Creative Vegan Takes on Everyone's Favorite Pasta Dish

1. Vegan Carbonara with Smoky Tempeh

Carbonara is a pasta dish that typically includes eggs, cheese (Pecorino Romano), guanciale (cured pork jowl), and black pepper. This carbonara, uses smoky tempeh as a substitute for traditional pork-based ingredients.

In this vegan version, traditional animal products like eggs and cheese are also replaced with plant-based alternatives. Tempeh is cooked or marinated with smoky seasonings reminiscent of traditional bacon or pancetta found in classic Carbonara.

Related: 14 Vegan Lasagna Recipes To Have For Dinner

2. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that translates to "spaghetti with garlic and oil" in English. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that originates from the region of Naples in Southern Italy and is quick to make. 

Making a vegan version of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is quite simple since the traditional recipe doesn't heavily rely on animal products. This pasta dish is appreciated for its simplicity and the way it allows the flavors of garlic and olive oil to shine.

3. Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese

The traditional version of Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese typically includes ground meat (beef or a combination of beef and pork), vegetables, wine, and various seasonings. In the vegan adaptation, ingredients like plant-based protein, vegetables, and legumes are used to create a hearty, flavorful sauce.

Lentils, textured vegetable protein (TVP), soy crumbles, or a mix of beans are the alternatives used for meat. These alternatives provide protein and a meaty texture to the sauce. Vegetable broth or water with vegetable bouillon cubes or powder is used instead of animal stocks.

4. Vegan Alfredo Pasta

Vegan Alfredo Pasta is a plant-based version of the classic Alfredo pasta, which is known for its creamy and indulgent white sauce. In the traditional recipe, the richness comes from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.

In the vegan adaptation, cashews provide a creamy and rich texture to the sauce. Plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, is used to achieve the desired consistency and creaminess in the sauce. Moreover, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor to the cheese sauce, providing depth and richness.

5. Vegan Carbonara with Tofu Bacon

This is another vegan version of carbonara where non-vegan ingredients are replaced with plant-based alternatives. In contrast to tempeh, tofu bacon is often used to replicate the smoky and savory flavors of traditional pork products.

Tofu used in the dish is pressed, marinated, and cooked to mimic the smoky and savory flavor of traditional bacon or pancetta found in Carbonara. It adds a chewy and flavorful element to the dish. Also, liquid smoke is added to the tofu bacon marinade to infuse a smoky flavor into the tofu replicating the characteristic smokiness of traditional Carbonara.

6. Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish made with plant-based alternatives. The star of this dish is the roasted red peppers, which lend a sweet and smoky flavor to the sauce.

Vegan Roasted Red Pepper Pasta offers a delightful alternative to traditional cream-based pasta sauces. The roasted red peppers provide a unique and rich flavor, while the cashews contribute to the creamy texture without the need for dairy.

7. Eggplant and Tomato Pasta

Eggplant and Tomato Pasta is a delicious and hearty vegan dish that showcases the natural flavors and textures of eggplant and tomatoes. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the earthy taste of roasted or sautéed eggplant with the sweetness of tomatoes, creating a satisfying pasta dish.

Eggplant is a plant-based ingredient and a central component of this dish. Its meaty texture and earthy flavor provide a satisfying element to the pasta. Vegan Parmesan or Nutritional Yeast helps to create a satisfying and nutritious pasta dish without the need for animal products.

8. Spaghetti Puttanesca

Spaghetti Puttanesca is a flavorful and robust Italian pasta dish that originated in Naples. Traditionally, Puttanesca sauce is known for its bold and savory flavors, often made with ingredients like tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies.

In the vegan adaptation, anchovies are omitted, and the dish relies on other umami-rich ingredients to create a satisfying flavor profile. A small amount of seaweed flakes (like dulse or nori) is used for a hint of sea flavor without using animal products.

9. Mediterranean Pasta

Mediterranean Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by the diverse and wholesome ingredients found in Mediterranean cuisine. This vegan adaptation incorporates ingredients such as tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and fresh herbs to create a light yet satisfying pasta dish. 

Vegan Mediterranean Pasta offers a burst of flavors and textures, combining the sweetness of tomatoes, the brininess of olives, and the heartiness of artichokes. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients. You can also prepare a lighter salad version of these pastas.

10. Vegan Cacio e Pepe

Vegan Cacio e Pepe is a plant-based twist on the classic Roman pasta dish traditionally made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper. In this vegan adaptation, the cheese is replaced with plant-based alternatives, resulting in a creamy and peppery pasta dish.

Vegan Cacio e Pepe offers a creamy and cheesy pasta experience without using dairy. The cashew-based cheese provides a rich and nutty flavor, and the combination of miso and nutritional yeast adds umami notes to mimic the traditional Pecorino Romano cheese.

11. Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera is a delightful and colorful pasta dish that celebrates the flavors of fresh, seasonal vegetables. The term "primavera" translates to "spring" in Italian, reflecting the use of a variety of vibrant vegetables.

Pasta Primavera vegan version typically features a medley of colorful veggies, a light sauce, and pasta. It's a light and refreshing pasta option that is both visually appealing and packed with flavors that make the best of seasonal vegetables.

12. Vegan Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Vegan Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a plant-based version of the classic garlic shrimp pasta dish. The classic one traditionally features shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and white wine, served over pasta. You can also opt for deliciously simple shrimp pasta recipes if you are a non-vegetarian.

In the vegan adaptation, shrimp is replaced with a plant-based alternative and dairy-based ingredients are substituted with plant-based options. The combination of garlic, plant-based shrimp, and a buttery sauce creates a rich and savory vegan pasta experience.

13. Ricotta Cavatelli with Asparagus

Vegan Ricotta Cavatelli with Asparagus is a plant-based pasta dish that features cavatelli pasta paired with a vegan ricotta-based sauce and fresh asparagus. It's a perfect spring or summer pasta recipe that brings together the flavors of citrus, herbs, and tender-crisp asparagus.

The plant-based ingredients used in vegan ricotta provide a creamy and flavorful element to the dish. Vegan cavatelli pasta made without eggs is used instead of traditional egg-based cavatelli.

14. Vegan Buffalo Fettuccine Alfredo

Vegan Buffalo Fettuccine Alfredo is a vegan twist on the classic Fettuccine Alfredo pasta dish, infused with the bold and spicy flavors of Buffalo sauce. Buffalo sauce, known for its tangy and spicy profile, is then incorporated to give the dish a distinctive kick.

In the vegan adaptation, the traditional Alfredo sauce, which typically includes butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, is replaced with a creamy vegan alternative. The combination of cashews, plant-based milk, and seasonings creates a velvety Alfredo sauce hence creating a satisfying plant-based meal.

15. Vegan Sausage Pasta

Vegan Sausage Pasta replaces traditional animal-based sausages with vegan sausage alternatives. The dish typically features a variety of vegetables, herbs, and a savory vegan sausage, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

You can choose a substitute for animal sausages from a variety of plant-based sausages available in stores. These plant-based sausages are generally made from ingredients like soy, seitan, tempeh, or legumes.

16. Creamy Lemony Zucchini Pasta

Creamy Lemony Zucchini Pasta is a light and refreshing plant-based pasta dish that features zucchini as the star ingredient. The dish is characterized by a creamy sauce with a zesty lemon flavor, creating a delightful and satisfying meal.

The vegan version of Creamy Lemony Zucchini Pasta offers a combination of cashews, lemon, and zucchini creating a creamy and flavorful sauce that complements the pasta beautifully. Overall, a perfect blend of creaminess and citrusy brightness makes it a wonderful option for a light and satisfying meal.

17. Vegan Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta

Vegan Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta is an umami-packed plant-based pasta dish that combines the rich taste of mushrooms with a creamy miso-infused vegan sauce. Miso, a fermented soybean paste, adds depth and complexity to the sauce creating a satisfying meal.

Miso is itself vegan and adds depth, umami, and savory notes to the overall taste of the pasta. Likewise, mushrooms are naturally plant-based, and a variety like cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms works well in this recipe.

18. Basil Pesto Spaghetti

Basil Pesto Spaghetti is a timeless and versatile dish in which aromatic pesto sauce imparts the bright and herbaceous flavors of fresh basil. Vegan Basil Pesto Spaghetti maintains the delicious and aromatic qualities of the traditional dish while adhering to a plant-based lifestyle.

In the vegan Basil Pesto Spaghetti, the star of this dish, the vibrant basil pesto sauce, is made without dairy products like Parmesan cheese. Instead, pine nuts (or walnuts) and nutritional yeast are used to make creamy vegan pesto.

19. Pumpkin Sage Cream Pasta

Pumpkin Sage Cream Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that features a creamy sauce made with pumpkin puree and infused with the earthy flavor of sage. This pasta dish is perfect for the fall season, offering a blend of rich and savory flavors.

Vegan Pumpkin Sage Cream Pasta however uses coconut milk or any unsweetened plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or cashew for sauce. Additionally, Vegan Parmesan or Nutritional Yeast allows to bring cheesy goodness to the dish without the use of animal products.

20. Vegan Avocado Pasta

Vegan Avocado Pasta is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that features a rich and velvety avocado-based sauce. This recipe offers a plant-based alternative to traditional creamy pasta sauces, utilizing the natural creaminess of ripe avocados.

Avocado pasta is known for its vibrant green color, creamy texture, and fresh flavors of citrus and herbs. This luscious and wholesome pasta provides a creamy texture without the need for dairy making it an animal-free dish.