Dairy-Free Classic Red Sauce Pasta

Indulge in the comforting simplicity of Dairy-Free Classic Red Sauce Pasta, a wholesome plant-based twist on an Italian favorite. This recipe features tender pasta coated in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce that’s completely dairy-free, thanks to a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a subtle cheesy note. Sautéed onions and garlic create a savory base, while dried herbs like oregano, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes add depth and a gentle kick. With fresh basil as a vibrant garnish, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, offering hearty, satisfying flavors that everyone can enjoy. Plus, it's easy to make in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy lifestyles.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams pasta of choice (e.g. penne, spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 whole medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 10 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• 4 liters water (for pasta)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.

Step 5

Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper to the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine the spices.

Step 6

Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 7

Stir in the nutritional yeast, which gives the sauce a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Step 8

If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 9

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(5395.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1194.7

Total Fat 33.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 9952.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 190.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.1g	0%
Total Sugars 42.5g
Protein 41.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 327.3mg	0%
Iron 12.4mg	0%
Potassium 3331.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.6%

Protein: 13.6%

Carbs: 61.9%