Dairy-Free Orecchiette Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Dairy-Free Orecchiette Pasta with Tomato Sauce—a plant-based twist on a classic Italian favorite. This vibrant dish features tender orecchiette pasta tossed in a rich, homemade tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic, sweet onions, and a medley of Italian herbs like basil and oregano. A touch of nutritional yeast adds a savory, cheesy depth without any dairy, making it perfect for vegans or anyone seeking a lighter alternative. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy weeknight dinner is both satisfying and versatile. Serve it hot with fresh basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a beautifully balanced, wholesome meal everyone will love. Perfect for those searching for dairy-free pasta recipes or healthy Italian-inspired dishes!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Orecchiette pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 6

If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 7

Stir in the chopped fresh basil and nutritional yeast. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8

Add the cooked orecchiette pasta to the sauce and gently toss to combine.

Step 9

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional chopped fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1388.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1808.6

Total Fat 36.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2241.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 321.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.8g	0%
Total Sugars 47.9g
Protein 63.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 574.7mg	0%
Iron 22.9mg	0%
Potassium 3952.9mg	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: 17.5%

Protein: 13.6%

Carbs: 69.0%