29 vegetarian dinners that make skipping meat an easy decision
Dinner does not need meat to make it interesting. These 29 vegetarian recipes give you plenty of options, whether you’re in the mood for something cozy, fresh or somewhere in between. There’s enough variety here to keep things moving beyond the usual vegetable side dish.
Garlic Spinach Pasta with Pine Nuts
A speedy pasta dish, with spinach, lemon, garlic, and toasted pine nuts. This recipe is ready in the time it takes your pasta to cook, about 15 minutes. Get the recipe: Garlic Spinach Pasta with Pine Nuts
Mediterranean Falafel Pita Burgers
This recipe skips all of the hassle of traditional falafel. These Mediterranean falafel pita burgers start with a can of chickpeas, a handful of pantry spices, and fresh parsley. You mash, mix, bake, and eat in 30 minutes. Get the recipe: Mediterranean Falafel Pita Burgers
Instant Pot Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
This Instant Pot vegetarian tortilla soup uses only a few pantry-staple ingredients to turn them into a hearty vegetarian meal. Just minutes of prep are needed, and it makes a tasty lunch or dinner. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
Cheesy Garlic Buttered Gnocchi
Soft pan-fried potato gnocchi tossed in a garlicky butter sauce with parmesan, herbs, and spices. If you’re a garlic gnocchi fan, this one’s for you. It’s quick, easy, and lets the gnocchi shine while still bringing tons of flavor to the table. Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Buttered Gnocchi
Cheesy Cauliflower Broccoli Bake
This cheesy cauliflower broccoli bake is the side dish you didn’t know you needed. Loaded with veggies and melted cheese, it’s the perfect comfort food to complement any meal. Get the recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Instant Pot Garlic Feta Orzo
This Instant Pot garlic feta orzo comes together fast with garlic and feta in every bite. It’s an easy go-to for a quick vegetarian meal or something reliable to have on hand for the week. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Feta Orzo
15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta
This creamy garlic pasta recipe is quick, simple, and absolutely delicious. The sauce comes together while the pasta cooks, using just everyday ingredients. Get the recipe: 15 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta
15 Minute Buttery Garlic Ginger Noodles
These garlic ginger noodles are sweet, salty, buttery, and seriously flavorful. Quick and easy to make, they use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Get the recipe: 15 Minute Buttery Garlic Ginger Noodles
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta
Super easy, but it tastes like you ordered it in a restaurant! This creamy tomato and spinach pasta is a rich and delicious meal that everyone asks for over and over. Best part? It is ready in less than half an hour. Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Pasta
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
This Instant Pot lentil soup is easy, hearty, and made entirely in your pressure cooker. Brown lentils and veggies come together for a flavorful vegan dinner that’s ready in no time. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e pepe is a classic pasta made with just five ingredients. It comes together in under 20 minutes for a quick, satisfying dinner that will always get you compliments. Get the recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Stuffed Butternut Squash
This stuffed butternut squash is loaded with quinoa, kale, cranberries, herbs, and sweet apples for a cozy, veggie-packed meal. No complaints with this one. Trust. Get the recipe: Stuffed Butternut Squash
Buddha Bowl with Lemon Tahini Dressing
This Buddha bowl recipe features the most luscious lemon tahini dressing. It is a delicious gluten-free grain bowl with a rainbow of vegetables. Perfect for healthy meal prep. Get the recipe: Buddha Bowl with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Butternut Squash Spinach Bake
This butternut squash spinach bake is packed with hearty ingredients and cozy flavor. It’s a warm, satisfying crustless frittata that works for both breakfast and dinner. Get the recipe: Butternut Squash Spinach Bake
Butternut Squash Lasagna
This veggie-packed butternut squash lasagna layers roasted squash, zucchini, spinach, and all the melty cheese you can handle. It’s the kind of cozy, crowd-favorite recipe you end up making for every family event. Get the recipe: Butternut Squash Lasagna
Curry Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup
You’re going to love this curried butternut squash lentil soup. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, and there’s a slow cooker option for when you just want to dump and go. Get the recipe: Curry Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup
Baked Feta Spaghetti Squash
Check out this flavorful baked feta spaghetti squash, a fusion of spaghetti squash and creamy baked feta. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is tasty and satisfying. Get the recipe: Baked Feta Spaghetti Squash
Cheesy Bean and Rice Bake
This cheesy bean and rice bake with eggs is an easy, tasty vegetarian casserole the whole family will love. Leftovers are great for tomorrow’s lunch, and it’s one of those high-protein dinners that still feels like comfort food. Get the recipe: Cheesy Bean and Rice Bake
Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles
These noodles bring the creamy pesto vibe you want, just made with spaghetti squash instead of pasta. It’s comfort food that won’t leave you feeling weighed down. Get the recipe: Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles
Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash
This spicy roasted butternut squash with quinoa and dried cranberries brings together warm, balanced flavors that taste delicious. It works well as a warm salad or a veggie main dish. Get the recipe: Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash
Curried Lentil and Potato Stew
This curried lentil and potato stew is cozy, filling, and full of flavor. It just happens to be gluten-free and really good for you. Get the recipe: Curried Lentil and Potato Stew
Walnut “Meat” Sauce
This super easy walnut ‘meat’ sauce recipe is a great addition to any vegan or vegetarian meal rotation. Seasoned walnut crumbles replicate beef in a rich walnut bolognese to die for. Get the recipe: Walnut Sauce
Veggie Pot Pie
This veggie pot pie is the ultimate comfort food for a cozy night in. It’s loaded with tender vegetables and a creamy plant-based cheese sauce, finished with a crispy puff pastry or homemade pie crust. Get the recipe: Veggie Pot Pie
Vegan Pad Thai
This vegan pad Thai recipe is delicious and ready in less than 30 minutes. Featuring a simple spicy sauce and gluten-free noodles, this dinner idea is quick and easy. Get the recipe: Vegan Pad Thai
Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Make this cottage cheese Alfredo when you’re craving creamy, cozy pasta but don’t want to commit to a super-heavy meal. This version is smooth, balanced, and shockingly quick to pull off on a weeknight. Get the recipe: Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Garlic Mushroom Pasta
This garlic mushroom pasta is creamy, buttery, and packed with garlic. A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley keep it bright and fresh. Get the Recipe: Garlic Mushroom Pasta
Penne alla Vodka
This easy penne alla vodka feels restaurant-quality with its silky tomato cream sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect way to upgrade busy weeknights. Get the Recipe: Penne alla Vodka
Cheesy Buffalo White Bean Potato Bake
This Buffalo white bean potato bake is rich, cheesy, and has bold Buffalo flavor. It’s a satisfying, high-protein vegetarian one-pan dump-and-bake casserole made with russet potatoes, cannellini beans, and a blend of two cheeses. Get the recipe: Cheesy Buffalo White Bean Potato Bake
Cheesy Rice Casserole with Leftover Rice
This cheesy rice casserole transforms a container of leftover rice into dinner in about 35 minutes. Build this meal with cold, day-old rice, plus spinach, kale, ricotta, and cheddar folded through and browned on top. Get the recipe: Cheesy Rice Casserole with Leftover Rice