10+ Healthy Dinner Recipes Vegetarian Pasta for Deliciously Nutritious Meals

Healthy vegetarian pasta dishes can be a delicious and satisfying option for your dinner table. With the right ingredients and flavors, you can create meals that are both fulfilling and nutritious. These recipes not only cater to a vegetarian lifestyle but also provide essential nutrients to keep you energized and satisfied.

Exploring various pasta shapes and fresh vegetables allows you to enjoy a variety of textures and flavors in your meals. These dishes can be simple to prepare and can often be made in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Embrace the joy of cooking with these healthy vegetarian pasta recipes that you and your family will love.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a delicious vegetarian option for dinner. These pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture that’s both healthy and satisfying.

To make this dish, you first cook the pasta shells until they are al dente. While they cook, sauté some garlic and spinach until they wilt. Mix this with ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and a bit of seasoning.

Next, stuff the cooked shells with your mixture. Place them in a baking dish and cover with marinara sauce and cheese. Bake the dish at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

This meal is great for any night of the week. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients:

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Fresh spinach
• Ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden.
4. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
5. In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, sautéed spinach, salt, and pepper.
6. Stuff the shells with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
7. Pour marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
8. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

2) Lemon Asparagus Pasta

Lemon asparagus pasta is a bright and flavorful dish you’ll love. It’s quick to make and perfect for a healthy dinner. The fresh taste of asparagus pairs well with the zesty lemon, creating a refreshing meal.

You can easily prepare this dish in about 20 minutes. Start by roasting the asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F (204°C) until tender. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to the package instructions.

Once everything is ready, toss the pasta with the roasted asparagus. Add lemon juice and zest for that lovely citrus flavor. You can even mix in a creamy sauce if you desire.

This dish is not only delicious but also vegan and budget-friendly. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (your choice)
• 1 bunch asparagus
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for about 15 minutes.
3. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
4. Once cooked, drain the pasta and combine it with roasted asparagus.
5. Add lemon juice and zest, and mix well before serving.

3) Caprese Pesto Penne

Caprese Pesto Penne is a delicious and quick vegetarian dish. It combines fresh basil pesto with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella for a tasty meal. You can make it in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions. As the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan. Add diced tomatoes and garlic, and let them simmer for a few minutes until fragrant.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the pan with the tomatoes. Stir in the pesto and mozzarella. Toss everything together until well combined. Serve warm and enjoy this tasty dish!

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh basil pesto
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and tomatoes, cooking for 3-5 minutes.
4. Drain the pasta and add it to the pan.
5. Stir in pesto and mozzarella, mixing well.
6. Serve warm.

4) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Broccoli

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Broccoli is a simple yet tasty dish. It’s packed with flavor and good nutrition. The garlic and olive oil create a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with the broccoli.

Start by cooking the spaghetti until it’s al dente. You can use whole wheat spaghetti for added health benefits. While your pasta cooks, stir-fry minced garlic in olive oil until it’s golden.

Next, add the broccoli florets to boiling water. Blanch them for about 3 minutes, then strain.

Combine the pasta and broccoli with the garlic oil. Toss everything together, adding red pepper flakes for a little heat if you like.

This meal is not only easy to make but also very satisfying. You can enjoy it as a quick dinner or even as a side dish.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti (8 oz or 225g)
• Broccoli florets (2 cups)
• Olive oil (1/4 cup)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water and cook spaghetti until al dente.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until golden.
3. Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 3 minutes.
4. Strain broccoli and add to the spaghetti.
5. Combine everything and toss with red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy!

5) Mushroom Stroganoff

Mushroom Stroganoff is a creamy and hearty dish that you can enjoy any night of the week. This vegetarian version uses fresh mushrooms, making it rich in flavor and nutrients.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until they’re soft. Then, add sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook them until they release their moisture and become brown.

Next, mix in vegetable broth and a pinch of Worcestershire sauce for depth. To create the creamy sauce, stir in some plain yogurt or sour cream. You can adjust the thickness by adding more broth if needed.

Serve this delicious stroganoff over your favorite pasta, rice, or even baked potatoes. You’ll love how quick and satisfying it is!

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup (120 g) plain yogurt or sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pasta or rice to serve

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add the sliced onion and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook until brown.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Add yogurt or sour cream and mix well.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve over cooked pasta or rice.

6) Tomato Basil Pasta with Olives

Tomato Basil Pasta with olives is a fresh, vibrant dish that’s easy to make. You will love how quickly this meal comes together.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package directions. While it cooks, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a pan and add minced garlic. Sauté it gently to release the flavors without browning.

Next, add ripe cherry tomatoes and sliced olives. Cook until the tomatoes start to burst and create a rich sauce. Stir in fresh basil for a delightful aroma.

Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce and coat it well. You can add a splash of the pasta water if you want a silkier texture.

This dish is not just quick but also packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup olives, sliced (kalamata or green)
• Fresh basil leaves, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in cherry tomatoes and olives; cook until tomatoes burst.
5. Add fresh basil and mix well.
6. Toss the pasta in the sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste.

7) Pumpkin Sage Pasta

Pumpkin sage pasta is a delicious and healthy dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. It’s creamy, comforting, and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. You will love the flavors of pumpkin combined with fresh sage.

This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by using plant-based ingredients. For a vegan option, swap in coconut milk for dairy, and use your favorite pasta shape.

The key ingredients include pumpkin puree, fresh sage, and garlic, which bring a warm flavor that’s perfect for fall. You can also add nuts or seeds for some crunch.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a large pan, combine pumpkin puree, coconut milk, sage, and garlic.
3. Heat on medium until warm.
4. Add cooked pasta and mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

8) Zucchini Noodles Primavera

Zucchini Noodles Primavera offers a tasty twist on pasta. You swap traditional pasta for spiralized zucchini, making it lighter and healthier. This dish is full of vibrant vegetables, so it’s colorful and nutritious.

To prepare, simply sauté garlic in olive oil. Then, add sliced carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes. These veggies create a mix of flavors and textures.

Add your zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss them with the cooked veggies and a light cream sauce. Remember not to cook the zoodles for too long to maintain their crunchiness.

This dish is quick, perfect for busy nights. Plus, you can adjust the vegetables based on what you have at home.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (375°F or 190°C).
3. Sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add carrot, bell pepper, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
5. Mix in zucchini noodles and toss to combine. Enjoy!

9) Eggplant Parmesan Pasta

Eggplant Parmesan Pasta is a tasty and healthy dish that’s perfect for dinner. You’ll enjoy the flavors of roasted eggplant combined with pasta and a rich tomato sauce. It’s easy to make and satisfying.

Start by roasting your eggplant until it’s tender. This helps enhance its natural flavors. While it’s roasting, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Make sure to add a little salt to the water for better taste.

Next, combine the roasted eggplant with your favorite marinara sauce. You can use homemade sauce or a store-bought option. Toss it all together with your cooked pasta.

For a cheesy touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. You can also add some fresh basil for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant
• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Fresh basil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the eggplant and sprinkle with salt.
3. Roast eggplant for 25 minutes.
4. Cook pasta according to package directions.
5. Combine roasted eggplant and marinara sauce.
6. Toss with pasta and add Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve with fresh basil if desired.

10) Brussels Sprout Alfredo

Brussels Sprout Alfredo is a delicious way to enjoy pasta while adding some healthy greens. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with roasted or sautéed Brussels sprouts. This dish is simple, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week.

To make this recipe, you’ll need your favorite pasta and fresh Brussels sprouts. Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming and slicing them.

In a pan, sauté the sprouts in olive oil until they become tender. For added flavor, mix in garlic and onion. To create the Alfredo sauce, you can use plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, and a touch of lemon for brightness. Combine everything together and serve hot.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup plant-based milk
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

2. Trim and slice Brussels sprouts.

3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

4. Sauté Brussels sprouts, garlic, and onion until they become tender.

5. In a bowl, mix plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.

6. Combine the cooked pasta with the sautéed mixture and sauce.

7. Serve warm.

8. Enjoy your meal!