Top 5 Must-Try Veggie Pasta Dishes

If you're a fan of Italian cuisine but follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you'll be delighted to know that Italian restaurants offer an array of mouth-watering veggie pasta dishes nowadays.

Authentic Italian cooking celebrates the natural flavours of fresh, seasonal produce, making it a great choice for all plant-based eaters. Here are our top five veggie pasta dishes you should look to order in an authentic Italian restaurant.

1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This dish features spaghetti tossed with garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes and parsley. The key to its deliciousness lies in the quality of the olive oil and the perfect toasting of the garlic.

Despite the simplicity, it's a vegan delight that offers a burst of flavour with every bite. The subtle heat from the red pepper flakes complements the aromatic garlic and fresh parsley, making it a must-try for any pasta lover.

2. Pesto alla Genovese

Originating from Genoa, Pesto alla Genovese is a vibrant and fragrant pasta dish that's just right for vegans. The star of this dish is the pesto sauce, made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of sea salt.

Traditionally, Parmesan cheese is added to the pesto, but many authentic Italian restaurants offer a vegan version using nutritional yeast or omitting the cheese altogether. Pesto alla Genovese is typically served with trofie or trenette pasta, where the sauce clings perfectly to every strand.

3. Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera is a celebration of springtime vegetables, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians and vegans alike. This dish is typically made with a variety of fresh vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, courgettes, peas, and asparagus.

The vegetables are lightly sautéed and then tossed with pasta, olive oil, and fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Some variations include a light tomato or cream sauce, though a simple olive oil base allows the natural flavours of the vegetables to shine through.

4. Cacio e Pepe

While traditionally made with cheese, many Italian restaurants now offer a vegan version of Cacio e Pepe that is just as satisfying.

The classic version of this dish uses Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper to create a creamy, peppery sauce. In the vegan version, cashew cheese or nutritional yeast can be used to replicate the creaminess of the original.

The result is a rich, flavourful pasta dish with a delightful peppery kick. Whether you choose the traditional or vegan option, Cacio e Pepe is a must-try.

5. Tagliatelle ai Funghi

This is a hearty pasta dish that features a medley of wild mushrooms. These are sautéed with garlic, shallots and thyme, creating an earthy sauce that pairs beautifully with tagliatelle.

For a vegan version, the sauce is often made with vegetable stock and a touch of white wine, omitting the traditional addition of cream. This dish showcases the depth of flavour that mushrooms can bring to a meal, making it a favourite among vegetarians and vegans.

Whether you're a lifelong vegetarian, a committed vegan, or simply looking to explore plant-based options, these dishes offer a delightful taste of Italy's culinary heritage. Enjoy the diverse and delicious world of Italian veggie pasta and discover the true essence of Italian cuisine.