Some of Italy’s most iconic recipes, like pizza Margherita and cacio e pepe, are built around cheese, herbs and vegetables, not meat. That’s why vegetarian Italian recipes feel so natural; they lean into regional ingredients that define the cuisine, like tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, olive oil and Parmesan. Just like other Mediterranean-inspired recipes, these Italian meals use fresh produce and simple techniques to create comforting dinners.

We focused on dishes that are naturally vegetarian in addition to twists on traditionally meat-heavy recipes. Instead of beef and pork meatballs, this collection has recipes for eggplant or tofu-based meatballs, perfect for smothering with your favorite simple pasta sauce. You’ll find plenty of pasta ideas, from pillowy gnocchi to silky zucchini pasta, along with hearty soups that work for lunch or dinner. Fresh options like mushroom panzanella, marinated tomatoes and caprese salad are easy side dishes and when paired with rosemary focaccia, can be a light meal on their own.

Some of these recipes are made for slow weekend cooking, while others come together fast, for when you need quick weeknight pasta dinners in less than 30 minutes. To save time, make a big batch of tomato sauce in advance and freeze it in small containers, so it’s always on hand. Or, give any dish a hit of Italian flavor with a sprinkle of homemade Italian seasoning. Whether you need a fast, pantry-friendly dinner or are adapting to a meatless lifestyle, these vegetarian Italian dishes satisfy without skipping a beat.

Taste of Home