10 Best Spaghetti Recipes Vegetarian Lovers Will Adore

Updated On: September 29, 2025

Spaghetti is a timeless classic that brings comfort, joy, and a burst of flavors to the dining table. For vegetarians, it offers a versatile canvas to create vibrant, healthy, and satisfying meals without compromising on taste.

Whether you crave a rich tomato-based sauce, creamy Alfredo, or something packed with fresh seasonal veggies, there’s a spaghetti recipe perfect for every palate. In this post, we’ve rounded up the 10 best vegetarian spaghetti recipes that will brighten your weeknight dinners or impress guests on special occasions.

From traditional Italian favorites to creative twists, these dishes are easy to prepare, nutritious, and incredibly delicious.

So grab your favorite spaghetti, get ready to chop some veggies, and dive into these flavorful recipes that prove vegetarian cooking can be exciting, hearty, and full of zest. And if you’re looking for more veggie inspiration, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for a global touch to your plant-based menu.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegetarian spaghetti recipes are designed to be both nourishing and delicious. They use fresh, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find and prepare.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or someone looking to cut down on meat, these dishes are perfect for adding variety and nutrition to your meals.

Each recipe balances texture and flavor, combining tender pasta with vibrant vegetables, herbs, and cheeses or plant-based alternatives. Plus, you’ll find options that cater to gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan diets, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy a tasty plate of spaghetti.

Get ready to explore creative sauces, hearty veggie toppings, and even some baked dishes that bring a crispy, cheesy finish. These recipes are not only crowd-pleasers but also quick and budget-friendly, making them ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend cooking.

Ingredients

Common Ingredients Typical Quantities
Spaghetti (dried or fresh) 400g (14 oz)
Olive oil 2-3 tbsp
Garlic cloves 3-5, minced
Onion 1 medium, finely chopped
Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce 400g (14 oz) can
Fresh basil or dried Italian herbs 1 tbsp fresh or 1 tsp dried
Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese 50g (1.75 oz), grated
Vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach) 300-400g (10-14 oz) mixed
Salt and pepper To taste
Red chili flakes (optional) 1/2 tsp

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling spaghetti
  • Large skillet or frying pan for sauces and sautéing vegetables
  • Colander to drain pasta
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
  • Sharp knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grater for cheese
  • Baking dish (optional for baked spaghetti recipes)

Instructions

  1. Boil the spaghetti: Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add 400g of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add vegetables: Toss in your choice of chopped zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender but still vibrant. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red chili flakes.
  4. Prepare the sauce: Pour in 400g canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. Stir well and let simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop flavor. Add fresh basil or dried Italian herbs during the last 5 minutes.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  6. Finish with cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese. Toss lightly again and serve immediately.
  7. Optional baked version: For baked spaghetti, transfer the combined pasta and sauce to a greased baking dish. Top with extra cheese and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Tips & Variations

“To elevate your vegetarian spaghetti, try roasting your vegetables beforehand for deeper flavor and caramelization.”

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on seasonality and preference. Eggplant, cherry tomatoes, kale, or even roasted butternut squash make excellent additions.

For a creamy twist, add a splash of vegan bechamel sauce or blend in some avocado for richness.

For protein boost, toss in cooked lentils, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based meat substitutes. Using whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti can also add nutritional value and accommodate dietary needs.

Don’t hesitate to enhance your meals with fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme, and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving. If you love baking, check out our Baked Spaghetti Vegetarian Recipe for an easy family dinner option.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Approximate Amount (per serving)
Calories 350-400 kcal
Carbohydrates 60-65g
Protein 10-12g
Fat 8-12g (mostly healthy fats)
Fiber 5-7g
Sodium 400-600mg (depending on added salt and cheese)

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy garlic bread for dipping into the sauce. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the meal beautifully.

For a more substantial dinner, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a warm bowl of low calorie vegetable soup. To keep it light and healthy, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top for extra texture and nutrition.

Don’t forget to try out other vegetarian pasta dishes like our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners when you want a change from tomato-based sauces.

Conclusion

These 10 best vegetarian spaghetti recipes are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create hearty, flavorful meals that everyone will enjoy. With an emphasis on fresh vegetables, wholesome sauces, and easy preparation, these dishes fit perfectly into any lifestyle, whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends.

Spaghetti is more than just a comfort food; it’s a versatile platform for creativity and nutrition. By exploring these recipes, you can add variety to your vegetarian cooking repertoire and even inspire others to enjoy meatless meals.

Remember to keep experimenting with different vegetable combinations and seasonings to make these recipes uniquely yours.

For more delicious vegetarian ideas that extend beyond pasta, dive into our collection of Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals and transform your plant-based cooking today!

📖 Recipe Card: 10 Best Spaghetti Recipes Vegetarian

Description: A collection of the top 10 delicious vegetarian spaghetti recipes perfect for any occasion. Each recipe offers unique flavors and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup zucchini, diced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Red chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Add garlic and onion, sauté until translucent.
  4. Add mushrooms and zucchini, cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
  7. Drain spaghetti and add to the sauce, toss well.
  8. Stir in fresh basil leaves.
  9. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 58 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “10 Best Spaghetti Recipes Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A collection of the top 10 delicious vegetarian spaghetti recipes perfect for any occasion. Each recipe offers unique flavors and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT50M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 oz spaghetti”, “2 tbsp olive oil”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 medium onion, chopped”, “1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes”, “1 cup fresh basil leaves”, “1 cup mushrooms, sliced”, “1 cup zucchini, diced”, “1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”, “Red chili flakes (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and onion, saut\u00e9 until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mushrooms and zucchini, cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in diced tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain spaghetti and add to the sauce, toss well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in fresh basil leaves.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “58 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X