10+ Meatless Pasta Recipes for Dinner That Everyone Will Love

Meatless pasta dishes can be both satisfying and delicious, offering a great way to enjoy a healthy meal. If you’re looking for quick, tasty, and meat-free dinner options, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just want to try something new, these recipes can make your dinner enjoyable and nutritious.

From creamy sauces to vibrant vegetable blends, there are endless possibilities for creating the perfect meatless pasta meal. You can impress your family or guests with flavorful dishes that are easy to prepare and full of fresh ingredients.

Let’s explore some great options to help you enjoy pasta night without the meat!

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Broccoli

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Broccoli is a simple and delicious dish. It combines garlic, olive oil, and fresh broccoli for a satisfying meal. You can enjoy it any night of the week!

First, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. In the last few minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. This helps them stay vibrant and tender.

Once the pasta and broccoli are done, reserve some pasta water, then drain them. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until golden.

Next, add the cooked spaghetti and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.

Top with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for some extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 300 g spaghetti
• 200 g broccoli florets
• 100 ml olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a large pot.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
3. Add broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking.
4. Reserve pasta water before draining.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
6. Sauté minced garlic until golden.
7. Add spaghetti and broccoli to the skillet. Toss well.
8. Add reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
9. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Enjoy!

2) Chickpea and Spinach Pasta

Chickpea and spinach pasta is a tasty and healthy option for dinner. It combines the nutritious goodness of chickpeas with fresh spinach. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight meal.

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, so the pasta has a slight bite. Once cooked, rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.

In a skillet, heat some oil and add minced garlic with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. Sauté for about 30 seconds, then add the fresh spinach. Cook until it wilts, then stir in the chickpeas.

Finally, combine the pasta with the spinach and chickpeas. Toss everything together to blend the flavors. You can serve this with a sprinkle of cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.

Ingredients

• Pasta (your choice)
• Canned chickpeas
• Fresh spinach
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. Rinse pasta in cold water.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-low heat (about 300°F/150°C).
4. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Stir in chickpeas.
7. Combine with the pasta and mix well.

3) Lemon Garlic Butter Mushroom Pasta

Lemon garlic butter mushroom pasta is a delightful and quick meal for any day. This rich dish combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with bright lemon and savory garlic.

To start, you’ll sauté fresh garlic and mushrooms in butter. The aroma fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist. Adding lemon juice and zest brings a refreshing taste that balances the richness.

For the pasta, you can use any type you like. Angel hair or spaghetti works well. Cook it until it’s al dente, then toss it with your garlic mushroom mixture.

Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an added touch. It’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a meatless dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (like spaghetti)
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and mushrooms; sauté until tender.
4. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss pasta with the mushroom mixture.
6. Serve with Parmesan and parsley on top.

4) Eggplant and Zucchini Pasta Bake

Eggplant and Zucchini Pasta Bake is a delicious meatless option for dinner. This dish combines the rich flavors of roasted vegetables with pasta, creating a hearty meal that’s satisfying and easy to prepare.

Start with fresh eggplant and zucchini. When roasted, they bring out their natural sweetness. Mix them with your favorite pasta and a savory tomato sauce. You can even add cheese for extra creaminess.

This dish is great for families since it’s filling and healthy. Plus, it’s easy to customize. You can add other veggies or even some herbs for added flavor. Baking it helps all the ingredients blend together beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant, diced
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 2 cups pasta (any type you prefer)
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss the eggplant and zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast the veggies for 20-25 minutes until tender.
4. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
5. Mix the roasted vegetables with the pasta and tomato sauce.
6. Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top with cheese if using.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.

5) Creamy Avocado Basil Pesto Pasta

Creamy Avocado Basil Pesto Pasta is a delicious and healthy option for dinner. This recipe is quick to prepare and full of flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

You’ll start with ripe avocados, fresh basil, garlic, and lemon juice. These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy sauce. You can toss this pesto with your favorite pasta for a tasty meal.

Add some cherry tomatoes for a fresh touch, and if you like, top it with crispy kale. This dish is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients. You will love how easy it is to make healthy choices!

Ingredients

• 1 lb pasta
• 1 large avocado
• 1 ½ cups fresh basil leaves
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup cashews or other nuts
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a blender, combine avocado, basil, garlic, lemon juice, and nuts.
3. Blend until smooth while slowly adding olive oil.
4. Toss the pesto with the cooked pasta.
5. Add cherry tomatoes and mix gently. Enjoy!

6) Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta

Butternut squash and sage pasta is a delightful meatless dish perfect for dinner. It combines creamy squash with the warm flavor of sage, creating a comforting meal.

Start by roasting the butternut squash until it’s tender. This brings out its natural sweetness. Then, sauté fresh sage in a bit of olive oil. This adds a fragrant touch to your dish.

Blend the roasted squash with a splash of cream and some pasta cooking water to create a smooth sauce. Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta, like fettuccine or penne.

Finally, add some toasted walnuts for crunch and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you like.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the butternut squash for about 25-30 minutes.
3. Sauté sage in olive oil until fragrant.
4. Blend squash with cream and season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook pasta according to package directions.
6. Combine pasta with the sauce and walnuts.
7. Serve, topping with Parmesan if desired.

7) Spinach and Artichoke Penne

Spinach and artichoke penne is a tasty meatless dish that brings together great flavors. The creamy texture from the cheese pairs well with the spinach and artichokes, making it satisfying.

Start by cooking your penne pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, you can prepare the creamy sauce.

Sauté fresh spinach until it wilts, then add artichoke hearts for added flavor. Stir in cream cheese until melted, making the sauce smooth. Season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Combine the cooked penne with the sauce for a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (about 225 g) penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 can (14 oz or 400 g) artichoke hearts, drained
• 4 oz (about 115 g) cream cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water.
2. Cook penne pasta until al dente, then drain.
3. In a skillet, sauté spinach until wilted.
4. Add artichoke hearts and cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Mix in cooked penne and serve warm.

8) Lentil Bolognese with Tagliatelle

Lentil Bolognese is a delicious meatless pasta option that satisfies your cravings for a hearty dinner. Using lentils instead of meat, this dish delivers both flavor and nutrition. Tagliatelle pairs beautifully with this rich sauce.

To make your Lentil Bolognese, start by cooking lentils in a savory tomato sauce with vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. Simmer everything together for a while to let the flavors mesh nicely.

While the sauce cooks, prepare your tagliatelle according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is ready, serve it topped with the warm lentil sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or any gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 cups lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tagliatelle (about 8 oz or 225 g)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the lentils, crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
5. Cook tagliatelle according to package instructions.
6. Serve pasta with the lentil sauce on top.

9) Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese pasta salad is a fresh and tasty dish. It’s perfect for dinner and packs a lot of flavor. You can make it quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy nights.

Start with cooked pasta, then add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar brings everything together with a tangy taste.

It’s not only easy to prepare, but it’s also visually appealing. The bright colors make it a hit at any meal or gathering.

You can serve it as a main dish or a side. This salad is light, refreshing, and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (about 225 grams) pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella balls
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine. Enjoy!

10) Garlic and Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce

Garlic and Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce is a delicious and healthy option for your pasta. This sauce offers a creamy texture without heavy cream.

Start by cooking cauliflower until soft. You can steam or boil it. Roasted garlic adds a rich flavor. Blend the cauliflower and garlic with some milk for smoothness.

Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of nutmeg for warmth. You can toss this sauce with your favorite pasta. It pairs well with fettuccine or penne.

This dish is filling and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy vegetables in a tasty manner.

Ingredients

• 1 medium cauliflower
• 4 cloves garlic, roasted
• 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the cauliflower until soft. This should take about 10 minutes.
2. Roast garlic cloves in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
3. Blend cauliflower, roasted garlic, and milk until smooth.
4. Heat butter in a pan, then add the blended mixture.
5. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Toss the sauce with cooked pasta and enjoy!