Vegetarian pasta is one of my favorite weeknight options! These delicious recipes are quick, dependable, and easy to enjoy any night of the 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!
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.
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.
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.
Creamy Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce Recipe
Easy, creamy, and flavorful 10-minute coconut milk pasta sauce recipe.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Spicy Harissa Pasta
This creamy and spicy harissa pasta recipe is bursting with the rich, deep flavors of the Mediterranean. Naturally plant-based!
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.
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.
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.
Avocado Pesto Pasta
This easy avocado pesto pasta recipe is creamy, comforting, and packed with heart-healthy fats. Vegan and easily made gluten-free.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for even more ideas? You can also browse my full collection of vegetarian pasta recipes.
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Previously Published on moonandspoonandyum
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