Dairy-Free Rigatoni Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Cheese

Indulge in the comforting simplicity of this Dairy-Free Rigatoni Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Cheese, a perfect plant-based twist on a classic Italian favorite. Featuring tender rigatoni tossed in a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce made from sweet crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, this recipe delivers bold, satisfying flavors in every bite. Finished with melted dairy-free mozzarella-style cheese shreds and fresh basil, it’s a creamy, satisfying dish that’s entirely free of dairy but full of indulgent satisfaction. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Garnish with extra basil for a fresh pop of flavor and serve it alongside a crisp salad or crusty bread for a complete, crowd-pleasing vegan dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes (with basil)
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 cup dairy-free cheese shreds (mozzarella style)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat.

Step 2

Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes, then add red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 9

Add the cooked rigatoni to the saucepan and toss it with the tomato sauce until well coated.

Step 10

Sprinkle the dairy-free cheese shreds over the pasta and stir until the cheese is melted and creamy.

Step 11

Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1585.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1830.6

Total Fat 84.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3736.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 223.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.2g	0%
Total Sugars 34.9g
Protein 38.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1553.8mg	0%
Iron 13.3mg	0%
Potassium 1827.6mg	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: 42.1%

Protein: 8.4%

Carbs: 49.5%