10 Hearty Vegan Pasta Recipes

Pasta lovers, rejoice! 🍝 Get ready to twirl your forks through some seriously delicious vegan pasta dishes that’ll make you forget all about the traditional dairy-laden versions. I’ve teamed up with some of the most creative plant-based chefs to bring you a mouthwatering lineup of hearty vegan pasta recipes that’ll have you saying “Holy cannelloni!” Whether you’re craving creamy comfort food, zesty Mediterranean flavors, or bold Asian-inspired noodles, we’ve got you covered. These recipes are flexible, forgiving, and perfect for busy weeknights or impressing your non-vegan friends at your next dinner party. So grab your apron, fire up that stovetop, and let’s dive into some pasta perfection!

Creamy Cashew Alfredo Fettuccine

Oh. My. Gosh. If you’ve been missing that rich, indulgent alfredo sauce since going vegan, prepare to have your mind blown!

This cashew-based alfredo sauce is so creamy and luxurious, you’ll want to bathe in it. (Please don’t actually do that. It would be messy and probably attract ants.)

To whip up this dreamy sauce, you’ll blend soaked cashews with nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, and plant milk until silky smooth.

Toss it with al dente fettuccine and top with some vegan parmesan and fresh parsley. Boom! Instant pasta nirvana.

Pro tip: Make extra sauce and use it as a dip for veggies or spread for sandwiches. You can thank me later.

Smoky Tempeh Carbonara

Remember those carbonara cravings that used to hit you at 2 AM after a night out? Well, get ready for a plant-based version that’ll satisfy those late-night pasta desires without the guilt (or the meat sweats).

This veganized carbonara swaps out the pancetta for smoky tempeh crumbles that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

The sauce is a creamy blend of silken tofu, nutritional yeast, and black salt (for that eggy flavor), with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra oomph.

Toss it all with spaghetti and watch as your friends fight over the last forkful. (Maybe make a double batch to avoid potential pasta-related violence.)

Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni

Let’s be real: sometimes you just need a big ol’ bowl of comfort food to make everything feel right in the world. This roasted red pepper rigatoni is like a warm hug for your insides.

The sauce is a velvety blend of roasted red peppers, cashews, and sun-dried tomatoes that’ll have you licking the plate clean. (No judgment here – we’ve all been there.)

Toss it with rigatoni pasta to catch all that saucy goodness in those little tubes. Top it off with some vegan sausage crumbles and fresh basil, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’ll make you forget all about your ex. (Or your current partner. Whoops, did I say that out loud?)

Lemon Asparagus Orecchiette

Spring has sprung, and it’s time to lighten things up a bit! This lemon asparagus orecchiette is like sunshine in a bowl – bright, fresh, and guaranteed to put a spring in your step. (See what I did there?)

The star of the show is tender-crisp asparagus, sautéed with garlic and lemon zest. Toss it with cute little ear-shaped orecchiette pasta and a light sauce made from olive oil, lemon juice, and pasta water.

Finish it off with a sprinkle of vegan parmesan and some toasted pine nuts for crunch. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy on your patio while sipping a crisp white wine and pretending you’re in Italy. (Hey, we can dream, right?)

Spicy Arrabbiata Penne

Alright, spice lovers, this one’s for you! If you like your pasta with a kick, this arrabbiata penne will light your taste buds on fire (in the best way possible).

The sauce is a fiery blend of San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and a splash of red wine (chef’s treat – you know what to do with the rest of that bottle).

Simmer it until it’s thick and luscious, then toss it with al dente penne pasta. Top it off with some vegan parmesan and fresh basil, and get ready to sweat.

Warning: This dish may cause spontaneous exclamations of “Mamma mia!” and uncontrollable hand gestures.

Creamy Pumpkin Sage Lasagna

Fall vibes, anyone? This pumpkin sage lasagna is like wrapping yourself in a cozy sweater and diving headfirst into a pile of autumn leaves. (But, you know, edible and way more delicious.)

Layer lasagna noodles with a creamy pumpkin bechamel sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and crispy sage leaves. Top it all off with a cashew ricotta that’ll make you forget all about its dairy counterpart.

Bake until golden and bubbly, then try not to face-plant directly into the pan. (Again, no judgment here. We’ve all been tempted.)

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Sometimes you need a pasta dish that won’t weigh you down, and this Mediterranean orzo salad is here to save the day! It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for those “I accidentally ate an entire pizza yesterday” kind of days.

Cook up some orzo pasta and toss it with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and red onion. Drizzle it all with a lemony herb dressing and sprinkle with some vegan feta cheese.

It’s like taking a quick trip to the Greek islands, minus the sunburn and questionable ouzo decisions.

Garlicky Mushroom Linguine

Calling all garlic lovers! This mushroom linguine is not first-date friendly, but it’s so good you won’t even care about your breath. (Just keep some mints handy, okay?)

Sauté a medley of mushrooms (I’m talking shiitake, oyster, and cremini – get fancy with it!) with an obscene amount of garlic. Toss it all with linguine pasta and a simple sauce made from olive oil, pasta water, and vegan butter.

Finish it off with a handful of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten things up. It’s earthy, it’s garlicky, and it’s absolutely irresistible.

Thai-Inspired Peanut Noodles

Who says pasta always has to be Italian? Let’s take a little trip to Thailand with these peanut noodles that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha.

Whip up a creamy peanut sauce with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of maple syrup. Toss it with your favorite noodles (I like rice noodles for this, but you do you) and add in some crunchy veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and edamame.

Top it all off with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!

One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

Last but not least, let’s end with a dish that’s so easy, you could probably make it with your eyes closed. (But please don’t actually try that. Safety first, people!)

This one-pot wonder is perfect for those nights when you can’t be bothered to do a sink full of dishes. Throw pasta, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil into a pot with some veggie broth and let it all simmer together.

The pasta soaks up all that flavorful liquid, the tomatoes burst into saucy goodness, and you’re left with a bowl of pure comfort food magic. Top it with some vegan parmesan and extra basil, and pat yourself on the back for being a kitchen genius.

There you have it, folks – ten hearty vegan pasta recipes that’ll make you want to carb-load for days! From creamy indulgences to light and zesty options, there’s something here for every pasta lover.

Remember, these recipes are just starting points – feel free to get creative and add your own twists. Throw in some extra veggies, swap out the pasta shapes, or go wild with different herbs and spices. The pasta-bilities are endless! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)

So, what are you waiting for? Get that pot of water boiling and prepare to embark on a vegan pasta adventure that’ll make your taste buds sing and your belly very, very happy.

Just don’t blame me when you find yourself spooning your leftover pasta at midnight, whispering sweet nothings to your fork. It happens to the best of us. Now go forth and mangia!