43 Company-Worthy Vegetarian Dinners

Vegetarian Linguine

Looking for a tasty alternative to meat-and-potatoes meals? Try this colorful pasta dish, which is the brainchild of my oldest son. It’s a stick-to-the-ribs supper that takes advantage of fresh mushrooms, zucchini and other vegetables as well as basil and provolone cheese. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, Florida

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Mozzarella Mushrooms with Garlic Toast

I came up with this dinner using ingredients I had on hand. It turned out to be so delicious, my wife and I now make it for special occasions. —Marc Bushee, Moorhead, Minnesota

Pasta Primavera

Craving pasta but want something light and fresh? Try pasta primavera! This easy recipe features crisp veggies and a creamy Parmesan sauce.

Tomato-Garlic Lentil Bowls

An Ethiopian recipe inspired this feel-good dinner that's tangy, creamy and packed with hearty comfort. —Rachael Cushing, Portland, Oregon

Lentil Loaf

This lentil loaf is so flavorful, you won’t miss the meat. And it’s packed with fiber and nutrients. —Tracy Fleming, Phoenix, Arizona

Manicotti Shells

These manicotti shells are actually crepes, made in a skillet, then filled with ricotta and herbs, smothered in savory tomato sauce and baked till crispy.  

Tomato Baguette Pizza

When my tomatoes ripen all at once, I use them up in simple recipes like this one. Cheesy baguette pizzas, served with a salad, make an ideal lunch. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

Summer Bounty Ratatouille

Make use of your garden's surplus with this comforting dish from the Provence region of France. It's a vegetable dish traditionally made with eggplant, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, garlic, bell peppers and various herbs. I highly recommend accompanying it with some freshly baked bread. —Phyllis Jacques, Venice, Florida

Sweet Potato Tortellini with Hazelnut Sauce

Using wonton wrappers instead of fresh pasta dough makes homemade tortellini easy to prepare. For more formal dinners, this makes an impressive vegetarian entree. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

Stuffed Pasta Shells

These savory shells never fail to make a big impression, even though the recipe is very easy. One or two of these shells makes a great individual serving at a potluck, so a single batch goes a long way. —Jena Coffey, St. Louis, Missouri

Spinach and Artichoke Pizza

My from-scratch pizza has a whole wheat crust flavored with beer. Top it with spinach, artichoke hearts and tomatoes, then add chicken or ham and fresh basil if you want to include meat. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario

Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Primavera

Roasting makes veggies an irresistible part of this light but filling dinner. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland

Roasted Vegetable Strata

With the abundance of zucchini my family has in the fall, this is the perfect dish to use some of what we have. Cheesy and rich, the warm, classic breakfast dish is sure to please! —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia

Vegetarian Pad Thai

This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia

Tortellini with Tomato Cream Sauce

This recipe for tortellini with tomato cream sauce is exactly what you need if you're looking for a rich, satisfying meal that comes together quickly. At 25 minutes of prep, it's quick enough for a weeknight, but elegant enough for guests.

Quickpea Curry

This colorful curry is a nice change of pace for a busy weeknight. I like to substitute fresh peas for frozen when they're in season. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois

Spinach-Stuffed Pizza

I had my first stuffed pizza when I attended college near Chicago. I was amazed to see pizza well over an inch thick, with topping on the inside! When I served this version to my family, there are no leftovers. —Nancy Gilmour of Sumner, Iowa

Edamame and Soba Noodle Bowl

With hearty soba noodles and protein-packed edamame, this dish really satisfies. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

Lentil Taco Cups

My trusty muffin tin never fails to help me make fun and easy hand-held snacks. These festive vegetarian cups are always a hit with my kids; they're so flavorful, nobody misses the meat. Serve two per serving as a main dish. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah

Portobello Polenta Stacks

My friends and I have recently started growing portobello mushrooms from kits we found at a farmers market. We love to try new recipes—like this one—with our harvest. —Breanne Heath, Chicago, Illinois

Cheesy Summer Squash Flatbreads

When you want a meatless meal with Mediterranean style, these flatbreads smothered with squash, hummus and mozzarella deliver the goods. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

Pumpkin Lasagna

I especially like this comforting fall dish because it's vegetarian. Even friends who aren't big fans of pumpkin are surprised by this delectable lasagna. Canned pumpkin and no-cook noodles make it a cinch to prepare. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama

General Tso's Cauliflower

Cauliflower florets are deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sauce with just the right amount of kick. General Tso's cauliflower is a fun alternative to the classic chicken dish.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Easy Chana Masala

I love this quick and healthy Indian-inspired dish so much I always make sure to have the ingredients stocked in my pantry. It makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special. —Janeen Judah, Houston, Texas

Veggie Nicoise Salad

More and more people in my workplace are becoming vegetarians. When we cook or eat together, the focus is on fresh produce. This salad combines some of our favorite ingredients in one dish—and with the hard-boiled eggs and kidney beans, it delivers enough protein to satisfy those who are skeptical of vegetarian fare. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois

Cumin Quinoa Patties

This easy-to-make veggie burger packs an amazing taste, and the crunch from quinoa makes the texture to die for. It's also an easy and delicious vegetarian burger. Pan-frying adds a perfect crisp that takes it to the next level.

Quinoa-Stuffed Squash Boats

My colorful “boats” with quinoa, garbanzo beans and pumpkin seeds use delicata squash, a winter squash with edible skin that’s cream-colored with green stripes. In a pinch, acorn squash will do—but don't eat the skin! —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Veggie Enchiladas

These vegetarian enchiladas use a lot of garden favorites to make a quick weeknight meal. Make them with whatever vegetables you've picked fresh from your own garden or gathered at the farmers market.

Garden Vegetable Gnocchi

When we go meatless, we toss gnocchi (my husband's favorite) with veggies and a dab of pesto. I use zucchini in this, too. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Italian Herb-Lentil Patties with Mozzarella

My family has requested this meatless recipe over and over again. It is simple to prepare and even meat lovers like it. —Geri Lucas, Oldsmar, Florida

Harvest Bow Ties

Spaghetti squash and bow ties make this meatless dish hearty and filling. Add a can of black beans if you'd like more protein, and switch up the tomatoes for variety. Try using Italian diced tomatoes or diced tomatoes with mild green chiles. —Anne Lynch, Beacon, New York

Fiery Stuffed Poblanos

I love Southwest-inspired cuisine, but the dishes are often unhealthy. As a dietitian, I try to come up with nutritious twists on recipes, which is how my stuffed peppers dish was born. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

Mushroom Bolognese with Whole Wheat Pasta

Our hearty mushroom bolognese combines umami-rich mushrooms with signature Italian flavors for a delicious vegetarian twist on the traditional meat-based Italian classic.

Hearty Chickpea Potpie

This veggie potpie is so savory and satisfying! The spring veggies, easy prep and impressive presentation make it a perfect addition to Easter or other family dinners. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Cauliflower & Tofu Curry

Cauliflower, garbanzo beans and tofu are each subtle on their own, but together they make an awesome base for curry. We have this recipe weekly because one of us is always craving it. —Patrick McGilvray, Cincinnati, Ohio

Provolone Ziti Bake

As easy as it is filling and delicious, this Italian meal appeals to everyone—and they won’t even miss the meat. Serve with salad and hot French bread, and watch it disappear. —Vicky Palmer, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Nutty Cheese Tortellini

I like to plant Italian flat-leaf parsley in a long terra-cotta planter so I always have some on hand. It adds bright, fresh flavor to this pasta dish. —Barbara Penatzer, Vestal, New York

Mushroom and Sweet Potato Potpie

The last time I was in the U.S., I had an amazing mushroom and beer potpie at a small brewpub. It was so rich and comforting. I tried numerous versions when I got home and I think I've come pretty close! —Iben Ravn, Copenhagen, Denmark

Tuscan Portobello Stew

Here’s a healthy one-skillet meal that’s quick and easy to prepare yet elegant enough for company. I often take this stew to my school’s potlucks, where it is devoured by teachers and students alike. —Jane Siemon, Viroqua, Wisconsin

Tofu Chow Mein

This is an easy recipe for a "tofu beginner," as it teaches people how to use it. If you have time, one way to prepare it is to cut the tofu block in half and wrap well in a terry kitchen towel. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour to absorb excess water. For a complete meal, serve with Chinese soup and egg rolls! — Autumn SinClaire, Gold Beach, Oregon

Eggplant Rollatini

This Italian-inspired recipe could be described as eggplant Parmesan meets lasagna—with an elegant twist. Here’s how to make eggplant rollatini for a fancy dinner that’s sure to impress.

Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese

Macaroni and cheese just may be king of the comfort foods. This sensational version is bubbling with creamy goodness—but is lighter on calories. —April Taylor, Holcomb, Kansas

Asparagus Tofu Stir-Fry

With its flavorful ginger sauce and fresh vegetables, this tasty dish is a favorite. I get rave reviews every time I serve it, and it doesn’t bother my husband’s food allergies. Check out our guide if you’re new to tofu. —Phyllis Smith, Chimacum, Washington