5 Ingredient Vegan Pasta Recipes for Quick Healthy Meals

Updated On: October 4, 2025

When it comes to quick, delicious, and nourishing meals, pasta often steals the spotlight. But what if you want to whip up something incredibly simple yet flavorful without compromising your vegan lifestyle?

Enter the world of 5 ingredient vegan pasta recipes. These dishes are perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a fuss-free meal that still packs a punch in taste and nutrition.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just dabbling in plant-based cooking, these recipes prove that with minimal ingredients, you can create mouth-watering pasta dishes that are wholesome and satisfying.

In this post, I’ll share a collection of easy-to-make vegan pasta recipes that require just five main ingredients each. From creamy sauces to fresh, vibrant toppings, these recipes are designed to keep your pantry simple and your taste buds happy.

Plus, they’re budget-friendly and perfect for beginners!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These 5 ingredient vegan pasta recipes are all about simplicity and flavor. They require minimal preparation and cooking time, making them ideal for anyone with a hectic schedule.

Each recipe highlights a few key ingredients, allowing their natural flavors to shine through without overwhelming complexity.

You’ll love how versatile these recipes are—you can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Plus, they’re naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and meat-free, making them perfect for anyone following a plant-based diet or just looking to eat healthier.

Best of all, these recipes can be dressed up or down, perfect for casual dinners or impressing friends with your culinary skills!

Ingredients

Classic Garlic Tomato Pasta

  • 200g dried spaghetti
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 400g canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta

  • 200g penne pasta
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Garlic Asparagus Pasta

  • 200g fettuccine
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Spicy Peanut Noodles

  • 200g spaghetti or rice noodles
  • 3 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp chili flakes
  • 2 tbsp water to thin sauce

Simple Basil Pesto Pasta

  • 200g fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander or strainer
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Blender or food processor (for pesto and creamy sauces)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Instructions

Classic Garlic Tomato Pasta

  1. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stir, and let simmer for 10 minutes to thicken. Season with salt to taste.
  4. Toss the cooked spaghetti in the tomato sauce until well coated.
  5. Serve with fresh basil leaves on top for garnish and extra flavor.

Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta

  1. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a blender, combine avocado, fresh spinach, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Toss the pasta with the avocado sauce until evenly coated.
  4. Serve immediately, adding extra lemon juice or seasoning as needed.

Lemon Garlic Asparagus Pasta

  1. Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve ¼ cup pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
  3. Add asparagus pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but crisp.
  4. Toss pasta with asparagus and garlic, adding lemon juice and reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Spicy Peanut Noodles

  1. Cook spaghetti or rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, chili flakes, and water until smooth.
  3. Toss noodles with the peanut sauce until well coated.
  4. Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing cold noodle dish.

Simple Basil Pesto Pasta

  1. Cook fusilli pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a food processor, blend basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), garlic, and olive oil until smooth.
  3. Toss pasta with the fresh pesto sauce.
  4. Serve immediately, garnished with extra nuts or fresh basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

“Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices to make these recipes your own!”

For a creamier texture in the avocado pasta, try adding a splash of plant-based milk or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you prefer a nuttier pesto, walnuts or almonds work beautifully as substitutes for pine nuts.

Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms to add more color and nutrients. You can also swap out pasta types—gluten-free, whole wheat, or legume-based pasta all work well.

To increase protein, add cooked lentils or chickpeas to any of these dishes. For spice lovers, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate flavors effortlessly.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories (per serving) Protein (g) Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g) Fiber (g)
Classic Garlic Tomato Pasta 320 8 7 55 6
Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta 400 9 15 48 8
Lemon Garlic Asparagus Pasta 350 7 8 52 7
Spicy Peanut Noodles 420 12 18 48 5
Simple Basil Pesto Pasta 370 10 14 50 6

Serving Suggestions

Pair these vibrant pasta dishes with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can add an extra layer of flavor and texture.

For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or vegan meat substitutes. These pastas also make fantastic leftovers and taste even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

Don’t forget to explore other delicious options on the blog, such as the Breakfast Wellington Recipe for a savory start to your day or the comforting Bread And Gravy Recipe for your next cozy dinner.

Conclusion

These 5 ingredient vegan pasta recipes prove that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques to create delicious, nutritious meals. With just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, you can prepare satisfying dishes that cater to your vegan lifestyle while delighting your palate.

From the fresh burst of basil pesto to the creamy smoothness of avocado pasta, these recipes are perfect for anyone looking to eat well without stress or fuss. Plus, they’re highly adaptable to your taste and pantry staples, which makes them a go-to for busy days or relaxed weekends.

So next time you want a comforting pasta meal that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, give these recipes a try. And be sure to explore more tasty dishes like the Blueberry Mule With Blueberry Vodka Recipe for your next entertaining occasion!

📖 Recipe Card: 5 Ingredient Vegan Pasta

Description: A quick and easy vegan pasta dish with just five simple ingredients. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper 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 minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Drain pasta and add to the pan with tomatoes.
  6. Toss pasta with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.
  7. Stir in chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
  8. Serve hot, topped with red pepper flakes if desired.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 60 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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