Quick & Easy Creamy Vegan Casarecce: Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Are you searching for an incredibly satisfying, dairy-free pasta dish that's bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Creamy Vegan Casarecce with Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is your new go-to for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting weekend indulgence. It's simple, delicious, and perfectly seasoned, proving that plant-based meals can be both effortless and gourmet.

This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor, offering a luscious, rich texture without any dairy, thanks to readily available plant milk and nutritional yeast. As one happy abillion user commented, "Miammmmm 😋", while another exclaimed, "Ooh that looks delicious :-) thank you for sharing the recipe!" Get ready to add this vibrant, zesty dish to your favorite collection of easy vegan pasta recipes.

What is Casarecce Pasta?

Casarecce, meaning "homemade" in Italian, is a charming pasta shape originating from Sicily. Unlike your everyday spaghetti, casarecce features a distinctive rolled and twisted form with curled edges and a groove down the middle. This unique structure makes it an exceptional "sauce holder," ensuring every bite is coated in the rich, creamy goodness of the spicy sun-dried tomato sauce. It feels like an elevated macaroni, perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors! If you can't find casarecce, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape – the sauce is versatile enough to make any pasta shine.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Vegan Casarecce Pasta

This isn't just another vegan pasta recipe; it's a solution for those busy evenings when you crave something hearty, healthy, and quick. It’s perfect for families, meal prepping, or anyone looking to enjoy delicious plant-based comfort food.

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Perfectly Creamy: Achieves a luscious, rich texture without any dairy, thanks to nourishing plant milk and cheesy nutritional yeast.
• Bold & Spicy: The sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes create a vibrant, zesty kick.
• Vegan & Dairy-Free: A fantastic option for anyone following a plant-based diet or with dairy sensitivities.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with readily available and affordable ingredients, often found at stores like Costco.

Ingredients

• 250g pasta (preferably casarecce, or your favorite shape)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
• 1/2 finely chopped onion
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/2 cup plant milk (unsweetened, such as unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• Himalayan salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large pan or skillet
• Strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your casarecce pasta and cook according to the package directions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Before draining, make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
2. While your pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil (or the flavorful oil from your sun-dried tomatoes) in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the aromas fill your kitchen.
4. Carefully pour in the plant milk and the reserved pasta water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Stir in the nutritional yeast until the sauce thickens slightly and achieves that desired creamy consistency. Season generously with Himalayan salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Add the cooked and drained pasta directly to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring every strand of pasta is beautifully coated.
7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like. Serve this delicious vegan casarecce immediately and enjoy!

Variations and Tips

• Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding a handful of fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers in step 3.
• Boost Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding crumbled firm tofu or chickpeas to the sauce.
• Spice It Up (or Down!): Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference. For less spice, omit them entirely. For more, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Creaminess Control: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash more reserved pasta water or plant milk. If it's too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.
• Fresh Herbs vs. Dried: While dried herbs work perfectly, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end can elevate the flavor significantly.

More Delicious Vegan Recipes You'll Love

• Craving more creamy pasta? Explore our recipe for Next-Level Creamy Vegan Orzo: An Easy Italian-Inspired Pasta Delight.
• Discover another easy weeknight option with this Easy Creamy Vegan Roasted Vegetable Farfalle Pasta (Dairy-Free Weeknight Meal).
• For a different twist on pasta, check out our Fresh Pea Pasta with Herbs: An Easy & Healthy Vegan Recipe recipe.
• If you love cheesy flavors, you'll adore our Quick & Creamy Vegan Cheesy Pasta: Easy Dairy-Free Dinner with Olive Oil Cubes.

Ready to try this mouthwatering pasta? Whip up a batch tonight and tell us what you think in the comments below! Share your creations on abillion and tag us – we love seeing your delicious plant-based meals.