When we think of pasta, it’s hard not to think immediately about Parmesan, meatballs or an incredible Alfredo sauce. But despite those Pavlovian associations, you can actually make a seriously bomb pasta… vegan. Yep, you can have cheesy macaroni and savory stroganoffs without any dairy or meat. It takes some smart substitutions, but that’s what recipes are for: to show you how to make what you’ve never made before.
We rounded up the best vegan pasta dishes that will make you see that a meat-free pasta dish is not only possible, it might actually taste better.
1. Avocado pasta recipe
Image: Damn Delicious
Avocados are a great source of energy, and their texture lends itself perfectly for creamy sauces, like in this recipe for avocado pasta.
2. Vegan Bolognese recipe
Image: Rachel Cooks
Lentils and quinoa make this recipe for vegan Bolognese a hearty and healthy option, even better when served alongside a mixed-greens salad.
More: How to Use Powdered Peanut Butter — Your New High-Protein Vegan BFF
3. Maitake fettuccine in creamy sauce recipe
Image: Allyson Kramer
Earthy maitake mushrooms make this maitake fettuccine in creamy sauce a delicious dinner idea. If you can’t find maitake mushrooms, oyster mushrooms work well too.
4. Pan-fried lemony artichokes with asparagus-pistachio pesto pasta recipe
Image: Half Baked Harvest
To make this pan-fried lemony artichokes with asparagus-pistachio pesto pasta vegan, just exclude the Parmesan cheese grated in the pesto.
5. Vegan fettuccine with creamy walnut sauce recipe
Nuts are the perfect element when creating flavorful and creamy sauces for pasta, like this vegan fettuccine with creamy walnut sauce.
6. Pumpkin Alfredo recipe
Image: Allyson Kramer
Pumpkin Alfredo is something we’ve always wanted to make ourselves. The orange pumpkin color is similar to the comforting cheddar in traditional mac and cheese.
7. Vegan mac & cheese recipe
Sometimes you just need a dose of comfort food, like this vegan mac and cheese with crumb topping.
8. Lasagna with creamy red wine sauce recipe
Image: Allyson Kramer
Serve up a slice of this gorgeous lasagna with creamy red wine sauce, and no one will miss the animal products, such as cheese, cream and meat.
9. Vegan penne alla vodka recipe
Vodka is definitely vegan, so make sure to add a splash, and cook it down to make this luscious vegan penne alla vodka.
10. Creamy mushroom & tofu stroganoff recipe
Another comfort food favorite, this creamy mushroom and tofu stroganoff recipe is great for chilly spring nights.
11. Creamy Mexican mac & cheese recipe
Spice up your Meatless Monday nights with this version of creamy Mexican mac and cheese topped with fresh tomatoes, jalapeños and cilantro. It’s the perfect spiced-up meal.
12. Linguine with chipotle-pumpkin cream sauce recipe
The balance between chipotle and pumpkin is one that makes this recipe for linguine with chipotle-pumpkin cream sauce shine.
13. Stuffed shells with cashew ricotta cheese recipe
Learn to make your own vegan cashew ricotta cheese with this recipe for stuffed shells with cashew ricotta cheese.
14. Smoky butternut mac & cheese recipe
Image: Allyson Kramer
We’re drooling over this delicious-looking smoky butternut mac and cheese recipe.
Keep reading for tofu soba noodles and more!
A version of this article was originally published in April 2015.
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