Name: Vegan Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 servings gluten free fettuccine; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 10 sun dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 2 cups cherry tomatoes; 1 cup water or vegetable broth; 7 oz full fat canned coconut milk (thick cream only, half of a can); 3 tbsp nutritional yeast; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups baby arugula; ½ cup flat leaf parsley, chopped; Vegan parmesan (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 31 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor while being completely plant-based, the Vegan Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is an absolute game changer. This pasta brings together the rich tang of sun dried tomatoes and the luxuriously smooth texture of coconut milk, balanced perfectly with fresh herbs and a hint of balsamic vinegar. It’s a comforting yet sophisticated dish that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite go-to for creamy, dreamy pasta without any dairy in sight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of different ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a bunch of green herbs including thyme and arugula. To their right, two bundles of light yellow pasta lie side by side. Below the pasta, there are two small white bowls; one contains a light beige crumbly ingredient while the other holds bright red dried chili peppers. Next to these, there are two more white bowls with fresh red tomatoes and white grated cheese. Near the bottom left corner, a transparent small bowl holds whole peppercorns in black, white, red, and yellow colors, while a small white bowl beside it contains a coarse seasoning mix. A bulb of garlic and several small fresh red tomatoes form the bottom cluster. Near the center, a black bowl with a creamy white sauce is placed. The colors include white, green, red, and beige tones, all set against a clean white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the full-bodied flavor and delightful texture of the dish, while keeping it fresh and vibrant. These simple yet thoughtfully selected components will make your pasta sing.

4 servings gluten free fettuccine: Provides the perfect al dente base that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory punch essential for depth.
10 sun dried tomatoes, chopped: The star ingredient that delivers intense, concentrated tomato sweetness and tang.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning: Brings a warm, herby note that complements the tomatoes.
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Introduces a subtle acidity and richness to round out the sauce.
3 tbsp tomato paste: Boosts umami and thickens the sauce to luscious perfection.
2 cups cherry tomatoes: Provide juicy bursts of freshness and color.
1 cup water or vegetable broth: Helps create the sauce base and enhances flavor.
7 oz full fat canned coconut milk (thick cream only half of a can): Offers creamy texture and subtle sweetness that mimics traditional cream.
3 tbsp nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, nutty undertone without dairy.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
2 cups baby arugula: Brings a peppery freshness that cuts through the richness.
½ cup flat leaf parsley, chopped: Adds bright herbal notes and vibrant green color.
Vegan parmesan (optional): For an extra layer of cheesy goodness if desired.

How to Make Vegan Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling water in a large pot and cooking your gluten-free fettuccine according to the package’s instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. This step sets the foundation—overcooked pasta can turn mushy once mixed with the creamy sauce, so timing is key.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Heat a skillet with a splash of water, broth, or oil to keep everything plant-based and light. Toss in your minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes, sautéing them for about two minutes. This awakens their flavors and begins infusing the base of your sauce with aromatic sweetness and savory depth. Add a little water if things get too dry as you cook.

Step 3: Caramelize the Flavor Profile

Next, stir in your Italian seasoning, balsamic vinegar, and tomato paste. Let this mixture cook for two to three minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize and transform the sauce base into a richer, more complex blend of flavors.

Step 4: Simmer the Cherry Tomatoes

Add the cherry tomatoes and your chosen liquid (water or broth) back into the skillet. Cover and let everything simmer for about three to four minutes until the cherry tomatoes soften completely. Then, gently smash them with a spoon to release their juicy goodness into the sauce.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Now for the magic touch: pour in your coconut milk and sprinkle in the nutritional yeast. Season with salt and pepper, then allow the sauce to simmer gently for five to ten minutes until it thickens up into a velvety, creamy dream. This step ensures the sauce wraps the pasta in luscious richness.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce with Fresh Greens

After draining the fettuccine, add it straight into your skillet and toss everything together with the baby arugula. This step not only incorporates all the flavors but also slightly wilts the arugula for a fresh peppery lift that perfectly balances the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Finish with Herbs and Vegan Parmesan

Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for brightness and a pop of color. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a generous dusting of vegan parmesan to enhance the cheesy flavors. Your Vegan Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is now ready to serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Vegan Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

A large black pan filled with creamy orange pasta noodles, mixed with visible small pieces of brown meat. The pasta is topped with a light dusting of white cheese and a generous layer of chopped green parsley spread across the center. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with some parsley leaves scattered around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley bring a lively contrast to the rich sauce, while a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick for those who like a little heat. Vegan parmesan or toasted pine nuts give a wonderful textural and flavor boost that feels extra special.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. Garlic bread made with vegan butter is another crowd-pleaser that complements every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the pasta twirled neatly onto plates and topped with a sprig of fresh parsley and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Layering in handfuls of baby arugula on top just before serving keeps the greens crisp and vibrant, creating a beautiful contrast that guests will notice immediately.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully after resting, making the dish even tastier the next day. Just be sure to store the pasta and sauce together to keep everything coated and moist.

Freezing

This Vegan Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe freezes well, but note that the texture of fresh greens like arugula won’t hold up. For best results, freeze only the pasta and sauce in a sealed container for up to two months, and add fresh greens after thawing.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to revive that creamy texture you love so much.

FAQs

Is this Vegan Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe gluten free?

Yes! By using gluten-free fettuccine, this recipe is perfect for anyone avoiding gluten without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.

Can I substitute coconut milk with another plant-based milk?

While you can try other plant milks, full-fat canned coconut milk is essential here for its richness and creaminess, which makes this dish so indulgent. Alternatives might result in a thinner sauce.

How spicy is this pasta?

This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne if you love a little heat to contrast the creamy tomato sauce.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! This entire recipe is naturally nut-free, especially if you use a nut-free vegan parmesan or skip it altogether.

What can I use if I don’t have nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast provides that cheesy, umami flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can experiment with miso paste or a pinch of smoked paprika for depth, though the taste won’t be exactly the same.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to dive into a pasta that feels both wholesome and indulgent, the Vegan Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a vibrant, comforting dish that comes together in under 30 minutes and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be a regular on your dinner rotation—for good reason!