Marry Me Vegan Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce

Marry Me Vegan Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings plant-based elegance to the dinner table. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me” recipe trend, this vegan version features tender pasta coated in a velvety tomato cream sauce, infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and gourmet flair—ideal for a weeknight treat or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes

• 100% vegan and dairy-free, yet rich and indulgent

• Customizable with your favorite pasta and vegetables

• Protein-packed with chickpeas or white beans

• Perfect for date nights, cozy dinners, or meal prep

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite variety)

• Olive oil

• Shallot

• Garlic

• Italian seasoning

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

• All-purpose flour

• Vegan cream or full-fat coconut milk

• Vegetable broth

• Sun-dried tomatoes

• Chickpeas or cannellini beans

• Vegan parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped shallot until soft, then add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the aromatics. Slowly whisk in vegetable broth and vegan cream until smooth and slightly thickened.

4. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chickpeas or beans. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors.

5. Stir in vegan parmesan and chopped fresh basil. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

6. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil and vegan parmesan if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version

• Swap chickpeas for tofu or tempeh for a different protein boost

• Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition

• Make it spicier with more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne

• Use cashew cream or oat cream in place of vegan cream

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of plant-based milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling.

FAQs

What makes this recipe “Marry Me” worthy?

The combination of creamy sauce, bold flavors, and satisfying texture makes this dish irresistibly good—worthy of a proposal!

Can I use any type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta that holds sauce well will work, such as penne, fusilli, or fettuccine.

What can I use instead of vegan cream?

You can substitute with canned full-fat coconut milk, cashew cream, or oat-based cream.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking or omit it entirely.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce longer or add a small amount of additional flour dissolved in broth to thicken it.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s not recommended as the creamy sauce may separate after freezing and reheating.

What protein options can I use besides chickpeas?

Tofu, tempeh, or even lentils can be used for a protein-rich variation.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat and mix with freshly cooked pasta.

What sides go well with this pasta?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly.

Conclusion

Marry Me Vegan Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce is a luxurious yet approachable dish that will impress vegans and non-vegans alike. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, it delivers gourmet results in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or just need a comforting meal, this pasta recipe will win hearts and satisfy cravings.