Bucatini Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Meatless Pasta

Bucatini is a delightful Italian pasta that features a unique hollow center, allowing sauces to cling beautifully inside and out. This vegetarian bucatini recipe combines fresh, vibrant flavors with wholesome ingredients, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more meatless meals to your repertoire, this dish promises a burst of flavor and texture in every bite. The sauce is rich yet light, made from ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, elevated with a touch of spice and a sprinkle of Parmesan or vegan cheese to finish.

Cooking bucatini is a joy, especially when paired with a sauce that complements its robust texture. This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests.

Plus, it’s fully customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies or swap ingredients depending on what you have on hand. Ready to dive into this delicious, vegetarian-friendly bucatini recipe?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian bucatini recipe is a perfect blend of hearty and light—ideal for those who crave comfort food without the heaviness of meat. The hollow tube shape of bucatini pasta captures the sauce inside, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.

It’s quick to prepare, uses fresh and accessible ingredients, and can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this dish doubles as a crowd-pleaser and a nutritious meal. With a balance of protein from beans or cheese and antioxidants from fresh tomatoes and herbs, it’s as wholesome as it is delicious.

Plus, it’s a fantastic base recipe that you can modify with seasonal vegetables or add-ins like mushrooms, spinach, or olives for extra texture and nutrition.

Ingredients

• 12 oz bucatini pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or fresh ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil or 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
• 1 cup cooked cannellini beans or chickpeas (optional for protein)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan cheese alternative
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Cook the bucatini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bucatini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the sauce base: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the tomatoes and spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red chili flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Incorporate greens and beans: Add the fresh spinach or kale to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cooked cannellini beans or chickpeas if using, warming them through.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained bucatini to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve the pasta immediately, topped with the remaining Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Tips & Variations

“For a creamier sauce, add a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream just before serving. You can also experiment with different vegetables like roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.”

• Use gluten-free bucatini or spaghetti if you need a gluten-free option.
• Swap the beans for sautéed mushrooms to keep it lighter and add an umami punch.
• For a smoky twist, add some smoked paprika or roasted red pepper paste to the tomato sauce.
• Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for a crunchy contrast.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can be used if you don’t have basil on hand.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This bucatini dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad for a more indulgent option. Crusty garlic bread or a warm, toasted baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

For a refreshing beverage, try a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water infused with lemon and mint. If you’re interested in exploring more vegetarian-friendly recipes, be sure to check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or our hearty and flavorful Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.

Conclusion

This vegetarian bucatini recipe is a beautiful combination of fresh ingredients and simple techniques that yield a delightful meal every time. The pasta’s unique hollow shape ensures that every bite is coated with the delicious tomato sauce enriched with herbs, garlic, and a touch of spice.

It’s a versatile recipe that you can easily make your own by adding seasonal vegetables or swapping proteins.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual night with friends, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic introduction to Italian cooking for those new to vegetarian meals.

Don’t forget to explore more recipes in our collection like the comforting Ground Pork And Mushroom Recipes or the refreshing Huckleberry Margarita Recipe for your next culinary adventure.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Bucatini Vegetarian Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and hearty vegetarian bucatini pasta with fresh tomatoes and basil. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 oz bucatini pasta”, “2 tbsp olive oil”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped”, “1/4 tsp red pepper flakes”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”, “1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)”, “1 tbsp balsamic vinegar”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook bucatini pasta according to package instructions until al dente.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; saut\u00e9 for 1 minute until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and release juices, about 8 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain pasta and add it to the skillet; toss to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and mix in fresh basil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “420 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “14 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “65 g”}}