Description
This 5-Minute Tomato Coconut Pasta Sauce is a quick, creamy, and flavorful dairy-free sauce made with ripe tomatoes and rich coconut milk. It’s incredibly easy to prepare on the stovetop, blending aromatic spices and fresh herbs to create a luscious sauce perfect for drizzling over your favorite pasta. Ideal for those seeking a vegan and gluten-free alternative, this sauce comes together in just minutes and can also be stored in the fridge for later use.
Ingredients
Tomato Base
- 2 cups (480 ml) crushed tomatoes
Dairy-Free Creaminess
- 1 cup (240 ml) full fat coconut milk
Seasonings & Herbs
- ¾ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or to taste
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme and/or fresh chopped basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Thickener
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch or tapioca flour
Optional & Finishing Touches
- 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, thyme (and/or fresh basil), sugar, cornstarch (or tapioca flour), nutritional yeast (if using), and lemon juice into a nonstick saucepan.
- Heat the Sauce: Place the saucepan over high heat and set a timer for 4 minutes. Use a silicone whisk to stir the sauce continuously to prevent lumps and to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Thicken the Sauce: Allow the sauce to slightly thicken as it heats, whisking occasionally to maintain a smooth texture and avoid sticking.
- Serve: Once the sauce is thickened and well combined, remove it from heat and pour over freshly cooked pasta such as gnocchi, spaghetti, or any preferred pasta shape. Enjoy immediately!
- Tip for Quick Meal: To have a full meal in 5 minutes, cook gnocchi simultaneously as it only takes 2 minutes to cook, making the sauce and pasta ready simultaneously.
Notes
- To minimize prep time, add crushed tomatoes, coconut cream, and cornstarch first, then add other ingredients one by one while the sauce is already cooking.
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Adjust salt and spices according to your taste preference.
- For a thinner consistency, add a splash of pasta water or more coconut milk.
- Use fresh herbs for an enhanced flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
