Pasta lovers, this one’s for you! If you’re craving a quick, comforting meal that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did, this 5-Ingredient Vegan Creamy Pasta is about to become your new go-to. It’s rich, velvety, and so satisfying—all without dairy or a long list of ingredients. The best part? You can whip it up in under 20 minutes! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy evening in, this simple yet indulgent dish will hit the spot.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra Creamy: A luscious, smooth sauce coats every bite of pasta, giving you that cozy comfort-food feel.
Minimal Ingredients: Just 5 simple pantry staples, no fancy extras required!
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Dairy-Free & Vegan: A plant-based pasta that’s just as creamy as traditional versions!
Customizable: Dress it up with veggies, protein, or extra seasonings to make it your own.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create this dreamy pasta dish:
Pasta: Any type works—spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or gluten-free options.
Coconut Milk: The key to a rich and creamy sauce. Use full-fat coconut milk for the best texture.
Garlic: Adds depth and a punch of flavor to balance the creaminess.
Nutritional Yeast: The secret ingredient for a cheesy, umami boost (without actual cheese!).
Olive Oil: Enhances the sauce’s silkiness and brings everything together.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Boil water and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Sauté the Garlic: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Make the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and stir in the nutritional yeast. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Serve & Enjoy: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh herbs or chili flakes, and dig in!
How to Serve 5-Ingredient Vegan Creamy Pasta
With Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or basil takes it to the next level.
Add Protein: Toss in crispy tofu, chickpeas, or plant-based sausage for extra heartiness.
With Roasted Veggies: Try broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and nutrients.
Make it Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil adds a fiery kick.
Top with Vegan Parmesan: A sprinkle of nutritional yeast mixed with crushed nuts makes an easy dairy-free topping.
Additional Tips
Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Light versions won’t be as creamy.
Adjust Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to keep it allergy-friendly.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or plant milk.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use another plant-based milk instead of coconut milk?
A1: Yes! Cashew or oat milk works well, but coconut milk gives the creamiest result.
Q2: Can I make this sauce nut-free?
A2: Absolutely! Stick to coconut milk and avoid nut-based substitutes like cashew cream.
Q3: How do I make it oil-free?
A3: Simply sauté the garlic in a little vegetable broth instead of olive oil.
Q4: Can I freeze this sauce?
A4: Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
Q5: Can I add extra seasonings?
A5: Of course! Try smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Q6: What pasta shape works best?
A6: Any! Long noodles like fettuccine hold the sauce well, but short pasta like penne works great too.
Q7: Can I make this ahead of time?
A7: Yes, but the sauce thickens as it sits. Reheat with extra plant milk to restore the creamy texture.
Q8: Will this taste like coconut?
A8: The garlic and nutritional yeast balance the flavor, but if you’re sensitive to coconut, use cashew cream instead.
Q9: What’s a good side dish?
A9: A simple green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread pair perfectly.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! This recipe scales easily for meal prep or serving more people.
Final Thoughts
This 5-Ingredient Vegan Creamy Pasta proves that simple ingredients can create big flavors. Whether you’re short on time or just want a quick, delicious meal, this pasta is sure to satisfy. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite!
Print
5-Ingredient Vegan Creamy Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This easy vegan pasta is creamy, silky, and packed with flavor—like a plant-based twist on carbonara! Made with just 5 ingredients, including vegan cream cheese and smoky vegan bacon, it’s a perfect quick dinner idea for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 3 rashers vegan bacon, diced
- 200g spaghetti (2 portions)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 120g vegan cream cheese (e.g., Nush)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp dried parsley (or fresh basil)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente.
- Sauté garlic & bacon: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over low-medium heat. Add diced vegan bacon and garlic, frying until fragrant.
- Make sauce: Add vegan cream cheese and 150ml of pasta water, stirring until smooth.
- Combine: Drain the pasta and mix it into the creamy sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Season & serve: Add salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir well, then serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta water is key! It helps create a silky, creamy sauce.
- Try coconut cream or cashew cream instead of vegan cream cheese for a different texture.
- Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg