Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Basil
This Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a simple yet delicious plant-based dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The rich and creamy tomato sauce, made with coconut cream and vegan mozzarella, coats tender pasta, while fresh spinach and basil add vibrant flavors. It’s both comforting and nutritious, offering a satisfying meal without any dairy or animal products.
Ingredients:
- Pasta: 12 oz rigatoni or your favorite pasta
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Tomato paste: 3 tbsp
- Coconut cream: 1 cup (or any plant-based cream)
- Nutritional yeast: 1/4 cup
- Vegan mozzarella: 1/2 cup, shredded
- Red pepper flakes: 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Fresh spinach: 2 cups
- Fresh basil: 1/2 cup, roughly chopped
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
3. Make it Creamy
- Pour in the coconut cream and stir well to combine.
- Add the nutritional yeast, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
4. Add the Vegan Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded vegan mozzarella.
- Stir continuously until the cheese melts and is fully incorporated into the sauce.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it thoroughly with the sauce.
6. Finish with Greens
- Add the fresh spinach and basil to the skillet.
- Toss gently until the spinach wilts and the basil is well distributed.
7. Serve
- Divide the pasta among serving bowls.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if desired.
Tips:
- Customize the Veggies: You can add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for more variety.
- Cream Alternatives: If you don’t have coconut cream, cashew cream works as a great substitute for a creamy texture.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or leave them out for a milder dish.
Enjoy this creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s packed with plant-based goodness!