A Nutritious and Comforting Dish!
If you’re looking for a delicious, plant-based meal that’s both comforting and packed with nutrition, this Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Basil is the perfect choice. Featuring tender pasta coated in a luxurious creamy tomato sauce, this dish is satisfying yet light, offering a burst of fresh flavors from vibrant spinach and aromatic basil. Even though it’s entirely vegan, thanks to dairy-free substitutes like coconut cream and vegan mozzarella, it doesn’t compromise on creaminess or flavor. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, ensuring you get a wholesome, tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta
This vegan pasta dish is a standout for several reasons:
- Creamy and Satisfying: The combination of coconut cream and vegan cheese creates a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Nutrient-Rich: Spinach adds a wealth of vitamins and minerals, while fresh basil gives the dish an extra layer of flavor and fragrance.
- Plant-Based Protein: Nutritional yeast not only imparts a cheesy flavor but also boosts the protein content, making it a filling and nutritious meal.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pasta: We recommend 12 oz of rigatoni, but feel free to use your favorite pasta variety. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti work great in this recipe.
- Olive Oil: Just 2 tablespoons of olive oil adds richness and helps sauté the garlic.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, will provide a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Tomato Paste: This adds a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Coconut Cream: 1 cup of coconut cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can substitute with cashew cream or any other plant-based cream.
- Nutritional Yeast: This gives a slightly nutty, cheesy flavor, while also adding protein and B-vitamins.
- Vegan Mozzarella: ½ cup shredded will make the sauce even creamier and melt into the pasta, giving that classic cheesy texture.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon adds a touch of heat, but you can adjust it to your liking.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Fresh Spinach: 2 cups of spinach adds a nutritional punch and a vibrant green color.
- Fresh Basil: ½ cup roughly chopped, for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz of rigatoni or your preferred pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Next, add 3 tablespoons of tomato paste to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step is crucial as it allows the tomato paste to caramelize slightly, intensifying its flavor and bringing out its natural sweetness.
3. Make the Sauce Creamy
Now, it’s time to add the creamy element to the sauce. Pour in 1 cup of coconut cream and stir everything together. The sauce will begin to thicken and become creamy as it heats up. Stir in ¼ cup of nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy, umami flavor, along with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it becomes rich and creamy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the Vegan Cheese
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, reduce the heat to low and stir in ½ cup of shredded vegan mozzarella. Stir continuously to ensure the cheese melts completely into the sauce, creating a luscious, velvety texture.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
With your sauce ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated with the creamy tomato sauce. You want every bite of pasta to be soaked in the delicious sauce.
6. Finish with Fresh Spinach and Basil
Now, add 2 cups of fresh spinach and ½ cup of roughly chopped fresh basil to the skillet. Toss the pasta gently until the spinach wilts slightly and the basil is evenly distributed throughout the dish. The spinach will add a nice pop of color and a healthy dose of vitamins, while the basil enhances the overall flavor with its fragrant aroma.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Your Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Basil is now ready to serve! Divide the pasta among bowls and garnish with extra basil, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, or even some freshly cracked black pepper for an extra kick.
Tips for the Perfect Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Customize Your Cream: If you’re not a fan of coconut, substitute with cashew cream or even almond milk. Both provide a creamy texture without the coconut flavor.
- Add Protein: For an extra protein boost, consider adding cooked chickpeas, tofu, or even vegan sausage to the dish.
- Extra Veggies: This recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to toss in other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking for a meatless Monday meal, this Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a fantastic choice. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, but it’s also elegant and flavorful enough to serve at a dinner party. The balance of rich, creamy sauce with fresh greens and herbs creates a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and wholesome.
Nutritional Benefits
- Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, providing vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and fiber.
- Basil is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Coconut cream is a healthy fat alternative that adds creaminess without dairy.
- Nutritional yeast is packed with protein and B-vitamins, making this dish filling and nutritious.