Lunch made simple, healthy, and absolutely mouthwatering! Let’s recreate this delicious dish with a vegan twist. The creamy, flavorful sauce, combined with fresh spinach and basil, makes for an irresistible meal that’s packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!

The best part? It’s simple, wholesome, and made with ingredients that nourish your body. Creamy coconut cream, nutrient-packed spinach, and fresh basil come together to create a meal that’s as indulgent as it is healthy. Ready to dig in?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• 100% Plant-Based Goodness: No dairy, no problem! The creamy sauce gets its rich texture and flavor from coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy days.
• Packed with Nutrients: Loaded with fresh spinach and basil, this pasta is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.

Let’s dive into how to make this creamy, dreamy pasta dish!

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Ingredients:

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• 12 oz gluten-free pasta (I recommend Zenb Noodles, but use your favorite!)
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup coconut cream (or any plant-based cream)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) or cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

Optional:

• Nutritional Yeast

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

• Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, letting it caramelize slightly.

3. Make it Creamy:

• Pour in the coconut cream and stir well to combine.
• Add the nutritional yeast, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it thoroughly with the sauce.

5. Finish with Greens:

• Add the fresh spinach and basil to the skillet.
• Toss gently until the spinach wilts and the basil is evenly distributed.

6. Serve:

• Divide the pasta among serving bowls.
• Garnish with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, if desired.

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Tips for Success:

• Nutritional Yeast: This adds a cheesy, umami flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have it on hand, swap it for vegan Parmesan.
• Coconut Cream: For a milder flavor, use homemade cashew cream by blending soaked cashews with water until smooth.
• Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. Add more for a bolder kick!
• Cheesy Add-Ons: Top with your favorite vegan mozzarella for an extra creamy finish.

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Why This Recipe Fits Your Healthy Lifestyle:

As a functional medicine health coach, I love recipes like this because they’re easy to make, customizable, and support overall wellness. By using gluten-free pasta and nutrient-dense ingredients, this dish is gut-friendly and packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and plant-based protein. Plus, it’s free from processed oils and dairy, making it a wholesome choice for anyone looking to eat clean while enjoying their favorite comfort foods.

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Ready to Try It?

This Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta is the perfect example of how healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. It’s proof that plant-based meals can be indulgent, satisfying, and completely delicious.

I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Share your photos and tag me on Instagram (@HealthyAndWholesome4U) or comment below with your feedback. Let’s inspire each other to eat well and live vibrantly!

Enjoy, and as always, yours in health,

Penny

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