20+ Vegan Pasta Recipes from Dietitians

Pasta is the ultimate pantry staple – it’s an affordable crowd-pleaser, and the fact that it cooks quickly makes it perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Even better, pasta dishes can be customized to fit into any dietary pattern. Whether you’re vegan, following a predominantly plant-based diet, or simply trying to reduce your intake of animal products, there are plenty of satisfying and delicious ways to enjoy pasta. There are also lots of gluten-free options in the mix for those who need them! These 25+ vegan pasta recipes offer the creaminess and heartiness you crave without the dairy and meat that are commonly found in traditional pasta recipes.

How To Build a Balanced Vegan Pasta Meal

As you look through these vegan pasta recipes, you may consider pairing some of them with additional sides, toppings, or add-ins to meet your nutrient needs. Keep in mind that the three macronutrients – protein, carbs, and fat – are all necessary to fuel your body, and ensuring that your meal contains them all in adequate amounts will help you feel satisfied and energized. Here are some tips for getting enough of each on pasta night:

Protein

You’ll notice several of these recipes call for legume pastas, which are an easy way to boost the protein content of a pasta dish. Brands like Banza, Tolerant, Explore Cuisine, and Barilla offer varieties made from chickpeas, lentils, and soybeans that contain anywhere from 11 to 24 grams of protein per 2 oz serving. You can also find store-brand legume pastas at Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods. With so many varieties out there, it’s a good idea to try a few to see which (if any!) appeal to you, and swap your favorites into recipes. If you’re opting for a traditional wheat-based pasta, protein rich add-ins like plant-based meat alternatives, beans, and lentils can help balance out the meal, like in this Broccoli Rabe White Bean Pasta.

Carbs

A few of these recipes use lower-carb options like spaghetti squash or zucchini instead of traditional boxed noodles. If you enjoy this substitution, it’s a great way to get in some extra veggies. However, you may want to add a side of bread or mix in some regular pasta to make sure you’re getting enough carbs for optimal satisfaction and energy levels, especially if you’re eating a pre-workout or post-workout meal! For recipes that don’t contain much in the way of veggies, you can never go wrong adding some finely chopped zucchini and spinach to the sauce or tossing some cooked asparagus or broccoli into the finished dish for a boost of additional fiber and nutrients.

Fat

There are plenty of ingredients in these vegan pasta recipes that contain satisfying fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and hummus. Pine nuts or a nut-based vegan “parmesan” are also delicious as a topping on any pasta dish!

20+ Delicious Vegan Pasta Recipes

Now on to the deliciousness. From red sauces to creamy sauces to pestos, served with a variety of add-ins and noodle types, these 20+ vegan pasta recipes offer something for everyone! 

Vegan Meat Sauce over Chickpea Pasta

Vegan Meat Sauce over Chickpea Pasta

Made with meatless crumbles and chickpea pasta, this “meaty” pasta dish from fellow RD Lauren of Nutrition Starring YOU is both vegan and gluten-free and provides plenty of plant-based protein.

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High-Protein Vegan Lasagna

High-Protein Vegan Lasagna

This lasagna will fool dairy lovers with its rich tofu ricotta and bold flavors. With high protein ingredients it'll satisfy active individuals while repairing muscle, too!

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Dairy-Free Penne Vodka

Dairy-Free Penne Vodka

Sun dried tomato hummus adds creaminess to this delicious vegan penne vodka from fellow RD Emily of Sinful Nutrition!

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Butternut Squash and Sweet Pea Sage Pasta

Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta

This vegan and gluten free butternut squash and pea pasta can be made in 20 minutes as a flavorful and filling weeknight meal.

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Vegan Hummus Pasta

Vegan Hummus Pasta

This vegan one pot dish from fellow RD Nicole of Lettuce Veg Out is loaded with Mediterranean inspired goodness and pairs nicely with baked tofu or tempeh.

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Creamy Dairy-Free Tomato Sauce

Creamy Dairy-Free Tomato Sauce

With help from cashews, this creamy dairy-free tomato sauce offers the textures and flavors you crave, plus a dose of healthy mono-unsaturated fats.

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One Pan Pasta with Chickpeas and Tomatoes

One Pot Pasta with Chickpeas and Tomatoes

Another one pot dish, this easy vegan pasta recipe from fellow RD Melissa makes use of spring veggies for a flavorful and nutrient-dense dish

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Broccoli Rabe & White Bean Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and White Bean Pasta

This broccoli rabe pasta is filled with satisfying flavors, nourishing carbohydrates, plant based protein and essential nutrients to keep you energized for your busy life.

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Vegan Mac & Cheese

Vegan Mac & Cheese

This vegan take on a classic comfort food from fellow RD Emily of Sinful Nutrition is creamy, satisfying, and nut-free!

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Black Bean Pasta Salad with Spicy Cashew Romesco

Black Bean Pasta Salad with Spicy Cashew Romesco

This hearty black bean pasta with vegan cashew romesco sauce is packed with plant-based protein and makes sticking to your food budget easy.

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Penne with Cauliflower Curried Cream Sauce

Penne with Cauliflower Curried Cream Sauce

Creamy blended cauliflower gives this delicious and unique curried pasta dish from fellow RD Ginger of Champagne Nutrition a nutrient boost.

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Gluten-Free Hummus Pasta Salad

Gluten-Free Hummus Pasta Salad

Hummus takes this vegan pasta salad from fellow RD Sarah of Bucket List Tummy up a notch. It’s ready in just 15 minutes and is perfect for meal prep.

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High Protein Pesto Pasta

High Protein Pesto Pasta

Made with just 5 ingredients, this high protein pesto pasta can be made vegan or vegetarian and is well balanced to help you reach your fitness goals.

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Vegan Pumpkin Cilantro Pesto

Vegan Pumpkin Cilantro Pesto

This vegan cilantro pesto made with pumpkin purée and hemp seeds is a unique and delicious sauce that adds flavor to any pasta dish. Try it in the HIgh Protein Pesto Pasta recipe above!

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Mexican Pasta Salad

Mexican Pasta Salad

With a zesty cilantro lime dressing, this vegan pasta salad from fellow RD Jess is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and make-ahead lunches!

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Thai Red Curry Pasta

Thai Red Curry Pasta

This unique vegan pasta dish from fellow RD Nicole of Lettuce Veg Out is loaded with flavor from Thai red curry paste, fresh garlic, and creamy coconut milk plus plant protein from chickpeas and edamame.

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Plum Tomato & Lentil Bolognese with Spaghetti Squash

Plum Tomato & Lentil Bolognese with Spaghetti Squash

This vegan bolognese gets extra protein and fiber from lentils and goes great with spaghetti squash or your choice of noodles.

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Vegan Pasta for Toddlers

Vegan Pasta for Toddlers

Need a vegan alternative to mac & cheese that your toddler will love? Look no further than this simple, family-friendly recipe from fellow RD Kacie of Mama Knows Nutrition.

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Mediterranean Pasta with Kale

Mediterranean Pasta with Kale

This Mediterranean pasta from fellow RD Jessianna of The KidneyRD is packed with fresh veggies and herbs. It’s perfect for anyone who needs to follow a lower protein diet, but can also be made with a higher protein noodle or paired with your favorite vegan protein sources.

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Spring Onion and Asparagus Zucchini Pasta

Spring Onion and Asparagus Zucchini Pasta

Made with zoodles instead of noodles, this light spring dish incorporates several servings of veggies!

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Spinach Zucchini Pasta with Garlic and Lime

Spinach Zucchini Pasta with Garlic and Lime

This tasty side dish from fellow RD Jeanette of The Radiant Root also uses zucchini ribbons in place of traditional noodles to help boost your veggie intake.

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Flavorful Homemade Marinara

Flavorful Homemade Marinara Sauce

This homemade marinara sauce is lower in added sugar than most store bought options and is a great starting point for a vegan pasta or pizzas.

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What are your favorite vegan pasta recipes? Let us know in the comments!