzo pasta salad with feta, sun-dried tomatoes, green peas, red onion, and greens sits on a pink cloth with a fork in the bowl.

Looking for even more ideas? You can also browse my full collection of vegetarian pasta recipes.

Kristen is a writer, photographer, recipe developer, and certified functional nutrition expert. She is also the author of Fermented Hot Sauce Cookbook, Vegetarian Family Cookbook, and Hot Sauce Cookbook for Beginners. Her work has been featured in various print and online publications including Elle, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, MSN, New York Daily News, Healthline, and many more. Kristen is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *