10+ Healthy Dinner Recipes Vegetarian Pasta for Delicious Meals

10+ Healthy Dinner Recipes Vegetarian Pasta for Delicious Meals

Eating a delicious and nourishing dinner is important, especially when you want something that is both healthy and satisfying. Healthy vegetarian pasta recipes offer a great way to enjoy a variety of flavors and ingredients while maintaining a balanced diet. These meals are often packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and whole grains, making them a wonderful choice for anyone looking to eat well.

A colorful array of fresh vegetables, including zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, arranged around a bowl of steaming vegetarian pasta

Whether you are a longtime vegetarian or just trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine, these pasta recipes can fit your needs. From creamy sauces to hearty vegetable blends, you’ll find plenty of options that are easy to prepare and sure to please your taste buds.

Enjoy exploring these healthy dishes that can make dinner time both fun and nutritious!

1) Kale and Pistachio Pesto Spaghetti

A bowl of kale and pistachio pesto spaghetti surrounded by fresh ingredients like kale leaves, pistachios, and cherry tomatoes

Kale and pistachio pesto spaghetti is a tasty and healthy choice for dinner. The vibrant green sauce is packed with nutrients and flavor. It’s also quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights.

To make the pesto, you blend fresh kale, pistachios, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor. You can add a bit of lemon juice for extra brightness. Toss this mixture with cooked spaghetti for a delightful meal.

This dish is not only vegetarian but can also be made vegan by skipping cheese or using a plant-based alternative. It’s sure to please everyone at the table!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh kale, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pistachios
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti in boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes (12-15 minutes for whole wheat).
  2. In a food processor, blend kale, pistachios, garlic, and olive oil until smooth.
  3. Mix in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  4. Toss spaghetti with the pesto until coated. Serve warm.

2) Cheesy Spinach Baked Penne

A bubbling dish of cheesy spinach baked penne sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by fresh ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and basil

Cheesy Spinach Baked Penne is a great dish for a healthy dinner. This recipe combines pasta with fresh spinach and creamy cheese. It is filling and packed with flavor.

You start by mixing cooked penne pasta with spinach, mozzarella, and cottage cheese. This combination gives you a rich and cheesy texture. You can also add tomatoes for a little extra taste.

Next, you bake it in the oven until everything is hot and the cheese is melted. This dish is easy to make and perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, spinach, mozzarella, cottage cheese, and diced tomatoes.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

3) Squash and Spinach Lasagna

A colorful, layered lasagna dish with vibrant green spinach and golden squash, surrounded by fresh ingredients and kitchen utensils

Squash and spinach lasagna is a tasty and healthy dinner option. It combines layers of creamy butternut squash and fresh spinach with lasagna noodles. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients.

You start by roasting the butternut squash until it’s tender. Then, mix it with sautĂ©ed spinach and a creamy bĂ©chamel sauce. Layer these ingredients with the lasagna noodles for a satisfying meal.

This lasagna is perfect for a cozy dinner and is a great way to enjoy seasonal vegetables. It’s also vegetarian, making it a good choice for meatless days.

Ingredients

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cups bĂ©chamel sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roast cubed butternut squash for 25 minutes.
  3. Sauté spinach until wilted.
  4. Spread béchamel sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  5. Layer noodles, squash, spinach, and cheese.
  6. Repeat layers and top with remaining cheese.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

4) Mediterranean Veggie Pasta

A colorful array of fresh vegetables, including tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach, tossed with al dente pasta in a light olive oil and herb dressing

Mediterranean Veggie Pasta is a colorful and healthy dish. You can make it with cherry tomatoes, marinated artichokes, and fresh spinach. Adding kalamata olives gives it a delicious salty flavor.

To start, cook your favorite pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, sautĂ© the vegetables in olive oil. You can add garlic for extra taste. Once everything is cooked, mix the pasta with the veggies and top it with fresh basil.

This dish is great for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever veggies you have on hand.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta (your choice)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 jar marinated artichokes, drained
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add cherry tomatoes, artichokes, and olives. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
  5. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
  6. Combine pasta with the veggie mixture.
  7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

5) Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta

A steaming bowl of creamy spinach and artichoke dip pasta, garnished with fresh herbs and grated cheese, sits on a rustic wooden table

Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta is a delightful twist on a classic dip. You can enjoy all the creamy and cheesy goodness in a pasta dish that’s easy to prepare.

Start with whole-wheat pasta for a healthy base. Cook it until al dente, then mix in fresh spinach and artichokes. You can use cream cheese to create that rich, smooth texture.

This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. It’s a great way to add more vegetables to your meals.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole-wheat rotini
  • 1 (5 ounces) package baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini according to package instructions.
  2. In a large bowl, combine spinach, cream cheese, and artichokes.
  3. Drain the pasta and mix it with the spinach mixture.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy your healthy dinner!

6) Tofu & Vegetable Curry with Zucchini Noodles

A colorful bowl of tofu and vegetable curry with zucchini noodles, surrounded by fresh ingredients and cooking utensils

Tofu & vegetable curry with zucchini noodles is a delicious and healthy dinner option. The dish features tofu and colorful veggies in a creamy sauce. This meal is flavorful and comes together quickly.

Start with fresh zucchini, which you can spiralize into noodles, creating a light and nutritious base. Combine this with sautéed tofu, mushrooms, kale, and scallions for a variety of textures and tastes.

The sauce includes red curry paste, lime juice, and coconut milk, adding a delightful burst of flavor. You can enjoy this dish both warm and as leftovers the next day.

Ingredients

  • 1 (8 oz) package of sliced mushrooms
  • 1 bunch of scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 6 cups of chopped kale
  • 2 (10 oz) packages of zucchini noodles
  • 1 cup firm tofu, cubed
  • 1/4 cup red curry paste
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add cubed tofu and cook until golden brown.
  3. Stir in mushrooms, scallions, and kale. Sauté for about 5 minutes.
  4. Mix in red curry paste and coconut milk. Stir well.
  5. Add zucchini noodles and lime juice. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and serve hot.

7) Sicilian Cauliflower Pasta

A steaming bowl of Sicilian cauliflower pasta surrounded by fresh herbs and colorful vegetables on a rustic wooden table

Sicilian Cauliflower Pasta is a delightful and healthy dish. You get a mix of flavors from cauliflower, anchovies, and raisins. The toasted pine nuts add a nice crunch.

Start by cooking the pasta of your choice. Meanwhile, sautĂ© chopped cauliflower in olive oil. Once it’s tender, add anchovies and let them melt into the mix.

Next, stir in toasted pine nuts and raisins for sweetness. You might also want to season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta topped with breadcrumbs for extra texture.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces pasta
  • 1 small head of cauliflower, chopped
  • 2 anchovy fillets, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add chopped cauliflower and sauté until tender.
  4. Stir in anchovies, allowing them to melt.
  5. Mix in toasted pine nuts and raisins.
  6. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Toss with cooked pasta and serve with breadcrumbs, if desired.

8) Porcini RagĂą

A steaming pot of porcini ragĂą simmers on a stovetop, surrounded by fresh vegetables and herbs, with a bowl of cooked vegetarian pasta nearby

Porcini ragĂą is a delicious and hearty sauce that adds rich flavors to your vegetarian pasta. The dried porcini mushrooms bring an earthy taste that enhances any dish. You can prepare it quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

To make porcini ragù, start by soaking the dried mushrooms in boiling water. This helps to rehydrate them and intensify their flavor. Once they are tender, chop them and sauté with garlic and olive oil to create a fragrant base.

Add your favorite pasta, and let the sauce simmer. The result is a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces (40 grams) dried porcini mushrooms
  • Boiling water (for soaking)
  • Fine salt
  • Black pepper
  • ÂĽ cup olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Your choice of pasta

Cooking Instructions

  1. Soak the dried porcini mushrooms in boiling water for 20 minutes.
  2. Drain, chop, and set aside the mushrooms.
  3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  4. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  5. Stir in the chopped porcini mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Toss with cooked pasta and serve warm.

9) Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

A steaming bowl of creamy sun-dried tomato pasta surrounded by fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes on a rustic wooden table

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a tasty dish that’s both easy to make and satisfying. The creamy sauce is rich, and the sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy flavor. It’s also a great vegetarian option.

You can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier choice. Add some spinach or other veggies to boost the nutrition. This pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces of pasta
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or a plant-based alternative
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ÂĽ cup grated Parmesan cheese or a vegan alternative

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a pan, heat the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic over medium heat.
  3. Add the cream and stir until combined.
  4. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  5. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and cheese.

10) Roasted White Bean and Tomato Pasta

A colorful bowl of roasted white bean and tomato pasta surrounded by fresh ingredients like basil, garlic, and olive oil

Roasted White Bean and Tomato Pasta is a delicious and healthy choice for dinner. It uses simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. The roasted tomatoes create a rich sauce, and the white beans add protein.

You can serve this dish over your favorite pasta. Add some garlic and herbs to enhance the taste. This recipe is not only quick to make, but it’s also satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 oz pasta of your choice
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Toss cherry tomatoes and white beans in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

  3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.

  4. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

  5. Combine roasted veggies with pasta and mix well.

  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

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