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Few dishes touch the soul quite like a hearty bowl of pasta. Whether you enjoy eating it in its purest form—void of sauces and additions—or loaded with all the fixings, it’s safe to say that the dish is a staple few can resist. As a versatile base, prime for virtually every sort of topping imaginable, pasta is the ideal foundation for getting creative with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

With healthy eating on our minds, we turned to vegetarian pasta recipes for a light and refreshing twist on what can often be an overly decadent dish. Read on for the mouthwatering pasta recipes we sourced from chefs and foodies alike and get ready to jump-start your week of eating healthy-ish.

Courtesy of Pinch of Yum

Red Pepper Cashew Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower

Pinch of Yum’s three-ingredient take on pasta is a serious game changer. Goodbye, sad weeknight dinners.

Courtesy of Evergreen Kitchen

Mushroom Stroganoff

Cremini mushrooms, egg noodles, and almond milk comprise this vegan-friendly vegetarian pasta recipe from Evergreen Kitchen that’s simple yet indulgent.

Photography by Chelsea Kyle for Bon Appetit

Cauliflower Bolognese

Cauliflower is the ingredient of the moment, and Bon Appetit’s vegetarian take on a classic Bolognese highlights the veggie in all its glory.

Courtesy of The Full Helping

Creamy Vegan Skillet Lasagna

The Full Helping is here to serve us with the ultimate, one-pot vegetarian pasta recipe. Featuring cashew cream and a walnut herb Parmesan, this one’s as healthy as it gets.

Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest

Quick Pantry Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Burrata

With its tomato paste base and the oregano- and fresh basil–seasoned burrata as the garnish, this easy-to-make pasta is the ultimate midweek treat.

Courtesy of The Modern Proper

Rigatoni with Mushroom Sauce

A wild mushroom mix, fresh hints of garlic, and shredded Parmesan flakes are just a handful of the delicious ingredients in The Modern Proper’s take on an easy vegetarian pasta recipe.

Courtesy of Foodie Crush

Gnocchi with Pomodoro Sauce

The secret to making really great gnocchi? Pairing the potato-pasta pieces with a rich tomato sauce and plenty of rosemary on top. The Foodie Crush’s version is right up our alley.

Courtesy of Lazy Cat Kitchen

Lentil and Mushroom Bolognese

This protein-packed vegetarian pasta recipe from Lazy Cat Kitchen comes so close to the real thing that you won’t even notice the meat is missing.

Courtesy of O & O Eats

Fresh Beet Pasta + Beet Pesto

We’re always here for a colorful dish, and O&O Eats’ beet pasta—garnished with garlic breadcrumbs, no less—does not disappoint.

Photography by Heather Christo

Pasta with Grilled Eggplant and Basil Walnut Pistou

Walnuts and eggplants make for a delicious pairing. Heather Christo’s vegetarian pasta recipe highlights the two with a smoky tomato sauce and loads of fresh basil.

Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest

Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli

Half Baked Harvest’s instant-pot pasta soup, with beans, Parmesan, and veggies, is exactly the kind of dish you need on a cold winter’s day.

See more veggie-friendly recipes:

23 Veggie-Friendly Sandwiches to Make This Week

14 Veggie-Friendly Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

11 Tacos You Won’t Believe Are Vegetarian