If you’re craving a creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s entirely vegetarian, this Alfredo Penne Pasta Recipe (Veg) is your perfect go-to meal. Rich, velvety Alfredo sauce combined with perfectly cooked penne and a medley of fresh vegetables creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to impress guests. The best part?
You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just wholesome staples that come together beautifully.
From the first bite, the luscious sauce envelops each penne piece, while the vibrant vegetables add texture and subtle sweetness. This recipe is a celebration of flavors and colors, making it a treat for both the eyes and the palate.
Plus, it’s customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies or tweak the seasoning to your liking. Let’s dive into why this Alfredo Penne Pasta will quickly become one of your favorite vegetarian dishes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian Alfredo Penne Pasta is a crowd-pleaser because of its creamy texture and delightful vegetable crunch. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Italian-inspired dish without any meat but with all the flavor and richness you expect from Alfredo sauce.
The recipe uses fresh ingredients and simple techniques, making it accessible for even beginner cooks. It’s a balanced meal with carbs, veggies, and healthy fats from the cheese and butter.
Plus, you can prepare it in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Looking for a comforting yet light dinner? This recipe is your answer.
It’s easy to customize with seasonal vegetables or add a protein like tofu or chickpeas if you want to boost the nutritional profile further.
Ingredients
- 300g penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or use coconut cream for a vegan twist)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (use vegan cheese if desired)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Grater for cheese
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli, carrot, peas, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, push the vegetables to one side and add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually to the sauce, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta well with the creamy Alfredo mixture.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Tips & Variations
“Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess in your Alfredo sauce.”
- Make it vegan: Substitute dairy butter with vegan butter, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and swap Parmesan for a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Add protein: Toss in cooked chickpeas, grilled tofu, or tempeh to make this dish more filling.
- Extra veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for more color and nutrients.
- Herbs and spices: Fresh basil or thyme can elevate the flavor. A little red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free penne pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (serves 4) |
---|---|
Calories | 420 kcal |
Protein | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 52 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Saturated Fat | 8 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 320 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Alfredo Penne Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread to soak up the sauce. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup.
If you love exploring pasta recipes, you might enjoy our Breakfast Wellington Recipe for a savory start to your day or try the Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe for a comforting dinner option.
Conclusion
This vegetarian Alfredo Penne Pasta recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a creamy, satisfying meal without meat. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and packed with fresh vegetables that add both nutrition and flavor.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it offers versatility whether you want to keep it simple or customize with your favorite veggies and proteins.
With straightforward ingredients and quick cooking steps, it’s an ideal recipe for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, it invites creativity with endless variations, so you can keep coming back to it with new twists.
Try it today and savor the rich, creamy goodness that everyone will love!
📖 Recipe Card: Alfredo Penne Pasta Recipe Veg
Description: A creamy and delicious vegetarian Alfredo penne pasta that's quick to prepare. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and broccoli, cook until tender.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until sauce thickens.
- Add cooked penne and spinach to the sauce, mix well.
- Cook for 2 more minutes until spinach wilts.
- Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition: Calories: 480 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 50 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Alfredo Penne Pasta Recipe Veg”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and delicious vegetarian Alfredo penne pasta that’s quick to prepare. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 oz penne pasta”, “2 tbsp olive oil”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 cup heavy cream”, “1 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1 cup broccoli florets”, “1 cup sliced mushrooms”, “1/2 cup chopped spinach”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”, “1/4 tsp nutmeg”, “Fresh parsley for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook penne pasta according to package instructions, drain and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and saut\u00e9 garlic until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mushrooms and broccoli, cook until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until sauce thickens.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cooked penne and spinach to the sauce, mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for 2 more minutes until spinach wilts.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “480 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “18 g”, “fatContent”: “22 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “50 g”}}