Name: One Pot Creamy Vegan Pappardelle Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 200 g pappardelle pasta (4 dry nests, or similar); 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half; ½ red onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 handful spinach (heaping, chopped or baby spinach); 2 cups vegetable broth; 4 tbsp tomato paste (heaping); 1 cup plant-based cream (soy, coconut, cashew, or sunflower); Fresh parsley, chopped; Vegan parmesan, grated

Jump to Recipe·4 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting but fresh vegan meal that comes together with minimal fuss, you’re going to adore this One Pot Creamy Vegan Pappardelle Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe. It’s all about that luscious plant-based cream mingling perfectly with sweet cherry tomatoes and tender spinach, wrapped in wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta. The magic is in one pot, making clean-up a breeze and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. It’s a quick, vibrant dinner that feels indulgent but leaves you light and satisfied.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pan with a long handle sits on a white marbled surface, filled with raw pasta nests that are light yellow and slightly curled, arranged in six small bundles in the upper half of the pan. Below the pasta nests, there is a group of bright red cherry tomatoes, some whole and some halved, showing their juicy interiors. Near the tomatoes, minced pale yellow garlic is scattered. Next to the garlic, there is a dollop of dark red tomato paste. On the left side of the pan, chopped small pieces of light purple onion sit beside fresh green leafy spinach. The ingredients are set in a layer of white liquid broth at the bottom of the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to this recipe’s success. Each one brings its own character—whether it’s the juicy pop of cherry tomatoes, the earthiness of spinach, or the richness of plant-based cream—combining to create a harmonious and colorful dish.

200 g pappardelle pasta: Wide noodles perfect for soaking up creamy sauces, giving you that satisfying bite.
2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved): Their sweetness bursts in every mouthful, balancing the creamy sauce beautifully.
½ red onion (diced): Adds a subtle sharpness that cuts through the creaminess and builds flavor depth.
2 cloves garlic (minced): The fragrant base that lifts the entire dish with savory warmth.
1 handful spinach (chopped or baby): Provides fresh, vibrant greenery and a boost of nutrients.
2 cups vegetable broth: Keeps the pasta moist and infuses it with gentle savory undertones.
4 tbsp tomato paste (heaping): Concentrates tomato flavor for a rich umami punch that complements the cream.
1 cup plant-based cream: Whether soy, coconut, cashew, or sunflower, this lends luscious creaminess without dairy.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Brightens the final dish with a fresh herbal note and lovely color.
Vegan parmesan (grated): Adds a salty, tangy finish reminiscent of classic comfort foods.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Vegan Pappardelle Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Combine Your Ingredients

Start by adding the pappardelle pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, minced garlic, spinach, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and plant-based cream into a large deep skillet or pan. This one-pot approach not only saves time but also lets all the flavors mingle beautifully from the start.

Step 2: Cook on Medium Heat Covered

Set your heat to medium and cover the pan. Let everything simmer together for about 4 to 5 minutes. During this time, the pasta will begin softening, and the tomatoes will release their juices, starting to form a delicious base for the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Stir and Continue Cooking

Uncover your skillet and give everything a good stir, ensuring the tomato paste and cream are evenly distributed. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, stirring halfway through. This cooks the pasta to al dente perfection, while the sauce thickens up just right around the noodles and veggies.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Vegan Parmesan

Once your pasta is tender and the sauce creamy, it’s time to plate. Sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley and a good handful of vegan parmesan to add that irresistible finishing touch that elevates this one pot pasta into an absolute star on your dinner table.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Vegan Pappardelle Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

A white bowl filled with several layers of wide, flat orange pasta ribbons mixed with small, round pieces of bright red tomato-like ingredients and green basil leaves scattered throughout. The pasta is coated in a creamy orange sauce and topped with finely grated white cheese sprinkled across the top. A gold fork is stuck into the pasta near the back edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with fresh green basil leaves around it, a small bowl of red cherry tomatoes to the top left, and a small dish of red chili flakes to the bottom right. In the background, a white bowl filled with more pasta is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t skip the fresh parsley and vegan parmesan—they bring brightness and a lovely textural contrast. For an extra twist, you could add toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to enhance the luxurious feel of the dish.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines bright on its own, but if you want a little something extra, crisp garlic bread or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will complement the creamy richness beautifully. Roasted vegetables also add nice warmth and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the colorful cherry tomatoes and vibrant spinach. You can also garnish with edible flowers for a dinner party touch, or layer it in a clear glass casserole dish to show off the beautiful layers and textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making the next day’s meal just as delightful.

Freezing

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to a month. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of plant-based milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until warmed through and creamy once more, avoiding drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While pappardelle works beautifully here, feel free to substitute with fettuccine, linguine, or even short pasta like penne if that’s what you have on hand.

What plant-based cream works best in this recipe?

Any plant-based cream will do, but I recommend soy or cashew cream for their neutral flavor and creamy texture. Coconut cream adds a slight tropical touch, which some love but it changes the flavor profile a bit.

Is it possible to make this recipe oil-free?

Yes! This recipe doesn’t actually call for oil. The cream and tomato paste provide plenty of richness and mouthfeel, so you won’t miss it here.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Sure thing! Toss in cooked chickpeas, crumbled tofu, or your favorite plant-based sausage to boost the protein content and make it even heartier.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the pappardelle for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Vegan Pappardelle Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is truly a game-changer for quick, satisfying weeknight dinners. Bursting with vibrant colors and comforting creaminess, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. Grab your skillet, gather those fresh ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm hug on a plate that’s entirely plant-powered and packed with flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!