Vegan Marry Me Pasta (Creamy, Dreamy & Dairy-Free!)
They say this pasta is so good it might just earn you a marriage proposal — and honestly, we believe it! This Vegan Marry Me Pasta is rich, creamy, full of flavor, and completely plant-based. Whether you’re making it for date night, family dinner, or a solo treat-yourself evening, this dish delivers comforting decadence in every bite.
Originally made with cream and cheese, this dairy-free version proves that you don’t need animal products to create something that feels indulgent and satisfying. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Vegan Marry Me Pasta
Ultra-creamy without any dairy
Rich tomato-garlic flavor with herbs that warm the soul
Fast and easy — ready in 25–30 minutes
Perfect for date nights, romantic dinners, or cozy nights in
Customizable, comforting, and crowd-pleasing
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp thyme
Salt & pepper, to taste
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 cup full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream
2 tbsp nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
1 tsp lemon juice or white wine vinegar
Fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the pasta:
8 oz pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, fusilli all work great)
Salt for pasta water
How to Make Vegan Marry Me Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, and thyme. Stir well and let cook for 2–3 minutes to bring out the aroma.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Pour in the veggie broth and coconut milk (or cashew cream). Stir in nutritional yeast for that cheesy depth, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Finish with lemon juice to brighten it up. Stir well until creamy and luscious.
Top with fresh basil, extra cracked pepper, or vegan parmesan if desired.
Tips for the Best Vegan Marry Me Pasta
Use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for the creamiest texture
Sun-dried tomatoes add depth and natural sweetness — don’t skip them!
Add protein like vegan chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make it a full meal
Customize with veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers
Make it spicy by increasing the red pepper flakes
Storage & Meal Prep
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat: Gently warm on the stove or microwave with a splash of plant milk to rehydrate
Meal Prep Friendly: Make the sauce ahead and store separately. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve
Why It’s Called “Marry Me” Pasta?
The story goes that this pasta was so delicious, it inspired a marriage proposal — and we totally get it. It’s creamy, comforting, and has the kind of depth of flavor that makes people stop mid-bite and say, “Wow.”
Our vegan version keeps all that magic but skips the dairy. It’s proof that plant-based meals can be just as indulgent, romantic, and memorable.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for someone special or treating yourself to something amazing, this Vegan Marry Me Pasta is a recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again. With creamy richness, bold flavors, and easy prep, it’s a show-stopper that fits any occasion.
Go ahead — make it tonight, and fall in love (with your food!).
Vegan Marry Me Pasta (Creamy, Dreamy & Dairy-Free!)
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta:
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In a pan, heat olive oil. Add garlic and onion, and sauté until soft. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Add tomato base:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add vegetable broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Make cashew cream:
- Blend soaked cashews, plant milk, and nutritional yeast until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and cook:
- Pour cashew cream into the pan and stir to combine with the tomato mixture. Let it simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix with pasta:
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top with fresh basil and extra red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.