BBC Food Vegetarian Pasta Recipes for Easy Weeknight Meals

Few dishes are as universally beloved and endlessly adaptable as pasta. Whether you’re seeking comfort food or a quick, nutritious meal, vegetarian pasta recipes offer a world of flavor, color, and satisfaction.

Inspired by the creative collections on BBC Food, I’ve gathered a trio of the most vibrant, easy, and satisfying vegetarian pasta recipes you can make at home. From creamy tomato classics to veggie-packed primavera and a show-stopping roasted vegetable pasta bake, these dishes celebrate the joy of plant-based cooking.

If you’re new to vegetarian meals or simply searching for fresh inspiration, this guide brings together the best BBC Food vegetarian pasta ideas—each with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and serving suggestions.

So, grab your apron and get ready to twirl your fork through bowls of pure comfort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian pasta recipes are perfect for every occasion—weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining. Here’s why you’ll adore these dishes:

• Quick and Easy: Most recipes can be made in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Each recipe is loaded with vegetables, providing a satisfying and nutritious meal.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies, sauces, or pasta shapes to make them your own.
• Family-Friendly: These recipes are loved by kids and adults alike—no one will miss the meat!
• Budget-Conscious: Vegetarian pasta is affordable and makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Make a big batch, and you’ll have a centerpiece everyone can enjoy.

“Vegetarian pasta is proof that you don’t need meat to make a meal satisfying, hearty, and delicious.”

Ingredients

Below are the star ingredients for each of our three featured BBC Food-inspired vegetarian pasta recipes: Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, Veggie Primavera, and Roasted Vegetable Pasta Bake.

Feel free to adjust quantities and swap in your favorite vegetables for even more variety!

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining
• Large frying pan or skillet
• Baking tray (for roasted vegetable pasta bake)
• Deep oven-proof dish (for pasta bake)
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester (for lemon in primavera)

Instructions

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions until al dente. Reserve 100ml of pasta water, then drain.
2. Sauté aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Make the sauce: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add cream and cheese: Stir in the double cream and grated vegetarian Parmesan. Let the sauce bubble gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat, adding extra water if the sauce seems thick.
6. Finish and serve: Tear in the fresh basil leaves, give everything a final toss, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan and black pepper.

Veggie Primavera

1. Boil the pasta: Cook the spaghetti or linguine in plenty of salted boiling water until just al dente. Reserve 100ml pasta water, then drain.
2. Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the red pepper and courgette, sauté for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add broccoli and peas: Add broccoli florets and frozen peas. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring often.
4. Garlic and tomatoes: Add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and tomatoes begin to soften.
5. Combine with pasta: Add drained pasta to the pan, along with lemon zest and juice. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
6. Finish with herbs: Stir in chopped parsley, season to taste, and serve hot with a sprinkle of black pepper.

Roasted Vegetable Pasta Bake

1. Prepare the vegetables: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas 6. Arrange the aubergine, onion, peppers, and courgettes on a large baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
2. Roast the vegetables: Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and tender.
3. Cook the pasta: While vegetables roast, boil the rigatoni or penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Make tomato sauce: In a saucepan, heat the chopped tomatoes for 5 minutes. Season to taste.
5. Assemble the bake: In a deep oven-proof dish, combine pasta, roasted vegetables, tomato sauce, and half the mozzarella and basil. Mix gently.
6. Add cheese and bake: Top with remaining mozzarella and grated vegetarian Parmesan. Bake for 20 minutes, until bubbling and golden. Scatter over extra basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Make it vegan: Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives in any of these recipes for a fully vegan version.
• Change up the vegetables: Try adding spinach, kale, mushrooms, artichokes, or asparagus for more variety.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes to your sauce or sprinkle with dukkah for a Middle Eastern twist.
• Protein boost: Toss in cooked chickpeas, white beans, or cubes of grilled tofu or paneer.
• Herb swap: Use fresh oregano, thyme, or dill in place of basil or parsley.
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta; cooking times may vary slightly.

“Love creamy pasta? Try this Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for a dairy-free twist!”

Nutrition Facts

Each recipe provides a balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plant-based protein. Here’s a general nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings per recipe):

These values are estimates and will vary based on the exact ingredients and quantities used.

“Looking for lighter options? Check out this Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating!”

Serving Suggestions

• With salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate.
• With garlic bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread or a slice of homemade loaf (try this Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves) is the perfect partner.
• As a main or side: These pastas work wonderfully as a main course or as a side for a bigger spread.
• For meal prep: Make a double batch and pack leftovers for lunch—the flavors deepen overnight!
• Party style: Serve the pasta bake in the center of the table, topped with extra cheese and fresh herbs for a family-style feast.

Conclusion

Vegetarian pasta recipes inspired by BBC Food bring together everything we love about home cooking: simplicity, nutrition, and a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re craving the comfort of Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, the freshness of Veggie Primavera, or the heartiness of a Roasted Vegetable Pasta Bake, there’s a recipe here for every mood and appetite.

Each dish is easy to customize and sure to please everyone at the table—carnivores included.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the vegetables and herbs you have on hand. Pasta is the perfect canvas for creativity!

For even more inspiration, explore international flavors with these Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or try a sweet finish with this Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

The world of vegetarian cooking is vibrant, delicious, and endlessly inviting—so tie on your apron and enjoy every bite!

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