Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes and ready to switch things up? Well, have you considered trying some creamy vegan pasta recipes? Trust us, they're just as delicious and satisfying as their non-vegan counterparts.
Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these recipes are sure to impress. So, grab a fork and get ready to dive into some creamy, comforting pasta dishes that just happen to be 100% vegan.
How do you make vegan pasta creamy?
Plant-based eating has become a popular trend for many reasons, from lactose intolerance to health and ethical concerns. But giving up dairy products doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the creamy texture of your favorite sauces.
Here are some ingredients and techniques to help you achieve a creamy sauce without dairy.
- Nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that has a nutty and cheesy flavor, making it a great alternative to cheese. When mixed with liquids, it thickens and adds creaminess to sauces.
- Coconut milk: Coconut milk (or coconut cream) is a creamy and rich alternative to dairy milk. It can be used to make a variety of sauces, such as alfredo or pesto, and can also be used to thicken soups.
- Silken tofu: Silken tofu has a creamy texture that makes it a perfect substitute for cream. When blended, it creates a smooth consistency that can be used in sauces, dressings, or even as a base for desserts.
- Avocado: Avocados are high in healthy fats and have a smooth texture that makes them ideal for sauces. Simply blend an avocado with seasonings and other ingredients to create a creamy sauce for pasta, tacos, or salad dressing.
- Starch: Starches, such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder, can be used to thicken sauces. Simply mix a small amount of starch with water and add it to your sauce as it cooks. This will help it reach a creamy consistency.
- Vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a base for sauces, and when combined with other ingredients, it can create a creamy texture. Simply sauté your ingredients in broth and season to taste.
- Cashews: Blended cashews can be a fantastic alternative to dairy in a recipe. They are a great source of healthy fats and plant-based protein, making them a perfect option for those who are looking to reduce their dairy intake or eliminate it altogether. To use blended cashews as a dairy substitute, simply blend raw cashews with water until smooth and creamy.
- Non-dairy milk and creamers: Oat milk is our favorite in this category. Its rich texture and subtle flavor make it difficult to tell apart from dairy in most recipes.
- Beans: To make a vegan sauce creamy using beans, just blend cooked beans (e.g. white, chickpeas) with a vegan broth or non-dairy milk until smooth. Add your favorite seasoning, herbs, and spices to taste. Cook the sauce over low heat, stirring frequently, until desired consistency is reached.
- Vegan cream cheese: If you're short on time, vegan cream cheese is an easy win! Just cook your pasta, set aside a little starchy pasta water, add the vegan cream cheese to your warm pasta, and thin to desired consistency using the reserved pasta water.
- Blended vegetables: creamy vegan sauces with a cauliflower or potato base are easy to make in a blender with just a little warm pasta water.
By using these dairy-free alternatives, you can still enjoy creamy sauces without the added dairy. Experiment with different ingredients and ratios to find the perfect consistency for your sauce. Enjoy!
Our Favorite Creamy Vegan Pasta Recipes
There is no shortage of delicious cream-based vegan pasta recipes to be found on the internet. From rich and comforting Alfredo to tangy and spicy arrabbiata, there are options to satisfy every craving. With so many amazing options to choose from, we've rounded up 15 of our favorite creamy vegan pasta recipes below. Jump in!
Tomato Basil Cream Pasta
This Tomato Basil Cream Pasta gets its creaminess from cashews – making it decadent, yet light. It's the perfect meal for when you need to use up extra tomatoes from your garden!
Creamy Avocado Pasta from Rainbow Plant Life
This avocado pasta comes together in 15 minutes! So in the time it takes for you to boil water, this creamy avocado sauce is ready for you to enjoy.
Penne with Pumpkin Cream Sauce
This pumpkin cream sauce is warm, savory and perfectly suited to sweater season.
Creamy Vegan Pasta from Love & Lemons
We love that this creamy vegan pasta recipe from Love & Lemons gets its silky texture from white beans! Perfect for those of you with nut sensitivities or allergies.
Vegan Skillet Lasagna
This vegan skillet lasagna is savory, creamy, and delicious. I hope it becomes a favorite at your family’s dinner table as it has at mine!
Vegan Macaroni and Cheese
Over the years I’ve collected a downright bounty of top-notch vegan recipes on this site, and until now never a vegan macaroni and cheese recipe to be found. Until this one, I never tasted one I liked. It's a keeper.
Creamy Spicy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach
Our Creamy Spicy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach is the ultimate vegan comfort food. It’s easily made gluten-free by using Banza Chickpea Pasta (our favorite).
Vegan Vodka Sauce with Penne
This Vegan Vodka Sauce with Penne is our take on tangy, sweet, dairy-free vodka sauce! It comes together quickly so you can get dinner on the table ASAP.
Cauliflower Alfredo (Vegan & Nut-free) from the Detoxinista
In this recipe, Megan describes cauliflower as the "chameleon of vegetables" and we couldn't agree more! This recipe is simple, delicious, and entirely creamy.
Creamy Beet Linguine
This Creamy Beet Linguine is fresh, vibrant, and gorgeous on a plate. Serve topped with lemon zest, fresh parsley, and chopped walnuts for an impressive main course.
Vegan Alfredo Sauce from Nora Cooks
With just a few simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry, you can make this amazing vegan alfredo sauce from Nora Cooks!
Creamy Tomato Vegan Pasta
This Creamy Tomato Vegan Pasta from Fit Foodie Finds gets creaminess from cashews and depth of flavor from roasted tomatoes, garlic, and onions. Yum!
Creamy Tofu Garlic Mushroom Pasta
What’s cozy and comforting and perfectly suited for a fall dinner at home? Our new recipe for Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta! Instead of cashews, we used tofu to achieve a silky smooth texture for the cream sauce, which is blended with lots of sauteed garlic and white wine (yum).
Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes from Pinch of Yum
A quick and easy recipe for a delicious and creamy red pepper pasta sauce, featuring blistered cherry tomatoes for added sweetness and texture.
Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta with Apple & Sage
This Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta with Apple & Sage is exploding with fall flavor. It's the perfect comforting meal for a chilly autumn night.
Creamy Cauliflower, Mushroom & Kale Pasta Bake from Top with Cinnamon
This hearty and healthy pasta bake features a creamy cauliflower and mushroom sauce, packed with nutrients from the kale. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this vegan recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add more plant-based dishes to their meal rotation.
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