Easy Vegan Dinner: Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

Have you ever craved something comforting yet effortlessly elegant for dinner? I felt the same way recently—I wanted something that would feel indulgent but wouldn’t take all night to prepare.

Enter the perfect weeknight hero: Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. This easy vegan dinner has quickly become my go-to when I need a meal that’s both delicious and super simple.

Plus, it’s packed with flavors that make it taste like it took hours to prepare, even though it comes together in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about sun-dried tomatoes. Their rich, tangy flavor packs a punch, transforming any dish they touch.

And when paired with pasta, a hint of garlic, and creamy coconut milk? It’s like a little plate of sunshine.

The creaminess of the coconut milk balances the intense flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes, while the garlic adds that perfect aromatic touch.

This recipe brings together all those amazing flavors with minimal fuss and maximum flavor—perfect for a cozy evening at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this dish is sure to impress.

Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or whatever you have on hand.

It’s a forgiving recipe that still delivers big on flavor, even if you need to make a few substitutions. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple, hearty, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta (any type you love, but I recommend fusilli or spaghetti)
Sun-dried tomatoes (about 1 cup, packed in oil for extra richness)
Garlic cloves (3-4, minced)
Coconut milk (1 cup, full fat for a creamier texture)
Nutritional yeast (2 tablespoons, for that cheesy umami flavor)
Baby spinach (2 cups, fresh)
Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Fresh basil (a handful, for garnish)
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon, for brightness)

How to Make It

Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Make sure to salt the water generously for extra flavor. Cooking the pasta until it’s al dente will give you the perfect texture to absorb the creamy sauce later on.
Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and minced garlic, sautéing until it becomes fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Be careful not to let it burn—we want it golden, not bitter! The smell of garlic cooking in olive oil is one of the best parts of making this dish—it always gets me excited for what’s coming next.
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes. Let them cook with the garlic for a couple of minutes so they release their flavor into the oil. This step really allows the sun-dried tomatoes to infuse their richness into every bite of the pasta.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and stir in the nutritional yeast. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. The coconut milk will start to blend with the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, creating a beautiful, creamy base. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that complements the creaminess perfectly, but feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Add Lemon Juice for Brightness: Stir in the lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. This helps cut through the richness of the coconut milk and adds a lovely freshness to the dish.
Combine Everything: Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet, tossing to coat it in that creamy sun-dried tomato goodness. Add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts—this should only take a minute or two. The spinach adds a pop of color and a dose of greens, making this dish not only tasty but also nutritious.
Finish with Fresh Basil: Just before serving, toss in some fresh basil leaves. The basil adds an aromatic, slightly sweet note that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate up your pasta, and if you want, sprinkle a little extra nutritional yeast on top for added flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. I personally love adding a few extra sun-dried tomatoes on top for presentation—it makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Tips for the Best Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Use Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They have a deeper flavor and make the dish even richer. If you only have dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, you can rehydrate them in warm water, but be sure to add a little extra olive oil to the sauce to make up for it.
Customize Your Veggies: I love adding spinach, but you could easily swap in kale or even roasted cherry tomatoes for extra freshness. You could also add mushrooms or bell peppers if you want to bulk it up with more veggies.
Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes! You could even add a dash of smoked paprika for a slightly smoky flavor.
Add Protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding some chickpeas or pan-fried tofu. Both options work well with the flavors of the dish and make it even more satisfying.

Why This Recipe Works for Me

What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. After a busy day, the last thing I want is to spend hours cooking, and this pasta feels like a warm hug without all the work.

It’s also one of those dishes that make you feel like you’re treating yourself—creamy, flavorful, and comforting—but it’s still packed with wholesome ingredients. The combination of flavors is rich and layered, yet the process is so simple that it almost feels like cheating.

I also love how versatile it is. Whether I’m cooking for myself or sharing with friends, it’s always a hit. It’s a dish that’s easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion.

Add a glass of wine, some candles, and you’ve got a dinner that feels fancy enough for a special night in. Or keep it simple and serve it straight from the skillet for a comforting, no-fuss meal.

Have you ever made sun-dried tomato pasta? If not, I encourage you to give this one a try. It’s the kind of meal that can turn an ordinary weeknight into something a little more special. The creamy sauce, the tangy tomatoes, the aromatic garlic—all come together to create a dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.

Happy cooking, and I hope this pasta brings a little extra warmth and comfort to your dinner table!