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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.

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.

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

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!

Bonus: an easy recipe packed with protein

Enjoy a taste of the Med with our creamy mushroom and sundried tomato polenta – total perfection!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

Bonus: ultimate comfort food, weight loss friendly

Fill up and power up on our hot vegetarian kale and white bean soup. It’s an absolute pearl for your healthy slim down diet. Cannellini beans and kale power it up with many health benefits.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Bonus: you can use all your favorite pizza toppings

Hands down, the best gluten-free vegetarian alternative out there. Never feel like you’re missing out again!

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.

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.

Bonus: only 5 minute prep, tasty and nutritious

Healthy vegetarian recipe for gluten-free socca pizza made with chickpea (besan) flour. It’s loaded with plant-based protein, easy to make and a delicious low-calorie treat.

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.

Bonus: lentil and kale benefits

Looking for a healthy vegan soup to add to your repertoire? This lentil vegetable soup is the perfect option!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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’.

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!

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! 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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

Bonus: crispy and delicious

Tomato Mozzarella Bread. Easy to make Italian tomato and mozzarella bread. High in calcium and Mediterranean flair. Delicious.

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 😉

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. You can serve the Peperonata as a side dish, as an appetizer on a slice of homemade bread, or as a pizza & pasta topping.

Unlock 6 more vegetarian meals for sporty people 💪🏽

The following recipes are the upgraded high-protein versions of our Italian meals 😎

Vegetarian Italian Recipes FAQ

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.

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.