2 Quick Vegetarian Pasta Dishes That Are Great for Weeknights

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So many classic pasta dishes call for meat of some sort. If you're a vegetarian, then these meals don't suit your needs. Luckily, making a quick, vegetarian pasta dish is not all that difficult. Here are two vegetarian recipes for quick pasta dishes that come together in a flash.

Tomato and Leek Stovetop Pasta

This quick stovetop pasta dish is a riff on classic pasta and tomato sauce. The addition of leeks adds some unique character. The recipe calls for whole-grain pasta as it is higher in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. However, you can use plain, white pasta if that's what you prefer. To make four servings, you'll need:

• 12 ounces whole-wheat pasta
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 leek ribs
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water
• a pinch of white sugar
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Mince the leeks. In a large skillet, saute the leeks in the olive oil until they're tender. Add the garlic, and saute for another minute. Pour in the tomatoes. Add the balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and sugar. Bring to a simmer, and simmer until the sauce has thickened. This will take 5 to 10 minutes. 

As your tomato sauce is simmering, cook your pasta in salted water. When the pasta is almost done cooking, use a slotted spoon to spoon it out of the pasta water and into the tomato sauce. Add a splash of pasta water, and bring to a simmer. Simmer until the sauce is your desired thickness. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

Creamy Vegetarian Carbonara

Traditional carbonara calls for bacon, but this recipe does not. It's smooth and creamy nonetheless. You'll need:

• 12 ounces of your favorite pasta
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cook your pasta until it is al dente. While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the egg yolks, salt, pepper, and cheese. When the pasta is done cooking, add about 1/4 pasta water to the egg mixture, and whisk well. Also, heat the olive oil in a large skillet.

Transfer your pasta to the skillet. Over low heat, drizzle in the egg mixture, stirring constantly. As soon as a smooth, creamy sauce forms, turn off the heat, and transfer your pasta to plates.

These vegetarian pasta dishes are both very satisfying. Give them a try on a busy weeknight. You can find other vegetarian recipes online to try. 

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26 October 2021