6 Delicious Vegan Pasta Recipes for Plant-Based Eaters

As the popularity of plant-based diets continues to grow, more and more people are discovering the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. Not only is a vegan diet better for the environment, it can also improve your health and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

 

One of the challenges that many plant-based eaters face is finding tasty and satisfying meal options that are free from animal products. However, with the right recipes and ingredients, vegan cooking can be just as delicious and satisfying as any other cuisine. In this article, we'll explore some mouth-watering vegan pasta recipes that are perfect for plant-based eaters.

( 1 ) Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese:
Spaghetti bolognese is a classic Italian dish that's typically made with ground beef and tomato sauce. However, this vegan version is just as delicious and satisfying. The key is to use mushrooms and lentils instead of meat for a hearty and flavorful texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. spaghetti
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz. mushrooms, chopped
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
• In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.
• Add mushrooms and sauté until browned and tender.
• Add lentils, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Serve sauce over spaghetti.

( 2 ) Vegan Alfredo Pasta:

Alfredo sauce is a rich and creamy sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. This vegan version uses cashews and nutritional yeast for a similar creamy texture and cheesy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp. nutritional yeast
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook fettuccine according to package directions.
• Drain cashews and add to a blender with water, nutritional yeast, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Heat sauce in a pan over medium heat until heated through.
• Serve sauce over fettuccine.

( 3 ) Vegan Pesto Pasta:
Pesto is a flavorful sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. This vegan version uses nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar cheesy flavor, and adds avocado for extra creaminess.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 avocado, peeled and pitted
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook penne pasta according to package directions.
• In a blender or food processor, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, avocado, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
• Toss sauce with cooked penne pasta.

( 4 ) Vegan Tomato and Basil Pasta:

This vegan pasta recipe is simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor. The combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and garlic-infused olive oil makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. spaghetti
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
• In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Add cherry tomatoes and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and juicy.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Toss sauce with cooked spaghetti and fresh basil leaves.

( 5 ) Vegan Mac and Cheese:
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that's loved by people of all ages. This vegan version uses cashews and nutritional yeast for a creamy, cheesy flavor that will satisfy any craving.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. elbow macaroni
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp. nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook macaroni according to package directions.
• Drain cashews and add to a blender with water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Heat sauce in a pan over medium heat until heated through.
• Serve sauce over macaroni.

( 6 ) Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff:
This vegan version of a classic Russian dish is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. The combination of tender mushrooms and tangy sour cream creates a satisfying and hearty meal that's perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. egg noodles
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 16 oz. mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup soy milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp. flour
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook egg noodles according to package directions.
• In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.
• Add mushrooms and sauté until browned and tender. 
• Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir to combine.
• Slowly add vegetable broth and soy milk, stirring constantly.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, until thickened.
• Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
• Serve sauce over cooked egg noodles.

Conclusion

These vegan pasta recipes are perfect for plant-based eaters who want to enjoy delicious and satisfying meals that are free from animal products. Whether you're in the mood for a classic spaghetti bolognese or a creamy Alfredo pasta, these recipes are sure to please. With a little bit of creativity and some simple ingredients, you can create vegan versions of all your favorite pasta dishes. So why not give them a try and discover the amazing flavors and textures of vegan cuisine.