If you’re looking for hearty, comforting, and delicious vegan pasta dishes, you’ve come to the right place. Vegan penne pasta recipes blend the rich textures of perfectly cooked pasta with vibrant, plant-based ingredients that burst with flavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply want to add more plant-powered meals to your weekly menu, these recipes are versatile, easy to prepare, and sure to satisfy your taste buds.
From creamy sauces made with cashews or nutritional yeast to fresh tomato-based medleys loaded with veggies, vegan penne pasta offers something for everyone. Plus, these recipes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a fantastic choice for a wholesome meal.
Keep reading to discover multiple ways to enjoy vegan penne pasta that will quickly become staples in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegan penne pasta recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy Italian-inspired comfort food without any animal products. They are:
- Nutritious: Packed with fiber-rich veggies and plant-based protein.
- Easy to Customize: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry.
- Quick to Prepare: Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.
- Flavorful: Combining herbs, spices, and sauces to create rich, satisfying dishes.
Whether you love creamy sauces, spicy tomato bases, or fresh garden veggies, there’s a vegan penne pasta recipe here for you!
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta (gluten-free if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander or strainer
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Blender or food processor (for creamy sauce)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and peppers: Stir in minced garlic, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with cherry tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Prepare the creamy cashew sauce: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender with nutritional yeast, 1/2 cup water, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Combine sauce and veggies: Stir the cashew sauce into the skillet with the tomato-vegetable mixture. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Toss pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and vegetables.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of nutritional yeast if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
Tip: Soaking cashews really softens them, making the sauce ultra-creamy without dairy.
- Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Use different veggies: Try mushrooms, eggplant, or kale for variety.
- Nut-free option: Substitute the cashew sauce with store-bought vegan béchamel or a simple tomato sauce.
- Protein boost: Add cooked chickpeas or white beans for extra plant-based protein.
- Try different pasta shapes: Fusilli or rigatoni also work beautifully with these sauces.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 380 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 58 g |
Fat | 9 g |
Fiber | 8 g |
Calcium | 70 mg |
Iron | 3.5 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Pair your vegan penne pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread made with vegan butter and fresh herbs adds a perfect crunchy side.
For a more filling meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
For an elegant dinner, top your pasta with toasted pine nuts and fresh arugula, or try it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. These dishes are perfect for meal prep too, as they reheat well and maintain their flavor.
More Vegan Penne Pasta Recipes to Try
Creamy Vegan Alfredo Penne
Indulge in a rich, velvety sauce made from cashews, nutritional yeast, and garlic. This sauce coats the penne perfectly, paired with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a classic Italian feel.
Learn how to make a luscious sauce with our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
Spicy Tomato & Roasted Vegetable Penne
This vibrant recipe features a spicy tomato base with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. The slow roasting brings out the natural sweetness, balanced by a dash of chili flakes.
Try pairing this with some Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for a themed dinner.
Pesto Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Artichokes
A fresh basil pesto made without cheese, using pine nuts and nutritional yeast, tossed with penne, sun-dried tomatoes, and marinated artichokes. This dish bursts with Mediterranean flavors and is perfect for warm weather meals.
Check out more herb-forward dishes in our Best Italian Vegetarian Recipes for Delicious Meatless collection.
Conclusion
Vegan penne pasta recipes offer a delicious way to enjoy plant-based meals that are both nutritious and satisfying. From creamy sauces to vibrant vegetable medleys, these recipes cater to a range of tastes and occasions.
With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a comforting dinner in no time, impressing family and friends alike.
Exploring these recipes will not only expand your culinary skills but also introduce you to exciting flavor combinations that celebrate the best of vegan cooking. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite vegetables and spices to make these dishes uniquely yours.
Happy cooking and enjoy every bite of your vegan penne pasta adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Penne Pasta
Description: A delicious and creamy vegan penne pasta made with cashew sauce and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours)
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Drain cashews and blend with almond milk, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat; sauté zucchini and cherry tomatoes for 5 minutes.
- Pour cashew sauce into the pan with vegetables and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Nutrition: Calories: 420 kcal | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 52 g
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