Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Diet Category: Vegan • Vegetarian • Plant-Based • Dairy-Free • Mediterranean-Inspired • Pasta Dinner
Introduction
This Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is an easy plant-based dinner combining tender tagliatelle with a rich coconut milk sauce, flavour-packed sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic and vegan Parmesan.
Sun-dried tomatoes provide an intense savoury-sweet flavour, while coconut milk creates a beautifully creamy pasta sauce without using dairy. Fresh spinach adds leafy greens, garlic brings plenty of savoury flavour, and paprika and chilli provide gentle warmth. A finishing touch of vegan Parmesan and fresh basil makes the pasta even more delicious.
Perfect for a quick vegan pasta dinner, vegetarian weeknight meal or creamy dairy-free pasta recipe, this spinach and sun-dried tomato tagliatelle is simple enough for everyday cooking while still feeling rich and comforting.
Benefits of the Main Ingredients
Spinach
Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green providing folate, vitamin K and vitamin A precursors, along with vitamin C, magnesium and plant-based iron. It also contains carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes have a concentrated tomato flavour and provide carotenoids, particularly lycopene. Oil-packed varieties also bring richness to the dish and pair especially well with garlic, basil and pasta.
Tagliatelle Pasta
Pasta provides carbohydrates, which are an important source of energy, along with some plant-based protein. Whole-grain tagliatelle can be used to increase the fibre content, while a suitable gluten-free pasta can be substituted when required.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk creates the rich and creamy sauce while keeping this pasta completely dairy-free. It does contain a relatively high proportion of saturated fat, so light coconut milk can be used if a lower-saturated-fat version is preferred.
Garlic
Garlic provides a strong savoury flavour that complements both the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It also contains naturally occurring sulfur-containing compounds.
Vegan Parmesan
Vegan Parmesan adds a savoury, cheesy finish without using dairy. Ingredients and nutritional values vary considerably between brands, so protein, calcium, sodium and saturated-fat content will depend on the product chosen.
Fresh Basil
Fresh basil adds a fragrant Mediterranean-inspired flavour that works particularly well with tomatoes and garlic. It also provides vitamin K and naturally occurring aromatic plant compounds.
Paprika & Chilli Powder
Paprika adds colour and gentle warmth, while chilli powder gives the creamy sauce a subtle kick. Both are an easy way to add depth and flavour without needing a complicated seasoning blend.