10 Famous Italian Dishes Made Vegan

Pasta is a great go-to for fast, filling, and easily veganized meals. While lots of Italian and Italian-inspired dishes contain cheese, there are wonderful cheese substitutes that help to fill in the gap.

That said, lots of Italian dishes are and always have been entirely vegan all along. That doesn’t mean that we can’t tweak some of the meatier, creamier, and cheesier recipes to fit a plant-based diet.

Here are ten traditional and Italian-inspired dishes for you to try that will break you away from the run-of-the-mill pasta and tomato sauce (not that that doesn’t hit the spot at times).

We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App  — with over 15,000 delicious recipes, it is the largest meatless, vegan, plant-based, and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help you get healthy!

1. Arancini: Fried Risotto Balls

Source: Arancini: Fried Risotto Balls

More famously known as arancini, these Arancini: Fried Risotto Balls by Kristen Genton are a magical food that everyone needs to make at least once in their life! They are quite time-consuming, but it’s well worth the effort.

2. Portobello Pumpkin Ravioli With Sage and Walnut Pesto

Source: Portobello Pumpkin Ravioli With Sage and Walnut Pesto

Pumpkin and sage is a classic flavor combination that can’t be beat. These hearty Portobello Pumpkin Ravioli With Sage and Walnut Pesto by Medha Swaminathan are packed with portobello mushroom filling and topped with a chunky sage and walnut pesto!

3. Homemade Spicy Italian Sausage

Source: Homemade Spicy Italian Sausage

These Homemade Spicy Italian Sausages by Rhea Parsons are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and filled with spicy Italian flavor. Put them on a hero with sautéed peppers and onions, or cut them up to use in other recipes! You can also shape them into links or patties! Using black-eyed peas instead of pintos removes the “beany” taste and provides a neutral background for the spices to shine through.

4. Balsamic Grilled Tofu Crostini

Source: Balsamic Grilled Tofu Crostini

Tofu is marinated in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and plenty of fresh Italian herbs and garlic before being beautifully grilled. Keep things simple by putting the grilled tofu on a lightly toasted crostini with a splash more marinade and a dash of salt. These Balsamic Grilled Tofu Crostini by Marta Ansaldo and Mimma Sangiorgio are perfect for serving as an appetizer!

5. Spicy Mushroom and Walnut Bolognese

Source: Spicy Mushroom and Walnut Bolognese

Sliced Cremini mushrooms and chopped walnuts alone provide all the texture this hearty Spicy Mushroom and Walnut Bolognese by Rita Parente and Andre Nogueira needs. The sauce is packed full of flavor, thanks to the balanced mix of herbs, spices, and condiments. Apart from being quick to make, it is also a great freezer-friendly recipe that’s a life-saver when you work late or don’t feel like cooking.

6. Spaghetti Carbonara

Source: Spaghetti Carbonara

Here is a veganized, healthy version of a classic spaghetti carbonara. Imagine the creamiest non-dairy sauce, slightly flavored with a cheesy and eggy note, paired with little bits of smokey and crunchy plant-based ‘bacon’ – yum! What’s great about this Spaghetti Carbonara by Kirsten Kaminski, in particular, is that you can adjust the sauce according to your taste and add more or less cheesiness, spices, or egg flavor!

7. Eggplant and Bell Pepper Caponata

Source: Eggplant and Bell Pepper Caponata

Caponata, a Sicilian vegetable dish consisting of eggplant and bell peppers, is easy to make, considering that you have just to chop everything up, add it to the pot in steps, and let it cook. You get this creamy richness from the eggplant, slight sweetness from the peppers, salt from the capers, and a ton of freshness from all the herbs! This Eggplant and Bell Pepper Caponata by Kristen Genton is a delicious and simple dish that anyone can make … Yes, anyone!

8. Homemade Basil Fettuccine

Source: Homemade Basil Fettuccine

Homemade pasta has a softer, chewier texture than the dry pasta bought in a store. If you’ve never made your own, then this is the place to start. This comforting Homemade Basil Fettuccine by Medha Swaminathan is the perfect Sunday night dinner.

9. Pesto Gnocchi with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Source: Pesto Gnocchi with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Mmm, gnocchi … who doesn’t love a big bowl of fluffy little potato dumplings covered in pesto? Not many people, that’s for sure. You can make your own gnocchi at home or take a shortcut and buy your own from the store. We won’t tell anyone, though! Have a go at making this Pesto Gnocchi with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes by Maria and Alyssa.

10. Creamy Thai Pesto Linguine

Source: Creamy Thai Pesto Linguine

This Creamy Thai Pesto Linguine by Jess Hoffman is delicious comfort food at its best. This dish is made with chewy, soft rice noodles; creamy, thick coconut milk; and fragrant Thai basil pesto. It’s the perfect fusion of Thai and Italian.

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