Cheap Vegan Pasta Recipes for Quick and Easy Dinners

Pasta is one of those kitchen heroes that never lets you down, especially when you’re cooking on a budget. It’s filling, comforting, and endlessly adaptable—making it the perfect foundation for a variety of delicious vegan dishes.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, whipping up a quick dinner after a long day, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, cheap vegan pasta recipes can come to your rescue. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh veggies, you can create meals that are both nourishing and wallet-friendly.

In this post, you’ll discover a collection of mouthwatering yet affordable vegan pasta recipes, each designed to keep costs low while maximizing flavor and nutrition. Get ready to transform humble ingredients into crave-worthy meals that everyone at your table will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these cheap vegan pasta recipes:

• Budget-Friendly: Using basic pantry items and seasonal vegetables, these recipes help you save money without sacrificing taste.
• Easy & Quick: Most dishes come together in under 30 minutes and require minimal cooking skills.
• Healthy & Nourishing: Packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and vitamins, each recipe is as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies, herbs, or spices to make each pasta dish your own.
• Great for Meal Prep: Many of these recipes taste even better the next day, making them perfect for leftovers or on-the-go lunches.
• Crowd-Pleasers: Vegan or not, everyone will ask for seconds!

Ingredients

Here’s a general list of ingredients you’ll find across these cheap vegan pasta recipes. Quantities and specifics may vary for each recipe, so check below for details on each dish.

Equipment

• Large Pot: For boiling pasta
• Colander: Draining pasta
• Large Skillet or Saucepan: For making sauces
• Chef’s Knife: Chopping veggies
• Cutting Board: Prepping ingredients
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Stirring
• Can Opener: For canned tomatoes, beans, etc.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accuracy (optional)

Instructions

Below are step-by-step instructions for three of the best cheap vegan pasta recipes: Classic Tomato Garlic Spaghetti, One-Pot Lentil Veggie Pasta, and Creamy Lemon Spinach Linguine.

Classic Tomato Garlic Spaghetti

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz dried spaghetti and cook according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1 small diced onion. Sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in one 28-oz can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried basil, and ½ tsp dried oregano. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine & Season: Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
5. Serve: Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and garnish with fresh basil if available.

Tip: For extra protein, stir in 1 cup canned chickpeas during the last 5 minutes of simmering.

One-Pot Lentil Veggie Pasta

1. Prep Ingredients: Dice 1 onion, 2 carrots, and 1 bell pepper. Rinse 1 cup dried lentils.
2. Combine in Pot: In a large pot, add 12 oz dried pasta, diced veggies, rinsed lentils, 1 can diced tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper.
3. Cook: Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered, stirring often, until pasta and lentils are tender (about 15-18 minutes). Add more water if needed.
4. Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in a handful of spinach or kale until wilted.
5. Serve: Top with nutritional yeast and a drizzle of olive oil.

“One-pot pastas are lifesavers on busy weeknights—less mess, more flavor!”

Creamy Lemon Spinach Linguine

1. Cook Pasta: Boil 12 oz linguine in salted water. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
2. Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 4 cups fresh spinach. Sauté until wilted.
3. Make Creamy Sauce: Add ¼ cup unsweetened plant milk, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, zest and juice of 1 lemon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Toss Pasta: Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
5. Garnish & Serve: Top with extra lemon zest, black pepper, and fresh herbs if available.

Try this variation: Add peas or steamed broccoli for extra color and nutrition.

Tips & Variations

• Switch Up the Veggies: Use whatever is in season or on sale—zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, or frozen mixed vegetables all work well.
• Boost the Protein: Add canned beans, lentils, or tofu for a heartier meal.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a kick.
• Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Easily adapt these recipes for dietary needs.
• Make it Creamier: Blend soaked cashews or silken tofu with plant milk for a homemade vegan cream sauce.
• Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze leftovers for easy future meals.

“Don’t be afraid to get creative—your pantry and fridge hold endless possibilities!”

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a general nutrition breakdown for one serving of vegan pasta (based on Classic Tomato Garlic Spaghetti):

Adding beans or lentils boosts the protein and fiber even more!

Serving Suggestions

• Fresh Salad: Pair your pasta with a simple green salad tossed in lemon juice and olive oil.
• Homemade Garlic Bread: Spread sliced baguette with vegan butter and minced garlic, then toast until golden.
• Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Light Soup: Start your meal with a bowl of lectin-free soup or veggie broth.
• Simple Appetizer: Try these low FODMAP appetizers for guests with food sensitivities.
• Refreshing Drink: For a fun pairing, whip up a Huckleberry Margarita or a non-alcoholic mocktail.

Conclusion

Cooking delicious, budget-friendly vegan pasta is as easy as opening your pantry and getting creative. With just a few simple ingredients and a little inspiration, you can whip up hearty, satisfying meals that everyone will enjoy.

Whether you go classic with tomato and garlic, hearty with lentils, or fresh and creamy with lemon and spinach, these recipes prove that affordable vegan cooking can be both nourishing and fun.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors, swap in different veggies, or top your pasta with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that extra “cheesy” flair. For more plant-based inspiration, explore our Harvest Hash Recipe or dive into a unique twist with our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with good food, good company, and good times!

Cheap Vegan Pasta Recipes: 5 More Budget-Friendly Favorites

If you’re looking to expand your repertoire, here are five more cheap vegan pasta recipes to keep your meal planning fresh, varied, and delightfully simple.

Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles

• Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti, 3 tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp sriracha, 1 cucumber (julienned), 2 carrots (shredded).
• Instructions:
  1. Boil pasta and drain.
  2. Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and sriracha with ¼ cup warm water.
  3. Toss noodles in sauce. Top with veggies and serve cold or at room temp.

Budget tip: Use whatever crunchy veggies you have on hand for topping.

Rustic Garlic & White Bean Pasta

• Ingredients: 12 oz penne, 1 can cannellini beans (drained/rinsed), 1 onion (diced), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 cups chopped kale, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp thyme, salt & pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Cook pasta. In skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
  2. Add beans and kale. Cook until kale wilts; season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Toss with pasta and a splash of pasta water.

Veggie-Packed Marinara Rotini

• Ingredients: 12 oz rotini, 1 jar marinara sauce, 1 zucchini (cubed), 1 bell pepper (sliced), 1 cup mushrooms (sliced), 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
• Instructions:
  1. Boil pasta. Sauté veggies in skillet until tender.
  2. Pour in marinara, season, and simmer 5 minutes.
  3. Toss with pasta and enjoy!

Quick Basil Pesto Pasta

• Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti, 2 cups fresh basil, ½ cup sunflower seeds or walnuts, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 2 garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, ¼ cup olive oil.
• Instructions:
  1. Blend basil, seeds, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon, and olive oil until smooth.
  2. Boil pasta, drain, and toss with pesto.

No fresh basil? Use spinach or parsley for a twist.

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

• Ingredients: 12 oz penne, 1 jar roasted red peppers (drained), 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, ½ cup plant milk, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt & pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Blend red peppers, onion, garlic, and plant milk until smooth.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan, add sauce, and simmer 5 minutes.
  3. Boil pasta, drain, and toss with sauce. Season to taste.

These recipes are proof that you don’t need expensive ingredients to make a hearty, flavorful vegan meal. With a little imagination and some simple pantry staples, you can enjoy a world of pasta possibilities every night of the week!

For more comforting recipes, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe and discover even more creative plant-based ideas.

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