Looking to revolutionize your pasta game while keeping it plant-based?
These vegan pasta dishes aren’t just alternatives – they’re showstoppers that’ll have everyone at your table asking for seconds.
Transform your everyday pasta into extraordinary meals with these creative, flavorful combinations.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan or simply exploring plant-based options, these recipes prove that vegan pasta can be both nutritious and indulgent.
Ready to discover your new favorite pasta dish?
Let’s dive into these game-changing recipes that’ll make your weeknight dinners anything but ordinary.
Creamy Delights
Cashew Alfredo Fettuccine
This ultra-creamy pasta transforms raw cashews into a silky sauce that rivals traditional Alfredo.
Blended with nutritional yeast and garlic, it creates a rich coating that clings perfectly to fettuccine strands.
Add sautéed mushrooms and fresh herbs to elevate this comfort dish to restaurant-quality status.
The sauce reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 380 per serving, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 54g, Fat: 15g, Fiber: 4g, Iron: 15% DV
Butternut Squash Mac
This golden-hued comfort food combines roasted butternut squash with cashew cream for a naturally sweet and savory sauce.
Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor while keeping things plant-based.
The sauce gets extra smooth when blended with plant milk and a touch of garlic powder.
Top with crispy sage leaves and pepitas for added crunch.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 340 per serving, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 58g, Fat: 9g, Fiber: 6g, Vitamin A: 120% DV
Coconut Cream Garlic Pasta
Velvety coconut cream creates an indulgent sauce that’s infused with roasted garlic.
The natural sweetness of coconut perfectly balances the savory elements, while fresh herbs add brightness.
This pasta works beautifully with gluten-free noodles too.
Add roasted cherry tomatoes for bursts of acidity that cut through the richness.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 420 per serving, Protein: 8g, Carbs: 52g, Fat: 22g, Fiber: 3g, Iron: 10% DV
Avocado Pesto Linguine
Creamy avocados blend with fresh basil and pine nuts for a nutrient-rich sauce that’s ready in minutes.
The natural oils from the avocado create an incredibly smooth texture.
This no-cook sauce is perfect for summer dinners.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to keep the bright green color and enhance flavors.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 390 per serving, Protein: 9g, Carbs: 47g, Fat: 21g, Fiber: 7g, Vitamin K: 45% DV
Tomato-Based Classics
Classic Marinara Spaghetti
This timeless favorite gets its depth from slow-cooked San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil.
The key is letting the garlic infuse the olive oil before adding tomatoes.
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat without overwhelming the sauce. Finish with fresh basil and a drizzle of quality olive oil.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 320 per serving, Protein: 11g, Carbs: 62g, Fat: 4g, Fiber: 4g, Vitamin C: 35% DV
Arrabbiata Penne
This fiery pasta combines crushed red peppers with garlic and tomatoes for a sauce that packs serious heat.
The trick is toasting the pepper flakes in oil to release their full flavor.
Balance the heat with fresh parsley and a touch of maple syrup. The rigid texture of penne helps trap the spicy sauce inside each piece.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 340 per serving, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 65g, Fat: 5g, Fiber: 4g, Iron: 20% DV
Roasted Cherry Tomato Fusilli
Sweet cherry tomatoes are roasted until they burst, creating a naturally sweet sauce.
Garlic and herbs roast alongside the tomatoes, infusing the oil with aromatic flavors.
The spiral shape of fusilli captures every bit of the rustic sauce. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast adds umami depth.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 350 per serving, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 58g, Fat: 8g, Fiber: 5g, Vitamin A: 45% DV
Sun-dried Tomato Rigatoni
Intense flavors of sun-dried tomatoes create a robust sauce when blended with fresh tomatoes and herbs.
The chewy texture of sun-dried tomatoes adds interesting contrast.
Large rigatoni tubes hold generous amounts of sauce in their ridges. Fresh basil and toasted pine nuts complete this Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 380 per serving, Protein: 13g, Carbs: 63g, Fat: 10g, Fiber: 5g, Iron: 25% DV
Vegetable-Forward Creations
Mushroom Stroganoff
This hearty pasta features a medley of mushrooms in a creamy cashew sauce.
The mushrooms are seared until golden for maximum flavor development.
Fresh thyme and black pepper enhance the earthiness of the mushrooms. Whole wheat pasta adds nutty notes and extra fiber.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 360 per serving, Protein: 14g, Carbs: 56g, Fat: 12g, Fiber: 8g, Vitamin D: 15% DV
Roasted Vegetable Primavera
This colorful medley combines seasonal vegetables roasted to sweet perfection. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes create a rainbow of nutrients on your plate.
Light and fresh, this pasta celebrates vegetables in their prime.
A simple garlic and olive oil sauce lets the roasted vegetables shine.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 330 per serving, Protein: 11g, Carbs: 54g, Fat: 9g, Fiber: 6g, Vitamin C: 85% DV
Spinach and Walnut Orecchiette
These little ear-shaped pasta cups catch wilted spinach and toasted walnuts perfectly.
The combination provides a powerful nutrient boost with iron from spinach and omega-3s from walnuts.
Garlic and red pepper flakes add warmth to this green-powered dish. The natural oils from the walnuts create a light coating on the pasta.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 370 per serving, Protein: 13g, Carbs: 49g, Fat: 16g, Fiber: 5g, Iron: 30% DV
Grilled Eggplant Rotini
Smoky grilled eggplant adds Mediterranean flair to this hearty pasta.
The eggplant becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the flavors of herbs and garlic.
The spiral shape of rotini holds onto the chunky sauce beautifully. Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon brighten up the finished dish.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 340 per serving, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 58g, Fat: 8g, Fiber: 7g, Potassium: 15% DV
Pesto Variations
Classic Basil Pesto Pasta
This traditional favorite gets a vegan makeover with nutritional yeast replacing parmesan.
Fresh basil provides that signature bright, peppery flavor that makes pesto irresistible.
Pine nuts add richness and create a perfectly creamy texture when blended. The sauce clings beautifully to any pasta shape you choose.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 410 per serving, Protein: 11g, Carbs: 48g, Fat: 24g, Fiber: 3g, Vitamin K: 90% DV
Kale Pistachio Pesto Farfalle
This nutrient-packed version uses kale and pistachios for a unique twist on traditional pesto.
The butterfly-shaped pasta catches the sauce in its folds perfectly.
The slight bitterness of kale is balanced by the sweet, nutty pistachios. Lemon zest adds brightness to this superfood pasta.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 390 per serving, Protein: 14g, Carbs: 51g, Fat: 19g, Fiber: 5g, Vitamin A: 80% DV
Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Cavatappi
Bold and zesty, this red pesto combines sun-dried tomatoes with fresh basil and almonds.
The corkscrew shape of cavatappi holds onto every bit of the flavorful sauce.
Garlic and herbs complement the intense tomato flavor perfectly. A touch of maple syrup balances any acidity from the tomatoes.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 400 per serving, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 54g, Fat: 18g, Fiber: 4g, Lycopene: 85% DV
Mint-Parsley Pesto Gemelli
This refreshing twist on pesto combines mint and parsley for a bright, herb-forward sauce.
The twisted shape of gemelli pasta creates perfect pockets for the sauce.
Pine nuts and garlic provide a classic pesto base while allowing the herbs to shine. A splash of lemon juice enhances the fresh flavors.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 380 per serving, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 49g, Fat: 20g, Fiber: 3g, Vitamin C: 45% DV
Global Flavors
Middle Eastern Spiced Pasta with Chickpeas
Warming spices like cumin and coriander transform this pasta into a Middle Eastern delight.
Chickpeas add protein and authentic flair to this fusion dish.
Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon brighten up the earthy spices. Pine nuts and fresh parsley provide the perfect finishing touch.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 420 per serving, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 68g, Fat: 12g, Fiber: 8g, Iron: 25% DV
Thai-inspired Peanut Noodles
This creamy and spicy dish combines peanut butter with ginger and garlic for an addictive sauce.
Rice noodles provide the perfect base for this Asian-inspired creation.
Crisp vegetables and crushed peanuts add wonderful texture contrasts. Fresh lime and cilantro brighten up the rich sauce.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 440 per serving, Protein: 16g, Carbs: 57g, Fat: 20g, Fiber: 5g, Vitamin E: 30% DV
Indian-spiced Curry Pasta
Aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala create a warming curry sauce.
Coconut milk adds richness and authenticity to this fusion dish.
Fresh ginger and garlic form a flavorful base for the sauce. Cauliflower and peas add traditional Indian elements.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 430 per serving, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 56g, Fat: 19g, Fiber: 6g, Iron: 20% DV
Mediterranean Olive and Herb Pasta
This light and fresh pasta celebrates Mediterranean flavors with olives, capers, and fresh herbs.
Cherry tomatoes add bursts of sweetness throughout the dish.
Garlic and red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat background. A drizzle of quality olive oil finishes this coastal-inspired dish.
Nutrition Info: Calories: 360 per serving, Protein: 9g, Carbs: 52g, Fat: 14g, Fiber: 4g, Vitamin A: 35% DV
Final Thoughts
These vegan pasta recipes prove that plant-based eating never means sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Each dish brings its own unique personality to your table, whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to explore global flavors.
Remember, the key to great vegan pasta is using fresh ingredients and being creative with your plant-based substitutions.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations – you might just create your new favorite dish!
Get ready to transform your pasta game with these exciting vegan variations.
Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you for these nutrient-rich, delicious alternatives to traditional pasta dishes.
