Some dishes earn their name because they’re simply unforgettable—and Creamy Vegan Marry Me Pasta is one of them. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me” pasta trend, this plant-based version delivers all the indulgence and romance of the original without any dairy or animal products. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, proving that vegan cooking can be just as luxurious and satisfying as traditional comfort food.
This is the kind of pasta you make when you want to impress someone—or yourself. Whether it’s a cozy date night, a dinner with friends, or a moment when you just need something deeply comforting, this dish rises to the occasion. The creamy coconut milk sauce, infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and nutritional yeast, wraps every strand of pasta in velvety goodness. Fresh vegetables add color, texture, and balance, while optional red pepper flakes bring just enough heat to keep things exciting.
Best of all, this recipe comes together quickly with everyday ingredients, making it approachable even on busy weeknights. Elegant, comforting, and completely dairy-free, this is a pasta dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Recipe Overview
Creamy Vegan Marry Me Pasta is a rich, dairy-free pasta dish made with coconut milk, vegetable broth, garlic, and Italian herbs. Baby spinach and bell peppers add freshness and color, while nutritional yeast creates a savory, cheesy flavor without any dairy. It’s creamy, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients & Instructions
This recipe is straightforward, but each ingredient plays an important role in building flavor and creaminess.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Tip: Pasta water helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling beautifully to the noodles.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and sliced bell pepper, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly tender.
3. Add the Greens
Stir in the baby spinach and cook just until wilted. This adds freshness and balances the richness of the sauce.
4. Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, stirring gently to combine. Reduce heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until warmed through.
Add nutritional yeast, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well seasoned.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece in the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve and Garnish
Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately while the sauce is silky and comforting.
Cooking Tips & Variations
This pasta is incredibly adaptable—here’s how to customize it to your taste.
1. Choose Your Pasta
- Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well.
- Long noodles like fettuccine or linguine make it extra luxurious.
2. Adjust the Creaminess
- For a lighter version, replace half the coconut milk with more vegetable broth.
- For ultra-rich sauce, add a tablespoon of vegan butter or cashew cream.
3. Add Protein
- Stir in chickpeas, white beans, or pan-seared tofu for a heartier meal.
- Vegan chicken alternatives also work beautifully here.
4. Boost the Flavor
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, classic “Marry Me” twist.
- A splash of lemon juice brightens the sauce just before serving.
5. Make It Gluten-Free
- Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta—everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or toasted sourdough
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
It also pairs wonderfully with a glass of sparkling water or a light white wine (vegan-friendly, of course).
Creamy Vegan Marry Me Pasta proves that comfort food doesn’t need dairy to be rich, indulgent, and satisfying. With its velvety sauce, bold flavors, and nourishing ingredients, it’s a dish that feels special enough for date night yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Whether you’re fully plant-based or just exploring more vegan meals, this recipe is bound to win hearts. One bite, and you’ll understand exactly why it earned its name.
FAQs
1. Does this pasta taste like coconut?
Only slightly. The seasoning and nutritional yeast balance the coconut milk beautifully.
2. Can I use a different plant-based milk?
Coconut milk works best for creaminess, but cashew milk is a good alternative.
3. Is nutritional yeast necessary?
It adds a cheesy, umami flavor, but you can reduce or omit it if needed.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. Reheat gently with extra liquid.
5. Is this recipe spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes. It’s mild without them.
Creamy Vegan Marry Me Pasta made with coconut milk, garlic, and Italian herbs. A rich, dairy-free comfort dish that’s quick, flavorful, and irresistible.