Description
This creamy coconut milk pasta sauce is a rich, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly option bursting with flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and aromatic spices. Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients, it perfectly complements your favorite pasta for a comforting and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp high quality extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced small
- 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced (about 4-5 cloves)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1 15-oz can full fat coconut milk
- 1 cup tomato pasta sauce of choice or crushed tomatoes
- ⅓ cup oil packed sun dried tomatoes
- ½ tsp cane sugar, optional- to taste
- ½ cup fresh chopped basil
Pasta and Garnish
- ½ lb dried pasta of choice like rigatoni
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in the dried oregano, sea salt, and red pepper flakes, continuing to sauté for 1-2 more minutes to release the flavors.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the full fat coconut milk, tomato pasta sauce or crushed tomatoes, and oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce reduces by half and thickens.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, prepare the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions, cooking it al dente for best texture. Drain and set aside.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the simmered sauce, tossing well to coat all pieces evenly. Note that the sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the fresh chopped basil and optional cane sugar. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional fresh basil.
Notes
- Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- The tomato pasta sauce can be substituted with crushed tomatoes if preferred.
- Cooking the pasta al dente helps maintain texture after tossing with the sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired level of spiciness.
- Adding cane sugar is optional; it balances acidity but can be omitted for less sweetness.
