The Best Vegan Spaghetti

Here’s a delicious recipe for Easy Vegan Spaghetti with Roasted Tomato and Garlic that is simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Tomatoes:

• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, rinsed and patted dry
• 5-6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti (gluten-free if needed)
• 2 large handfuls of baby spinach
• Handful of fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast the Tomatoes: In a bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a baking dish and roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and fragrant.
3. Cook the Pasta: While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet over medium-low heat, add olive oil, lemon juice, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and then pour in 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine Everything: Stir in the roasted tomatoes along with all their juices from the baking dish into the skillet. Let it cook for an additional minute before adding in the cooked spaghetti, baby spinach, and chopped basil. Toss everything together, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
6. Serve: Plate your spaghetti and enjoy it warm. Optionally, top with extra fresh basil or vegan parmesan if desired.

Creative Ways to Serve Vegan Spaghetti

1. Layered Lasagna: Use your vegan spaghetti sauce as a filling for lasagna, layering it with sheets of pasta and vegan cheese.
2. Spaghetti Pie: Mix cooked spaghetti with a vegan egg substitute (like flax eggs) and bake it in a pie dish for a unique spaghetti pie.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with spaghetti and sauce, then bake until the peppers are tender.
4. Spaghetti Muffins: Combine cooked spaghetti with sauce and bake in muffin tins for fun, portable servings.
5. Garnish Creatively: Top with toasted pine nuts, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Making Vegan Spaghetti More Comforting

1. Add Creaminess: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream to the sauce for a rich, comforting texture.
2. Use Hearty Ingredients: Incorporate mushrooms, lentils, or vegan sausage crumbles into the sauce to make it heartier.
3. Serve with Bread: Pair your spaghetti with warm garlic bread or crusty rolls to enhance the comfort factor.
4. Top Generously: Use plenty of vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast on top for that cheesy comfort.

Good Side Dishes to Pair with Vegan Spaghetti

1. Garlic Bread: A classic side that complements any pasta dish beautifully.
2. Simple Salad: A fresh Italian salad with mixed greens, olives, and a light vinaigrette.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add color and nutrition.
4. Soup: A light soup like minestrone or tomato basil can be a great starter before the main dish.

Using Different Types of Pasta for Vegan Spaghetti

Yes, you can use various types of pasta! Here are some options:

• Whole Wheat Pasta: For added fiber and nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Made from rice or lentils for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): A low-carb alternative that adds freshness.
• Chickpea or Lentil Pasta: For extra protein and fiber.

Making Vegan Spaghetti with a Lighter Sauce

1. Use Fresh Tomatoes: Blend fresh tomatoes for a light, fresh sauce instead of heavy canned varieties.
2. Incorporate Vegetables: Sauté zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers into the sauce for added flavor without heaviness.
3. Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the pasta instead of a thick sauce for a refreshing taste.
4. Herb-Infused Broth: Use vegetable broth infused with herbs as a base for your sauce instead of tomato paste.

This dish is not only easy to make but also highlights fresh flavors that appeal to everyone at the table! Enjoy your meal!