If you’ve been on the hunt for the best vegan versions of your favorite Italian pasta recipes, you’ve come to the right place. This collection features 25 vegan Italian and Italian-American dishes to make in the comfort of your own home.
I don't know about you but I sure love pasta! I could probably eat it for every meal.
And if you're following a vegan diet, there are so many great ways to enjoy pasta without meat, eggs, or dairy!
Whether you're looking for a main dish or a side dish, you'll find the perfect vegan recipe to enjoy pasta night with the whole family.
Best Vegan Pasta Recipes
Vegan Cacio e Pepe
One of my favorite vegan pasta recipes is this dairy-free version of cacio e pepe, a classic Italian dish that originated in Rome. This veganized version is also nut-free and can easily be made gluten-free too.
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Spaghetti all’Assassina by The Pasta Project
This "assasin's spaghetti" originates in Bari, Puglia and is also known as burnt spaghetti. For the dish, raw spaghetti is cooked risotto-style in a spicy tomato passata broth.
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Pasta alla Norma by The Heirloom Pantry
Pasta alla Norma (also known as eggplant pasta) features al dente pasta in a rich tomato sauce with pan-fried eggplant and fresh herbs. You could also top it with vegan Parmesan cheese if desired. This hearty pasta dish is easy to make in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
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Vegan Pasta Puttanesca by I Heart Vegetables
This vegan pasta puttanesca is an easy-to-make Italian dish featuring kalamata olives, capers, fresh garlic, and fresh tomatoes for a flavorful and hearty meal.
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Cavolo Nero Pasta by Ooh La La It's Vegan
Cavolo nero pasta is an Italian pasta dish made with Tuscan kale. In addition to the fresh kale, this easy pasta recipe also features sun-dried tomatoes and a vegan cream sauce made with non-dairy heavy cream.
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Vegan Pesto Pasta by My Pure Plants
This vegan pesto pasta recipe features a homemade basil pesto using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This easy recipe can be made with either traditional pasta, whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even zucchini noodles. For more flavor, serve this vegan pasta dish with cherry tomatoes and vegan Parmesan.
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Trenette al Pesto by Six Hungry Feet
Trenette al pesto originates from Liguria, Italy and is made with trenette pasta, green beans, potatoes, and pesto. If you can't find trenette pasta, you can use linguine instead.
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Rapini Pasta by Christina's Cucina
This rapini (broccoli rabe) pasta recipe requires only 4 basic ingredients with the option to include a hot pepper and sausage which can be easily subsitituted with vegan Italian sausage. This flavorful Italian dinner is easy to make and will be on the table in under 30 minutes.
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Romanesco Pasta by The Petite Cook
Romanesco pasta is a Sicilian dish that's easy to make in 20 minutes with just 5 simple ingredients. Featuring a creamy romanesco sauce that's easy to keep vegan by swapping the Parmesan for a plant-based version.
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Penne all’Arrabbiata by Jack Slobodian
This classic Italian pasta dish originates from Lazio and features a spicy tomato sauce. This quick pasta dish requires just a few ingredients and will be on the table in 30 minutes.
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Lentil Bolognese by Rainbow Plant Life
Bolognese is a classic Italian meat-based sauce that is rich and full of flavor. This vegan version uses lentils and walnuts to create a meaty texture while staying plant-based. It's perfect served with your favorite pasta.
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Vegan Carbonara by Vegan Huggs
Carbonara is a traditional Roman pasta dish made with eggs, cured pork (such as pancetta), and hard cheese (such as Pecorino Romano). This vegan version features a tofu bacon to replace the meat and stuns with its smoky and cheesy flavors.
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Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino by Cooking My Dreams
This classic pasta dish is made with spaghetti, garlic, oil, and chili pepper flakes. It's incredibly easy to make and full of flavor. This recipe also features the addition of roasted cherry tomatoes. Leave off the optional Romano cheese or use a plant-based Parmesan to keep it vegan.
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Paccheri Pasta with Summer Vegetables by MK Library
Paccheri pasta is a shape of pasta from Campania in Italy. This recipe pairs the tube-like pasta with tomato sauce and sauteed yellow squash, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Leave off the sliced Parmesan or use a plant-based version instead to keep this dish vegan-friendly.
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Vegan Pasta al Limone by Best Served Vegan
Pasta al Limone (lemon pasta) is a simple, classic Italian pasta dish that is easy to make vegan using plant-based butter, milk, and Parmesan. Top this flavorful, lemony dish with freshly ground black pepper or red pepper flakes.
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Vegan Ravioli by Serene Trail
In this homemade ravioli recipe features a creamy filling made from vegan cream cheese, vegan mozzarella cheese, vegan Parmesan, spinach, herbs, and seasonings. This dish is pure vegan comfort food!
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Vegan Basil Bechamel Lasagna by Thank You Berry Much
In my opinion, lasagna is one of those dishes that gets even better the next day. This vegan lasagna is no exception, featuring a homemade marinara sauce, basil-infused bechamel, and meatless crumbles for a hearty and flavorful meal.
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Vegan Ricotta & Spinach Cannelloni by Steph Sunshine
This cannelloni recipe is made vegan with a tofu and spinach ricotta filling and a cashew-based mascarpone sauce. If you can't find traditional cannelloni pasta tubes at the store or online, you can substitute with manicotti (the American name for cannelloni) instead.
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Vegan Vodka Sauce
The true origins for this popular sauce are unknown, as there are claims to its creation from both Italy and America. Either way, this delicious sauce is truly delightful when smothered over top of penne pasta to create penne alla vodka. This vegan version uses coconut milk to make it creamy while staying dairy-free. Try it with wheat-based penne or a gluten-free version such as red lentil pasta.
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Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo by Broke Bank Vegan
Although the preparation differs between the traditional Italian version and the Italian-American version, it's no secret fettuccine alfredo is a favorite among many. This veganized version of the dish features a creamy sauce made using cashews and soy milk.
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Vegan Baked Ziti by Running on Real Food
Although baked pasta dishes have existed in Italy for ages, the popular baked ziti we all know and love is actually Italian-American. This vegan version uses a homemade tofu ricotta to keep it dairy-free.
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Vegan Stuffed Shells With Spinach and Cheese by The Carrot Underground
Baked stuffed shells are an Italian-American favorite and this vegan version doesn't disappoint. In this recipe, jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with spinach and vegan cheese and then topped with marinara, breadcrumbs and plant-based Parmesan for a hearty and comforting dish.
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Pasta e Fagioli by The Stingy Vegan
Pasta e Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup which translates to pasta and beans in English. It's easy to make, hearty, and economical too. Although pancetta and Parmesan are often used to flavor the dish, this vegan version uses optional miso and vegan Parm instead.
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Pasta e Ceci by Yummy Mummy Kitchen
Pasta e ceci (pasta and chickpeas) is an easy Italian soup made with pantry staples. It's flavorful, hearty, and perfect for serving as a main with your favorite bread or simple salad.
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Vegetarian Minestrone Soup by Apples for CJ
This classic Italian soup is loaded with pasta and veggies for a hearty, nutritious, and satisfying meal that's perfect served with garlic bread or a side salad.
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OK, now I suddenly have an urge for some PASTA! 😉
I could go for any one of these tasty dishes right about now. How about you?
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Deborah
Thank you so much for including my Cavolo Nero Pasta in your amazing roundup. I’m gonna try every one of these recipes after looking at all the beautiful pictures!!!
Sherri Hall
Thanks Deborah! Everything looks so amazing! 🙂