Quick and Easy Vegetarian Penne Pasta Recipes

Vegetarian penne pasta is a versatile and flavorful dish, perfect for anyone seeking a quick and healthy meal. Whether you’re pressed for time or craving something easy to prepare, penne pasta is an excellent choice. It’s simple to make, filling, and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. With just a few ingredients, you can prepare a tasty Pasta in no time.

In this article, we’ll explore a variety of vegetarian penne pasta recipes, ensuring everyone can find something they like. There’s something for everyone, from fresh and light pasta meals to filling and rich ones. For those who follow a vegetarian diet, want to eat less meat, or like the taste of vegetables, these recipes will help you make tasty meals in less time.

We will discuss quick vegetarian pasta dishes that are both delicious and nutritious, perfect for busy days.. These easy penne pasta recipes can be used to make tasty meals during the busy workweek, on the weekend, or even to prepare meals for the next week. These recipes give you many different choices, so you can make them fit your lifestyle and your taste.

Quick and Easy Recipes

Quick and Easy Vegetarian Penne Pasta Recipes

Recipe by SamiraCourse: pastaCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

398

kcal

Ingredients

• Easy Vegetarian Penne Pasta:
  

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
  

• 1 medium zucchini (sliced)
  

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  

• Salt and pepper (to taste)
  

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• One-Pot Penne Pasta:
  

• 2 cups penne pasta
  

• 2 cups vegetable broth
  

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, spinach, zucchini)
  

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• Penne Pasta Primavera:
  

• 2 cups mixed bell peppers (chopped)
  

• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  

• 1 cup spinach (fresh)
  

• 1 tbsp lemon juice
  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• Vegetarian Penne Pasta with Roasted Vegetables:
  

• 1 medium zucchini (chopped)
  

• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
  

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  

• Salt and pepper (to taste)
  

• 2 cups whole-wheat penne pasta

• Healthy Penne Pasta Salad:
  

• 2 cups whole-wheat penne pasta (cooked and cooled)
  

• 1 cucumber (diced)
  

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  

• 1 cup spinach (chopped)
  

• 1/4 cup light vinaigrette dressing

Directions

• Easy Vegetarian Penne Pasta:
  Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.
  Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the pan with the veggies.
  Season with salt and pepper, then toss everything together. Top with grated Parmesan before serving, if desired.
• One-Pot Penne Pasta:
  In a large pot, combine penne pasta, vegetable broth, mixed vegetables, and Italian seasoning.
  Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  Season with salt and pepper, then serve.
• Penne Pasta Primavera:
  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bell peppers, peas, and spinach. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with the sautéed vegetables.
  Stir in lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
• Vegetarian Penne Pasta with Roasted Vegetables:
  Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender.
  Cook the whole-wheat penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with the roasted vegetables.
• Healthy Penne Pasta Salad:
  In a large bowl, combine cooked and cooled whole-wheat penne pasta with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and spinach.
  Toss with light vinaigrette dressing and serve chilled.

Notes

• Customization: Feel free to mix and match vegetables and seasonings according to your preferences. You can also add a variety of cheese, nuts, or seeds for extra flavor and texture.
• For a Heartier Meal: Add a protein like chickpeas, beans, or tofu to make the dish more filling.
• Storage: These pasta dishes store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the pasta salad, it’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days for maximum freshness.
• Low-Calorie Option: Use zucchini noodles or other spiralized vegetables instead of pasta to make a lighter version of these dishes.

It can be beneficial to have a few quick vegetarian pasta dishes on hand for busy weeknights when you’re short on time. These recipes offer a tasty, healthy meal in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for days when you need something both quick and satisfying. 

You don’t have to give up taste or nutrition for quick meals. With the right ingredients and creativity, you can quickly make tasty vegetable pasta meals. The recipes below are meant to be quick, tasty, and easy for busy nights. 

You can make all of them in 30 minutes or less, which means you can enjoy your food more and spend less time cooking. Look at some of the best options for quick vegetarian penne pasta dishes!

Easy Vegetarian Penne Pasta

The simple ingredients in this easy vegetarian penne pasta recipe include cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and garlic, all cooked together in olive oil. The food is light and tasty, and it only takes 20 minutes to make. 

It’s an easy way to enjoy fresh vegetables. The zucchini and cherry tomatoes naturally add sweetness, and the garlic makes it taste spicy. Add some Parmesan cheese on top of it before serving to make it taste even better. This food is excellent for people who want a quick, easy, light, and filling meal.

One-Pot Penne Pasta

Check out a one-pot vegetarian penne pasta recipe for even less cleanup. One pot is used to mix all the ingredients, including pasta, vegetables, broth, and spices. It’s a simple and tasty meal because the pasta absorbs the flavors of the broth and vegetables as it cooks. 

This recipe is great for nights when you’re busy and want something quick that won’t make you wash many dishes. It’s easy to make your own by adding your favorite spices or vegetables.

Penne Pasta Primavera

Penne pasta primavera is a great choice when you crave something colorful and fresh. In this dish, bell peppers, peas, spinach, and other vegetables that are in season are mixed with pasta in a light lemon sauce. 

The bright tastes of the vegetables and the citrusy lemon sauce make for a healthy, balanced meal that is both satisfying and healthy. This dish is perfect for spring or summer, but it can be enjoyed year-round with whatever vegetables are in season. This recipe is great for a quick and healthy dinner because it can be made in less than 30 minutes.

These meals are easy to change up and take little time to make. You can use different veggies or change the seasonings to your liking. If you’re in the mood for something light, hearty, or colorful, these quick vegetarian pasta dishes will become staples in your weeknight meal rotation.

Healthy and Low-Calorie Options

Adding vegetables to your meals is a simple way to make them healthier while keeping your dishes light and low in calories.  A healthy diet requires ample fiber, vitamins, and minerals—all of which are abundant in vegetables. 

When eaten with low-calorie vegetarian penne pasta dishes, vegetables not only make the food taste better but also satisfy it without adding extra calories. These recipes are great for anyone who wants a healthy, tasty meal. 

They are perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious, flavorful meal that doesn’t weigh you down. Let’s look at two healthy vegetarian penne pasta recipes that combine vegetables with whole-grain pasta for delicious and light meals.

Vegetarian Penne Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. This cooking method also helps keep the calorie count low while adding a rich, satisfying taste. 

Pairing roasted vegetables with whole-wheat penne creates a hearty yet light dish that’s perfect for any meal. The mix of fiber-rich vegetables and whole grains makes it filling without the extra calories. It’s a perfect choice for a light lunch or dinner.

Healthy Penne Pasta Salad

This healthy penne pasta salad is an ideal dish for meal prep, especially on warm days. Fresh vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and spinach are mixed with whole-wheat penne pasta and tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing. 

This salad is refreshing and filling, making it a great lunch or light dinner option. The fresh veggies add crunch and nutrients, while the vinaigrette keeps the dish light and low in calories.

These two recipes show you how to make a healthy, low-calorie meal that tastes great without giving up taste. By using fresh veggies and whole grains, these meals provide important nutrients while keeping your calorie intake in check.

Italian-Inspired and Creamy Dishes

People love Italian food because it has strong tastes, uses fresh ingredients, and rich textures. An important part of many classic Italian recipes is using simple, high-quality ingredients like cheese, peppers, olive oil, and fresh herbs.

Italian tastes stand out in vegetarian food because they use a lot of different vegetables, herbs, and plant-based milk substitutes. Rich Italian foods, like creamy pasta, are easy to change to fit a vegetarian diet. This means that vegetarians can still enjoy tasty, filling meals that are light and healthy. Let’s look at two creamy vegetarian penne pasta recipes with an Italian twist!

Creamy Vegetarian Penne Pasta with Spinach

This dish turns a classic creamy pasta into a creamy vegetarian penne pasta with spinach, rich in flavor but lighter on calories. Instead of heavy cream, plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream create a smooth, velvety texture. 

Spinach adds color and nutrients, making it a wholesome and filling dish. The creamy sauce coats the penne perfectly, and the spinach provides a nice balance of freshness. This recipe is ideal for a quick, comforting, satisfying, and vegetarian-friendly meal.

Italian Vegetarian Pasta Bake

A comforting, cheesy baked vegetarian penne pasta casserole perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. This dish combines penne pasta with a rich tomato sauce, layers of sautéed vegetables, and a dairy-free cheese topping that melts beautifully. It’s baked to perfection, creating a crispy, golden crust on top while keeping the pasta tender inside. 

Not only is it easy to prepare, but it can also be made ahead of time and stored for later, making it a convenient option for busy days.  This Italian vegetarian pasta recipe brings the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine to your table in a healthy, vegetarian form. 

These two recipes offer the best of Italian-inspired vegetarian food. They have rich, creamy textures and comforting tastes without dairy or meat.

Vegan and Meatless Variations

As more people embrace plant-based eating, vegan meals are becoming a staple in many kitchens.. Many people think that vegan meals can’t be as filling as regular ones, but that’s not true. Vegan meals often include fresh vegetables, grains, and plant-based options that give them a lot of taste, nutrition, and alternatives. 

Regarding pasta, vegan choices are very flexible and taste great. By making a few simple changes, you can make tasty vegetarian penne pasta recipes that are just as comforting and satisfying as their non-vegan versions. 

Let’s look at two vegetarian penne pasta recipes with tomato sauce that are full of taste and don’t use meat or dairy.

Vegan Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce

This classic vegan penne pasta recipe features a fresh, homemade tomato sauce. Fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil combine to create a flavorful, aromatic sauce. The ingredients are simmered to enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, and the sauce is poured over al dente penne for a satisfying meal. 

This dish is vegan and packed with antioxidants, making it a nutritious, wholesome option. It’s perfect for anyone craving a traditional pasta dish without animal products.

Creamy Vegan Tomato Penne

Try this creamy vegan tomato penne recipe for a richer, creamier dish. Using plant-based cheese and non-dairy milk, this sauce is just as creamy as the traditional version but without any dairy. The plant-based cheese melts into the sauce, giving it a velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully. 

This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal that’s both creamy and vegan. The tomato flavor, combined with the creamy texture, makes this dish both indulgent and nutritious.

These vegetarian penne pasta recipes show that plant-based cooking can be just as tasty and satisfying as cooking with meat, offering something delicious for everyone.

Family-Friendly or Crowd-Pleasing Dishes

Family-friendly meals ensure everyone can enjoy their time at the dinner table. Finding meals that both kids and adults will enjoy can be challenging, but with a little creativity, you can make dishes everyone will love. 

Family-friendly vegetarian penne pasta recipes are perfect because they’re easy to prepare, delicious, and versatile. These pasta meals will please even the pickiest eaters, whether you’re having a party or cooking a busy weeknight dinner. Let’s look at two pasta recipes for vegetarians that are great for families and large groups.

Baked Vegetarian Penne Casserole

This hearty dish is one of the best vegetarian pasta dishes for large gatherings or family dinners. With layers of penne pasta, marinara sauce, vegetables, and a gooey, melted cheese topping, this family-friendly vegetarian penne pasta recipe will surely please everyone. 

The casserole can easily be made in advance and baked when ready, making it perfect for busy days or special occasions. It’s filling, comforting, and flavorful, making it ideal for kids and adults. Plus, you can add extra veggies or protein to cater to different tastes.

Spicy Vegetarian Penne Pasta

This spicy vegetarian penne pasta is a fantastic option for families with adventurous eaters. This dish incorporates spices like chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or even jalapeños, adding a kick that’s sure to excite. While spicy, the flavors are balanced with a rich tomato sauce and plenty of vegetables, satisfying and flavorful. 

This recipe works well for those who enjoy a little heat and want to add some excitement to their pasta dishes. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences. These two vegetarian penne pasta recipes are easy to make and taste great, so they’re great for feeding many people or ensuring that everyone in the family is happy at dinner. Casseroles and spicy pasta will surely please your family, whether you choose the comforting or spicy one.

Wrapping Up: Quick and Easy Vegetarian Penne Pasta Recipes

This article has discussed how versatile and easy it is to make quick and easy vegetarian penne pasta recipes. There’s something here for everyone, whether you want an easy meal during the week or something to wow your guests. 

Vegetarian penne pasta is a great base for a huge range of flavor combinations. It goes well in fresh vegetable pasta salads, creamy sauces, and meaty casseroles. The great thing about these recipes is that they are simple to change. You can use different vegetables, spices, and sauces based on what you have on hand and what you like. 

Feel free to mix things up by adding cooked vegetables, experimenting with different pasta types, or changing the sauce. The options are endless. Many suggestions can help you make more of the best vegetarian pasta dishes and healthy and satisfying meals. 

You can make these meals whether you’ve cooked them before or not. They’re easy to follow and can be changed to fit any diet. Have fun cooking!

FAQs about Vegetarian Penne Pasta Recipes

Welcome to the FAQ section! Here, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about vegetarian penne pasta recipes. Whether you’re looking for tips on quick meals, healthy options, or how to customize your dish, we’ve got you covered.