Description
Mouthwatering Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining the creamy richness of plant-based cheese, the vibrant sweetness of ripe tomatoes, and the aromatic punch of fresh garlic. Enhanced with a splash of apple cider vinegar, this creamy pasta sauce delivers a perfect balance of tang and richness, ideal for a cozy meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 200g pasta of choice (fusilli, penne, or spaghetti)
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
- 400g ripe tomatoes, fresh diced or high-quality canned
- 100g plant-based cheese, shredded or chopped
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 5–6 fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly cracked, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook your preferred pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for later use to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced fresh garlic and cook for about one to two minutes until fragrant and golden, releasing its rich aroma without burning.
- Build the Tomato Sauce: Add the diced ripe tomatoes to the skillet with garlic, stirring well. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to reduce and concentrate the flavors. Stir in the apple cider vinegar to add a tangy brightness to the sauce.
- Incorporate Creaminess: Mix in the plant-based cheese until melted and fully combined. Gradually sprinkle in the natural gelling agent while stirring continuously to achieve a creamy and thick sauce that will coat the pasta beautifully.
- Combine and Season: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to blend everything smoothly. Season with salt, black pepper, and finish by stirring in fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, herbaceous lift.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for a vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
- Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture helps the pasta hold the sauce better without becoming mushy.
- Simmer the tomato sauce gently on low heat to deepen the flavor complexity.
- Add plant-based cheese gradually to prevent clumping and attain smooth creaminess.
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen and bind the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, garlic pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, easy pasta recipe, vegan creamy pasta
