Hearty & Quick Vegan Sausage Pasta: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

Discover a truly satisfying vegan pasta recipe that brings flavor and comfort to your table in no time. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty, yet quick to prepare. Enjoy a delightful plant-based twist on a classic, ensuring a flavorful and fuss-free dinner every time. This easy vegan pasta recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Pasta Recipe

This vegan pasta recipe offers incredible convenience and deliciousness, making it an ideal choice for any home cook. Here’s why it will become a staple:

• Quick to Prepare: Get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Packed with Flavor: Enjoy savory vegan sausage, rich marinara, and fresh greens in every bite.
• Highly Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite pasta shapes or add extra vegetables.
• Comforting & Hearty: A deeply satisfying meal that’s entirely plant-based and wholesome.
• Family-Friendly: Simple, familiar flavors ensure even picky eaters will ask for seconds.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious vegan pasta recipe:

6 ounces (170g) rigatoni (or other ridged pasta)

2 links of your favorite vegan sausage (6-8 oz, 170-230g)

Olive oil, as needed

2 cups (475-500g) of your favorite marinara sauce

1 tablespoon tomato paste

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more to finish

1 ½ tablespoons nutritional yeast

4 large handfuls of baby spinach or baby kale

1 large handful of basil (slivered) or flat-leaf parsley (chopped)

Notes & Substitutions

• Pasta: Any short, ridged pasta like penne or fusilli works wonderfully to catch all the delicious sauce. Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if preferred.
• Vegan Sausage: We love Beyond Meat or Field Roast Italian varieties for their excellent texture and flavor in this vegan pasta recipe. For insights into the growing plant-based market and the innovations behind these products, explore research from The Good Food Institute on plant-based meat. Choose your favorite brand.
• Greens: Baby spinach wilts quickly and adds a mild flavor. Baby kale or Swiss chard are also fantastic, nutrient-packed alternatives.
• Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your preference. Add more for a spicier kick, or omit for a milder dish.
• Flavor Boost: Tomato paste deepens the sauce’s richness, while nutritional yeast adds a subtle, cheesy umami flavor without dairy. To learn more about this versatile ingredient, explore a guide from Food & Wine on nutritional yeast and its umami-packed flavor.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this easy vegan pasta recipe:

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Large nonstick sauté pan
• Slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your amazing vegan pasta recipe:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and generously salt the water. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, aiming for just al dente. Do not cook until soft; the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce.
2. Meanwhile, prepare your vegan sausage. Slice the links into rounds or crumble the sausage, depending on the variety you are using. Beyond Meat typically crumbles, while Field Roast often slices.
3. Heat a large nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a touch of olive oil if your pan requires it, then add the prepared vegan sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. While the sausage cooks, combine the marinara sauce with the tomato paste, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and nutritional yeast in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
5. Once the sausage is mostly browned, add the baby spinach or kale to the pan. Cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring until the greens are almost wilted but still maintain a bright green color.
6. Pour the marinara sauce mixture into the sauté pan with the sausage and greens. Toss everything together to combine well, ensuring the sausage and greens are coated evenly.
7. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the hot, cooked pasta directly from the pot into the sauté pan. This method helps carry some starchy pasta water into the sauce, aiding in thickening.
8. Toss the pasta with the sauce and sausage, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors and finish cooking to perfection.
9. Sprinkle with extra red pepper flakes or black pepper before serving. Top generously with the fresh slivered basil or chopped flat-leaf parsley for a burst of fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Pasta

Achieve restaurant-quality results with these simple tips for your vegan pasta recipe:

• Salt pasta water generously: This seasons the pasta from the inside out, building a foundational flavor.
• Cook pasta just until al dente: It will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy.
• Reserve pasta water: Save about a cup of the starchy cooking water; you can add a splash to the sauce if it seems too thick.
• Deep browning on sausage: Allow the vegan sausage to brown properly for enhanced flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook sausage in a single layer if possible to ensure even browning, not steaming.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

Elevate your delicious vegan pasta recipe with these ideas.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your hearty pasta with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread or a baguette perfect for dipping into the rich sauce.
• Pair it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add freshness and balance.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese or extra fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a finishing touch.

Storage & Reheating

• Store any leftover vegan pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth if the sauce appears too thick or dry.

Recipe Variations

• Add More Protein: Boost the protein content by stirring in a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas, lentils, or cannellini beans along with the sauce.
• Extra Veggies: Sauté sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or zucchini with the vegan sausage for added texture and nutrients.
• Spice It Up: Drizzle your finished dish with a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or use a spicier marinara sauce for extra heat.
• Cheesy Option: For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of vegan cream cheese or plant-based cashew cream during the last minute of cooking.
• Herb Twist: Experiment with different fresh herbs like a sprig of rosemary or a sprinkle of fresh thyme to explore new flavor profiles.

Nutrition Information

(Per serving, approximate)

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and quantities used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is all pasta vegan? Most dried pasta is vegan, typically made from semolina flour and water. Always check the label, as some fresh pastas contain eggs.
• What makes vegan sausage taste good? Vegan sausages are crafted with savory plant-based ingredients and a blend of spices to mimic the texture and umami flavor of traditional sausage.
• Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
• Can I prepare this in advance? You can cook the vegan sausage and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
• How can I add more vegetables? Quickly sauté finely chopped carrots, peas, or broccoli florets along with the spinach for an extra boost of nutrients.

Conclusion

This hearty and quick vegan pasta recipe truly delivers on flavor, comfort, and ease, making it a perfect addition to your weekly menu. Its versatility means you can effortlessly adapt it to suit any taste or ingredient you have on hand. Don’t wait to try this incredibly delicious and satisfying plant-based meal. Make this amazing vegan pasta recipe a regular staple in your rotation and enjoy delicious, stress-free dinners.