Just because you are a vegetarian doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy fresh pasta. There are plenty of pasta dishes for vegetarians to savor, each of which is as delectable as the next. Below are some of the many options available to those who do not consume red meat, poultry, or fish. 

4 Fresh Pasta Dish Options For Vegetarians

1. Cheese Ravioli

Featuring thin, round fresh pasta layers filled with various cheeses, such as mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan, this favorite dish can also include provolone and cream cheese. It is available with marinara or meat sauce, so be sure to specify when placing your order. There are many cheese ravioli variations available, though the classic cheese version remains an Italian cuisine staple. 

2. Eggplant Parmigiana

Grilled, lightly breaded slices of eggplant atop a bed of pasta make up the classic Eggplant Parmigiana. The eggplant is typically baked with mozzarella and can be smothered with marinara sauce. Affectionately known as “eggplant parm,” some people order it with penne or bow-tie pasta instead of spaghetti or angel hair pasta. 

3. Fettuccine Alfredo

The non-meat version of Fettuccine Alfredo is ideal for vegetarians who prefer Alfredo to marinara sauce, or simply want to try something different. Strips of fresh or dried fettuccine get tossed with parmesan cheese and butter to create the sauce, which happens as the pasta emulsifies. One of the more simple pasta recipes, it can also include heavy cream and assorted spices, such as garlic salt, regular salt, and pepper. 

4. Gemelli Pesto

To create gemelli pasta, short, s-shaped pieces are twisted together. The resulting pasta twists are capable of retaining a wide variety of sauces, such as meat, marinara, and vodka sauce. 

When combined with olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh basil, gemelli pasta becomes Gemelli Pesto. The pasta is usually cooked al dente, meaning it is slightly hard compared to other options like angel hair or linguini, to ensure each piece holds its shape. 
 

Enjoy fresh pasta at Paul’s Pasta Shop, the Italian restaurant serving Groton, CT and the surrounding areas since 1988. The restaurant has earned several accolades, including the  Readers’ Choice Awards in Connecticut Magazine for “Best Vegetarian.” Call (860) 445-5276 with questions or review the dinner menu online.