Best Vegetarian Pasta Recipes Jamie Oliver Swears By

When it comes to vegetarian pasta, few chefs do it as deliciously as Jamie Oliver. His recipes are vibrant, fresh, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make every bite a joy.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, Jamie’s pasta dishes offer a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. From hearty tomato sauces to creamy, veggie-loaded creations, these recipes are easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the best vegetarian pasta recipes inspired by Jamie Oliver, complete with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to elevate your culinary game.

Ready to dive into a world of bright, tasty, and satisfying pasta dishes? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s vegetarian pasta recipes stand out because they combine simplicity with incredible flavor. Using fresh, seasonal vegetables and bold herbs, these recipes bring the best out of each ingredient without overwhelming your palate.

The dishes are designed to be quick to make, using pantry staples alongside fresh produce, making them perfect for busy lifestyles. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients that keep you energized and satisfied.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these recipes are adaptable and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. You’ll love the comforting textures, the vibrant colors, and the subtle complexity of flavors that only Jamie Oliver’s approach can deliver.

Ingredients

• 400g dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large red onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium zucchinis, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 150g fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes (optional)
• 100g ricotta cheese or plant-based alternative
• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Parmesan cheese or vegan parmesan, for serving

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large frying pan or skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander or pasta strainer
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons
• Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped red onion, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the vegetables: Stir in the chopped zucchini and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Incorporate tomatoes and spinach: Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to blister, about 3 minutes. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
6. Add final touches: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the ricotta cheese and lemon juice for freshness. Toss in torn basil leaves and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or vegan alternative. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

“Fresh herbs like basil and oregano add a burst of flavor that can transform your pasta from good to spectacular.”

• Swap veggies: Use seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, peas, or mushrooms to keep the dish fresh year-round.
• Make it vegan: Replace ricotta and Parmesan with cashew cream or nutritional yeast.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for a smoky heat.
• Add protein: Include cooked chickpeas or white beans for an extra protein boost.
• Try different pasta shapes: Penne or rigatoni hold sauces well, but feel free to use your favorite type.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian pasta shines when paired with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables.

Pair your meal with a light white wine or sparkling water infused with fresh herbs and citrus. For dessert, check out the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for a sweet, nutty finish.

More Jamie Oliver Inspired Vegetarian Pasta Recipes

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta

• Ingredients: Pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, cream or plant-based cream, Parmesan cheese.
• Instructions: Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, add cream and spinach, toss with cooked pasta. Finish with Parmesan and fresh basil.
• Try Jamie’s Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a rich flavor boost.

Roasted Vegetable Pesto Pasta

• Ingredients: Pasta, mixed roasted vegetables (eggplant, peppers, zucchini), basil pesto, pine nuts.
• Instructions: Roast vegetables until tender, toss with cooked pasta and pesto. Garnish with toasted pine nuts.
• Use homemade or store-bought pesto—either works beautifully!

Spicy Arrabbiata with Cherry Tomatoes

• Ingredients: Pasta, garlic, chili flakes, canned or fresh cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley.
• Instructions: Fry garlic and chili, add tomatoes and simmer until thickened. Mix with pasta and sprinkle parsley on top.
• This dish is quick, fiery, and perfect when you want a little kick.

For more delicious ideas, explore the Cheese Penny Recipe for a cheesy comfort twist or the fresh and vibrant Chicken Pesto Orzo Recipe (which you can easily adapt to a vegetarian version by removing chicken).

Conclusion

Vegetarian pasta recipes inspired by Jamie Oliver are a fantastic way to bring more wholesome, flavorful meals into your kitchen. These dishes are not only easy to prepare but also adaptable, allowing you to use whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand.

The use of fresh herbs, quality olive oil, and simple techniques highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients, making each recipe a delight.

Whether you prefer creamy sauces, spicy arrabbiata, or roasted vegetable blends, these recipes cater to all tastes and occasions. Give them a try, and you’ll find that vegetarian pasta can be satisfying, colorful, and utterly delicious.

Don’t forget to check out other recipes on the site to continue your culinary adventure!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegetarian Pasta Recipe by Jamie Oliver”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and delicious vegetarian pasta packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal any day of the week.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“300g dried penne pasta”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 red onion, finely chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 red bell pepper, diced”, “150g cherry tomatoes, halved”, “100g fresh spinach leaves”, “100g ricotta cheese”, “50g grated Parmesan cheese”, “1 teaspoon dried oregano”, “Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste”, “Fresh basil leaves, to garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and saut\u00e9 the onion and garlic until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in the cherry tomatoes and oregano, cooking until the tomatoes soften.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the vegetables.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and stir in the ricotta cheese.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “420 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “18 g”, “fatContent”: “14 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “55 g”}}