Looking for a pasta dish that's ultra-creamy, packed with bold flavor, and 100 percent plant-based? Vegan Marry Me Pasta is your new obsession!

Every forkful is luxuriously saucy, with rich sun-dried tomato and garlic flavor, a hint of Italian herbs, and that crave-able, velvety texture you'd never guess is dairy-free.

The best part? This is a one-pan wonder you can whip up in under 45 minutes with just a handful of pantry staples. It's impressive enough for date night, easy enough for any busy weeknight, and seriously-everyone goes back for seconds.

Inspired by a classic restaurant creamy pasta, this vegan version is a long-time favorite in my kitchen-my family begs for it!

A gorgeous bowl of Vegan Marry Me Pasta, glistening with creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Creamy, dreamy, and totally dairy-free
Ready in under 45 minutes-perfect for busy weeknights
One-pan meal means easy cleanup
Bursts with savory, Italian-inspired flavors
Crowd-pleaser for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike

Key Ingredients for Vegan Marry Me Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes (in oil)

Sun-dried tomatoes are the star of the sauce, adding tangy-sweet depth and that signature "Marry Me" flavor. Using tomatoes packed in oil brings extra richness. Be sure to roughly chop them so their bits get distributed throughout every bite. If using dry-packed, soak first in hot water and add a little olive oil for texture.

Coconut Cream

Coconut cream gives the sauce its incredibly luscious, creamy body without any dairy. Use the thick part from a can of full-fat coconut milk for best results. Don't worry-the bold flavors balance out coconut's natural sweetness. In a pinch, unsweetened oat or soy cream can also work.

Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast offers that cheesy, umami boost! Sprinkle it in to mimic Parmesan's savory bite. If you don't have it, a spoonful of white miso paste is a fun substitute, though it changes the flavor slightly.

Fresh Garlic

Fresh garlic is absolutely essential for depth and aromatic intensity. Mince it finely or grate for a more intense garlic hit. Garlic powder will do in a pinch, but you'll miss the full, vibrant flavor fresh brings.

Pasta (Short or Long Shape)

Choose your favorite pasta-penne, rigatoni, or classic spaghetti all work beautifully. For a gluten-free version, just sub in your preferred gluten-free pasta. The sauce clings well to shapes with ridges!

Instructions for Vegan Marry Me Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, letting them sizzle and infuse the oil.

Build the Creamy Sauce

Add the tomato paste to the pan and stir for about 1 minute to develop its flavor. Pour in the vegetable broth, coconut cream, nutritional yeast, oregano, basil, salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Stir until smooth and let the sauce simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, thickening slightly.

Toss Pasta and Wilt Spinach

Add the drained pasta and baby spinach to the pan. Use tongs to toss everything together, letting the spinach wilt and the sauce coat each piece of pasta. If the sauce is too thick, splash in reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Pile into bowls and scatter with fresh basil. Serve immediately-get ready for rave reviews!

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap the traditional pasta for your favorite gluten-free penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. The creamy sauce works perfectly with any pasta shape; just make sure to follow the cooking time for your chosen variety.

Extra Veggies, Please

Amp up the health factor by tossing in extra veggies! Sauté mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers along with the garlic for more flavor, texture, and nutrition.

Swap the Cream Base

If coconut cream isn't your thing, unsweetened plain oat cream, cashew cream, or soy cream are all delicious vegan options that still provide that rich, velvety texture.

Amp Up the Protein

Want more protein? Stir in drained and rinsed canned chickpeas or toss in some vegan chicken-style pieces when you add the spinach for a heartier meal.

Make It Spicy

Crank up the heat by doubling the red pepper flakes or adding a little hot sauce to the sauce. It gives the pasta a bold, craveable kick!

Serving Suggestions

Vegan Marry Me Pasta is irresistible on its own but even better with a crisp green salad and warm, crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every bit of sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and, if you like, a sprinkle of vegan parmesan or extra nutritional yeast for more cheesy flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of plant milk, broth, or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too-stir halfway through. This dish is best fresh but can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating and refreshing with extra liquid as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Marry Me Pasta (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Vegan Marry Me Pasta ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of plant milk or water when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

Q: What can I use instead of coconut cream?

A: Oat cream, soy cream, or homemade cashew cream are fantastic alternatives for a similar creamy texture without any coconut flavor.

Q: Which pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

A: Penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or fettuccine are all great choices. Use your favorite, or try a gluten-free variety if needed.

This Vegan Marry Me Pasta truly lives up to its name-impossibly creamy, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to win hearts at your table. I hope you give it a try for your next cozy night in or special dinner! If you love it, please leave a comment or rating below. Happy cooking!