Print

Vegan Creamy Tomato Shells Recipe

4.7 from 109 reviews

A delightful Vegan Creamy Tomato Shells recipe featuring tender pasta shells cooked to perfection and enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and plant-based cream. This comforting dish is simple to prepare, dairy-free, and perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces large pasta shells

Sauce

  • 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup plant-based cream (such as coconut cream or cashew cream)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare Tomato Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to break down and form a sauce, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Add Cream and Season: Stir in the plant-based cream to the tomato mixture, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and basil if using.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce in the skillet, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Serve: Remove from heat and serve the creamy tomato shells warm. Garnish with fresh herbs or nutritional yeast if desired.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free pasta shells if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
  • For extra protein, add cooked chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein.
  • The plant-based cream can be cashew cream, coconut cream, or any vegan cream alternative.
  • Fresh basil enhances the flavor but is optional.
  • Reserve a small amount of pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Keywords: vegan creamy tomato shells, dairy-free pasta recipe, vegan Italian pasta, creamy tomato sauce, plant-based pasta