The viral Marry Me Pasta gets a plant-based twist! This creamy tomato pasta is indulgent, comforting, and made entirely vegan without losing any of the richness that made the original so famous. With a luscious sauce made from coconut milk, cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, and aromatic Italian seasonings, every forkful is a burst of flavor that feels cozy yet sophisticated.
What makes this recipe extra special is that it comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic date nights, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Paired with whole wheat linguine, this pasta is both hearty and wholesome while still feeling indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vegan & Creamy: A dairy-free version of the internet’s favorite pasta that still delivers maximum creaminess.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes—ideal for busy nights.
- Restaurant Quality: Bold flavors with minimal effort.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with different veggies, herbs, or plant-based proteins.
- Comforting & Nutritious: Whole wheat pasta + coconut milk = balance between cozy and nourishing.
Ingredients
- 16 oz whole wheat linguine
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- 1 red onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup vegan cheese, shredded (optional)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
- 1 handful fresh basil
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Pasta pot
- Non-stick pan
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large non-stick pan, heat olive oil (or use water for oil-free cooking). Add the diced red onion and cook for about 2 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add cherry tomatoes and vegetable broth. Cover and cook for 3 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to burst and release their juices. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in coconut milk and vegan cheese (if using). Mix well until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked linguine directly into the sauce. Toss gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in fresh basil.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy finish.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the pasta water: It helps the sauce cling perfectly to the noodles.
- Coconut milk alternative: Use cashew cream or oat cream for a different plant-based richness.
- Burst the tomatoes: Press lightly on the cherry tomatoes with a spoon for extra juiciness.
- Meal prep: This dish reheats well—just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to revive the sauce.
Variations to Try
- Protein Boost: Add pan-seared tofu, tempeh, or vegan sausage.
- Veggie Loaded: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for more nutrition.
- Nut-Free: Swap coconut milk with soy or oat cream.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta instead of whole wheat linguine.
Serving Ideas
- With garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
- Paired with roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli.
- As part of a romantic dinner with vegan wine and dessert.
- Topped with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.
- Served family-style in a big bowl for gatherings.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes! Substitute with a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes, but simmer longer to thicken the sauce.
Will coconut milk make it taste sweet?
Full-fat coconut milk provides richness, but its flavor blends beautifully with tomatoes and spices. Use cashew cream if you prefer a completely neutral taste.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes—just reduce or omit the chili flakes for a milder version.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth.
Can I freeze this pasta?
The sauce freezes well on its own, but the pasta is best made fresh. Freeze the sauce for up to 2 months.
Wrapping It Up
This Vegan Marry Me Pasta is creamy, comforting, and downright irresistible. With its quick cooking time, rich tomato-coconut sauce, and bold flavors, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite for both plant-based eaters and pasta lovers everywhere. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or that special someone, this dish is sure to impress.
Marry Me Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 oz whole wheat linguine
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional
- 1 red onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup vegan cheese shredded (optional)
- ½ cup pasta water reserved from cooking
- 1 handful fresh basil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In a large non-stick pan, heat olive oil (or use water for oil-free cooking). Add the diced red onion and cook for about 2 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Add cherry tomatoes and vegetable broth. Cover and cook for 3 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to burst and release their juices. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- Lower the heat and stir in coconut milk and vegan cheese (if using). Mix well until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked linguine directly into the sauce. Toss gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in fresh basil.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy finish.
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