If you are looking for a dish that will wow your taste buds and maybe even your special someone, then this Vegan Marry Me Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It brings together a luscious, creamy sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a hint of spice, all coating perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting and totally crave-worthy meal. This recipe is as simple to prepare as it is unforgettable, making it ideal whether you’re impressing guests or indulging in a cozy night in. Get ready to fall in love with every bite of this plant-based delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen with care to deliver bold flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant color, all while keeping things straightforward and wholesome. Each element plays a vital role in building the irresistible richness and fresh herbal notes that define the Vegan Marry Me Pasta Recipe.
- Olive oil: A fragrant base to gently cook the onions and garlic, adding richness and depth.
- Small yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, tender foundation that enhances the sauce.
- Garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a punch of flavor to the dish.
- Red pepper flakes: Just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting without overpowering.
- Dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian herb flavor that’s earthy and slightly minty.
- Dried thyme: Infuses subtle floral and woodsy notes to enrich the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped: Contributes intense tomato sweetness and chewy texture to the sauce.
- Tomato paste: Boosts the tomato richness and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Full-fat coconut milk: Creates that signature creamy texture with a gentle natural sweetness.
- Vegetable broth: Adds depth and balances the creaminess, bringing the sauce to life.
- Nutritional yeast: Delivers a cheesy, nutty flavor that’s essential for vegan richness.
- White miso paste (optional): Introduces umami complexity for those who want an extra flavor boost.
- Pasta (fettuccine or penne): The perfect vehicle to soak up all the luscious sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Season simply to taste and let the other ingredients shine.
- Fresh basil, chopped: Adds a burst of fresh herbal brightness at the very end.
- Vegan Parmesan or cashew cheese (optional): A finishing touch that brings nutty creaminess and a delightful sprinkle.
How to Make Vegan Marry Me Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Perfection
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm to the bite but tender. This ensures it will hold the rich sauce without becoming mushy. Drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and toss in the finely chopped onion. Let it soften and become translucent for about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and thyme. Stir everything together and let those delicious aromas build for a minute before moving on.
Step 3: Build the Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, ensuring they coat the aromatics well. Then pour in the creamy full-fat coconut milk and vegetable broth to bring it all together. Add the nutritional yeast and optional white miso paste to create depth and that signature cheesy, savory flavor.
Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened
Turn the heat down and allow the sauce to gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally so it thickens beautifully without sticking. This step is crucial for melding all the flavors into a luscious, velvety coating that will cling perfectly to your pasta.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, add your cooked pasta right into the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking, and finish by stirring in the fresh chopped basil, letting it wilt softly into the sauce before serving.
How to Serve Vegan Marry Me Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle vegan Parmesan or a sprinkle of cashew cheese on top for that extra layer of flavor and creaminess that every bite deserves. Fresh basil leaves or a few extra red pepper flakes can also brighten and enhance the dish visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to add texture and color to your meal. Garlic bread made with vegan butter offers the perfect accompaniment for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this beautiful pasta in shallow bowls to highlight the sauce’s creamy texture and bright colors, or plate it with a stack of grilled veggies for an elegant yet casual dinner. For a fun twist, add sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach directly into the sauce before mixing with the pasta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze the sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, then toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low flame or in the microwave with a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir well and warm until heated through but avoid overheating to keep the creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta work beautifully. Choose your favorite shape or what you have on hand to make this dish your own.
Is there a substitute for coconut milk?
Yes, you can use cashew cream as a wonderful alternative to coconut milk. It still delivers that creamy consistency with a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the delicate sauce.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can adjust the amount to your preference—from mild to more fiery. This flexibility makes it enjoyable for all spice tolerance levels.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or even roasted bell peppers can be stirred into the sauce to add more color, texture, and nutrition. It’s a great way to customize the dish.
What makes this dish called Vegan Marry Me Pasta Recipe?
The name hints at the dish’s impressive flavor and creamy, luxurious texture that’s so good it might just inspire a proposal. It’s the kind of meal that feels special and celebratory, perfect for sharing with a loved one.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Marry Me Pasta Recipe truly lives up to its name by delivering a creamy, vibrant, and heartwarming meal that’s simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for special occasions. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved staple for vegan comfort food lovers everywhere. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious moment with someone special or savor it all for yourself!
Print
Vegan Marry Me Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Marry Me Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring a rich sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, coconut milk, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a plant-based main course, it combines tender pasta with a luscious, slightly spicy sauce that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
For the Sauce and Pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon white miso paste (optional for depth)
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
For Garnish (Optional)
- Vegan Parmesan or cashew cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t brown.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Paste: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly with the tomato paste.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Stir to combine, then add nutritional yeast and miso paste if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to evenly coat every strand or piece.
- Season and Finish: Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with optional vegan Parmesan or cashew cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- Substitute cashew cream for coconut milk if you prefer a different creamy base.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach to the sauce for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
