Looking for a quick, delicious, and wholesome meal that fits perfectly into your busy schedule? This 30-minute vegetarian fettuccine recipe is just what you need.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your week, this dish combines fresh ingredients with vibrant flavors to create a satisfying dinner. The creamy sauce paired with perfectly cooked fettuccine and colorful vegetables makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings.
This recipe prioritizes wholesome ingredients without compromising on taste. You’ll love the combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a hint of creaminess from the sauce.
It’s nutritious, filling, and can be customized to suit your preferences. So, let’s dive into this 30-minute vegetarian fettuccine recipe and bring some Italian-inspired comfort to your table tonight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian fettuccine recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly fast and easy, coming together in just 30 minutes.
That makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
It’s also nutrient-packed, featuring fresh vegetables like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, which add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The creamy garlic sauce is rich but made with simple ingredients, ensuring a comforting yet healthy meal.
Finally, this dish is versatile. You can easily swap or add vegetables based on what you have on hand.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Colander for draining pasta
- 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 fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes to soften and infuse the oil with flavor.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add cheese and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Squeeze in the lemon juice and mix well to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while warm.
Tips & Variations
“For extra protein, consider adding cooked chickpeas or your favorite plant-based sausage to the sauce.”
To make this dish vegan, swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
Try adding other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition. Simply sauté them with the garlic before adding the sun-dried tomatoes.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half the cream with vegetable broth. You can also add a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic for a subtle tang.
For a nutty twist, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 450 kcal |
Protein | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 55 g |
Fat | 18 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sugar | 6 g |
Calcium | 200 mg |
Iron | 3 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian fettuccine pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is also a perfect accompaniment to soak up any extra sauce.
For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts. A glass of chilled white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish’s fresh and creamy flavors.
If you want to explore other delicious meal ideas, check out these recipes: Breakfast Wellington Recipe, Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe, and Bluebill Duck Recipes.
Conclusion
This 30-minute vegetarian fettuccine recipe is a fantastic addition to your meal rotation. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough to serve guests.
The combination of creamy sauce, aromatic garlic, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach creates a harmonious burst of flavors in every bite.
Whether you’re new to vegetarian cooking or a longtime fan, this recipe offers simplicity without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to make it your own.
Enjoy this comforting, wholesome dish anytime you crave something delicious, easy, and satisfying.
📖 Recipe Card: 30 Minute Vegetarian Fettuccine
Description: A quick and delicious vegetarian fettuccine recipe loaded with fresh vegetables and creamy sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Toss cooked fettuccine with the sauce.
- Serve garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 55 g
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