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Creamy Vegan Tomato Pasta

This creamy vegan tomato pasta combines simple pantry ingredients, such as ripe tomatoes, garlic, and plant-based cream, to create a comforting dish with a rich, velvety sauce. The pasta is cooked to al dente, coated in a fragrant, smoky tomato sauce, and finished with fresh basil for a vibrant finish. Its final appearance is a glossy, ruby-red plate bursting with fresh herb aroma and a silky texture.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or your favorite
  • 2 tbsp olive oil extra-virgin preferred
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup vegan cream coconut milk or cashew cream
  • 1 bunch fresh basil roughly chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle or small cup

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and stir well. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and develops a rich aroma.
  4. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and help it cling to the pasta.
  5. Stir in the vegan cream and chopped fresh basil into the sauce, allowing it to simmer for another 2 minutes until the sauce is silky and fragrant.
  6. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce is glossy, about 2 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired, and enjoy the vibrant aroma of your creamy vegan tomato pasta.