A silky, dairy-free tomato basil pasta made in one pot. The pasta simmers directly in a creamy tomato-coconut broth for maximum flavor with minimal dishes. Weeknight-fast, restaurant-good.
1cup (loosely packed)fresh basil leaves, roughly torndivide; 3/4 for cooking, rest for garnish
zest + 1tbsp juicelemonfinish to brighten
2tbspnutritional yeast“cheesy” flavor
1cupcherry tomatoes, halved(150 g)
2cupsbaby spinach(60 g)
to serve: extra basil & cracked pepper
Equipment
1 Large pot with lid (5–6 qt) Heavy-bottomed works best to prevent sticking.
1 Wooden spoon For stirring while simmering.
1 Measuring cups & spoons
1 Chef’s knife
1 Cutting board
Instructions
Warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
14 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices, 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp fine sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Add dry pasta, bending as needed to submerge. Cover, reduce to medium-low, and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes so it doesn’t stick, until pasta is al dente and sauce creamy.
12 oz spaghetti or linguine (dry)
Turn off heat. Stir in 3/4 of the basil, lemon zest & juice, nutritional yeast, and cherry tomatoes (if using). Fold in spinach until just wilted. Rest 2 minutes to thicken.
1 cup (loosely packed) fresh basil leaves, roughly torn, zest + 1 tbsp juice lemon, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 2 cups baby spinach
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon. Serve topped with remaining basil and cracked pepper.