Behold – a collection of 30 of the best vegan pasta recipes from around the web!
Pasta is one of my favorite food groups. It’s delicious (obviously), most varieties are naturally vegan, and it’s infinitely versatile. You can throw together a quick 15-minute marinara pasta on a Monday evening, pack a refreshing pasta salad for a summer picnic, or whip up a gourmet pasta dinner for date night.
Below I’ve rounded up over 30 amazing vegan pasta recipes, including some of my own as well as some fantastic pasta recipes around the plant-based internet, as well as tips for the right way to cook noodles.
And if you’re pressed for time, be sure to check out the bonus 15-minute pasta recipe at the end of this post!
Table of Contents
1. How to cook dried pasta properly
2. Red Sauces + Meaty Pastas
3. Creamy Pastas
4. Vegetable-Forward Pastas
5. Herb-Based Pastas
6. Pasta Salads
How to cook dried pasta properly
Cooking dried pasta is easy, but it’s not as simple as just dumping it in pot and waiting 10 minutes. For the best results, keep these tips in mind.
Wait for a rolling boil. If you drop the pasta in before the water gets to a rolling boil, you may find yourself with mushy noodles that stick together.
Don’t go easy on the salt. Adding salt to the water is an important step to make sure the pasta itself has flavor. For 4 quarts of water, I recommend 2 tablespoons of Diamond Kosher Salt (my favorite brand). If using sea salt, use half the amount. Keep in mind that most of the salt you add remains in the water, so don’t worry about adding too much.
Check the pasta early. I like to taste the pasta a minute or two before the stated cook time on the package has elapsed. If your noodles will be cooked again after boiling (e.g., in a lasagna or stir-fried with the other ingredients), you’ll want to take them out of the water just before they turn al dente.
Save some pasta water for later. For most recipes, it’s a good idea to save a cup of pasta water before you drain it. Pasta water is high in starch and is a great way to thicken pasta sauces and help them better stick to the noodles.
Red Sauces + Meaty Pastas
10 Ingredient Vegan Red Lentil Bolognese
My 10-Ingredient Lentil Bolognese is hearty, meaty, and packed with umami but 100% wholesome, vegan, and gluten-free. And it’s made with just 10 main ingredients—all pantry staples!
Cook Time: 55 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Spicy Pasta Arrabbiata
This delicious spicy pasta arrabbiata from Jenné of Sweet Potato Soul is super quick to make! It’s made with red lentil pasta so it is full of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Vegan Spaghetti with “Meat” Sauce
This incredibly tasty meat sauce by Maria of Food by Maria is easy to make and perfect for vegan spaghetti, requires just one pot, and is loaded with plant-based protein!
Cook Time: 1 Hour
Vegan Gnocchi & Sauce
This saucy vegan gnocchi by Candice of The Edgy Veg uses just 7 ingredients and can be made in under 30 minutes. Making this gnocchi + sauce is super easy!
Cook Time: 28 Minutes
Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta
My 9-Ingredient Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta is bursting with umami from quick-caramelized onions, tomato paste, sundried tomatoes, and a handful of other pantry staples. Easy enough for weeknight dinners and loved by vegans and omnivores alike!
Cook Time: 50 Minutes
Check out this recipe
The Perfect Vegan Lasagna
This recipe by Lauren Toyota of Hot For Food features layers of a creamy bechamel, tangy tofu ricotta, veggies, and tomato sauce: all you need for a heavenly vegan lasagna!
Cook Time: 1 Hour 35 Minutes
Roasted Tomato Spaghetti with Spinach and Chickpeas
This Roasted Tomato Spaghetti w/ Spinach & Chickpeas by Janet of Munchmeals by Janet is a delicious, savory and simple pasta with lots of vegetables, chickpeas, and flavor!
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Amazing Vegan Baked Ziti
This Amazing Vegan Baked Ziti by Brandi of The Vegan 8 is the best comfort food to make any weeknight. Creamy, rich and made with whole foods and easy ingredients!
Cook Time: 53 Minutes
PS: for a bonus meaty red sauce pasta recipe that takes just 15 minutes, scroll to the bottom of this post!
Creamy Pastas
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
This is the BEST vegan mushroom stroganoff you will ever try! It’s packed with umami, is super flavorful, and is so creamy you won’t believe it’s dairy-free and vegan. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
Cook Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Hummus Pasta
Hummus Pasta by Jessica in the Kitchen is an incredibly easy vegan pasta perfect for a weeknight dinner! Creamy, very customizable and made in only 20 minutes!
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Vegan Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells
My vegan Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed shells are cheesy, creamy, chewy, and garlicky. Made with a homemade vegan ricotta spread, pumpkin, and the best garlic béchamel sauce, you’ll never put your fork down! Perfect for fall holidays!
Cook Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Vegan Creamy Cajun Pasta with Breaded Tofu
In this Vegan Creamy Cajun Pasta with Crisp Breaded Tofu, Richa of Vegan Richa shows you how to make a tasty nut-free Creamy Cajun Spice Sauce tossed with farfalle noodles that boasts a whopping 23 Grams of Protein per serving!
Cook Time: 40 Minutes
Creamy Lemon Asparagus Pasta
My Creamy Lemon Asparagus Pasta is a vegan spin on Spaghetti al Limone bursting with zippy and bright spring flavors. It’s features crisp-tender asparagus, fresh herbs, and a citrusy olive oil sauce that’s naturally creamy (no cream or flour). Easy but gourmet!
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Crispy Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese
My Crispy Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. An incredibly creamy (and easy) vegan cheese sauce gets paired with elbow macaroni, covered in a crispy and buttery breadcrumb, and then baked in the oven.
Cook Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Check out this recipe
10-Ingredient Creamy Vegan Pantry Pasta
This 10-Ingredient Creamy Vegan Pantry Pasta is made with just a handful of everyday pantry staples and it’ll quickly become part of your regular easy weeknight dinner rotation. It’s creamy, cheesy, and smoky and indulgent yet healthy, and guaranteed to be a crowd pleasing meal.
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Tahini Pasta
My tahini pasta is rich, comforting, and ultra-creamy! Pasta and broccoli are dressed in a lemon tahini sauce before being mixed with garlic, shallots, basil, and lemon zest. Ready in 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Vegetable-Forward Pastas
Creamy Vegan Lemon Pasta with Spring Vegetables
This Creamy Vegan Lemon Pasta by Caitlin of From My Bowl is full of bright citrus flavor and packed with spring veggies for a wholesome and refreshing meal that’s both vegan & gluten-free!
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Creamy Vegan White Pasta with Summer Vegetables
Inspired by summer produce and a love for pasta, Minimalist Baker dreamt up this dish with sautéed yellow squash, red onion, roasted cherry tomatoes, and a light vegan white sauce. The result is an incredibly hearty yet light pasta with an abundance of vegetables and greens.
Cook Time: 1 Hour
Creamy Zucchini Pasta with Sweet Corn
This creamy vegan zucchini pasta with sweet corn from Larisha of Make It Dairy Free is an amazing vegan late summer pasta with fresh garden vegetables! You'll love how fast it comes together!
Vegan Spring Pasta Bake
This tasty pasta bake from Joanne of Olive & Mango is full of spring flavors. With sweet asparagus, bright basil, and dollops of lemon zest spiked vegan ricotta, every bite tastes like spring!
Cook Time: 1 Hour
Vegan Pasta Primavera
This Vegan Pasta Primavera from Stephanie of Grateful Grazer is a plant-based version of the classic, Italian-American pasta dish with colorful vegetables tossed in a flavorful lemon cream sauce.
Herb-Based Pastas
Creamy Vegan Zucchini Pesto Pasta
A spin on the classic pesto, my Creamy Vegan Zucchini Pesto Pasta is made with caramelized zucchini and garlic, pine nuts, basil, and lemon zest and finished with chickpeas and extra caramelized zucchini. Easy, weeknight-friendly, and just 9 ingredients, it’s a delicious summer dinner idea!
Cook Time: 40 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Fresh and Herby Summer Pasta
Here’s a light and fresh, herby summer pasta recipe by Hannah of Two Spoons. Made with roasted cherry tomatoes, corn, and basil. Enjoy this fresh dish for a wholesome dinner.
Cook Time: 35 Minutes
Garlic Butter & Herb Pasta with Chickpeas
This garlic butter pasta by Alissa of Connoisseurus Veg is packed with flavor and super easy to make! Fresh herbs pack in flavor, while chickpeas add protein to this easy vegan dinner.
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
10-Ingredient Roasted Eggplant Pasta
My simple, 10-ingredient Roasted Eggplant Pasta makes a great weeknight vegan dinner. Pasta gets paired with roasted eggplant, zucchini ribbons, a roasted garlic dressing, and gremolata for lots of fresh flavor.
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Pasta Salads
Tahini and Greens Pasta Salad
Just like classic pasta salad but much better for you! Instead of mayo, the creaminess comes from tahini, and for freshness, lots of lemon, basil, dil, and parsley. Green beans and asparagus get cooked with pasta at the same time, making this an easy meal.
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Check out this recipe
Vegan Street Corn Pasta Salad
You can enjoy this simple and delicious vegan street corn pasta salad by Chris and Jasmine of Sweet Simple Vegan in less than 15-minutes! It’s the perfect budget-friendly side to bring to BBQ’s & Picnics all summer long.
Cook Time: 13 Minutes
Grilled Broccoli & Pepperoncini Pasta Salad with Basil
For a unique pasta salad, try this Grilled Broccoli & Pepperoncini Pasta Salad recipe from Laura of The First Mess! It’s tossed with lemony oregano dressing and fresh basil is a simple and hearty summer side dish.
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Vegan Pasta Salad
My vegan pasta salad is guaranteed to impress at all your summer BBQs and picnics! Pasta is coated in a creamy and dreamy roasted red pepper sauce and topped with a herby bread crumb topping for extra fresh flavor for an exquisite, grown-up pasta salad.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Check out this recipe
Bonus Recipe: Sausage and Greens Pasta
As mentioned above, here’s a bonus weeknight recipe I turn to when I don’t have a lot of time or I’m feeling lazy.
30 Vegan Pasta Recipes: Easy Sausage and Greens Pasta
Nisha Vora
5 from 23 votes
PrintPin
This vegan Sausage and Greens Pasta is a 15-minute vegan pasta recipe that is meaty, hearty, and so satisfying. Jazz up store-bought marinara sauce, cook your favorite vegan sausage and lots of greens, and you're on your way to a simple but gourmet-tasting meal!
Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 15 minutes mins
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Diet Vegan
Serving size: 2
Ingredients
- 6 ounces (170g) rigatoni (or other ridged pasta)
- 2 links of your favorite vegan sausage (6-8 oz, 170-230g) (I like Beyond Meat or Field Roast Italian)
- Olive oil, as needed
- 2 cups (475-500g) of your favorite marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more to finish
- 1 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 4 large handfuls of baby spinach or baby kale
- 1 large handful of basil (slivered) or flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt the water generously. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions just until al dente – don’t cook until soft, it will continue cooking in the sauce!
Meanwhile, slice or crumble the vegan sausage, depending on your variety (Beyond Meat crumbles; Field Roast slices).
Heat a large nonstick saute pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a touch of olive oil (if needed) and add the vegan sausage (if you have a good nonstick pan, you likely won't need oil). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned.
While the sausage is cooking, mix the marinara sauce with the tomato paste, oregano, red pepper flakes, and nutritional yeast and stir to combine.
Once the sausage is mostly browned, add the spinach or kale and cook for 30-60 seconds until almost wilted but still bright green. Pour in the marinara sauce mixture and toss to combine.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the hot cooked pasta from the pot into the saute pan. Toss the pasta with the sauce and sausage and stir to combine for about 1 minute.
Sprinkle with extra red pepper flakes or black pepper before serving, and top with basil or parsley.
Calories: 619kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1124mg | Potassium: 1465mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 7019IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 126mg | Iron: 7mg
