One Pot Vegan Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

One Pot Vegan Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a easy Italian recipe that serves 3. 508 calories per serving. Recipe by Sheena Virmani - Fashion & Lifestyle on YouTube.

Prep: 13 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $7.43 total, $2.48 per serving

Ingredients

  • 12 oz Whole Wheat Spaghetti (dry)
  • 1 medium White Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 12 oz Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 4 leaves Basil Leaves (ripped)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Puree (plain)
  • 1 tbsp Black Pepper (ground)
  • 2 tbsp Salt (low‑sodium if preferred)
  • 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
  • 2 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast (for cheesy flavor)
  • 2 cups Vegetable Stock (low‑sodium)
  • 1 cup Crushed Tomatoes (canned)
  • 0.5 cup Water
  • 0.5 cup Almond Milk (unsweetened)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin, for drizzle)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Thinly slice the onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, mince the garlic, and rip the basil leaves. Measure out all spices, nutritional yeast, stock, crushed tomatoes, water, and almond milk.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients in Pot

    Add the whole‑wheat spaghetti to the large pot, then toss in the sliced onion, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, ripped basil, tomato puree, pepper, salt, oregano, chili powder, and nutritional yeast.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Add Liquids

    Pour in the vegetable stock, crushed tomatoes, water, and almond milk. Give everything a good stir to combine.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Cook the Pasta

    Place the pot over medium‑high heat. Stir constantly and cook uncovered for about 12 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the spaghetti is al dente.

    Time: PT12M

  5. Finish and Serve

    Remove the pot from heat, drizzle the olive oil over the pasta, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Let rest for a minute before plating.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
508
Protein
21 g
Carbohydrates
85 g
Fat
17 g
Fiber
14 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Plant‑based, Gluten‑containing, Dairy‑free

Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Tree nuts (almond milk)

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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One Pot Vegan Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Recipe by Sheena Virmani - Fashion & Lifestyle

A quick, one‑pot, plant‑based pasta that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. Whole‑wheat spaghetti cooks together with cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, and a savory blend of spices, finished with nutritional yeast and a drizzle of olive oil. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

EasyItalianServes 3

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Source Video
15m
Prep
12m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.43
Total cost
$2.48
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the pot before heating.
  • Stir constantly while cooking to avoid sticking.
  • Cook until the liquid is fully absorbed and the pasta is al dente.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot pot and boiling liquids with care to avoid burns.
  • Steam can cause scalds; keep face away from the pot while stirring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of creamy tomato pasta in Italian cuisine?

A

Tomato‑based pasta sauces have been a staple of Southern Italian cooking since the 18th century, when tomatoes were introduced from the New World. The creamy version, often enriched with cheese or dairy, reflects a modern twist that embraces comfort and richness, now adapted by vegans using nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of tomato‑based pasta in Italy?

A

In Naples, a simple pomodoro sauce with fresh basil is classic; in Rome, you’ll find amatriciana with guanciale and pecorino. The southern regions add olives or capers, while the north may incorporate cream or butter. This vegan version mirrors the Southern pomodoro style with a plant‑based creamy element.

cultural
Q

How is creamy tomato pasta traditionally served in Italy?

A

It is typically served hot, tossed with a generous amount of grated Pecorino or Parmigiano, and finished with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil and fresh basil. It is often accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty bread.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is tomato pasta associated with in Italian culture?

A

Tomato‑based pasta dishes are everyday staples but also appear at family gatherings, Sunday lunches, and festive celebrations such as Christmas Eve (the Feast of the Seven Fishes) where a lighter pasta course may be served before seafood.

cultural
Q

How does this one‑pot creamy tomato pasta fit into the broader plant‑based Italian cuisine tradition?

A

It showcases how classic Italian flavors—tomato, basil, garlic, and olive oil—can be enjoyed without animal products. By using nutritional yeast and almond milk, the dish retains the richness of traditional creamy sauces while staying fully plant‑based.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for creamy tomato pasta versus acceptable vegan substitutes?

A

Traditional recipes use fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino) plus cream or butter. In this vegan version, nutritional yeast replaces cheese for umami, and almond milk provides creaminess without dairy.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with this one‑pot creamy tomato pasta?

A

Pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, roasted vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant, or a side of garlic‑bread made with vegan butter. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio also complements the acidity of the tomatoes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this one‑pot creamy tomato pasta?

A

Common errors include not stirring enough, which leads to stuck pasta; adding too much liquid, resulting in a soupy texture; and overcooking the spaghetti, making it mushy. Follow the constant‑stir method and watch the liquid level closely.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use almond milk instead of regular dairy cream?

A

Almond milk provides a light, dairy‑free creaminess that keeps the dish vegan and lower in saturated fat. It also blends well with the tomato base without curdling, unlike some other plant milks.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Sheena Virmani - Fashion & Lifestyle specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Sheena Virmani - Fashion & Lifestyle focuses on lifestyle content that blends fashion, beauty, and sustainable living, including a series of plant‑based cooking videos that showcase easy, nutritious meals for everyday life.

channel

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