Vegan Creamy Tomato Shells Recipe
Introduction
Vegan Creamy Tomato Shells offer a comforting, dairy-free twist on a classic pasta dish. With tender pasta shells smothered in a rich, plant-based tomato cream sauce, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta shells
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the plant-based cream, mixing well to create a smooth sauce. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, seasoning with salt to taste.
- Step 4: Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce, gently tossing to coat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use canned diced tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are not available; drain excess liquid for a thicker sauce.
- For extra flavor, sauté a pinch of red chili flakes with the garlic.
- Swap the pasta shells for any other pasta shape you prefer.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition and texture.
Storage
Store leftover vegan creamy tomato shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of plant-based cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use non-dairy milk instead of plant-based cream?
Yes, you can substitute plant-based cream with thick non-dairy milk such as oat or cashew milk, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free pasta shells. Always check the labels to confirm.
PrintVegan Creamy Tomato Shells Recipe
This Vegan Creamy Tomato Shells recipe offers a wonderfully rich and comforting pasta dish, featuring tender pasta shells smothered in a luscious, plant-based creamy tomato sauce infused with garlic. It’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or any time you crave a hearty yet dairy-free comfort food.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Modern American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta shells
Sauce
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream (such as cashew cream or coconut cream)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer the Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet with garlic. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and create a flavorful sauce.
- Add the Cream: Stir in the plant-based cream and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta completely. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta shells if you need a gluten-free version.
- For a richer sauce, blend some of the cooked tomatoes before adding the cream.
- You can substitute garlic with garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more plant-based cream or a splash of pasta cooking water.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: vegan pasta, creamy tomato sauce, plant-based cream, garlic pasta shells, dairy-free pasta
