1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the Creamy Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion for 3-4 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Blend the Creamy Sauce
- In a blender, combine soaked cashews (or coconut milk), vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
- Blend until completely smooth.
- Pour the creamy mixture into the tomato sauce, stirring to combine.
4. Add the Spinach & Basil
- Stir in fresh spinach, letting it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chopped basil, mixing well.
5. Combine with Pasta
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a silkier texture.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with vegan Parmesan, extra basil, or toasted breadcrumbs.
- Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, rich flavors!
Serving Suggestions
✅ Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
✅ Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or grilled tofu.
✅ Add vegan meatballs or chickpeas for extra protein.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: The sauce can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of plant milk to loosen the sauce.
Variants & Add-Ins
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or chili powder.
🥦 Veggie Boost: Stir in mushrooms, roasted zucchini, or bell peppers.
🧄 Extra Garlic Flavor: Roast the garlic before blending for a deeper taste.
🧀 Cheesy Version: Add more nutritional yeast or vegan shredded cheese.
FAQ
Q: Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?
Yes! Use marinara sauce instead of crushed tomatoes to save time.
Q: Can I make this nut-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk, oat milk, or blended silken tofu instead of cashews.
Q: Can I make this oil-free?
Absolutely! Sauté onions and garlic with vegetable broth instead of oil.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach & Basil is a rich, flavorful, and wholesome dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. The combination of a luscious cashew-based sauce, tangy tomatoes, and fresh greens makes this recipe irresistibly creamy yet healthy!
🍝 Try it today and let me know how much you love it! 🌱🔥✨
