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There are tons of amazing vegetarian Italian recipes out there! Lots of cheesy, creamy dishes that are the ideal comfort food.
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Sure, many Italian dishes centre on meat, but a whole lot of them can be made vegetarian if you take out the meat and replace it with some other source of protein like roasted cracked spelt in vegetarian lasagna or lentils in this vegan bolognese .
Better yet, there are a whole host of recipes that are vegetarian, to begin with, like pasta arrabiata .
Basically, the Italians have lots of different options for vegetarian meals, and most of them are pretty fabulous comfort food.
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- Mains
- Appetizers, sides, and sauces
- Vegetarian Italian recipes FAQ
Vegetarians beware! Know your cheese
Although cheese is considered a safe food for vegetarians, not every type is produced the same way.
Real European Parmesan cheese isn’t vegetarian because it’s made from animal rennet , unfortunately. The same goes for Gorgonzola, Pecorino Romano, Camembert, and some other cheeses .
Italian food is tough without cheese. The good news is that there are vegetarian- and vegan-friendly alternatives you can buy or make at home.
Look for cheeses than contain only microbial rennet and you should be good to go.
In the US it’s a little easier than Europe, as microbial rennet is used more frequently.
And keep scrolling to find the best vegetarian Italian recipes!
Mains
1. Vegan Lentil Bolognese
Bonus: a healthier, meat and dairy-free version of the classic pasta recipe
Love a good bolognese but trying to eat less meat? Try our healthy, plant-based lentil bolognese – you’ll never look back!
2. Creamy Polenta With Mushrooms
Bonus: an easy recipe packed with protein
Enjoy a taste of the Med with our creamy mushroom and sundried tomato polenta – total perfection!
- Ideal for weight loss
- Easy vegetarian recipes only
- Automated grocery lists
- Use on mobile or download as PDF
3. Vegan Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Bonus: a decent amount of protein and fibre to fill you up
Looking for a healthy vegan pasta salad that you can prep ahead for lunch? Try our Mediterranean pasta salad!
4. Zucchini (Courgette) Basil Soup
Bonus: unique flavor and silky texture
Searching for a vegetarian soup recipe that’s big on health benefits & low on calories? Try this zucchini (courgette) basil soup!
5. Creamy Asparagus Risotto
Bonus: creamy, delicious, and not as hard as you might think
Awaken the Italian in You! Quick to make, so satisfying and tasty to eat. We’ve also included the key surprisingly easy tips to getting the perfect risotto.
6. Vegan Tofu Bolognese
Bonus: a warm and cozy, classic Italian pasta adaptation
Vegan Bolognese. It was about time we veganized the Italian classic. And we’re proud to say we were successful. Please welcome: the amazing Anti Bolognese!
7. Perfect Pizza Pancake Recipe
Bonus: faster and healthier than takeout
These pizza pancakes are a great option for lunch or dinner – super simple and full of the most exciting base and taste combos make it the best of both worlds!
8. Kale and White Bean Soup
Bonus: ultimate comfort food, weight loss friendly
Fill up and power up on our hot vegetarian kale and white bean soup (always one of our fave veggie protein soups ). It’s an absolute pearl for your healthy slim down diet.
Cannellini beans and kale power it up with many health benefits.
9. Bean and Pasta Vegetarian Casserole
Bonus: a filling dish with many health benefits
A dump and bake dish that will please everyone, this bean and pasta vegetarian casserole makes a perfect healthy dinner (more healthy veggie recipes this way!).
10. Crispy Tortilla Pizza
Bonus: easy, and versatile
Crispy Tortilla Pizza. A healthier way to eat pizza with the same great taste that you love. Ready in just 25 minutes, you won’t look back!
11. Pimped Vegan Tomato Soup
Bonus: can be made the regular way or the pimped up way
Show the competition why there’s only one winner with this creamy vegan and vegetarian tomato soup. No dairy, just awesome.
12. Beetroot Pasta
Bonus: incredible flavor combos with beet benefits
The beets are bangin’ in this eye-catching dish. Highly nutritious, beetroots are an awesome addition to any pasta meal – including this beauty!
13. Easy Tomato Spinach Pasta
Bonus: creamy and effortless
A simple but delicious dish that requires bugger all washing up! It’s also an easy way to get all that healthy spinach into your system. Vegetarian and ready in 25 mins.
14. Perfect Pizza Potatoes
Bonus: you can use all your favorite pizza toppings
Hands down, the best gluten-free vegetarian alternative out there (try some more gluten free alternatives with these veggie gluten free recipes ). Never feel like you’re missing out again!
15. Quick and Creamy Avocado Pasta
Bonus: colourful and full of health benefits
Quick and creamy Avocado Pasta that’s healthy and vegan. High in fiber, vitamin C, iron and good fats. Easy to make in under 15 minutes.
16. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Bonus: easy, light dish bursting with flavor
Easy and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. A simple, healthy and delicious recipe that’s ready in 30 minutes or less, perfect for a cool winter or hot summer.
17. Socca Pizza / Chickpea Pizza / Farinata
Bonus: only 5 minute prep, tasty and nutritious
Healthy vegetarian recipe for gluten-free socca pizza made with chickpea (besan) flour (one of our best ever easy vegetarian chickpea recipes !). It’s loaded with plant-based protein, easy to make and a delicious low-calorie treat.
18. Baked Ricotta
Bonus: low-calorie, protein packed and gluten free
This lush ricotta bake takes JUST FIVE MINUTES to prepare – then it’s off into the oven while you get on with the more important things in life.
19. Lentil Vegetable Soup
Bonus: lentil and kale benefits
Looking for a healthy vegan soup to add to your repertoire? This lentil vegetable soup is the perfect option!
20. Vegan Mushroom Risotto
Bonus: earthy, intriguing and creamy vegan risotto
Follow Kat’s simple instructions for the creamiest vegan mushroom risotto this side of an animal product. The perfect vegan recipe for your dinner table.
21. Spaghetti with Arrabbiata Sauce
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp Bonus: spicy, tasty and totally vegan
This easy pasta arrabiata can be made just as spicy as you like it – you’re in control with our step by step guide. Sugo all’arrabbiata here we come!
22. Leek Risotto with Cream Cheese
Bonus: the perfect vegetarian comfort food
This creamy leek risotto is easy to make, filling and oh-so comforting. We show you how to speed it up, too – good food shouldn’t be slow!
23. Red Pesto Pasta
Bonus: tasty, colourful and vegan
Red Pesto Pasta – The natural evolution of a classic dish. The pesto is all vegan and has received so much praise already you won’t believe it!
24. Vegetarian Zucchini Lasagna
Bonus: cheesy and delicious
Having a good lasagna recipe under your belt means you’re really getting somewhere in the culinary world. And this the Best Lasagna Ever. Go on, shine.
25. Easy Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup
Bonus: two cruciferous vegetables incredibly high in nutrients and vitamins
Make the most out of your veg with this Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup – tasty, easy, healthy, full of vitamins and only five mins to prep!
26. Healthy Breakfast Egg Muffins
Bonus: work excellently as a snack or breakfast
Fresh basil, salty feta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes and sweet cherry tomatoes: that’s the beautiful combo that gives these breakfast egg muffins the name ‘Italian Style’.
27. Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Bonus: quick and nutritious
Creamy Broccoli Pasta. This vegetarian combo is a real nutrition powerhouse. Ready in 25 minutes, super versatile, and sooooo tasty! Enjoy!
28. Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
Protein: 7g Calories: 424kcal Ready in: 10 minutes Recipe by: LittleSunnyKitchen Bonus: easy, and versatile
This 4-ingredient creamy pesto gnocchi dinner is a family-friendly vegetarian meal that you can whip up in just 15 minutes (more quick vegetarian dinners right this way)!
Pillowy and tender gnocchi smothered in a creamy basil and dried tomato sauce. An easy comforting dinner that you’ll keep making over and over again!
29. Eggplant Cannelloni
Ready in: 55 minutes Recipe by: ForkfulOfPlants Bonus: healthy low carb recipe
This vegan eggplant cannelloni is completely plant based, gluten free, low carb and so tasty! Thinly sliced eggplant works just like pasta sheets, rolled around a creamy basil and spinach tofu ricotta, and topped with a simple homemade tomato sauce.
30. Roasted Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
Protein: 21g Calories: 414kcal Ready in: 55 minutes Recipe by: BowlOfDelicious Bonus: Gluten-free but packed with flavour
These roasted eggplant parmesan stacks are lighter, easier, and faster than traditional eggplant parmesan recipes, and they’re gluten free too! Just roast the eggplant slices, layer with sauce and cheese, and bake!
31. Three Cheese Baked Rigatoni
Protein: 29.2g Calories: 634kcal Ready in: 1 hour and 5 minutes Recipe by: ASimplePalate Bonus: dreamy and cheesy
This baked rigatoni is the ultimate pasta dinner! Thick pasta noodles layered with a blend of melted cheeses and tossed with a medley of delicious roasted vegetables.
32. Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Protein: 10.4g Calories: 333kcal Ready in: 1 hour and 45 minutes Recipe by: ColeyCooks Bonus: different sauce ideas
These are the best Sweet Potato Gnocchi you’ll ever have! They’re light, pillowy, melt-in-your mouth sweet potato dumplings that are egg-free and so much easier to make than you might think.
33. Pappardelle with Basil & Kale Pesto
Calories: 201kcal Ready in: 15 minutes Recipe by: AnnaBanana Bonus: light, fresh and easy
Fresh, quick and delicious lemon pappardelle with super nutritious basil and kale pesto. Great for mid-week dinner or lunch.
34. Smoky Baked Eggs with Ricotta
Ready in: 35 minutes Recipe by: Carolyn’sCooking Bonus: full of flavour and totally homemade
These smoky baked eggs are on regular rotation in my house. Beans, ricotta and spinach make this dish nice and hearty – perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
35. Vegan Carbonara
Protein: 16g Calories: 430kcal Ready in: 30 minutes Recipe by: RunningOnRealFood Bonus: creamy, flavourful and satisfying
This creamy vegan pasta carbonara is deliciously satisfying and comes together in just 30 minutes for an outstanding meal any night of the week.
36. Italian Vegetable Casserole
Protein: 16g Calories: 285kcal Ready in: 1 hour and 20 minutes Recipe by: FromAChef’sKitchen Bonus: crispy and healthy
Italian Summer Vegetable Casserole is the best of summer produce in a beautiful Mediterranean-inspired dish! The vegetables are grilled first for a touch of smokiness, then smothered and layered with marinara sauce and cheese.
37. Italian Tortellini Spinach Soup
Ready in: 25 minutes Recipe by: TheHealthyToast Bonus: healthy, tasty weeknight meal
Dinner doesn’t get much easier than this Italian Tortellini Soup. Simmer together chicken broth, fire roasted tomatoes, baby spinach, and cheesy tortellini for a nutritious meal to keep you warm throughout the winter.
38. Risotto with Squash & Mushrooms
Protein: 11g Calories: 419kcal Ready in: 1 hour Recipe by: FeastingNotFasting Bonus: nutritious and delicious
This healthy brown rice risotto is so good! It’s satisfying as either a main dish or side with roasted butternut squash, mushrooms, spinach, and sage.
Appetizers, sides, and sauces
39. Tomato Mozzarella Bread
Bonus: crispy and delicious
Tomato Mozzarella Bread. Easy to make Italian tomato and mozzarella bread. High in calcium and Mediterranean flair. Delicious.
40. Easy Basil Pesto
Bonus: full of flavour and totally homemade
Easy Basil Pesto. A super simple and tasty basil pesto. Great with any type of pasta or bread and made in just five minutes. Try it right away 😉
Ingredients
- 1 cup basil, fresh
- ¼ cup vegetarian parmesan, grated (make sure to use a non-animal rennet version if you’re vegetarian. ¼ cup = ca. 25g)
- 3 tbsp walnuts
- 1 clove garlic
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 5 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Chop the basil leaves and nuts and place in a large glass.
- Grate the garlic and cheese (if using) and add to the mixture, along with the salt and pepper .
- Add the oil and mix well with a spoon. Alternatively you can use a hand blender or food processor to mix everything together.
- If necessary, transfer to a smaller glass for storing, and pour on a little more oil to seal the pesto.
- Cover in cling wrap and it should keep for up to two weeks in the fridge.
NOTES
Nutrition
41. Creamy Garlic Mushrooms Recipe
Bonus: can be served on toast or ciabatta, used as a pasta sauce, or just eaten on it’s own
There’s no better use for fresh mushrooms than with garlic and cream – and if you want it, we know how to make it vegan without sacrificing taste. Your call.
42. Vegan Caesar Dressing
Bonus: a great caesar salad recipe suggestion
Feel you can always count on a caesar salad for a good meal? This vegan caesar dressing gets the flavour just right.
43. Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Basil Pesto
Bonus: vegan and cheap with just a handful of ingredients needed
Red Pesto with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil. It’s vegan and only calls for 5 ingredients. Blend in a food processor and out comes a first-class pesto!
44. Caprese Salad
Protein: 13g Calories: 212kcal Ready in: 10 minutes Recipe by: LittleSunnyKitchen Bonus: elegant, simple and delicious
Caprese salad is a simple and classic Italian salad made with juicy ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, drizzled with olive oil, and seasoned with salt and pepper.
It’s an easy throw-together salad that makes a wonderful appetizer any time of the year.
45. Sauteed Garlic Swiss Chard
Protein: 1g Calories: 78kcal Ready in: 35 minutes Recipe by: SheLovesBiscotti Bonus: perfect side dish – healthy, smooth and tasty
This vegan Sauteed Swiss Chard Recipe is not only healthy, but it tastes great and is so easy to prepare. You are going to love this easy Italian side dish!
46. The Best Bruschetta
Ready in: 25 minutes Recipe by: Carolyn’sCooking Bonus: crunchy, creamy and fresh
This bruschetta is great to make for a party or picnic. Not only because they are easy to make and super tasty, but they are supposed to be served at room temperature so they’ll do well sitting out.
47. Roasted Vegetable Panzanella Salad
Ready in: 40 minutes Recipe by: ThroughTheFibroFog Bonus: a very adaptable and simple recipe
This roasted vegetable panzanella salad is a flavourful side salad combining fall vegetables, soaked bread and lots of herbs. A simple dish to make, and one that can be easily customised to your preferred fresh produce.
48. Verza Stufata
Protein: 5g Calories: 158kcal Ready in: 30 minutes Recipe by: EndOfTheFork Bonus: an easy, nutritious side dish
Verza Stufata or Braised Savoy Cabbage is a traditional peasant dish, inexpensive and simple to make. It’s a popular Italian winter dish, usually served as a side.
49. Italian Stuffed Mushrooms
Protein: 6g Calories: 215kcal Ready in: 45 minutes Recipe by: BowlOfDelicious Bonus: exciting and flavourful
These Italian Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms are a great make-ahead recipe for dinner or an appetizer! They’re packed with flavor from the fresh herbs, shallots, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
50. Peperonata (Bell Pepper Stew)
Ready in: 40 minutes Recipe by: GoCookYummy Bonus: delicious both hot and cold
Peperonata or Italian Bell Pepper Stew is a traditional Italian summer recipe that you can find on almost the entire territory of Italy (if this sounds tasty, you’ll love our vegan Italian meals over here!).
You can serve the Peperonata as a side dish, as an appetizer on a slice of homemade bread, or as a pizza & pasta topping.
Is Italian food mostly vegetarian?
No, but Italian cuisine features many meatless dishes. You can have vegetarian food in almost any restaurant in Italy.
Pizza margherita or marinara, penne all’ arrabbiata or pasta cacio e pepe, farro or bean soups, different types of bruschetta – there are plenty of options for vegetarians.
Don’t even get me started on the cheeses!
What do Italians eat for breakfast?
The main breakfast foods in Italy are sweet pastries, bread with butter and jam, cookies, cereals, yogurt and fresh fruit. And of course, coffee!
Most Italians go for sweet options but if you’d like something savory, try omelets or Italian breakfast sandwiches.
What is the most eaten food in Italy?
The most popular dishes in Italy are pizza, risotto, pasta, lasagna, minestrone soup and gelato. Italy also boasts a proud cheese culture with a variety of cheeses in many shapes and styles.
This compilation of easy Italian recipes covers all the important elements of good Italian food, from Italian appetizers like caprese salad and Italian sauces like homemade pesto, to Italian dinner recipes like mushroom risotto.
So pick your favorite recipe from this list and settle into a light snack of bruschetta or a comforting meal of pesto gnocchi.
Either way, these Italian vegetarian recipes are sure to hit the spot (we’ve also got vegan Italian recipes if dairy isn’t your thing!).
Pasta: the ultimate vegetarian Italian food – Or is it?
Turns out, pasta is not nearly as Italian as I thought!
In fact, pasta as we know it today is likely a variation on Asian noodles, since noodles have been recorded in Asia for millenia .
You might have heard that Marco Polo brought pasta to Italy, but that’s a pretty heated debate in the very serious world of pasta historians ( I’m not joking ).
So the deliciousness that is Cacio e Pepe can be traced to ancient Asian traditions!
On top of that, tomatoes weren’t present in Europe until the 1500s because they originate in Mesoamerica and didn’t become popular in Europe until the 1800s (because people thought they were poisonous!).
That means that part of the credit for a delectable bowl vegan spaghetti bolognese goes to tomatoes from Latin America and noodles from Asia. It’s the combination that makes it Italian!
Regardless of whose idea it was, I have to admit that sitting down to a plate of pasta after a long day is one of the most comforting things in the world.
