Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe Easy Creamy Vegan Dinner

The creamy swirl of tomato sauce hugging tender pasta, paired with vibrant spinach, is the kind of meal that turns a hectic day into a cozy evening. This spinach tomato pasta isn’t just another vegan recipe—it’s a bowl of comfort food that’s perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or even impressing a crowd. I discovered this gem during my quest for quick vegan dinners that feel indulgent but don’t require a laundry list of ingredients. Trust me, this recipe will become your go-to for a satisfying, plant-based meal.

What makes this dish so special is the rich, creamy sauce that’s completely dairy-free. It’s hard to believe that such indulgence comes from wholesome, simple ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just dabbling, this spinach tomato pasta will have you hooked after the first bite. Plus, it’s adaptable, budget-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into the details—you’re going to love every step of this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy trips to specialty stores—everything you need is likely already in your pantry!
• Incredible Flavor: The creamy tomato sauce has a rich depth of flavor, perfectly balanced with fresh spinach.
• 100% Vegan: Dairy-free and plant-based, this dish is great for vegans and anyone cutting back on animal products.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.

What sets this recipe apart is the way the creamy sauce coats every piece of pasta, creating a luscious bite every time. The spinach adds a pop of freshness, while tomatoes bring a tangy depth. Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but doesn’t weigh you down.

Whether you’re serving picky eaters or dinner guests, this spinach tomato pasta is always a hit. It’s comfort food that’s easy to make, nourishing, and so satisfying. You’re going to love how effortlessly this comes together while tasting like you spent hours in the kitchen!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This spinach tomato pasta uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a creamy, flavorful experience without any dairy. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pasta: Choose your favorite type—penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free options like chickpea pasta.
• Fresh Spinach: Packed with nutrients, spinach adds a lovely green contrast to the dish.
• Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes for the sauce. (San Marzano tomatoes work beautifully!)
• Onion: Adds a sweet, savory base to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings bold flavor—don’t skimp on this!
• Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk creates the creamy texture. (Coconut milk works for extra richness.)
• Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy, umami flavor without any dairy.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing and enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings to bring everything together.
• Optional Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat.

Feel free to customize! You can add mushrooms, swap spinach for kale, or even toss in vegan sausage for extra protein. This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious!

Equipment Needed

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Skillet or Saucepan: To prepare the creamy tomato sauce.
• Colander: For draining the pasta.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce.
• Knife & Cutting Board: To chop the onion, garlic, and spinach.

If you don’t have a skillet, you can use any heavy-bottomed pan. And for the colander, any strainer will work in a pinch. This recipe keeps the equipment simple, making cleanup a breeze!

Preparation Method

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the rest.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Make the Sauce: Add the canned tomatoes to the skillet. Stir in the plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until wilted. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Adjust Seasonings: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or nutritional yeast if desired.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra nutritional yeast or fresh basil if desired. The creamy sauce clings to every strand of pasta, making each bite irresistible!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better when tossed in the sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and ensures a silky texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and garlic make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Sauté Slowly: Cooking the onions and garlic slowly enhances their sweetness and depth.
• Adjust Creaminess: Add more plant-based milk or pasta water to tailor the sauce’s consistency.

These little tips can make a big difference, turning a simple recipe into a restaurant-quality dish. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way—nothing beats taking your time with the basics!

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free options like chickpea or rice pasta.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes for a fiery twist.
• Add Protein: Toss in cooked chickpeas, vegan sausage, or tofu for extra heartiness.
• Seasonal Greens: Use kale, arugula, or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
• Rich Sauce: Substitute plant-based milk with full-fat coconut milk for an ultra-creamy texture.

One of my favorite variations is adding roasted cherry tomatoes—they burst with flavor and make the dish even more vibrant!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this spinach tomato pasta hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the flavors beautifully.

For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of plant-based milk or water to revive the creamy texture. While this dish is best fresh, it holds up well for meal prep!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Protein: Spinach and nutritional yeast add a good plant-based protein boost.
• Vitamins: Spinach provides iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
• Low Fat: Made with olive oil and plant-based milk, this dish is lighter than traditional creamy pastas.

It’s a great option for anyone seeking a balanced, plant-based meal that satisfies comfort food cravings!

Conclusion

This spinach tomato pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, easy, creamy, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe guarantees smiles all around. I love how customizable it is—from gluten-free swaps to adding roasted veggies, it’s a dish that can suit almost anyone.

If you try this recipe, let me know how you liked it! Share your variations or drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your ideas. And don’t forget to pin this recipe for later—it’s one you’ll want to make again and again!

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the sauce.

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Penne, rotini, and spaghetti are all great choices. Opt for gluten-free pasta if needed.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh and combine when ready to serve.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.

Is nutritional yeast necessary?

No, but it adds a cheesy flavor. You can substitute with vegan parmesan or simply omit it.