Name: Vegan One Pot Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (any kind you prefer—spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work great); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess); 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for a cheesy, nutty flavor); Fresh basil or parsley for garnish; Optional: 1 cup spinach or other leafy greens for extra nutrition

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Introduction

Have you ever had one of those days where you just need a quick, comforting meal that doesn’t require a ton of dishes to clean up afterward? If so, you’re going to absolutely love this Vegan One Pot Pasta recipe. It’s everything you want in a meal—simple, hearty, flavorful, and made in just one pot. That’s right, no mess, no fuss—just delicious, creamy pasta that’s vegan and full of rich, savory goodness.

This recipe came to me on a busy weeknight when I was craving something comforting, but didn’t have the energy for a multi-step dinner. I was flipping through the pantry and fridge, thinking of what ingredients I had, and the answer was simple—one pot, pasta, and all the classic flavors that make a pasta dish so satisfying. It was an instant hit with my family, and I’ve been making it on repeat ever since.

What makes this Vegan One Pot Pasta so special is the creamy, tomato-based sauce that’s made without any dairy. Instead of using cream, we’re going to rely on coconut milk (or your favorite non-dairy milk) to create that luscious texture that coats every single noodle. The beauty of this dish is that you cook everything in one pot, allowing all the flavors to meld together and creating a dish that feels like a warm hug.

This vegan pasta recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights or for when you need a stress-free meal to serve at your next gathering. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and your family or friends won’t even know it’s vegan (unless you tell them, of course).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m pretty sure you’re going to fall head over heels for this Vegan One Pot Pasta, and here’s why:

Easy to Make: One pot is all you need for this recipe! No need to boil multiple pots or pans—just throw everything together and let it simmer. It’s the perfect dish for busy evenings when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Vegan and Dairy-Free: Whether you’re vegan or just trying to eat more plant-based meals, this recipe fits the bill. It’s creamy and delicious without any dairy, making it a great option for people with dietary restrictions.
Comforting and Hearty: The coconut milk creates a rich, smooth sauce that perfectly coats the pasta, making every bite feel indulgent. It’s the kind of meal you crave after a long day, but it won’t weigh you down.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes—add more veggies, throw in some spices for extra heat, or use a different type of pasta.
Budget-Friendly: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy-to-find veggies, so you can make this dish without breaking the bank.

Trust me, once you make this Vegan One Pot Pasta, it’ll be your new go-to comfort food. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, so you won’t have a mountain of dishes to clean afterward!

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: Serves 4
Calories per serving: 400
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 50g
Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy Vegan One Pot Pasta:

12 oz pasta (any kind you prefer—spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work great)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for a cheesy, nutty flavor)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Optional: 1 cup spinach or other leafy greens for extra nutrition

Why These Ingredients?

Pasta: The star of the dish! I love using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist.
Coconut milk: It makes the sauce creamy and rich while keeping the dish vegan. It’s the secret to that luscious texture.
Diced tomatoes: They add acidity and sweetness, balancing out the richness of the coconut milk.
Nutritional yeast: This is my favorite vegan ingredient for adding a cheesy, savory flavor without dairy.
Herbs and spices: Oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes round out the flavor, creating a comforting and aromatic sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve got everything together, let’s dive into the steps for making this Vegan One Pot Pasta. Don’t worry, it’s simple! I’ll walk you through the process step by step, and I’ll share a few tips to make sure your pasta turns out perfect every time.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant. This is where the base flavor starts, and you’ll already begin to smell those delicious aromas!

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Broth Next, add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, and coconut milk. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. The coconut milk will start to melt into the broth, creating a creamy, fragrant base for your sauce.

Step 3: Season It Up Now, add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir, letting the flavors mingle together. The seasoning here is crucial to making the sauce come alive, so feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. A pinch of extra salt or more red pepper can make all the difference!

Step 4: Add the Pasta Once your broth is simmering, add the pasta. Stir it in and make sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the pasta cook, uncovered, for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and make sure the pasta is cooked al dente.

Step 5: Check the Consistency Once the pasta is cooked, the sauce should have thickened a bit, and the pasta should be fully coated. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. If it’s too runny, let it cook for a few more minutes until it thickens.

Step 6: Add Nutritional Yeast and Spinach (Optional) If you’re adding spinach or other greens, now is the time! Just toss them in and stir them into the pasta. They’ll wilt down and blend nicely into the sauce. For a cheesy, savory flavor, sprinkle in the nutritional yeast and stir to combine.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust Give your pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is your chance to make sure the sauce is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of salt, pepper, and heat. Add a little more red pepper flakes if you want some spice, or a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.

How to Serve

This Vegan One Pot Pasta is hearty and filling on its own, but you can take it to the next level with some simple sides. Here are a few ideas for how to serve it:

Top with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Serve with a side salad—I love pairing it with a crisp arugula salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette for a light, refreshing contrast.
Garlic bread or crusty bread is always a hit with pasta—use a vegan version to keep it plant-based.
If you’re craving some protein, you can add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or serve with a side of crispy chickpeas.

Additional Tips

Cooking the pasta just right: If your pasta absorbs too much liquid during cooking, you can always add more broth or water as needed. You want the sauce to be creamy but not dry.
Adjusting the flavor: Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices. If you want a stronger flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning.
Thickening the sauce: For an even creamier sauce, you can blend in a few tablespoons of cashew cream or soak cashews overnight and blend them with water to make your own cream.
Add protein: While this recipe is perfectly filling, you can boost the protein by adding some sautéed mushrooms, tempeh, or vegan sausage.
Leftovers: This dish is even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld, and it makes a great lunch or dinner for the following day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you like in this recipe. While I’ve used traditional pasta like spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, gluten-free or whole wheat pasta also works wonderfully. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta you choose, so just check the package instructions and adjust as needed.

2. Can I use a different non-dairy milk instead of coconut milk?

Yes! While coconut milk gives this dish a rich, creamy texture, you can substitute it with any plant-based milk of your choice, such as almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. If you opt for a non-sweetened variety, you’ll still get that creamy consistency, but the coconut milk does add a distinct flavor that complements the pasta. If you’re using a thinner milk, you may want to add a little extra to maintain the creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Vegan One Pot Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The creamy sauce, the perfectly cooked pasta, and the depth of flavor make it a dish you’ll return to again and again. Plus, the best part is that it’s all made in one pot, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up a bunch of dishes afterward.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy, and completely satisfying. And the fact that it’s vegan just makes it that much more special. You won’t miss the dairy at all because the coconut milk gives this dish the perfect creamy texture that’s rich without being heavy.

So, next time you’re craving something comforting and easy to make, give this Vegan One Pot Pasta a try. You’ll be glad you did! Enjoy!

Vegan One Pot Pasta