Dairy-Free Classic Tomato Pasta

Savor the comforting flavors of a timeless Italian favorite with this Dairy-Free Classic Tomato Pasta. Perfect for anyone avoiding dairy, this recipe combines a velvety tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and a medley of herbs like basil and oregano for a rich, robust flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while a touch of sugar balances the tangy crushed tomatoes. Tossed with your favorite al dente pasta and finished with fresh basil, this dairy-free dish delivers all the warmth of a classic Italian meal without the cream. Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish, it’s a quick, vegan-friendly crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 12 ounces pasta of choice (e.g., spaghetti, penne)
• 1 tablespoons salt for pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the tablespoon of salt and the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring in the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes.

Step 4

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook uncovered for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5

Once the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine and coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Step 6

If the pasta needs loosening, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1364.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1047.3

Total Fat 33.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 7078.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 161.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.1g	0%
Total Sugars 34.7g
Protein 29.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 409.5mg	0%
Iron 11.7mg	0%
Potassium 2151.5mg	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: 28.1%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 60.8%