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To make Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta, you'll need these key items: - 12 oz pasta of your choice (penne or spaghetti recommended) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup coconut cream (or cashew cream for a nut-free alternative) - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can enhance this dish with these optional ingredients: - Nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor boost) - Red pepper flakes (for some heat) - Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme If you need to swap some items, here are some ideas: - Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option. - Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a different taste. - Replace coconut cream with silken tofu for a lower fat option. - Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher flavor. These ingredients make this dish rich and satisfying. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have. Enjoy experimenting! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring this water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add 12 ounces of your pasta choice. I love penne or spaghetti for this dish. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once the pasta is ready, drain it well. Make sure to save 1 cup of the pasta water for later. This helps make your sauce creamy! While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion that you’ve finely chopped. Sauté it for about 5 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and fragrant. Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute, stirring often to keep the garlic from burning. This step fills your kitchen with amazing smells! Now it’s time to add flavor. Carefully pour in a 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes, undrained, into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. After that, lower the heat to medium-low. Add 1 cup of coconut cream (or cashew cream for a nut-free option). Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to mix it with the pasta. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Make sure all the pasta is coated evenly with that rich sauce. This step combines all the flavors into one delicious dish! When serving, plate the pasta in individual bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. If you want a little cheesy taste, sprinkle some nutritional yeast over the top. This adds a nice depth to the dish. Enjoy your Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta straight away for the best taste! To make sure your pasta is just right, follow these tips: - Use a large pot with plenty of water. This helps the pasta cook evenly. - Add salt to the water. This flavors the pasta from the inside out. - Cook the pasta until al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. - Reserve some pasta water. It helps adjust the sauce later. You can tweak the creaminess and flavor easily: - For a creamier sauce, add more coconut cream or cashew cream. - If the sauce is too thick, mix in the reserved pasta water a little at a time. - Taste your sauce as you go. Adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking. - Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy note. Sprinkle it in for extra flavor. Storing and reheating your pasta can be simple: - Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last up to three days. - To reheat, add a splash of water or cream. This helps revive the sauce's texture. - Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir often to avoid burning. - If you notice it thickens too much, add more water as needed. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Always cook your pasta al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. Flavor Enhancement: For a deeper flavor, consider roasting your garlic and onions before adding them to the skillet. This adds a lovely caramelized note to your sauce. Adjusting Creaminess: If you want a creamier sauce, start with less pasta water and add more gradually. This way, you have better control over the sauce's consistency. Fresh Basil Boost: Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant flavor and color. This ensures your dish bursts with freshness upon serving. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish nut-free. Simply swap coconut cream for cashew cream. To make cashew cream, soak 1 cup of cashews in water for at least two hours. Drain and blend them with 1 cup of water until smooth. This creates a rich and creamy sauce that fits perfectly in this dish. Want to boost your meal's health? Add vegetables! Toss in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers when you sauté onions and garlic. Just chop them small, so they cook quickly. These veggies not only add nutrients but also enhance the flavor and texture of your creamy tomato pasta. If you like a little kick, add some heat! You can mix in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you find the perfect spicy balance for your creamy tomato pasta. Enjoy the burst of flavors! Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta is rich in nutrients. It offers a good balance of carbs, healthy fats, and protein. The pasta gives you energy, while coconut cream adds healthy fats. The tomatoes provide vitamins like C and K, plus antioxidants. Garlic and onions boost your immune system and add flavor. Together, these ingredients make a wholesome meal that satisfies hunger. Each serving of this pasta dish has about 400-500 calories. This number can change based on the type of pasta and cream you use. Here’s a rough breakdown: - Pasta (12 oz): 300 calories - Olive oil (1 tbsp): 120 calories - Coconut cream (1 cup): 550 calories - Onion (1 medium): 45 calories - Tomatoes (14 oz can): 50 calories This dish serves four, making it easy to share. Here are some health benefits of the key ingredients: - Pasta: Provides energy and can be whole grain for added fiber. - Olive oil: Contains healthy fats that support heart health. - Onion: Has antioxidants and may help fight inflammation. - Garlic: Can boost the immune system and may lower blood pressure. - Diced tomatoes: Packed with vitamins and may lower the risk of heart disease. - Coconut cream: Offers healthy fats and may support brain health. - Basil and oregano: Have anti-inflammatory properties and add flavor without extra calories. This dish not only tastes great but also supports your health. Yes, you can make this pasta gluten-free! Just choose gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpeas. These options taste great and cook well. Be sure to check the package for cooking times. This dish can last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you reheat it, add a splash of water or extra cream. This keeps it creamy and delicious. Absolutely! You can use fresh tomatoes. Just chop about 4 to 5 medium tomatoes. Cook them down until soft, then add them to your sauce. This gives a fresh taste and vibrant color. You can serve this pasta with a crisp salad or garlic bread. Roasted vegetables also pair well. For protein, add some chickpeas or lentils. They make the meal filling and satisfying. This blog post covered all you need for a great pasta dish. You learned about essential and optional ingredients, plus helpful substitutions. Step-by-step, I walked you through cooking the pasta and making a creamy sauce. You found tips to perfect your dish and even ways to add more flavor or nutrients. Lastly, we explored health benefits and answered common questions. You can create a delicious meal that fits your needs. Keep experimenting, and enjoy your cooking journey!

Vegan Creamy Tomato Bliss Pasta

A delicious vegan pasta dish with a creamy tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don't forget to reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  • Sauté Aromatics: In the meantime, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
  • Add Tomatoes: Carefully pour the undrained can of diced tomatoes into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
  • Make it Creamy: Lower the heat to medium-low and incorporate the coconut cream (or cashew cream) into the tomato mixture. Stir until the sauce is velvety and smooth. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
  • Season the Sauce: Add the dried basil, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed until the flavors are just right for you.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce, making sure every piece is evenly coated in the vibrant sauce.
  • Serve: Plate the pasta in individual servings, garnishing generously with fresh basil leaves on top. If you’d like a cheesy flavor, sprinkle some nutritional yeast over each serving before enjoying.

Notes

For a nut-free alternative, use coconut cream instead of cashew cream.
Keyword creamy, pasta, tomato, vegan