Inspired by: @iszy
Are you searching for a delicious, quick, and easy vegan pasta recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight? Look no further! This delightful Orecchiette with Light Tomato Sauce is a simple yet flavorful plant-based meal that comes together with minimal effort, proving that satisfying dairy-free dishes can be both wholesome and convenient.
This recipe focuses on bringing out the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes, simmered with aromatic onion and garlic, to create a light yet rich sauce that beautifully coats every "little ear" of orecchiette pasta. While orecchiette, named for the Italian word for "little ear," might be a less common pasta shape and can be a bit tricky to scoop, its unique form makes it excellent for catching light sauces like this one. It's a fantastic way to explore different pasta varieties while enjoying a comforting, homemade vegan meal. This recipe is also naturally egg-free and can easily be made gluten-free with the right pasta choice.
Why You'll Love This Simple Orecchiette Recipe
This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. It’s ideal for those new to vegan cooking or anyone craving a light, flavorful pasta dish. The abillion community appreciates easy, impactful recipes like this, with one review even earning donation credits for its helpfulness! Plus, it's a great way to use up fresh tomatoes you might have on hand.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (approx. 225g) Orecchiette pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 large tomatoes, diced into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- Vegan cheese (like Trader Joe's vegan parmesan-style shreds), for serving
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the pan. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes. Cover the pan with a lid and let the tomatoes simmer gently with the onion and garlic. This helps release their juices, creating a light, natural sauce. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until tomatoes have broken down and released their liquid.
- Drain the cooked orecchiette pasta, then add it directly to the pan with the tomato sauce.
- Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, topped generously with vegan parmesan-style shreds. For an extra pop of freshness, garnish with fresh basil if you have it. The original creator noted that fresh basil would elevate this dish even further – a sentiment we heartily agree with!
Variations and Adaptations
- Make it Gluten-Free: Simply swap the orecchiette for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutrient content by adding finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini along with the tomatoes.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the Italian seasoning will give it a nice kick.
- Boost the Protein: Stir in some cooked chickpeas or crumbled firm tofu towards the end of cooking for a more substantial meal.
- Creamy Twist: For a richer sauce, stir in a spoonful of vegan cream cheese or a splash of plant-based milk at the end.
Tips & Hacks
- Choosing Tomatoes: Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best sauce. Cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes from a can work well too if fresh aren't in season.
- Pasta Water is Gold: Don't forget to reserve some pasta water! Its starch helps emulsify the sauce, making it cling beautifully to the pasta.
- Enhance the Flavor: If you don't have fresh herbs, a good quality Italian seasoning is a great substitute. However, if possible, fresh basil adds an incomparable freshness.
- Serving Orecchiette: While the original author found orecchiette a bit tricky to eat due to its shape, a wide, shallow bowl and a fork with a slight curve can help. The "little ears" are designed to scoop up sauce, so ensure your sauce is just saucy enough!
Related Articles
Looking for more easy, delicious vegan recipes? Check out these other favorites from abillion:
- Next-Level Creamy Vegan Orzo: Discover another fantastic pasta dish!
- Easy Creamy Vegan Roasted Vegetable Farfalle Pasta (Dairy-Free Weeknight Meal): Perfect for another quick and dairy-free dinner.
- Fresh Pea Pasta with Herbs: Explore more vibrant pasta flavors.
- Quick & Creamy Vegan Cheesy Pasta: Craving more cheesy goodness?
- Summer Pasta Salad: A refreshing option for warmer days.
Give this simple and satisfying recipe a try! Share your creations with the abillion community and let us know your favorite way to enjoy it. Your reviews help earn donation credits for animal welfare and sustainability causes!
