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To make vegan creamy tomato pasta, you need a few key ingredients: - 12 oz pasta of choice (penne or spaghetti recommended) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 1 cup coconut cream (or cashew cream for a nut-free version) - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Nutritional yeast (optional for a cheesy flavor) Each ingredient plays a big role in taste and texture. The pasta forms the base, while the olive oil helps in sautéing. Onions and garlic add depth to the flavor. You can adjust this recipe based on what you have. Here are some options: - Swap coconut cream for cashew cream if you want a nut-free dish. - Use any pasta you prefer; gluten-free pasta works too. - Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. - Mix in spinach or other greens for added nutrition. Feel free to get creative with the base! Every ingredient brings its own health benefits: - Pasta: A good source of carbs for energy. - Olive oil: Packed with healthy fats that support heart health. - Onion: Full of antioxidants and helps boost the immune system. - Garlic: Known for its health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. - Diced tomatoes: Rich in vitamins C and K, and lycopene, which is good for heart health. - Coconut cream: Provides healthy fats and a creamy texture. - Basil and oregano: Both herbs add flavor and have anti-inflammatory properties. - Salt and pepper: Enhance the dish without adding many calories. - Fresh basil: Adds freshness and extra vitamins. - Nutritional yeast: Offers a cheesy flavor and is high in B vitamins. This dish not only tastes great but also nourishes your body! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This helps the pasta taste better. Add 12 ounces of your chosen pasta, penne or spaghetti work great. Cook it until it feels firm yet tender, around 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta once it's done. Don’t forget to save 1 cup of the pasta water for later! Next, grab a large skillet and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 1 medium onion that you finely chopped. Cook the onion until it turns soft and clear, about 5 minutes. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and stir for about a minute. Be careful, so it doesn’t burn. The smell will be amazing! Now, pour in a can of diced tomatoes, which is 14 ounces. Make sure to include the juices from the can, as they add flavor. Stir everything and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix well. After that, lower the heat and add 1 cup of coconut cream. If you prefer, you can use cashew cream for a nut-free option. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If it seems too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired texture. Finally, add the cooked pasta to your creamy tomato sauce. Toss it well to coat every piece of pasta in that delicious sauce. You want it all mixed together. Then, stir in dried basil and oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve your pasta on plates, and for a nice touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves. If you like a cheesy flavor, sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top. Enjoy your rich and flavorful vegan creamy tomato pasta! To get that smooth and rich texture, start with good cream. I love using coconut cream. It adds a nice depth. If you want a nut-free option, go for cashew cream. When mixing in the cream, keep the heat low. This helps to avoid any curdling. If your sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. This will lighten it up and keep it creamy. You can boost the flavor of your dish in many ways. Start with salt and pepper. They are key to bringing out the taste. Dried basil and oregano add a warm, herbal note. For a cheesy flavor, sprinkle in some nutritional yeast. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Don't be afraid to taste as you go. Adjust the spices based on what you like. Cooking can feel hard, but it’s fun! Always start with a clean kitchen and workspace. Read through the recipe first to know what to do. When boiling pasta, add a good amount of salt to the water. This is where the pasta gets its flavor. When sautéing onions and garlic, keep an eye on them. They can burn quickly. If you feel uncertain, ask for help or check online for tips. Cooking is all about practice and learning. Enjoy the process! Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Always cook pasta until al dente. This ensures it retains a slight firmness, which helps it hold up against the creamy sauce and prevents it from becoming mushy. Onion Sautéing Technique: To enhance the flavor, sauté onions over medium heat until they are translucent and slightly caramelized. This adds a natural sweetness to your sauce. Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creaminess. This water is starchy and will help the sauce cling to the pasta. Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Use fresh basil for garnish to elevate the dish's flavor profile. It adds a burst of freshness that complements the creamy tomato sauce beautifully. {{image_2}} You can make this dish nut-free by using cashew cream. To make cashew cream, soak 1 cup of raw cashews in water for 4 hours. After soaking, drain and rinse the cashews. Blend them with 1/2 cup of water until smooth. This cream adds richness without nuts. The flavor stays delicious and creamy, just like coconut cream. Want more protein in your meal? Adding beans or tofu works great! You can add 1 can of drained chickpeas or white beans to the sauce. They blend well with the creamy tomato flavor. If you prefer tofu, use firm tofu. Cut it into cubes and sauté it in the skillet until golden. Both options boost nutrition and keep your meal filling. If you like some heat, try adding red pepper flakes! Just sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon when you sauté the garlic. For a bolder kick, add sliced jalapeños or even a splash of hot sauce. These spicy twists add a fun layer to the dish. You can still enjoy the creaminess while making it exciting. After enjoying your vegan creamy tomato pasta, let it cool. Transfer the pasta to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. If you see any liquid, that's normal. The pasta will soak it up later. Freezing is a great way to save this dish for later. First, cool the pasta completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Make sure to squeeze out excess air. This helps prevent freezer burn. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just label your container with the date for easy tracking. To reheat, you have a few options. You can use a microwave or a stove. If using the microwave, cover the pasta with a lid. Heat it in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval to warm it evenly. If using the stove, add a splash of water or extra coconut cream. Heat it over low heat, stirring slowly. This keeps the sauce creamy and smooth. Enjoy your meal just like fresh! Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. For this dish, use about 4-5 medium tomatoes. Chop them and remove the seeds. You need around 14 ounces. Fresh tomatoes can add a bright taste. Just remember to cook them longer to break down into a sauce. I recommend penne or spaghetti. Penne holds the sauce well in its ridges. Spaghetti offers a classic look and feel. You can use any pasta you like, including gluten-free options. Just cook it according to the package instructions. To make this dish gluten-free, choose pasta made from rice or corn. Many brands offer tasty gluten-free options. Follow the same cooking steps. Ensure all other ingredients, like the coconut cream and spices, are also gluten-free. Reheating creamy pasta is simple. Use a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also microwave it. Just cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. In this post, I explained how to make vegan creamy tomato pasta. I covered key ingredients, simple cooking steps, and tips to improve texture and taste. You learned about different variations, ways to store leftovers, and answers to common questions. This dish is not only easy to make, but it's also packed with nutrients. With a few simple swaps, you can personalize it to fit your needs. Enjoy your cooking adventure and have fun with flavors!

Vegan Creamy Tomato Bliss Pasta

A delicious and creamy vegan pasta dish made with tomatoes and coconut cream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta of choice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 cup coconut cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • optional nutritional yeast

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices into the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Lower the heat and add the coconut cream to the tomato mixture. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it's too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  • Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy tomato sauce.
  • Divide the pasta among plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle with nutritional yeast if desired for an extra cheesy flavor.

Notes

Use cashew cream for a nut-free version.
Keyword creamy, easy, pasta, tomato, vegan