If you are looking for a pasta dish that is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor yet entirely plant-based, look no further than the Vegan Marry Me Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. This dish brings together sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a luscious coconut milk-based sauce that will have you swooning with every bite. It’s the perfect comfort food that feels indulgent but aligns beautifully with a vegan lifestyle, proving that you don’t have to compromise on taste or texture to enjoy a sensational meal. Whether you’re whipping it up for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, each ingredient in this recipe adds its own magic to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color. These straightforward pantry staples come together to make a dish that’s unexpectedly luxurious and deeply satisfying.
- 12 ounces pasta such as rigatoni or penne: Choose a sturdy pasta shape to hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a rich base for sautéing and adds a fruity depth.
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced: Adds sweetness and a mellow savory foundation.
- 4 cloves garlic minced: Brings warmth and aromatic intensity to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers an earthy, slightly bitter herbaceous note.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses the sauce with classic Italian flair.
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives just the right hint of heat without overwhelming.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and deepens the color.
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped: Adds a chewy texture and intense, tangy sweetness.
- 1.5 cups full-fat canned coconut milk: Creamy and silky, it’s the vegan secret to luscious sauce.
- 0.5 cup vegetable broth: Balances the richness and brings subtle savoriness.
- 0.25 cup nutritional yeast: The perfect cheesy, nutty umami kick that vegan dishes crave.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh zing and balances the creaminess.
- 0.75 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild pungency and depth.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Lightweight greens to introduce color and nutrition.
- 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped: Bright herbaceous finish that lifts the entire dish.
- Vegan parmesan for serving if desired: An optional topping to add more savory richness.
How to Make Vegan Marry Me Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking your rigatoni or penne until al dente ensures the noodles hold just the right amount of bite, which is essential for balancing the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the luscious sauce.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the finely diced onion. Sauté for about 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, creating a sweet, inviting base. Next, toss in the garlic, dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until the aroma fills your kitchen — this moment is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Deepen the Tomato Essence
Stir in the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cooking them together for a minute intensifies the tomato flavors, adding complexity and richness that turns an everyday sauce into something spectacular.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and vegetable broth, stirring until smooth. Then add nutritional yeast for that unforgettable cheesy essence, lemon juice for brightness, and season with salt and black pepper. Let this simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. During this time, the sauce thickens slightly, becoming velvety and luscious — the kind of texture that makes you want to dive in immediately.
Step 5: Add Fresh Greens and Combine
Toss in the fresh spinach to wilt just until tender, providing a vibrant burst of color and subtle earthy flavor. Finally, fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring until every nook and cranny is evenly coated. Finish by stirring in freshly chopped basil, adding a fresh herbal lift that will make this dish unforgettable.
How to Serve Vegan Marry Me Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle vegan parmesan over the top. Not only does it add an extra layer of savory richness, but the texture also pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Fresh basil leaves scattered on top provide freshness and stunning green contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, whose caramelized flavors complement the creamy pasta. Alternatively, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness and keeps your meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in deep bowls to showcase the sauce’s creaminess or plate it with a drizzle of olive oil and extra red pepper flakes for a pop of color and subtle heat. You could also add toasted pine nuts or walnuts to the dish for a delightful crunch and nutty dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Vegan Marry Me Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld further, making it even tastier the next day, perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this pasta, it’s best to store the sauce separately from the pasta to maintain texture. The sauce freezes well in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving without stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni or penne are ideal for holding the creamy sauce, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or farfalle. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally nut-free since it uses coconut milk instead of nut-based creams. Just ensure your vegan parmesan or any additional toppings don’t contain nuts if you have allergies.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick without overpowering the dish. You can increase or reduce the amount depending on your heat preference, making it suitable for those who like mild or more assertive spices.
Can I substitute coconut milk with something else?
If you want a lighter alternative, you can use light coconut milk or unsweetened cashew cream. Just keep in mind that full-fat coconut milk offers the best creaminess and flavor balance in this recipe.
What can I serve with Vegan Marry Me Pasta for a complete meal?
Pairing it with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or a crusty artisan bread makes for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. These sides complement the creamy pasta while adding texture and variety.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is a total game changer for anyone who loves pasta but wants to keep it vegan and packed with flavor. The Vegan Marry Me Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe truly lives up to its name, offering lush creaminess, vibrant herbs, and just the right amount of spice. I can confidently say it’s one of those dishes that will have you coming back to the kitchen eager to make it again and again. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite dinner to impress family and friends!
Print
Vegan Marry Me Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Vegan Marry Me Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring penne pasta tossed in a rich sauce made from coconut milk, sun-dried tomatoes, nutritional yeast, and fresh herbs. This dairy-free, vegan recipe offers a perfect balance of spice and creaminess, enhanced by fresh spinach and basil, making it an ultimate plant-based dinner option.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta such as rigatoni or penne
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 1.5 cups full-fat canned coconut milk
- 0.5 cup vegetable broth
- 0.25 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Greens and Garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
- Vegan parmesan for serving if desired
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely diced onion for about 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
- Make Sauce Base: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and vegetable broth, stirring until smooth.
- Season and Thicken Sauce: Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Spinach: Incorporate the fresh spinach and cook just until wilted to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce and stir until evenly coated and heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in the fresh chopped basil, and serve warm topped with vegan parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use light coconut milk or unsweetened cashew cream to reduce fat content.
- This pasta pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred heat level.
