Vegetarian Fettuccine Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners

If you’re searching for a delicious, wholesome, and easy-to-make meal, this vegetarian fettuccine recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Perfectly cooked pasta tossed with a medley of fresh vegetables and a creamy, flavorful sauce makes this dish a culinary delight that satisfies both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with a vibrant, satisfying meal, this recipe hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and colors that brighten up your plate and your day.

Get ready to enjoy a comforting dish that’s as rich in taste as it is in health benefits!

This recipe showcases the best of simple ingredients coming together to create a memorable pasta experience. No complicated techniques or exotic ingredients are required, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.

And if you love creamy pasta dishes, you might want to explore our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to add even more lusciousness to your meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this vegetarian fettuccine recipe. First, it’s incredibly versatile — you can swap out the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

The sauce is creamy and flavorful without relying on heavy dairy, making it lighter yet indulgent.

It’s also a fantastic way to pack in a variety of veggies, boosting your nutrient intake while enjoying classic pasta. The recipe comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.

Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Finally, this dish pairs wonderfully with many sides and can be easily customized for different dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup plant-based cream (such as cashew cream or coconut cream)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan alternative
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Colander for draining pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. Sauté the garlic and vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced zucchini, red bell pepper, mushrooms, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender but still crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Incorporate cherry tomatoes and spinach: Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly. Then stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.
5. Prepare the sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the plant-based cream and stir well to combine. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
6. Toss pasta with sauce and veggies: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
7. Finish with cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan or vegan Parmesan until melted and combined.
8. Serve: Transfer to serving plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free fettuccine or your favorite pasta alternative. For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of white wine when simmering the broth and cream.

You can customize the vegetables to your liking — try adding asparagus tips, broccoli florets, or even roasted butternut squash for a seasonal twist. For extra protein, consider tossing in some sautéed tofu cubes or white beans.

If you prefer a vegan cheese alternative, nutritional yeast makes a fantastic substitute that adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Want a lighter sauce?

Substitute the plant-based cream with unsweetened almond milk thickened with a little cornstarch.

For inspiration on other vegetable-rich dishes, check out our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or explore hearty options like Slow Cooker Vegetarian Recipes Easy and Delicious Ideas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian fettuccine pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf adds a comforting touch and helps scoop up the delicious sauce.

For a more substantial meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or steamed green beans. If you’re hosting guests, consider offering a selection of antipasti or a simple bruschetta as a starter to complement the pasta.

To keep your meal balanced, add a fresh fruit salad or a light sorbet for dessert. For more creative vegetarian meal ideas, don’t miss our Best Italian Vegetarian Recipes for Delicious Meatless.

Conclusion

This vegetarian fettuccine recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a satisfying and nourishing meal. It’s a dish that balances flavors, textures, and colors beautifully, making it a joy to both prepare and eat.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this recipe offers a delicious, creamy pasta option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

With its flexibility and ease, you can adapt this dish to your personal preferences or dietary needs, making it a reliable go-to for any occasion. Don’t forget to explore other tasty vegetarian dishes such as our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert or the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complete your meal with homemade bread.

Enjoy cooking, and bon appétit!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegetarian Fettuccine”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and delicious vegetarian fettuccine packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 oz fettuccine pasta”, “2 tbsp olive oil”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1 cup mushrooms, sliced”, “1 cup spinach, chopped”, “1 cup heavy cream”, “1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “1 tsp dried basil”, “Fresh parsley for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook fettuccine according to package instructions; drain and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic; saut\u00e9 until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mushrooms and cook until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach; cook until spinach wilts.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add Parmesan cheese, dried basil, salt, and pepper; stir until cheese melts.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toss cooked fettuccine in the sauce until well coated.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve garnished with fresh parsley.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “450 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “15 g”, “fatContent”: “20 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “50 g”}}