Vegetarian Penne Pasta Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, and when it comes to vegetarian penne pasta recipes, the possibilities truly are endless. Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your week, penne is a fantastic canvas for a variety of fresh vegetables, hearty sauces, and zesty herbs.

The best part? These dishes are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy weekend lunch.

In this post, you’ll discover three irresistible vegetarian penne pasta recipes that are sure to win over even the most dedicated meat lovers at your table.

From a classic penne primavera bursting with seasonal veggies, to a creamy roasted red pepper penne, and a Mediterranean-inspired penne packed with flavors like olives and sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll find options to suit every palate.

Each recipe is loaded with nutrients, vibrant color, and, of course, plenty of Italian flair. Ready to upgrade your pasta night?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Each penne pasta recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients, you’ll feel good about every bite.
• Versatile: These recipes are easily adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the creamy sauces and fun pasta shapes!
• Great for Leftovers: Each dish reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy delicious lunches throughout the week.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Elegant enough for guests, but simple enough for any home cook.

Ingredients

Here’s a look at the ingredients you’ll need for each of our three delicious vegetarian penne pasta recipes. Feel free to mix and match based on what’s in your pantry!

Penne Primavera

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Penne

Mediterranean Penne

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Colander
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or food processor (for creamy red pepper sauce)
• Serving bowls
• Grater (for cheese, if using)

Instructions

Penne Primavera

1. Cook the penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, about 10-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then add bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and broccoli. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies are just tender.
3. Add the tomatoes: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
4. Toss with pasta: Add the cooked penne to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss well to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil and Parmesan (if using), and serve hot.

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Penne

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red peppers, olive oil, sautéed onion, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
3. Finish the sauce: Pour the red pepper mixture into a skillet over medium heat. Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Toss with pasta: Add cooked penne and a bit of reserved pasta water. Stir to coat the pasta in sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Serve: Top with crumbled feta or vegan feta and serve immediately.

Mediterranean Penne

1. Cook the pasta: Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add vegetables: Stir in cherry tomatoes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until tomatoes start to soften.
4. Add greens: Add spinach and cook until just wilted.
5. Combine and serve: Add penne and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to combine, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with feta and parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free penne for any of these recipes.
• Vegan option: Substitute vegan Parmesan and feta, and use coconut or cashew cream in place of dairy cream.
• Add protein: Toss in chickpeas, white beans, or toasted pine nuts for an extra boost.
• Herb swaps: Try fresh oregano, thyme, or even mint in the Mediterranean penne for a twist.
• Spice it up: Kick up the heat with red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Try a new sauce: For creamy pasta lovers, check out this Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to pour over your penne.

“Reserve pasta water! The starch in it helps bring your sauce and pasta together for a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.”

Nutrition Facts

Each recipe serves 4. Nutrition will vary based on specific ingredients and toppings, but here’s an estimated breakdown for a standard serving of Penne Primavera with Parmesan:

For a lower-calorie or dairy-free version, skip the cheese and use plant-based cream. Add more veggies for bulk and fiber!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a vibrant, complete meal.
• Serve with warm, homemade bread: Try this Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for a hearty side.
• Make it a meal prep star: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. These dishes reheat well in the microwave or on the stove.
• Top with toasted nuts: Pine nuts or walnuts add a delightful crunch and extra nutrition.
• Enjoy a sweet finish: Complete your Italian dinner with a slice of Vegetarian Date Cake: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Conclusion

Vegetarian penne pasta recipes are a lifesaver for anyone seeking quick, satisfying, and healthy meals. With a variety of fresh vegetables, flavorful sauces, and endless variations, these dishes are as versatile as they are delicious.

Whether you crave the freshness of primavera, the richness of creamy roasted red pepper, or the bold flavors of the Mediterranean, you’ll find a penne recipe that fits your mood and pantry staples.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—swap in your favorite veggies, adjust the herbs, or try a new cheese or vegan alternative. Pasta night never has to be boring!

If you’re looking to expand your vegetarian repertoire even further, explore dishes like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or creamy Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Happy cooking and buon appetito!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegetarian Penne Pasta”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A vibrant vegetarian penne pasta loaded with fresh veggies and tossed in a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 oz penne pasta”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 small red onion, diced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 red bell pepper, sliced”, “1 zucchini, sliced”, “1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved”, “2 cups baby spinach”, “1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce”, “1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic; saut\u00e9 for 2 minutes until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in bell pepper and zucchini; cook for 4-5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in marinara sauce and Italian herbs; stir well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cooked pasta to the skillet; toss to coat with sauce.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “380 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “65 g”}}